Priest Station Cafe
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Great seating outside with good food to enjoy the views. The staff was friendly and the location was easy to get to. The only thing to note is that parking is limited so I image some days are busier than others so you may want to stop by during off hours. We came for an early lunch on a Monday on our way back to the city from visiting Yosemite. They offer breakfast and lunch options. All the food taste fresh and the prices were reasonable. All of us ordered different burgers with a side of our choice. I had the hot and spicy burger which was topped with jalapeño, pepper jack cheese and salsa. It was not that spicy but had good flavor. The salsa was a bit messy so I probably wouldn't get it again. For my side I had the sweet potato fries and wish they were more crispy. I enjoyed the regular fries off my husband's plate more. I also had a taste of the coleslaw which was also good. The burger itself was cooked well but not dry. We all shared the cheesecake for dessert which was thick and creamy just as you expect. I also had the fresh lemonade which was refreshing but could have more lemon flavor in it. Overall we all enjoyed our food and would recommend visiting.
Good food great service nice views. I'm so glad it's open. The calamari was delicious and the bratwurst was tasty. It's a great place. The deck has decent shade.
January 2, 2026 - Big Oak Flat, CA We stopped here on our way home out of Yosemite. We left Curry Village about 7:45 am and arrived at the Cafe at about 9:15. After the drive out of Yosemite, which included braking for deer and a wandering dog, we were ready to chill out and get something to eat. There were only two locals in the restaurant when we arrived. The server was friendly and told us to sit anywhere we wanted, and then handed us our menus once we were seated. The cafe is relaxed and comfortable, but small. I ordered an Egg Sandwich with bacon and cheese on an English muffin, with a side of fruit ($16). It was good, but the English Muffin was a bit too well done for my liking. Overall, though, it was a nice stop for us before continuing on our way home. Note: Restrooms are in the building with the mural. You must get the key from inside the cafe.
Stopped here on my way to Yosemite and honestly, I was really impressed. I ordered the steak and eggs, and the quality was excellent. The steak was thick, juicy and cooked perfectly medium rare, easily the highlight of the plate. The eggs were fluffy, creamy,l and cooked just right. The toast had the perfect crunch, and the potatoes were outstanding; crispy on the outside, soft and smooth on the inside and full of flavor. On top of the food, the staff were on point, super kind, attentive and welcoming. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating and I highly recommend sitting outside if the weather's nice. The fresh air, bird sounds and beautiful surroundings make it a great stop before heading into Yosemite. I'm also really curious to check out their cabins next time. Definitely excited to come back and would absolutely recommend stopping here if you're in the area.
I was in the area staying at a Hipcamp to unwind after a few days in Yosemite. We stopped here on a whim and ended up enjoying it so much that we ate here twice during our two-day stay. First off, the service was incredible both times. The staff were so friendly, attentive, and really seemed to anticipate what we needed. We kept commenting on how great the service was. It stood out both visits. The views are beautiful, especially if you sit out on the patio overlooking the hills across the street. The patio is shaded with a canopy, which made it the perfect spot to relax and escape the sun for a bit. We had dinner here first, right after a long day of hiking in Yosemite, and we were starving. I didn't even get a chance to take pictures because we dove right in. I ordered the Veggie Galore Burger and my boyfriend got The Classic Cheeseburger. Both were amazing. The patties were cooked perfectly and had so much flavor. We also tried their fresh-squeezed lemonade, which was divine with just the right amount of sweetness and super refreshing. When we came back for breakfast, I had the Veggie Skillet and my boyfriend got the 2+2+2. The skillet was one of the best I've ever had. You can tell the ingredients are fresh and high quality. The biscuit was a bit on the dry side, but still tasty overall. My boyfriend really enjoyed his breakfast, too. We'll definitely be back the next time we're heading to or from Yosemite. It's such a great little spot with great food, great views, and even better service.
A pretty unexpectedly delicious meal on the way back from Yosemite. A cool spot with nice people in my opinion. Worth checking out especially if you're in a jam.
What a great little spot for breakfast! We were staying nearby and one day we decided to have a late breakfast here. We sat outside and enjoyed the scenery while we enjoyed each other's company and the food. Super friendly and fast service this place is a definite "must try"!
The food is very good here. Its a favorite of the locals and a great stop on your way to Yosemite. Its in Big Oak Flat at the very top of the Old Priest Grade Short cut. Nothing fancy but the food is fresh, always served with a smile, and reasonable. They have about 7 or 8 tables inside and a great outside area in full sun. That seems to be the "in" place for most. They stop serving breakfast at 11. I love breakfast for lunch so Im a bit bummed. They are open until 8. They have great burgers (never frozen) and sandwiches like steak, BLAST, turkey, pulled pork, and sloppy Joes. They are very generous with their portions. They make their own potatoe chips and I love them. Fries are good too. They also have salads, calamari, avacado toast, and even Lobster and mac cheese! Its a nice stopping place.
Finding this here is like spotting a unicorn on the highway ! I am pleasantly surprised to find a beautiful spot in the middle of nowhere and also grateful that places like these preserve their charm whilst also serving good food. Enroute from San Jose to YNP we wanted to get lunch and found them . The setting is just gorgeous and despite it being a tad bit too hot to sit out we still did and loved it . The staff was sweet and kind and served some old school warm hospitality with a side of beers and food .Indoors is very small so if you have a bigger group prepare to sit out . They have a variety of sandwiches, salads and burgers and beers to go with it . Everyone in our party seemed to love what they got. Generous portions and very reasonable priced.
