Irv Maddox II

Irv Maddox II is the current-generation owner of Maddox Ranch House in Perry. His grandparents Irvin and Wilma opened it in August 1949 next to the highway (the first building sat on skids). He writes the about-page note: he worked with his father Steve, the second-generation owner, and now works with his sons, the fourth generation. The family line on the cards and the building is “The Best is None Too Good.”

The restaurant calls itself Utah’s original steakhouse. Steaks are USDA Choice or higher, aged and cut in house, then griddled. The kitchen is also known for skinless fried chicken, turkey steak, shrimp steak, all-natural bison, roast beef, and chicken fried steak. Plates come with homemade rolls and cornbread with raspberry butter.

There are three ways to eat: the dining room (reservations accepted and recommended; parties of 7+ call), an old-fashioned drive-in with car hops (homemade sodas, milkshakes, ice cream, and burgers ground in their meat shop), and a take-out cabin for family meals and catering. Address: 1900 S Hwy 89, near the mouth of Sardine Canyon.