The Oaks Reopens in Ogden Canyon

NEWS

Nestled next to the Ogden River in Ogden Canyon, The Oaks has been one of the most iconic restaurants in Utah.

The Oaks first opened as a mountain resort in the early 1900s, but the location closed its doors in 2021 due to restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic, and remained vacant until David Neal reopened the eatery Nov. 15.

Neal is a Utah native, but first tried the restaurant business in Northern California while also working in the corporate world. After moving back to Utah, he searched for a restaurant to open in the area. 

“Once I saw the property, I just fell in love. It’s gorgeous. … You have the river flowing through, and in the summer when you can sit out there, it is spectacular,” Neal said. 

He first started eyeing The Oaks in late 2024. In February, Neal closed on the historic establishment and spent the past several months preparing for its grand reopening.

The Oaks still occupies the same building as it did before, including its signature ice cream store serving Farr Better Ice Cream. That said, the floor and booths have all been remodeled and updated. 

The Oaks’ grand reopening was so successful that they had to close for the day Nov 16. after running out of food. 

“This place is iconic, and has been iconic for decades, long before I bought it,” Neal said. 

Having come from the culinary world, Neal made changes to The Oaks’ menu, while keeping the spirit of the original menu. Many items are similar, but with Neal’s spin.

For someone who has never been to The Oaks, Neal recommends the “Oaks Burger,” one of the most popular menu items. Among various burgers, they also serve a wide variety of sandwiches, breakfast items, desserts and more.

The Oaks values fostering a working relationship with local food resources. All of the meat they use comes from Wasatch Meats.

Neal says it’s been great connecting with the Ogden community.

“People come in and they like to share their stories: ‘I got engaged here’ or ‘This is where I took someone on our first date.’ … Lots of people have strong memories of here either as former employees or visiting,” he said.

Neal hopes that returning customers to The Oaks can relive old memories and times in the updated version of the restaurant.

The Mountain Man Burger and cheese fries at The Oaks. Photo by April Stromberg