15 Best Places to Visit in the Grand Canyon

More than five million people take tours to the USA every year to see the Grand Canyon. The mesmerizing vistas, the ripping clouds, the golden sunsets, and the thunder rolling off into the desert are worth it. It's difficult to underestimate the magnitude of the Canyon: the Colorado River, which gleams in clay somewhere far below, took 6 million years to cut through the rocks for these rapids.

While traveling, hiking, and trekking in the Grand Canyon area, hunger will eventually strike. Here's a selection of places where you can grab a bite to eat or a full meal, as well as rest and recuperate for the road ahead.

What to Eat in Arizona

Arizona cuisine is a searing mix of Western culture and Mexican traditions.

Meat is prized and well-cooked here, and a large green salad or grilled vegetables are commonly served with the main course. Chili peppers, thick meat gravies, and hearty soups are prized by the Grand Canyon State.

An iconic symbol of Arizona cuisine, a chimichanga is a deep-fried burrito. The absolute classic is chimichanga with beans and minced meat, but vegetarian versions are becoming increasingly popular. Contrary to popular belief, this type of burrito was invented in Arizona, not Mexico.

Grab and Go

Looking for an early breakfast before you meet the sunrise in the canyon, or want to break for lunch while biking? Consider where you can grab a quick bite to eat or take your food with you for a picnic with a view.

Even the smallest fast-food place will always offer you vegetarian or gluten-free options, which is very appreciated by foodie. In addition, such eateries usually offer a gift store, warm socks, raincoats, or sunscreen.

➤ Yavapai Coffee Shop

The Yavapai Lodge Coffee Shop opens at 6 a.m. You'll find salads and sandwiches, burritos, decent coffee, and a variety of breakfast baked goods like fresh bagels and croissants.

It's a convenient option for a quick bite – you order from the photo of the dishes at the kiosk, and it will go straight to the kitchen.

Where to find: 11 Yavapai Lodge Road, Grand Canyon Village.

Must-try:

• roast beef sandwich,
• chef's turkey, ham, and cheese salad.

Фото: visitgrandcanyon.com

➤ Canyon Coffee House

The coffee house opens at 5:30, a great chance to grab a bite to eat and head out to greet the sun. You'll find freshly baked cinnamon rolls or a cottage cheese bagel first thing in the morning.

However, you can greet the sunrise right there with a delicious cup of hot coffee – the views are breathtaking. From 6 a.m., a more substantial breakfast is served. For an energizing breakfast, opt for the classic burrito and spicy sausage.

The coffee shop is located at Bright Angel Lodge on the border of North Rim Canyon. You can bring snacks, sandwiches, and pre-made boxed lunches – it's quick and convenient.

Where to find: 9 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village.

Must try:

• breakfast burrito,
• root beer float.

➤ Hermit Rest's Snack Bar

During the summer months, the cafe opens at 8 a.m. A good chance to have breakfast in the setting of a hermit's retreat from the first quarter of the 20th century – the cabin that houses the bar is over a century old. The original wooden furniture and huge boulder fireplace have been preserved inside.

It's quiet and secluded, the views are delightful – there are small tables at the exit with a magnificent view – and a simple quick bite to eat.

Where to find: the Western end of Hermit Road.

Must-try:

• roast turkey and American cheese sandwich,
• signature homemade cookies.

Фото: grandcanyonlodges.com

➤ Deli in the Pines

A secluded spot away from the others opens at 6 a.m. The eatery is famous for pizza (you can get a whole or part of it) and ice cream, but be sure to ask what the dish of the day is today – they make soups and hot chili in a thick sauce.

You can eat here or grab salads and sandwiches to take away and watch the sunset.

Where to find: 6225 AZ-67, North Rim, Grand Canyon Lodge.

Must-try:

• soft serve ice cream in a variety of flavors,
• pizza with chorizo sausage

Food Trucks

A food truck is a kitchen on wheels that serves a conveniently packaged snack through a window. It's a full-fledged and universally recognized component of American cuisine. World-renowned chefs are trying this format and earning Michelin stars with them, and for young and up-and-coming chefs, it's a favorite way to try themselves and poke around the country with new projects. If you spot one on the road, don't deny yourself a pit stop.

There are a couple of permanent food trucks in the Grand Canyon area; in the specific weather conditions of the desert and cliffs, they can only function during the warmer months.

➤ Fred Harvey Food Truck

The bright red van bears the inscription, "In the hospitality business since 1905." And it is classic American food on the go: nothing fancy, the usual hot dogs, burgers, and homemade chips. But it's tasty, easy, and convenient if you don't want to go into the establishment and deal with food selection and ordering.

Where to find: between El Tovar and Hopi House hotels.

Фото: aceadventurer.com

➤ Sustain Your Hike Food Cart

A nimble golf cart delivers snacks throughout the daylight hours: look for a sticker showing a compass and a hiking boot. The driver will be able to offer a tuna, ham, or turkey sandwich, jerky, cookies, and an assortment of drinks. Have cold coffee or electrolytes if you are planning a sports route or mountain climbing.

Where to find:

• between Hopi House and Verkamp's Visitor's Center,
• in the Thunderbird and Kachina Lodge area,
• at the Bright Angel hiking trailhead,
• Grand Canyon Train Depot.

A Full Lunch and Dinner

After a long day full of hiking and experiences, don't deny yourself a hearty lunch or dinner. You can't say you'll find a restaurant at every turn in Grand Canyon National Park, but there are plenty of choices. Make up your mind – spicy Indian classics or a solid Southern-inspired steak? How about a home-cooked, classic barbecue dinner or elegant cocktails accompanied by live music? Let's head out in search of the right place.

