Southwest Utah Eats at Wild Thyme Cafe, Kanab

Kanab, Utah, often called the gateway to some of the Southwest’s most iconic natural playgrounds—Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Staircase-Escalante—is as much about rugged adventure as it is about satisfying post-adventure hunger. Positioned right on Highway 89 across from the Holiday Inn, Wild Thyme Cafe offers a welcome retreat for outdoor enthusiasts craving locally inspired, high-quality meals after taxing days on the trail or beneath the endless desert sky.

This family-owned café stands out in Kanab’s evolving food scene by pairing creative, fresh dishes with a laid-back yet attentive service style. Diners regularly praise dishes like the famously tender bison tenderloin and the crowd-pleasing Big Sexy Burger, each crafted with careful attention to ingredient quality and flavor balance. Beyond the plated meals, Wild Thyme Cafe’s commitment to sourcing fresh produce—even growing herbs in their garden behind the restaurant—ensures every bite tastes authentically of the region.

Wild Thyme’s location makes it a hub for hikers, canyoneers, and road-trippers seeking a hearty meal before or after long days of adventure. It’s an especially popular stop for those hitting trails through the nearby red rock canyons and slickrock expanses that define the area’s dramatic landscape. The outdoor patio welcomes four-legged companions, and friendly servers create a genuine, welcoming atmosphere that matches the laid-back vibe of southern Utah’s outdoor culture.

Specializing in comfort food with a southwestern twist, the café manages to avoid typical tourist traps by focusing on quality, flavor, and friendliness. For anyone basing their adventures out of Kanab—whether squeezing in a quick bite before hiking the Wire Pass slot canyon or decompressing after stargazing on the desert floor—Wild Thyme Cafe is a reliably satisfying stop that celebrates Southwest Utah’s hearty flavors and community spirit.