Antimony Mercantile

(Antimony) When a town only has around 100 people, it's fair not to expect much when it comes to finding a good local restaurant. But when you stop at the Antimony Mercantile and give it a try, that's when you remember that often it's the small towns and mom-and-pop restaurants that have a way of surprising you.

Inside the front door

I’ve been to "The Merc" a few times during my Utah travels for fun and work. Every visit seems to confirm the same thing... they know how to make a really good burger. On my most recent stop, I went with the bacon cheeseburger (crispy bacon always) and a side of fries. The kind of meal that just hits right when you’re out on the road. One thing I really like? They toast the bun. It's a small detail, but it makes a difference.

Don't be jealous of this delicious burger I chowed down

The Antimony Merc is run by Cody and Ashley Oyler, a husband-and-wife team who clearly believe in doing things the old-fashioned way with good food and friendly service. Sometimes, you'll even see their young daughter there, playing on a tablet. It's the kind of young family you want to support, so go ahead and buy a little dessert, some ice cream, or cookie even if you're not hungry. You'll eat it later.

The counter with stools right where the food is cooked

When your burger or other food is ready to be devoured, you've got a few options. You can sit at the counter on a stool, head to the back room seating area, or grab it to go and head back out on the road. It's exactly what you want in a place like this.

The back area dining room

Of course, with Antimony being as small as it is (named after the ore from nearby mines), the Merc isn't just a place to eat. It’s also part convenience store and part general store for whatever you might need while passing through Antimony, or even if you live in Antimony. It's kind of the central meeting place where you'll hear tales and stories of all types if it's busy when you're there.

If you concentrate and scrunch your nose, you can smell this deliciousness through your screen

And don't forget to check out a spot near the ceiling where there's a section with dollar bills taped to it. Some from right here in the U.S., others from around the world. It’s one of those quirky details that makes you stop and wonder who’s been here before you.

George Washington would be proud to be at the Merc

I was here recently with my buddy John Wilson. We were heading through the area for work, and I’ll be honest… I picked this route on purpose. He had never been to the Merc before. He even asked me "are you sure?" as the road kept winding deeper into what he thought was the middle of nowhere. Now he knows.

John might love The Merc now as much as he does Kentucky basketball

The Antimony Merc isn’t fancy. It’s not trying to be. But it’s one of those places that does exactly what it’s supposed to do... serve good food in a place where you might not expect it. And when you’re driving through this part of Utah, that’s more than enough.

All the easy supplies and munchies you need

Also, if you want to sound like a local, or at least like someone who has been here before, Antimony is pronounced with a silent "T." The mineral has the "T" sound, but the town does not. Don't ask me, ask them :) LOCATION: 50 North Main, UT-22 435-624-3253 Facebook Page

There's more than just a bacon cheeseburger

We all scream for ice cream

Food seems to taste better at a counter top with stools