Grand Canyon Restaurants

Let’s face it, you’re not coming to the Grand Canyon to experience haut cuisine, and you won’t. Food is average, not amazing, so be prepared; there are no gourmet meals served here. The best dining experience can probably be found at El Tovar’s restaurant, followed a bit farther behind by Bright Angel Lodge. Both are sit down dining experiences. There are several cafeterias available too at Maswik and Yavapai lodges. You’ll find a coffee shop and a hot dog stand on the South Rim as well and for those wanting to do it themselves, a sizable grocery store where you can buy all you need to cook over your campfire or make sandwiches for your hike. Regardless of your desired style, you certainly won’t go hungry.

El Tovar Dining Room seating over 200 patrons at a go serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a very pleasant, white table clothe dining room with beautiful views. Appetizers and drinks can be had at the outside tables and full meals inside. The menu has better than average fare at maybe a bit more than you’d expect to pay in towns other than New York and LA but it’s not unreasonable for what it is. There is a wine list and vegetarian options are available as well as plenty of meat and fish. Dress is casual, although it’s possible to have a fancier evening out here if that’s something you’d like to do.

El Tovar Lounge offers a limited menu of lighter fare and beverages. A relaxing setting, it’s a nice place to unwind after a long day outside.

The Arizona Room, close to Bright Angel Lodge, offers true southwestern Arizona fare. The atmosphere is casual, but the menu is still more intricate than your average steak house. Margaritas and other adult beverages are available in a sit-down dining room and table service as well as things the kids can enjoy equally after a day hiking in the canyon. It’s not a year-round restaurant though, so check the hours before planning to eat there.

Bright Angel Restaurant is a full service restaurant appropriate for just about everyone. Popular with families, it offers salads, pastas, sandwiches and entrees traditional enough to please picky eaters and varied enough for everyone to find something they might want. A full bar is available stocked with liquors, beers and wine.

Bright Angel Fountain is a wonderful old style ice cream fountain serving hot dogs, sandwiches and other snack foods including milk shakes!

Bright Angel Bar is a casual spot to relax with a drink located at Bright Angel Lodge.

Canyon Coffee House offers to-go or quicky solutions for those not wanting to waste time at a sit down meal. Organically grown coffee and specialty drinks made to order means you’ll enjoy your morning brew more than you might at even at home.

Maswik Cafeteria has a number of food stations offering pastas, burgers, Mexican food and sandwiches. It’s located about 1/4 of a mile from Maswik Lodge

Maswik Pizza Pub is a good place to relax with a beer and a pizza at the end of your day.

Canyon Cafe is located at Market Plaza. It’s convenient for day and overnight visitors and offers very traditional fare served cafeteria style. Reasonable prices and plenty of seating make it a popular choice.

Phantom Ranch Canteen is the choice at the bottom of the canyon. It’s that or whatever you carried. That said, there are some nice choices for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. Limited seating means you need to plan ahead and reserve if you’d like to join them for a meal.

Hermits Rest Snack Bar is well situated as there’s not much else available at that end of the historic district on the South Rim. It’s just snack food though, so plan ahead and don’t count on a real meal here.

Desert View Trading Post Cafeteria is at the eastern edge at Desert View. It’s got cafeteria style food both cold and hot and basic fare that provides something for everyone.

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