It's no secret I like to go out to dinner...and lunch....and when I can breakfast. On occasion, we'll head out to a more upscale restaurant and that's always enjoyable. But, more often than not I prefer to go to the more casual dining places. Generally, you can get a hearty meal at a price that is by in large reasonable.

There's no lacking for casual dining in and around the cities of southern Utah. You've got The All American Diner and The Silver Silo in Cedar City. Pork Belly's in Cedar and St. George. Angelicas and the Black Bear Diner in St. George, and those are just a few that come to mind quickly. I'm sure you could add several more with not a lot of thought. In fact, I asked about your favorite casual dining places on the radio this morning and you quickly added Amber Kay's Cafe, The Market Grill, and two listeners from the St. George area added Bishop's.

All American Diner / Facebook
All American Diner / Facebook
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In addition, you can factor in the quick food restaurants, and cuisine specific eateries and there is no lacking for choices for casual dining in the area.

So, in that light, I was intrigued by this Daily Meal's listing of the Best Casual Dining in every state. Spoiler alert, if you are looking for the best casual dining in Utah, according to this list, you'll be leaving southern Utah.

Before revealing what The Daily Meal considers the best dining in Utah, I though I would show you what are listed as the best casual dining in the states that surround Utah, so you have suggestions if you are making a road trip.

Nevada

Peppermill Cafe - Facebook
Peppermill Cafe - Facebook
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Since a road trip to Las Vegas is not that uncommon for us in southern Utah, you might want to stop at the Peppermill Restaurant. I remember when there was a Peppermill Casino in Mesquite and we used to go there and had a good meal in their diner, but I don't think there is any relation from that to the Las Vegas restaurant. (BTW, there is still a Peppermill Casino in Wendover, Nevada.) Like most of Las Vegas, you'll find the Peppermill open 24 hours.

Arizona

Pizzeria Bianco - Facebook
Pizzeria Bianco - Facebook
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If you're heading to the Grand Canyon state, you'll have to venture beyond the national park on down to Phoenix where you'll find Pizzeria Bianco. No surprise at the food you'll find there and the owner, Chris Bianco says, “there's no mystery to my pizza.” He learned his pizza making skills while working at Mike's Deli in the Bronx.

New Mexico (I know it only touches Utah at 4 Corners but still....)

El Parasol.com
El Parasol.com
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Nope you won't be going to Albuquerque but would instead head to Santa Fe where the Daily Meal recommends the El Parasol. Now, you can get traditional Mexican classics there, but you can also get American fare such as hamburgers, hot dogs and chili-cheese fries. El Parasol does have other locations in northern New Mexico.

Colorado

Steuben's - Facebook
Steuben's - Facebook
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No surprise that you are directed to the Mile High City for the best casual dining according to Daily Meal. For them the place to stop is Steuben's. This establishment opened in 2007, but was named in honor of the restaurant in Boston, that the owners great uncles owned and operated for decades.

Wyoming

Bella Fuoco - Facebook
Bella Fuoco - Facebook
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Heading through the Cowboy State on I-80 Daily Meal said you should hop off in Cheyenne to stop at Bella Fuoco Wood Fired Pizza. We have several wood fired pizza places here in southern Utah, so this is no surprise to me. They started as a food truck in 2012 (sound familiar?), and it was just a couple of years that owners John and Maria Kopper were able to open their dream restaurant.

Idaho

Bittercreek Alehouse / Facebook
Bittercreek Alehouse / Facebook
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If you're heading through Boise, Daily Meal recommends you stop at the Bittercreek Alehouse. Yes, there is a generous selection of hand crafted beers here, but also some incredibly delicious burgers. As a bonus, the hamburgers are served on locally baked potato buns. This is Idaho, after all

So, now that we've found places to hit in the states surrounding us, what is the establishment Daily Meal considers to be the best casual dining in Utah? You might think it might be in a trendy place like Moab or Park City.

Jacqueline C. / Yelp
Jacqueline C. / Yelp
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It is not, but Park is in the equation. I lived in Salt Lake for a few years, but must confess I never made it to the Park Cafe up there. I believe I will have to add this to my list of places to try, especially as they are known as Salt Lake's brunchtime destination, and I love a good brunch!

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So what do you think? What places have I missed either here in the area, up north, or in the surrounding states. Fell free to add to this list in the comments below, or respond through our station app.

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