Do a Google search of “most popular summer destinations in the USA,” and Yellowstone National park consistently pops up at the top of the list.  With its unique scenery and remote location any visit to Yellowstone will be ingrained in your memory.  Pack an ice chest and picnic among the stunning scenery, but don’t forget to also enjoy local cuisine inspired by the wilderness location in one of the historic hotels and inns within the park.

Old Faithful Inn Dining Room:

Old Faithful Inn is a national historic landmark.  It was built in 1903/04 with local logs and stone.  It is the largest log structure in the world with 327 rooms, a full-service restaurant, a lounge, snackbar, and gift shop.  If you don’t have the opportunity to stay at the lodge, a visit to the restaurant will give you a taste of its historic atmosphere.

The inn sits next to the most famous geyser in the world, Old Faithful, for which it is named.  The inn is especially known for its pan-seared elk medallions and pork osso buco.  I don’t know the name of the dish, but I remember enjoying some wonderful trout here when I was a teenager.

Lake Yellowstone Hotel:

The colonial style exterior of Lake Yellowstone hotel is reminiscent of  1920s resorts. Like Old Faithful Inn it is  listed on the Register of Historic Places and is the oldest standing Yellowstone hotel.  The hotel is situated on the beautiful Yellowstone Lake with magnificent views through its large picture windows.

The dining room is committed to sustainable local and/or organic cuisine.  Who would expect to get such modern dishes as Duck and Wild Rice Risotto or Edamame Hummus in one of the most remote locations in the United States?

 Grant Village Dining Room:

Grant Village was named after the US President, Ulysses S. Grant, honoring him and his signing of the law that established Yellowstone as the first national park in the world.  The lodge buildings have rough pine exteriors painted gray and rust. Grant Village is a great location to visit the southern half of the park.

The favorite entrees include slow roasted Prime Rib, Trout three ways, Paprika Shrimp and a house specialty, Bison Meatloaf.

Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room:

Named for Theodore Roosevelt, the Roosevelt Lodge is located in one of the President’s favorite locations in the park.  The Lodge was designed with a cowboy feel in his honor.  This rustic lodge has two stone fireplaces, a family style restaurant and a front porch made for rocking chairs.

Baby back ribs and famous Roosevelt Baked Beans are the specialty of this Yellowstone restaurant.  Don’t forget to checkout the old west dinner cookout.

At the Mammoth Hot Springs Dining Room you can enjoy views of what used to be the parade ground of old Fort Yellowstone.  Don’t be surprised when you see grazing elk and bison.  In the winter this is a popular location for wolf watching.