Wild Thyme Bistro

Wild Thyme Bistro is a contemporary American spot in downtown Kanab serving chops, steaks, and seafood alongside a cafe menu of burgers and sandwiches, with outdoor deck seating for when the desert evening cools off. Kanab sits roughly 80 miles from the Grand Canyon North Rim, and this is exactly the kind of stop that makes the drive down or up Highway 89 worth breaking up — it also pulls travelers coming from Zion and heading toward Page or Lake Powell, which keeps the dining room busy most nights.

What to order

• Elk burger with smoked Gouda and sage butter smashed potatoes — repeatedly singled out by reviewers as a standout
• Pistachio chicken, server-recommended and a house favorite
• Classic burgers, consistently called some of the best in the area

With a 4.5-star rating across nearly 2,900 reviews, Wild Thyme has built a real local following, though a busy kitchen means service and consistency can vary on a packed night. It's open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., no reservation drama, just walk in. Good call for a sit-down dinner after a day of canyon views, or a late lunch before continuing on toward the North Rim.