Cactus Jacks in Moab, Utah

Local Guide to Food, Drinks & Adventure

The Post-Adventure Pit Stop

You pull off your dusty hat, the red cliffs still glowing in the rearview mirror, and step into the hum of Cactus Jacks in Moab, Utah. The air hits cool and smoky, filled with the smell of sizzling burgers and barbecue sauce. Ice clinks in margarita glasses, and the laughter of locals and guides spills across the room.

This isn’t a fancy Moab restaurant — it’s the one you crave after the trail. The place where sunburned smiles meet big plates and cold drinks. Whether you’ve just hiked Corona Arch, floated the Moab Daily, or hammered through the Slickrock Trail, Cactus Jacks is the exhale at the end of the adventure.

Cactus Jacks Quick Facts 
📍 Location 374 N Main Street, Moab, Utah
⏰ Hours 11:00 AM – Midnight, daily
💲 Price Range $$ – Burgers, BBQ, Tacos ($12–$18 mains)
🍔 Serves American, Southwest, Pub Fare
🎶 Vibe Casual, lively, with occasional live music
🪴 Seating Indoor & outdoor patio
🐶 Dog-Friendly Yes, patio seating only
🚗 Parking Street and lot parking available
📞 Contact (435) 259-7777

Why Go

Because Cactus Jacks is as real as Moab gets. It’s one of those rare spots where guides, locals, and travelers actually mix. You’ll see river guides still in sandals, Jeepers with trail dust on their legs, and bikers replaying their slickrock lines over pints.

This isn’t a tourist trap — it’s Moab’s version of a classic roadhouse. Solid food, cold drinks, great energy, and no pretense. You don’t go here to pose; you go here to eat well and feel human again.

What to Order

You can’t go wrong with anything off the grill, but these dishes keep locals coming back:

  • 🔥 The Jack Burger – Juicy beef topped with pepper jack, crispy bacon, and a hit of chipotle mayo. Charred just enough to taste the flame.

  • 🌮 Street Tacos – Soft corn tortillas piled high with your choice of carnitas, chicken, or steak — with pico de gallo and a squeeze of lime.

  • 🍖 BBQ Plate – Choose ribs or pulled pork. Smoky, tender, messy in the best way.

  • 🥗 Southwest Chicken Wrap – A lighter bite packed with spice, avocado, and crunch.

  • 🍸 Cactus Margarita – Bright, tart, and dangerously refreshing — the signature drink that pairs perfectly with desert sunsets.

Trail-to-Table Insight: After a half-day rafting trip or bike ride on Amasa Back, order the Jack Burger and a frozen margarita. Sit outside. Let the sweat dry, the sun drop, and the flavor finish the day for you.

Local Tips

  • Happy Hour: Usually late afternoon to early evening — best time to snag patio seats.

  • Live Music: Check their Facebook page for bands or acoustic nights; locals love those evenings.

  • Families Welcome: Before 9 PM, it’s mellow enough for kids. After that, it leans bar-casual.

  • Ask for the Specials: They occasionally feature local meats or seasonal twists.

Atmosphere

Walk inside and you’re greeted by wood walls, neon signs, and that comforting bar-grill aroma that says, “you’re off the clock now.” The crowd’s a lively mix — climbers, Jeep drivers, hikers, and regulars who all know the staff by name.

Out on the patio, you’ll catch that signature Moab moment: the red cliffs still glowing under twilight, a cold drink sweating in your hand, the day’s dust settling into contented silence.

It’s the perfect mix of grit, warmth, and small-town soul.

Best Times to Visit

  • Late Lunch (2–4 PM): Quieter vibe, faster service, and cooler temps.

  • Sunset Hour: Perfect for patio seating and golden light views of the red cliffs.

  • Weeknights: More locals, fewer crowds, and better odds of a conversation with your bartender.

Nearby Adventures

Cactus Jacks sits right on Main Street — easy to hit before or after your next adventure:

  • 🏜️ Arches National Park – 5 minutes north.

  • 🚴 Slickrock Trailhead – 10 minutes east.

  • 🌄 Corona Arch – 20 minutes west via Potash Road.

  • 🛶 Colorado River Moab Daily Rafting – 15 minutes north.

  • 🧭 Sand Flats Recreation Area – 10 minutes from your barstool.

How to Get There

Cactus Jacks is centrally located at 374 N Main Street in downtown Moab — about a 2-minute drive or 10-minute walk from most hotels. Parking is available on-site and along Main.
Pro Tip: If you’re staying near Center Street, walk or bike — you’ll appreciate the easy ride home after a margarita or two.

FAQs about Cactus Jacks in Moab, Utah

Q: Does Cactus Jacks take reservations?
A: Nope — it’s first come, first served. But tables turn fast, especially on the patio.

Q: Is it family-friendly?
A: Yes during the day, but after 9 PM it’s more of a bar crowd.

Q: What’s the price range?
A: Mains average $12–$18, drinks $6–$10.

Q: Is there outdoor seating?
A: Definitely — and it’s one of the best patios in town.

Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Yes, on the patio (water bowls often provided).

Moab Adventure Pairing

Morning: Hike to Corona Arch or ride the Slickrock Trail.
Afternoon: Cool off in Mill Creek or float the Moab Daily.
Evening: Refuel at Cactus Jacks with a Jack Burger and margarita.
Nightcap: Walk Main Street under the neon lights of Moab.

Conclusion

There are plenty of good meals in Moab, but only a few that feel like Moab.
Cactus Jacks is one of them — dusty boots welcome, laughter guaranteed, and the kind of food that tastes like you’ve earned it.

Whether you’re here for a weekend of red rock adventure or just hungry after the road, Cactus Jacks in Moab, Utah is where locals and travelers alike refuel and reconnect.

Grab a seat, raise your glass, and toast to another day well spent in canyon country.