Twin Rocks Gets a Facelift.

Twin Rocks Cafe and Gift Shop

913 East, Navajo Twins Drive

Bluff, Utah, 84512

Phone: (435) 672-2341

Website: http://www.twinrockscafe.com/

 

 

 

 

For a few weeks, Twin Rocks Café, down in Bluff, was closed for reconstructive surgery.  Seems this old established restaurant was looking for a younger, fresher look; so popular in today’s society of Botox and collagen injections.  After hearing they had reopened, we hightailed it down to Bluff to see the new do; but alas, the bandages still covered the façade.  The wintery weather, all of San Juan County was experiencing, was making the healing process go slow.

 

At one time, the interior dining area was “L” shaped, but now it was a three sectioned area; great for closing off a private party area when needed.  Where patio seating used to be, it was now enclosed with large picture windows to allow in more light, and outdoor viewing.  During cold weather, or rainy days, diners would be comfortably warm, and dry, while enjoying Twin Rocks’ fresh made meals.  The patio tables and chairs outside had been moved further down towards the gift shop; good strategy to entice those outside to come in and buy.

 

 

It was a Saturday night and the specialty was Prime Rib (12 or 16 ounce) with potato, grilled vegetables and choice of soup or salad.  Two of us went for this goodie; tender beef perfectly cooked to your desired taste; fluffy baked potato, or homemade, red skin, mashed potatoes; an assortment of grilled vegetables with just a touch of seasoning.  My husband, Roy, ordered the Country Fried Steak which he described as “just right”; breaded coating not too light, but not too thick.  A mildly peppered gravy which enhanced the taste of the steak and mashed potatoes, instead of hiding their flavor.  Our good friends, Amy, and her father, Richard Watkins were with us; he ordered the Fish and Chips which was lightly bread, flaky fish and crispy, fluffy French fries.  Dessert, not tonight, as we had pigged out on Twin Rocks’ deliciously addicting Chicken Wings and Onion Rings for appetizers.

Prime Rib

Country Fried Steak

 

Fish and Chips

Chicken Wings Appetizer

 

Onion Rings Appetizer

 

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

 

Dinner Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

Service at Twin Rocks Café is always welcoming, friendly and with a smile; any concerns are taken cared of immediately.  Dining is leisurely; no one rushed out just to get a high turn around rate.  Happy diners are a must; no matter if the person is a local, or visitor from another area, the management wants everyone to come back!!!  Locals come from all over San Juan County to eat the mouthwatering American and Navajo cuisines offered on the menu.  Thrilled voices hailing greetings to friends and neighbors filled the air; even former mayor of Monticello, Doug Allen, and his family were there. 

Former Monticello, Utah mayor, Doug Allen and family.

The finished workmanship on the dining area will be a site to see; but truthfully, everyone goes for the great food.  Twin Rocks Café, now that’s good eats!

 



Sunset View from Dining Room.

Mary Cokenour

 



Gift Shop

Menus

Twins Rocks Cafe is Still Buff in Bluff.

Twin Rocks Cafe and Gift Shop

913 East, Navajo Twins Drive
Bluff, Utah, 84512

Phone: (435) 672-2341

Website: http://www.twinrockscafe.com/

Navajo Twins and the Sunbonnet

Down in Bluff, one of the most popular places for any visitor to stop in at is the Twin Rocks Café and Gift Shop. The lure of the Navajo Twins in the background, and the Sunbonnet taking up residence on the front porch, is difficult to resist. More difficult to resist is the scent wafting out of the kitchen, and the sound of laughter from happy diners. Residents of San Juan County, however, already know this is the place to get a delicious, home cooked meal, and local favorites such as Navajo Taco, Navajo Pizza, Beef Stew, Sheepherder Sandwiches, Fry Bread and Ash Bread.

