Even though most of us think of Yellowstone in terms of picnics and campfire cooking, there is food to suit a variety of tastes and standards. Choices range from cafeterias and fast-food outlets to full-scale restaurants at Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful Inn, Grant Village, Canyon Lodge, Roosevelt Lodge and Lake Yellowstone Hotel. Some restaurants feature local specialties such as farm-raised elk or bison burgers. Reservations for dinner are required at all park restaurants, although if you're willing to wait, you may still get a table.
The general store at Lake Village has a counter-style snack bar with freshly prepared, hearty sandwiches and soups served with old-time flair. With a couple of hours' advance notice, hikers and picnickers can order a box lunch from any food outlet in the park.
All restaurants and food outlets in the park are managed by Xanterra Parks & Resorts. To make dinner reservations (for any restaurant that requires them), phone 307-344-7311. Toll-free 866-439-7375.
Expect to pay within these general guidelines, based on the cost of a dinner for one, not including drinks, tax or tip: $ = less than US$10; $$ = US$10-$20; $$$ = US$21-$50; $$$$ = more than US$50.
