Community Spotlight: Authentic Eats and Unbeatable Views at The Back 40

There is nothing quite like wrapping up a day of skiing, biking, or hiking in the Wasatch Back with an incredible meal. When it comes to the ultimate local comfort food, few places do it better than The Back 40 Ranch House Grill in Heber City.

Recently, our very own Christi Gallon sat down with Gary, the owner of The Back 40, to talk about what makes this restaurant such a beloved staple of the community—and what you absolutely need to order the next time you drop in.

Location is Everything: Building a Ranch House Vision



Now in its 10th year of business, The Back 40 has perfected the authentic ranch house vibe, but finding the right location was key. Gary originally started his search in Park City, but when he came across this particular spot in Heber City, everything clicked.

"I thought, 'Oh my God, it's perfect for a ranch house,'" Gary shared. While others might have been deterred by building codes, Gary saw the unparalleled potential of the property. "It’s unprecedented with the views. And they'll never be a Fridays. This won't be developed... Location is everything. You can't do this in a strip mall."

The building itself has some great local history as a former bar. To truly capture the magic of the location, Gary’s team put in massive windows to frame the breathtaking mountain scenery. "When we put this window in, it was kind of like, we got something," he noted.

Farm-to-Table Comfort: What to Order



The Back 40 is famous for sourcing fantastic local ingredients. So, what is the ultimate comfort meal after a long day on the Wasatch trails?

If you look at the numbers, Gary says it has to be the Back 40 Burger. It is the definition of locally sourced: the beef comes from the pastures right in their backyard, topped with authentic Heber Valley cheese, and served on locally baked bread.

If you are a first-timer looking for the must-try menu items, Gary recommends these staples that have been on the menu since day one:

• The Salmon & Risotto: Perfectly prepared and topped with local Pepper Lane Farm jams.
• Steak Frites: Featuring locally sourced meats and a house-made chimichurri.
• Daily Specials: Depending on the day, you can catch incredible rotating dishes like their popular crusted trout or halibut with lemon beurre blanc.

Embracing the Wasatch Back Lifestyle



Beyond the incredible food, Gary's passion for the area echoes exactly why so many of our clients choose to call this area home. When Christi asked him what he loves most about living in the Wasatch Back, his answer was simple but profound.

"I came for the lakes, the mountains, the rivers, the trails. If I could put it in a word, it’d be outside."

Between the unparalleled access to nature and the thriving local business community, it's easy to see why Heber City continues to capture hearts.

Planning Your Visit The next time you are in Heber City, be sure to stop by The Back 40 Ranch House Grill to experience the views and the legendary Back 40 Burger for yourself!

Address

1223 US-40, Heber City, UT 84032

Phone: (435) 654-3070

Are you looking to make the Wasatch Back your full-time home or mountain getaway? [Contact the Schlopy Real Estate Team today] to start your search!