While this summer may be different than summers past, people are making the most of it by getting out and enjoying the great outdoors. With some responsible social distancing, adventuring in a national park can make for great vacation. But when you’re in the middle of an expansive natural wonder, finding good eats can be challenging. That’s why we’ve rounded up twenty highly rated coast-to-coast eateries to indulge in after a calorie-burning hike.
As of July 27th, 2020, all these spots are offering take out or outdoor dining, so you can continue to vacation safely and eat well.
2 Cats Bar Harbor – Bar Harbor, ME
Acadia National Park
“I ordered the lobster benedict. You get a very generous amount of lobster chunks in this dish. The eggs were poached perfectly. I really liked how they had the little charred bits of potatoes with the side, adding some subtle texture and flavor to it. This was one of the best meals I had during my short stay in Bar Harbor.“ – Yelper Alfie B
DB’s Rustic Iron BBQ – Terlingua, TX
Big Bend National Park
“By far the best BBQ I have ever had. I am a brisket snob and the brisket here is mind blowing, finger licking good…if you want the Texas culture and experience come here!” – Yelper Angioli J
Tandoori Taqueria – Panguitch, UT
Bryce Canyon National Park
“Tandoori Taqueria is Indian, Mexican fusion or more like Indian flavor and Mexican concept. They use naan instead of tortillas as shells for tacos. Tender, juicy meat packed with many flavors. We love it so much, we came again the next day.” – Yelper Christine K
The Reizod Vegan Experience – Columbia, SC
Congaree National Park
“I’m far from vegan but this is definitely the place that could persuade me to be…I stopped midway of eating my jerk ‘chicken’ because the texture and taste were so similar that it had to be chicken…but it wasn’t. Also, the hot wings are a must-try if you’re a regular wing connoisseur. You too, may be pleasantly surprised.” – Yelper Ariel B
Irie Jamaican Kitchen – Cleveland, OH
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
“Simply amazing. Everything we’ve tried is on point. I would highly recommend the jerk chicken, stew chicken, and oxtail.” – Yelper Jun L
The Farmhouse Inn & Kitchen – Whitefish, MT
Glacier National Park
“Czech inspired breakfast to be found here…You’ll often find farm fresh eggs, cheese, meat–gluten free, vegetarian or organic. If it’s not from their farm, it’s from another one down the street.” – Yelper Cassidy L
Liberty Burger – Jackson Hole, WY
Grand Teton National Park
“The first bite I took had my crew asking me if I was ok. Apparently I froze in a perplexed state of bliss. I was confused because my entire mouth lit up with flavor. And juices. And yum. I just had the plain ol’ Liberty Burger. No added anything. And here it was, blowing my palate to here and back” – Yelper Sam G
Mama Vee’s – Hot Springs, AK
Hot Springs National Park
“This place was amazing! The owner was incredibly friendly and the food was beyond expectations. We had fried catfish, chicken and waffle…mac and cheese and collard greens had incredibly rich flavor. If you’re in Hot Springs, this is a must stop.” – Yelper Abby W
La Copine – Yucca Valley CA
Joshua Tree National Park
“We ordered a really good takeout meal from La Copine while staying in a nearby Airbnb. Super high quality, delicious stuff…The fried chicken was bomb! It had some sweet, some heat, and a whole bunch of crispy. Grits and beets were also favorites.” – Yelper Jon S
Rib Lickers Smoke Shack – Glasgow, KY
Mammoth Cave National Park
“We had the pulled pork, homemade pork rinds and beer and it was all so good. If you get the chance to come here, do it!” – Yelper Lee T
Miga Asian Cuisine Restaurant – Concrete, WA
North Cascades National Park
“The beef rib soup (galbi tang) hits the spot after a long day of hiking at North Cascades National Park. There’s a generous portion of beef ribs, glass noodles, and turnip.” – Yelper Jacquee P
Rock Inn Mountain Tavern – Estes Park, CO
Rocky Mountain National Park
“Ordered the elk sausage for an appetizer and it was delicious! For my meal, I ordered the trout entree (dill and lemon style) with the mashed potatoes and it was a great choice. My boyfriend ordered the bison meatballs with a side of elk sausage (he thought they were so good in the appetizer he wanted even more for his meal).” – Yelper Mikaela H
Urban Fresh – Tucson, AZ
Saguaro National Park
“I ordered the healthy heart taco salad: purple cabbage, green onions, roasted corn, taco mix mushrooms and beans, tomato, carrot, jicama, romaine mix, cilantro, baked chips, guacamole and tomato salsa vinaigrette. So fresh!” – Yelper Kala J
Sierra Subs and Salads – Three Rivers, CA
Sequoia National Park
“This sandwich shop is a hidden gem! It’s a must if you are either going to or coming from Sequoia National Park. All the sandwiches I have tried are so incredibly delicious. Hands down one of my favorite sandwich places of all times!” – Yelper Tash J
Gathering Grounds Patisserie & Cafe – Luray, VA
Shenandoah National Park
“I branched out and got one of the local favorites, the Monaco sandwich, even though I’m not really an Italian cold cuts kinda girl, and boy was I very pleasantly surprised! The meats were great and flavorful, the focaccia was extremely soft and tasty (in fact, I would have been pleased to just eat the focaccia on its own), and the black pepper mayo was wonderful!” – Yelper Sam S
Red Oak Bistro – Gatlinburg, TN
Smoky Mountains National Park
“Intimate, romantic, and fun. It was nice to get away from the touristy part of Gatlinburg and sample some great wines and charcuterie off the beaten path.” – Yelper Jillian T
Coffee Landing Cafe – International Falls, MN
Voyageurs National Park
“Absolutely amazing quaint and cozy coffee shop….very much a mom and pop shop with freshly baked goods and a killer reuben sandwich.” – Yelper Alvin T
Buffalo Dreamer – Hot Springs, SD
Wind Cave National Park
If you love excellent inspired food and presentation you’ll love this place. The menu is limited but focused. I ordered the buffalo chile relleno which is inspired by a Native American recipe that includes dried cherries and buffalo. Smokey, tomatoey, crunchy and a little sweet. Wow. The best chile rellenos I’ve ever had.” – Yelper Gregg F
Tioga Gas Mart & Whoa Nellie Deli – Lee Vining, CA
Yosemite National Park
“To most, you might think of this place as nothing more than a gas station and if that’s the case, you’re wrong…at the back of The Mart is where you’ll find Whoa Nellie Deli. It’s my usual first stop for some pre-hike carbs before hitting the trails in Yosemite. My usual is the ‘Tioga Road Sandwich.’ It’s eggs, bacon, cheddar, and lettuce on a warm and flaky croissant. Absolutely delicious!” – Yelper Kevin S
The Parkhouse Cafe – Springdale, UT
Zion National Park
“I’ll be thinking about this breakfast at The Parkhouse Cafe for the rest of my life…The Tomavo, a poached egg atop a toasted english muffin, tomatoes, and served with avocado, is the exact answer to what kind of breakfast should be served on a patio while surrounded by the towering red canyon walls of Zion.” – Yelper Jeffrey S
Have you come across any hidden gems during a national park adventure? Be sure to share it with the community!