➤ Phantom Ranch

A classic horse ranch at the bottom of a canyon already sounds like an adventure, right? You can get here on foot on the Bright Angel Trail or Kaibab Trail (keep in mind that it's not the easiest route to hike), by mule from the South Rim of Grand Canyon, or on the Colorado River on rafts.

Dinner is served starting at 5 p.m. Appreciate the meat dishes – steaks or old-fashioned beef stew. Fresh salads are always served with the main course. Especially for Phantom Ranch, the local brewery brews three kinds of beer.

You can also stay here overnight if you're lucky enough to get a spare room; the wild-looking cowboy cabins are equipped with amenities. The lavish local breakfasts, with homemade pancakes and every imaginable egg and bacon dish, deserve a special mention.

From here you can send postcards to loved ones with a special stamp, delivered to the nearest post office by mules.

Where to find: North Kaibab Trail, North Rim, the landmark is Phantom Ranger Station.

Must-try:

• steak New York,
• freshly baked cornbread.

➤ The Sky View Restaurant

In a restaurant with a large observation deck in the form of a suspension bridge, you are surrounded by cliffs on all sides. It is often visited during photo tours. The views more than compensate for the modesty of the menu.

Among the menu options are burgers – meat and vegetarian, sandwiches and chicken fingers with fries and sauces. Large portions and a magnificent view of the Canyon, even if you aren't lucky enough to have a window seat.

Where to find: 808 Eagle Point Road, Peach Springs.

Must-try:

• chicken tenders,
• a cheeseburger with marble beef patty.

Фото: grandcanyonwest.com

➤ Canyon Village Market Place and Deli

A full meal that you can take with you – fresh salads and sandwiches. With local pizza and wings, you can sit out on the large veranda.

The cafe is located at a large market, if you want you can buy local hot sauces or souvenirs as a gift, refill your water supply or buy any tourist ammunition for a sightseeing tour of the Canyon. Around the corner is a post office in case you want to send a postcard.

Where to find: Market Plaza Road, Grand Canyon.

Must-try:

• сanyon breakfast burrito,
• a thick meat chowder with southern spices, cheese, and sour cream (hearty chili).

➤ El Tovar Dining Room

A restaurant of high European cuisine with picturesque views, suitable even for a special occasion. Large choice of fish and poultry, beef stroganoff, steaks, unusual dessert menu – here crème brûlée is served with the thinnest layer of jalapeno pepper jelly – a twist on the classics so that the guest does not forget about the proximity of Mexico.

A dark wood bar decorated with old furniture, the atmosphere of an old hotel, abandoned in the mountains, as if time stood still at the beginning of the XX century. The waiters in white gloves and crisp napkins provided an exceptional level of service in the middle of the red desert. Note that you will need to make reservations in advance, especially during the high season.

Where to find: 1 El Tovar Road, Grand Canyon Village.

Must-try:

• signature french onion soup – this onion soup has been on the menu for over 70 years,
• pork chops with apple and jalapeño chutney

Фото: grandcanyondeals.com

➤ Cameron Trading Post and Restaurant

Here's a chance to sample traditional Navajo Indian cuisine. Portions are generous, so you can order with the expectation of splitting it up and trying as many different things as possible.

The gift store at the establishment has dreamcatchers, pottery, and handmade Native American jewelry.

Where to find: 466 North Highway 89, Cameron.

Must-try:

• Navajo Taco – served on homemade frybread,
• Navajo hot beef with meat sauce.

➤ Yavapai Tavern

Juicy handmade burgers, pizzas, salads, and sandwiches. Large beer selection and full bar menu. Even in the cold season, you can enjoy sitting on the veranda after a long walk – it is heated with gas burners.

Where to find: 11 Yavapai Lodge, Grand Canyon Village.

Must-try:

• elk melt sandwich,
• the big green salad with grilled vegetables, and lime vinaigrette (southwest salad).

Фото: visitgrandcanyon.com

➤ Grand Cookout

A large tent in the middle of the desert. Falling dusk and flickering gas lights – it's as if time has stopped here. It's worth taking a small group tour, and a train from the 1920s will bring you here, there are theater stages, and dinner will be accompanied by live music, Native American tales, and cowboy-style performances. Classic American food, drinks, and seasonal fruit will be a welcome addition to the experience.

Where to find: Highway 67, Fredonia, the landmark is Grand Canyon Lodge – North Rim.

Must-try:

• bbq chicken,
• brisket – beef brisket that has been roasted and smoked.

➤ Arizona Steakhouse

Decent-aged steaks, grilled poultry, or fish cooked in the true Southern tradition await you here. Large selection of salads and sandwiches, you'll find Indian heritage on the menu – bright spices, large portions, and lots of vegetables.

The bar list consists of local wines and spirits. A delicious selection of cocktails – a classic margarita may have basil and cucumber or hot jalapeño peppers added. One of the obligatory places to visit on a wine tour.

Where to find: 10 Albright Avenue, Grand Canyon Village.

Must-try:

• spicy, thick Indian soup (house-made tortilla soup),
• bbq pork ribs.

➤ The Grand Hotel

There are two options for lunch or dinner at the hotel – a solid steakhouse and a cozy saloon for aperitifs or a couple of cocktails in the setting of a cozy hunting lodge accompanied by live music.

If you are still looking for a place to stay, keep in mind that there is a 10% discount for hotel guests at the restaurant.

Here you'll also find a store where you can embark on a hunt for unusual souvenirs – be sure to check out the Native American jewelry and knives.

Where to find: 149 State Highway 64, Grand Canyon.

Must-try:

• valley of the sun chicken wings plateau,
• slow-smoked pork ribs in a signature citrus barbecue sauce.