Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (Fodor's) - Fodor's [16]
Yellow Pine. This shady spot is named for the towering trees that cluster on the banks of the Merced River. There are no toilets here. | Right next to Sentinel Beach on Southside Dr.
OUTSIDE THE PARK
Banny’s Café and Wine Bar.
$–$$ | ECLECTIC | A calm, pleasant environment and hearty yet refined dishes make Banny’s an attractive alternative to Sonora’s noisier eateries. Try the grilled salmon fillet with scallion rice and ginger-wasabi aioli, or have a great burger. | 83 S. Stewart St., Sonora 95370 | 209/533–4709 | D, MC, V | No lunch Sun.
Fodor’s Choice | Erna’s Elderberry House.
$$$$ | CONTINENTAL | Erna Kubin, the grande dame of Château du Sureau, has created a culinary oasis, stunning for its understated elegance, gorgeous setting, and impeccable service. Red walls and dark beams accent the dining room’s high ceilings, and arched windows reflect the glow of candles. The seasonal six-course prix-fixe dinner can be paired with superb wines. When the waitstaff places all the plates on the table in perfect synchronicity, you’ll know this will be a meal to remember. A small bistro menu is also served in the former wine cellar. | 48688 Victoria La., Oakhurst 93644 | 559/683–6800 | Reservations essential | AE, D, MC, V | No lunch Mon.–Sat.
Iron Door Grill.
$–$$$ | AMERICAN | If you’re coming into Yosemite via Route 120, you’ll pass by the Iron Door, one of the oldest operating saloons in California. Stop in for a drink. If you head next door to the grill, order something simple, such as steak or a buffalo burger—skip the fancier dishes. The saloon also has live music Friday and Saturday night. | 18751 Main St. (Rte. 120), Groveland 95321 | 209/962–6244 | MC, V.
The Mogul.
$$–$$$$ | STEAK | The Mogul has been around for a long time. It’s the place to go when you want a straightforward steak and salad bar. The only catch is that the waiters cook your steak—and the result depends on the waiter’s experience. But generally you can’t go wrong. And kids love it. The knotty-pine-panel walls lend a woodsy touch and suggest Mammoth Mountain before all the development there. | 1528 Mammoth Tavern Rd., off Old Mammoth Rd., Mammoth Lakes 93546 | 760/934–3039 | AE, D, MC, V | No lunch.
Nicely’s.
$–$$ | AMERICAN | For-sale artworks decorate the walls of this vintage-1965 diner. The country cooking isn’t fancy—think blueberry pancakes for breakfast and chicken-fried steak for dinner—but it’s a good spot for families with kids and unfussy eaters looking for a square meal, the kind of place where the waitress walks up with a pot of coffee and asks, "Ya want a warm-up, hon?" | U.S. 395 and 4th St., Lee Vining 93541 | 760/647–6477 | MC, V | Closed Wed., Dec.–Mar.
Ocean Sierra Restaurant.
$$–$$$ | AMERICAN Deep in the woods about 14 mi southeast of Mariposa, this comfortable spot serves seafood, meat, pasta, and vegetarian dishes. The owner-chef uses produce from her own garden, including the delicate crystallized rose petals that top desserts offerings—which include five different flavors of crème brûlée. From Route 49 South, take Triangle Road 2½ mi northeast. | 3292 E. Westfall Rd., Mariposa 95338 | 209/742–7050 | D, MC, V | Closed Mon.–Thurs. No lunch.
Tioga Gas Mart & Whoa Nelli Deli.
$–$$ | AMERICAN | This might be the only gas station in the United States that serves cocktails, but its appeal goes way beyond novelty. The mahimahi tacos are succulent, the gourmet pizzas tasty, and the herb-crusted pork loin with berry glaze elegant. Order at the counter and grab a seat inside or out. | Rte. 120 and U.S. 395, Lee Vining 93541 | 760/647–1088 | AE, MC, V | Closed mid-Nov.–mid-Apr.
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WHERE TO STAY
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ABOUT THE HOTELS
Indoor lodging options inside the park are perhaps a bit more expensive than initially seems warranted, but that small premium