Yellowstone National Park - Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks - page 243

EATING & DRINKING

Food in the park is split between campfire cuisine, cafeteria food, a couple of fast-food
choices and the more pleasant dining rooms of the park's historic inns. The park conces-
sionaire, Xanterra, runs most dining options, so don't be surprised if you get a serious dose
of déjà vu every time you open a menu. Most places are pretty good value, considering the
prime real estate. You can get a sneak preview of park menus at the Xanterra website
( www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com ) .
The park's cafeterias are bland but convenient, and reasonably economical for families.
All places serve breakfast and most offer an all-you-can-eat buffet that can quickly wipe
out even the best-laid hiking plans. Kids' menus are available almost everywhere. Almost
all offer sandwiches for lunch and heavier, pricier fare for dinner.
There's also fast food at major junctions, plus snack shops and grocery supplies in the
Yellowstone General Stores. Most places offer reasonably priced sandwiches for lunch.
Dinners are considerably more expensive but offer rather more culinary adventure. The
Grant Village, Old Faithful Inn and Lake Hotel dining rooms all require dinner reservations
( 307-344-7311).

Mammoth Country

AMERICAN

Mammoth Hot Springs Dining Room $-$$
( dinner mains $12-26; 6:30am-10am, 11:30am-2:30pm, 5-10pm early May-mid-Oct &
mid-Dec-early Mar ) There are a few surprises in this elegant place, including our favorite,
the delicious Thai curry mussels starter. Dinner is a more serious affair, with pistachio and
parmesan-crusted trout, bison meatballs and mashed potato, or linguine with crimini and
shitake mushrooms - the latter a rare vegetarian find. The huckleberry Brie chicken is an-
other favorite. Try a 'Yellowstone caldera' for dessert - a warm chocolate truffle torte with
a suitably molten center. Reservations are only necessary in winter.
The attached bar has nice fireside seating in winter and serves restaurant starters if you
just fancy a light dinner.
The hotel lobby's Espresso Cart (

7-9am & 4-9pm) will help you kick-start the day

and sells beer and wine in the evening.