Goulding’s Stagecoach
Dining Room
1000 Main St
PO Box 360001 Monument Valley, UT 84536
Phone: (435) 727-3231
Fax: (435) 727-3344 
Originally, the site where
the Stagecoach Dining Room is located, first started out as a movie prop when
John Ford began making movies down in Monument Valley. It became the mess hall for movie crews and
cast; the cook would prepare the food, ring the bell (still displayed out front),
everyone would come in to eat family style.
When tourists began staying at the newly built Lodge, they would eat at
the mess hall; but the Health Department visited one day, stated it was unsafe
and condemned. The Gouldings tore down
the old building, replaced it with a modern structure which included large
windows that allowed diners to view Monument Valley. General Managers are Scott and Alexa Laws who
have years of restaurant experience under their belts; including the
"Lamplight Restaurant" in Monticello, loved by locals and tourists
alike. Receiving an offer to manage the
Stagecoach in beautifully scenic and sacred Monument Valley, they really could
not be faulted for snapping it up.
Cheerfulness is exhibited
by the entire staff; a lovely ceramic pitcher of Native American design is upon
every table, filled with water for thirsty travelers. The restaurant is well lit; diners get an eye
opening view whether seated next to the windows or further inside. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available;
delicious foods which are often prepared, or overseen by, restaurant mangers
Lorenz and Barbara Holiday. I
interviewed Lorenz via telephone and I could tell immediately he had that one
special factor that makes a great chef…PASSION! His pride was evident in explaining how all
Navajo dishes were made in house, following traditional recipes. For anyone traveling throughout this region
of the Southwest, ordering Fry Bread at the Stagecoach is a must try if you
want to have a true southwestern food experience. Whether as a dessert drizzled with honey, a
side with savory Beef Stew, or the ever popular Navajo Taco loaded with beefy
taco filling and vegetables; Fry Bread is a treat!
While supplies are
outsourced from a food distribution company in Phoenix, Arizona, Lorenz diligently
makes sure that every menu item is prepared expertly. The Stagecoach Dining Room has introduced an
extensive dessert menu featuring such items as Chocolate Decadence Cake – rich
dark chocolate cake sandwich between, and surrounded by, thick chocolate
mousse. 
Or how about a slice of Pecan
Turtle Cheesecake – luscious cheesecake with a graham cracker crust, topped
with a layer of gooey caramel sauce, rimmed with chopped pecans. Please note, no turtles were harmed during
the making of this cheesecake. Lorenz
does take great pride in bragging about the sweetly enticing Apple, Peach and
Cherry pies which he creates himself.
One note of warning, come with a huge appetite, or have a way to store
the leftovers; the portions are meant to fill you up! |
| Country Fried Steak |
The menu caters to all
visitors; enormous cuts of steak for carnivores, vegetarian dishes, gluten
free, and my favorite, for those on a “see food” diet; see food and eat
it! One feature I encourage trying is
the soup and salad bar; including an offering of two soups with a large variety
of salad fixings and dressings. This can
be included in a menu selection, an additional one trip to, or an all you can
eat feast. Of course, consider trying a
Native American specialty and don’t forget the Fry Bread!
Afterwards, wander around the Gouldings complex; visit the General Store/Home of the Gouldings museum, or the John Wayne museum housed in the stone cabin actually used in the film, “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon”. Trading Post, Gift Shop, Arts and Crafts Shop; or even stay at the Lodge, or RV Campground, with a tour of Monument Valley Tribal Park booked. No matter what your plans, make sure to enjoy a meal, or two, at the Stagecoach Dining Room; you will be thanking me for this little piece of traveler’s advice.
Mary Cokenour
