Whether it is a day trip or an overnight vacation to Yosemite, the only place to go to for Sunday brunch is the historic Ahwahnee Hotel, formally known as the Ahwahnee. From 7am to 3pm each table in the grand dining room is beautifully set along the large windows and 34ft hand-crafted beams. The gentle sound of a live piano player adds to the ambiance. The best view in the room is located in the alcove, so request this from the host. There is a changing menu if you know what you want; however, the most popular choice is the buffet. The Ahwahnee Hotel is an elegant dining experience and the prices reflect that. For obvious reasons, the buffet is more expensive than ordering off the menu.
It was easy to see why the buffet was more expensive based on the delicious selections. There were all kinds of salads, oysters, salmon, a carving, an omelet, and a sushi station where cooks were hard at work. American classics like scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and potatoes were also available. House-made scones and jam found their way to my plate. Overall it was difficult to choose what to eat because everything looked and smelled amazing and this was even before I thought about dessert.
A wheelchair accessible unisex bathroom is located on the 2nd floor via elevator. A number of handicapped parking spots are located directly outside the hotel but fill up quickly; therefore, there is a drop-off space in front of the entrance. Reservations for dinner are strongly recommended and the hotel says that having one for breakfast, lunch, or bunch only gets you that much faster. Plus, you can request to sit in the alcove where the best view is.
Around the corner from the main dining room is a casual cafe in case it is what you are in the mood for instead. The Ahwahnee Hotel has five wheelchair accessible rooms with roll-in showers.
RESERVATIONS
Ahwahnee Hotel
(209) 372-1489
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