How much does it cost to eat in Yellowstone?

Eating in Yellowstone National Park can range from budget-friendly to moderately expensive, depending on where and how you choose to dine. Since Yellowstone is managed by the National Park Service with concessioners operating its restaurants and lodges, the prices are generally higher than what you might pay outside the park due to the remoteness, transportation costs, and limited competition. Visitors should expect to pay a little extra for convenience and the unique experience of dining inside one of America’s most iconic parks.

Quick Reference: Eating Costs in Yellowstone National Park

Dining Option	Example Locations	Meal Type & Average Cost	What to Expect	Availability
Quick Service / Cafeteria	Geyser Grill (Old Faithful), Canyon Eatery	Breakfast: $7–$10 Lunch/Dinner: $10–$18	Burgers, pizza, sandwiches, coffee, grab-and-go snacks	Widely available in summer; limited in winter
Sit-Down Dining	Obsidian Dining Room, Mammoth Hotel Dining Room	Breakfast: $12–$18 Lunch: $15–$25 Dinner: $20–$40	Hearty regional meals, lodge-style dining	Seasonal; limited hours in off-season
Fine Dining / Lodge Restaurants	Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room	Dinner: $30–$60+	Gourmet meals, scenic views, reservations recommended	Available at select lodges in summer
Picnic / Self-Catering	Throughout park (designated picnic areas)	$5–$15 per person	Bring groceries from gateway towns; use bear-proof storage	Year-round; best in warmer months
Winter Dining (Limited)	Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Mammoth Dining Room	Breakfast: $10–$15 Dinner: $18–$35	Comfort foods, limited menus due to season	Only a few spots open in winter
Average Daily Spend	—	$40–$100 per person/day	Depends on mix of meals and dining choices	—

At the lower end of the price range, grab-and-go or quick-service meals typically cost around $10 to $15 per person. Cafeteria-style spots like the Geyser Grill at Old Faithful or the Canyon Eatery offer sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, and salads that are simple but satisfying. A basic breakfast sandwich or coffee might cost $7–$10, while a lunch combo meal with a drink can easily reach $15 or more. These options are great for visitors who want to save time and money while exploring the park’s main attractions.

Mid-range dining options, such as the Obsidian Dining Room at Old Faithful Snow Lodge or the Mammoth Hotel Dining Room, provide a more comfortable sit-down experience with better food quality. Expect breakfast entrées to cost between $12 and $18, lunch items to range from $15 to $25, and dinner mains to cost anywhere between $20 and $40 depending on the dish. These restaurants often focus on hearty, locally inspired meals that feature ingredients sourced from the surrounding region. A full meal for two with drinks in a sit-down setting can easily reach $60–$100.

For travelers on a tighter budget, bringing food into the park is a common and practical choice. Many visitors pack coolers with groceries purchased in gateway towns like West Yellowstone, Gardiner, or Cody. Buying supplies before entering can dramatically reduce food costs, as supermarket prices outside the park are far lower. A family picnic with sandwiches, fruit, and snacks may only cost around $20 total, making it the most economical way to eat while still enjoying Yellowstone’s scenic beauty.

In winter, food prices remain similar, but choices become very limited since only a handful of dining locations remain open, mainly in the Mammoth and Old Faithful areas. Visitors staying at winter lodges often rely on on-site restaurants, which are slightly more expensive due to fewer alternatives. Hot meals like stews, pastas, and grilled dishes are popular during the colder months and generally cost between $18 and $35.

Overall, most visitors spend between $40 and $100 per person per day on food in Yellowstone, depending on their dining preferences. Eating inside the park offers convenience and the atmosphere of enjoying a meal amid geysers, forests, and wildlife, but frugal travelers can easily cut costs by planning ahead and packing their own meals. Whether you’re savoring a hot breakfast at a historic lodge or enjoying a simple picnic beside a mountain lake, every meal in Yellowstone comes with a priceless view — and that’s something that’s always worth the splurge.