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Brewery & Bar

The River Restaurant & Lounge

Simple American breakfasts and dinners at Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal

(556)
$$$$El Portal, CA

About

The River Restaurant & Lounge sits inside the Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal, just outside Yosemite's western entrance, serving simple American food from breakfast through dinner. It's a cabin-style spot that lodge guests and day-hikers lean on, since dining options in El Portal are limited.

What to Expect on the Menu

The kitchen keeps things straightforward: burgers, fish and chips, and a full salad bar alongside dinner plates like steak, turkey, and pasta dishes such as chicken Alfredo and chicken Marsala. Reviewers describe portions as generous — one mentions a half-pound burger with fries and salad bar access for $23. There's also a bar area with TVs, a common spot to catch a game while you eat.

Hours & Good to Know

  • Breakfast: 7:00–10:00 AM daily
  • Dinner: 5:00–8:30 PM daily
  • Phone: (209) 379-2183
  • Credit card payments carry an added fee, and splitting one plate between two guests costs extra — ask ahead if that matters to you.

Reviews run mixed: some call the food a satisfying reward after a long hike, others find it just serviceable. Keep expectations realistic for a lodge restaurant with few nearby alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does The River Restaurant serve breakfast?

Breakfast runs 7:00 to 10:00 AM daily, per posted hours.

Does The River Restaurant charge any extra fees?

Reviewers note a fee for credit card payments and an added charge for splitting a single plate between two guests.

Where is The River Restaurant located?

It's inside the Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal, just outside Yosemite's western entrance.

Is The River Restaurant a good stop after a day of hiking?

Reviewers commonly describe it as a convenient option after hiking, citing generous portions and attentive service, though some found the food only average.

Reviews (556)

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3.3

556 reviews

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H. J.
H. J.

in the last week

This restaurant is part of Yosemite View Lodge and one of the few dining options available near Yosemite. The breakfast is buffet-style and costs about $30 per person, but the selection is quite limited, with basic items such as bacon and a few other choices. The dining area feels somewhat dark and dated, which takes away from the overall experience. A better option may be to bring your own food, such as sandwiches, or dine at Base Camp Eatery, which offers a much nicer facility and atmosphere. Unfortunately, our experience was made worse by being double charged for our meal on the same day. We had to file a dispute with our credit card company to resolve the issue. Overall, this was a disappointing dining experience.

N P
N P

in the last week

Food was bland. Probably microwaved. 30 dollars. The steamed vegetables were bland and likely from a microwaved bag. Service was quick and friendly but the food needs a major upgrade because it's not worth the price. I'd get the ramen from the gift shop instead of this. It'll save you money and it'll taste better.

Hama Ben aifa
Hama Ben aifa

in the last week

Food take too long and to expensive no one to talk to

Kilian Vandebriel

Steak with blue cheese was magnificent. Try it!! Don't know about the other dishes but the one my mom had (pasta) could use some more spices. After our dinner the bill came quick which gave a bit of a feeling we had to get out. Overall good experience though! Get the steak with blue cheese!

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