Just north of Idaho Fall is the tiny town of Ucon, Idaho. A historic town that was originally settled in the 1880s, the community is small and quiet, mostly comprised of humble local businesses. One of them is the Rusty Lantern Diner, an Old West-style cafe that focuses on serving up mighty portions of homecooked food. Known for its cozy atmosphere, complete with antique western-style decor, this restaurant is a Ucon-must. The next time you find yourself driving through this small community, be sure to make a stop.
Located just a half-mile from the Ucon exit on U.S. Highway 20, the Rusty Lantern Diner is a must-visit for travelers who find themselves in the area. The rustic, western-themed eatery serves up big portions that could satisfy any appetite, and the homestyle food will have you loving each and every bite.
The first thing you'll notice about the Rusty Lantern is just how cozy it appears. Housed inside of a quaint little building that's filled from top to bottom with old-fashioned decor and antiques, it almost feels like visiting your grandparents' house!
First opened nearly a decade ago, the cafe definitely boasts a mom-and-pop feel. Owned by local Barbara Hart and her husband Kelly, each visitor is greeted like family upon stepping into the Rusty Lantern. It's definitely the kind of spot that you can only find in small town Idaho.
It's not just the atmosphere that will win you over, but the delicious food as well! The Harts specialize in fabulous homecooked eats like made-from-scratch Chicken Fried Steak, super-stacked burgers, and fresh salads. And the portions are always humongous!
Even the diner's famous cinnamon roll is absolutely gigantic. It's always a treat to walk into the cafe and be greeted by the smell of fresh, homemade cinnamon rolls. There's a reason they are so popular among regular patrons, so be sure to order one with your meal or to-go.
The Prime Rib dinner is another Rusty Lantern specialty. Served on Friday and Saturday evenings only, the certified Angus beef Prime Rib could satisfy even the largest of appetites. Order either the 12-ounce Cowgirl cut or the 16-ounce Cowboy cut, served with potatoes, salad, and bread.
Sometimes the tastiest and heartiest food can be found in the places you'd least expect it, like the little town of Ucon in eastern Idaho. Don't pass up this wonderful diner and be sure to stop by for a warm meal and friendly service when you're in the area.
Did you know about the small town of Ucon and its Rusty Lantern Diner? Tell us about your experience in the comments below. For more eateries like this one, check out this list of 5 Small Towns In Idaho With The Best Restaurants.
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