Aloha Everyone,
From the outside, the building looks like an unadorned old railroad depot. But the real charm of Depot Grill is when you step inside.
The place is beautifully restored incorporating some original fixtures and giving the place truly an ambiance that you have just stepped back in time. We were told by our server that the semi-circular entrance used to be the railroad station ticket counter.
The ceiling beams, light fixtures and bar are also from 1923 when the original railroad depot was built. The rail line was needed for Cedar City’s iron and ore industry, and for ranchers to ship cattle to the East. Expansion of the railroad also benefited the new tourism industry by bringing focus on the national parks and monuments located in Southern Utah.
Arrival of the first official train carrying President and Mrs. Warren G. Harding is proudly highlighted in the Depot Grill menu. The visitors to Zion National Park increased from 3,692 in 1920 to 55,297 by 1937. The rise in tourism is impressive.
Casual but fine dining centers on steak and seafood plates. J.J. enjoyed today’s lunch special of shrimp taco plus clam chowder soup. I marveled at the presentation and the taste of my choice: French onion soup and spinach salad topped with strawberries.
This memorable meal was $33 inclusive of tax and service charge.
Aloha -- Cathi