So, after doing some hoodoo hunting, it was no wonder we ended up at the Café for a much deserved lunch, and a friend joined us.  The menu is still not huge, but the variety listed has something pleasing for any palette.  Absolutely begin with the Buffalo Chicken Wings appetizer; baked, then deep fried to keep the chicken tender, but give that crispy coating that’s craved. The wings don’t sit in a puddle of sauce, but are perfectly coated (medium heat), served with celery and carrot sticks plus ranch dressing for dipping. These Buffalo Wings were so good, we got another order to munch on later.



The main entrees chosen were the BLT, Navajo Taco, and the special of the day, Prime Rib Sandwich.  The BLT was packed with veggies, plus slices of thick cut bacon; no mayonnaise though, so make sure to order some if you want it.  A side of fries is a must, as the ones at Twin Rocks are so good, you almost forget to eat your sandwich; of course they come with that Utah condiment, fry sauce.



How about a puffy round of fry bread topped with homemade chili, tomatoes, lettuce, olives, onions and shredded cheese…oh yes, it’s a Navajo Taco.  The fry bread is house made, and you cannot truly have a Southwestern experience without trying it; plain, as a taco, or even a pizza.








The special the day we were there was the Prime Rib Sandwich; meat so tender it melts in the mouth with sautéed onions and mushrooms.






Dessert was a three way split for us, Peaches de Chelly, a special treat of spiced peaches atop Fry Bread with ice cream, whipped cream and caramel sauce.  Afterwards it was a consensus, "Stick a fork in me, I'm done!!!"









A leisurely walk through the Gift Shop which offers up clothing (hats, t-shirts), books (cooking, local history, natural wonders), local foods (beans, sauces, Real Salt products), and all manner of souvenirs is a shopper's delight. 

The Trading Post next door features paintings, sculptures and more crafts from local artisans.  Twin Rocks Café and Gift shop is not just a place to eat and run, but an experience in itself. Take the time to enjoy!

Mary Cokenour

Twin Rocks Cafe is buff in Bluff.

Twin Rocks Cafe

913 E. Navajo Twins Drive
Bluff, UT 84512-0330

(435)672-2341

Website: http://www.twinrockscafe.com/index.html

Traveling south on Rte 191, on the way to Monument Valley, you'll pass through a little town called Bluff. Known for its artisans and history, be prepared to be tempted to spend the day here. The town is also surrounded by rock formations that will take your breath away; one such being "The Navajo Twins".

The Navajo Twins tower over the Twin Rocks Cafe, Gift Shop and Trading Post; and this is a must visit location while in Bluff. Entering the Cafe, dining is to the right while the gift shop is on the left. The Trading Post is another building next to the Cafe. Seat yourself and a friendly local will bring you your menus, place settings and take a drink order. There is also a patio area for outside dining.

The menu (American, Native American, Mexican and a few International dishes) is small which allows the items available to be done correctly; the Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner; there are also appetizers and desserts available.

Since we arrived at 4pm, the lunch menu was still being served. I chose the Smoked Beef Brisket which came with fries and baked beans. I also had a house salad with honey mustard dressing. All the dressings and sauces are housemade and are quite delicious. The honey mustard dressing was a stone ground mustard which had a hardy, yet comforting taste; not the overly tangy taste normally associated with a mustard dressing. The Brisket, alone, was smoky and tender with very little fat on it. The BBQ sauce had the sweet taste of brown sugar and a mild spiciness; the mustard sauce was tangy and vinegar strong (great for chicken). The fries were crispy outside, fluffy inside and the fry sauce went so well with them. The beans were not in the traditional thick baked bean sauce, but a thinner sauce and had great flavor.

Even though the dinner menu did not start till 5pm, hubby had no problem ordering the Bluff Burrito from it. Loaded with chicken (or beef is desired), sauteed red onion, bell peppers, diced green chiles and Pepper Jack cheese, hand-rolled in a flour tortilla; served with salsa and sour cream on the side. It is a monster burrito and the vegetables were crisp and fresh; with or without the condiments, it was delicious.

Thankfully we did not order any appetizers, or we would not have been able to finish these delicious meals; and we were certainly too full to try any desserts.

Again, when traveling to Monument Valley, make sure to visit Twin Rocks Cafe.

Mary Cokenour