Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most epic U.S. National Parks you’ll ever visit. This incredible canyon which was formed by erosion, allows visitors to peer deep into the abyss, as well as hike down inside. This park is extremely popular, and since it’s full of great hiking and walking, you will definitely work up an appetite. The park offers many places to eat, but depending on your plans, you may want to consider options outside the park. The North Rim has a few places to eat in the park and the South Rim has the city of Tusayan with a handful of options. Here’s a guide to the places to eat in and around Grand Canyon National Park to help you decide the place to eat that’s best for you.
Places to Eat in the Park (South Rim)
Options inside the park on the South Rim include all four lodges, as well as a few more restaurants. The most popular place to go in the park is the Historic El Tovar Hotel Dining Room. It gets popular so you need to have reservations, and you can book up to 30 days in advance.
Bright Angel Lodge
The Bright Angel Lodge has multiple dining options including the Arizona Steakhouse, and the Harvey House Cafe which offers burgers and fish and chips, as well as a full breakfast. The Canyon Coffee House serves hotdogs, sandwiches and ice cream. Fred Harvey Tavern serves bar food like fried chicken strips, burgers, and salad. The Fountain is also near the lodge and offers takeout food that can be good for breakfast or fast eats, like burritos.
Maswik Lodge
The Maswik Lodge includes the Maswik Food Court, a cafeteria-style restaurant with pizza, sandwiches, and a buffet.
Yavapai Lodge
The Yavapai Lodge has both the Yavapai Dining Hall which has options like pizza and cafeteria-style food, and the Yavapai Tavern, which is a sports bar with cocktails and bar food.
Bright Angel Bicycle Cafe
The Bright Angel Bicycle Cafe is located near the South Rim Visitor Center and offers a fun atmosphere with coffee, sandwiches, and more. This is also a great place to rent bikes and cruise around the canyon rim.
North Rim Restaurants Inside the Park
North Rim restaurants are not open for winter. They will open again from May 15, 2024, through Oct 15, 2024.
These include the General Store with coffee and takeout, the Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room with upscale dining–reservations required, the Roughrider Saloon with drinks, coffee, and bakery items, and the Deli in the Pines in a grocery store with soups, pizza and more.
Tusayan Restaurants South of the Park
Driving out of the park towards the South Rim is the city of Tusayan around 7 miles away from the park and is the closest option if you don’t want to eat in the park.
Many of the restaurants in the park are closed during the winter so Tusayan is a good option. It is also great if you’re on a budget and would rather buy groceries, and picnic in the park.
The reviews for Tusayan in general are not great, perhaps due to the touristy nature of the area, but here are the best places we found.
There are also fast food options like Wendy’s and Pizza Hut, as well as multiple grocery stores including Safeway Grand Canyon Village Market and Deli.
Restaurants with Higher Ratings in Tusayan
R&J’s Mexican Food Truck has the best ratings at 5.0 on Google Reviews but do not hold consistent open hours. This is a great option for higher quality food and quick lunches as they are usually open from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Double-check for opening times on the day you plan to go.
- Foodie Club, 3.8 on Google Reviews, offers sandwiches, pasta, salads, and more
- Squire Beer, Pub & Social 3.7 on Google Reviews, bar food
- Big E Steakhouse & Saloon, 3.8 on Google Reviews, Western-style steakhouse “pairing its meats with drinks & entertainment including a magician & music.”
- We Cook Pizza & Pasta, 3.9 on Google Reviews, serves Italian standards, and has a salad bar.
- Plaza Bonita Mexican Restaurant, 3.9 on Google Reviews serving Mexican style food and tequila
- Desert Lounge + Grill, 3.8 on Google Reviews, a more upscale steakhouse
North Rim Restaurants Outside the Park
A decent drive away or if you are on your way out of the Grand Canyon for good (or on your way in) there are a few places along the way towards the north. Heading out from the park the first places you’ll get to are the Kaibab Lodge Restaurant and North Rim Country Store along the Grand Canyon Highway in Fredonia. The Kaibab Lodge has sandwiches, burritos, and more for lunch and a dinner buffet with meatballs, pasta, BBQ, and sides. North Rim Country Store is now closed for the season but typically offers snacks and quick eats. Further away from the park, the second place you’ll hit is Jacob Lake Inn for burgers, shakes, ribs, beer, and more near Jacob Lake.
