Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [450]
Where to Dine
There are plenty of dining possibilities in and near the park, so you certainly won't go hungry. However, you won't find many bargains—be sure to bring a full wallet.
IN THE VALLEY
Ahwahnee Dining Room
The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley. ☎ 209/372-1489. Dinner reservations required. Breakfast $7.50–$17; lunch $10–$14; dinner $22–$39; Sun brunch $32 adults, $17 children. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Mon–Sat 7–10am and 11:30am– 3pm; Sun 7am–3pm; daily 5:30–9:15pm. Shuttle bus stop no. 3. AMERICAN/INTERNATIONAL.
Even if you are a dyed-in-the-wool, sleep-under-the-stars backpacker, the Ahwahnee Dining Room will not fail to make an impression. This is where the great outdoors meets four-star cuisine, and it's a wonderful place to celebrate a special occasion. The cavernous room, its candelabra chandeliers hanging from the 34-foot-high beamed ceiling, seems intimate once you're seated at a table. Don't be fooled—it seats 350. The menu changes frequently and offers a good variety of creative yet recognizable dishes, such as mustard-crusted sea bass, butter-braised rabbit, and filet mignon with blue cheese gratinée. The dinner menu includes suggested wines (from an extensive list) for each entree. Breakfast includes a variety of egg dishes, hotcakes, and the like, plus specialties such as a thick apple crepe filled with spiced apples and raspberry purée. Lunch choices include grilled turkey quesadilla, grilled portobello mushrooms on a sun-dried tomato roll, and a variety of plates and salads. The dress code requires men to wear a coat and long pants in the evening; no shorts or jeans anytime.
Curry Village Coffee Corner
Curry Village. Most items $1–$4. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Daily 6am–10pm. Shuttle bus stop no. 13A, 13B, 14, or 20. COFFEE SHOP.
Specialty coffees and fresh-baked pastries are the fare here. You can also get ice cream after 11am.
Curry Village Pavilion
Curry Village. Breakfast $9.50 adults, $7.50 children; dinner $12 adults, $10 children. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Daily 7–10am and 5:30–8pm. Shuttle bus stop no. 13A, 13B, 14, or 20. AMERICAN.
A good spot for the very hungry, this restaurant serves all-you-can-eat breakfast and dinner buffets. It offers a wide variety of well-prepared basic American selections at fairly reasonable prices.
Curry Village Pizza Patio
Curry Village. Pizza $8–$20. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Daily noon–9pm. Shuttle bus stop no. 13A, 13B, 14, or 20. PIZZA.
Need to watch ESPN? If you're a sports fan, one of the park's few big screens makes this the place to be, although you may have to wait in line. The alternative to the big-screen room is the scenic outdoor patio, with its large umbrellas, table service, and great view, plus or minus a hundred kids. The lounge also taps a few brews—nothing special, but a mix aimed to please. This is a great place to chill after a long day.
Curry Village Taqueria
Curry Village. $3–$6. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Daily 11am–5pm and Fri–Sun 8–11am. Closed winter. Shuttle bus stop no. 12, 13, 14, or 19. MEXICAN.
A good place for a quick bite, this taco stand offers spicy tacos, burritos, taco salads, beans, and rice.
Degnan's Cafe
Yosemite Village. Most items $1–$4. DC, DISC, MC, V. Daily 7am–7pm. Shuttle bus stop no. 4 or 10. AMERICAN.
Adjacent to Degnan's Deli, this cafe offers specialty coffee drinks, fresh pastries, and ice cream. It's a good place for a quick bite when you're in a hurry.
Degnan's Deli
Yosemite Village. $3–$8. DC, DISC, MC, V. Daily 7am–7pm. Shuttle bus stop no. 4 or 10. DELI.
A solid delicatessen with a large selection of generous sandwiches made to order, as well as incidentals, this is our top choice for a healthy, quick lunch or supper. Sometimes the line to order sandwiches gets long, but