*hidden gem alert* This little cafe off the side of the road just outside Yosemite's North entrance was our favorite meal in Yosemite. Situated with a beautiful outdoor space and friendly staff, the grilled items on the menu belie a hidden grill master working in their kitchen. I had the bratwurst plate, which had two beautifully cooked bratwursts paired with fresh sauerkraut. The husband had the pulled pork sandwich, which he said it was one of the best grilled porks he has had, filled with smoky flavor. The prices are also extremely reasonable. Honestly worth checking this place out to get away from the crazy prices within the park and to eat some actually excellent food.
I arrived in here just about 11:30 am as they were transitioning from breakfast to lunch, and was told I could not order off the breakfast menu at that time. It was pretty crowded at that time, but quickly became empty as all the breakfast people finished and left. So I ordered a Chicken Club Sandwich which goes for $18.00. It was a nice sandwich and it came with a generous portion of french fries. The service was friendly and courteous, and it's nice inside. They have indoor as well as outdoor seating. I thought this was a nice place to stop for a meal along the road.
On our drive to Hetchy Hetchy Reservoir, I was taking a nap when my partner woke me up and suggested, "Let's eat here." We had stopped by the highway, where the view of lush greenery and rolling hills was nice. I approve! It was nice to sit on the patio watching the passing cars, and the tarp above us provided pleasant shade from the sun. My daughter and I shared the Biscuits and Gravy with scrambled eggs and sausages. The homemade biscuits were buttery and flaky--absolutely delicious. My partner and her daughter shared either a skillet or an omelet; I don't quite remember since I didn't take a picture. Regardless, we were all satisfied with our meals and ready to continue our adventure. The service was friendly and efficient. I didn't even get to check out inside the restaurant. Was there an inside? A quick tip: you'll need a key to access the restrooms. I noticed several people walk over only to discover the door was locked, so I made sure to ask for the key. According to their website, this place has a fascinating history--it once served as a miner's supply store before becoming a hotel. I believe there are still rooms available, as I noticed you can reserve cabins with twin and queen beds. While I might not stay in a cabin myself, I would definitely return for the food. read more
1 month ago
My family and I stopped into Priest Station Cafe on the way to Yosemite last week for breakfast. Priest Station Cafe is located off the side of a mountain and the patio views are amazing! They have a good amount of seating outside as well as inside too. We ordered the Biscuits and Gravy, Priest Skillet and Kids Pancakes and Fruit. Everything was pretty good and fresh! Coffee was good too! Other menu items included Steak and Eggs, Omelets, a Breakfast Burrito, Pancakes and even French Toast. They had a decent kids menu as well. Staff were also very friendly and personable. Bathrooms needed a key since anyone off the highway can stop in and use them, but they were clean. Overall, Priest Station Cafe is a nice place to stop while on a road trip - the view is worth it! Check them out! read more
2 months ago
Great seating outside with good food to enjoy the views. The staff was friendly and the location was easy to get to. The only thing to note is that parking is limited so I image some days are busier than others so you may want to stop by during off hours. We came for an early lunch on a Monday on our way back to the city from visiting Yosemite. They offer breakfast and lunch options. All the food taste fresh and the prices were reasonable. All of us ordered different burgers with a side of our choice. I had the hot and spicy burger which was topped with jalapeño, pepper jack cheese and salsa. It was not that spicy but had good flavor. The salsa was a bit messy so I probably wouldn't get it again. For my side I had the sweet potato fries and wish they were more crispy. I enjoyed the regular fries off my husband's plate more. I also had a taste of the coleslaw which was also good. The burger itself was cooked well but not dry. We all shared the cheesecake for dessert which was thick and creamy just as you expect. I also had the fresh lemonade which was refreshing but could have more lemon flavor in it. Overall we all enjoyed our food and would recommend visiting. read more
1 month ago
Good food great service nice views. I'm so glad it's open. The calamari was delicious and the bratwurst was tasty. It's a great place. The deck has decent shade. read more
13 days ago
8 months ago
January 2, 2026 - Big Oak Flat, CA We stopped here on our way home out of Yosemite. We left Curry Village about 7:45 am and arrived at the Cafe at about 9:15. After the drive out of Yosemite, which included braking for deer and a wandering dog, we were ready to chill out and get something to eat. There were only two locals in the restaurant when we arrived. The server was friendly and told us to sit anywhere we wanted, and then handed us our menus once we were seated. The cafe is relaxed and comfortable, but small. I ordered an Egg Sandwich with bacon and cheese on an English muffin, with a side of fruit ($16). It was good, but the English Muffin was a bit too well done for my liking. Overall, though, it was a nice stop for us before continuing on our way home. Note: Restrooms are in the building with the mural. You must get the key from inside the cafe. read more
Stopped here on my way to Yosemite and honestly, I was really impressed. I ordered the steak and eggs, and the quality was excellent. The steak was thick, juicy and cooked perfectly medium rare, easily the highlight of the plate. The eggs were fluffy, creamy,l and cooked just right. The toast had the perfect crunch, and the potatoes were outstanding; crispy on the outside, soft and smooth on the inside and full of flavor. On top of the food, the staff were on point, super kind, attentive and welcoming. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating and I highly recommend sitting outside if the weather's nice. The fresh air, bird sounds and beautiful surroundings make it a great stop before heading into Yosemite. I'm also really curious to check out their cabins next time. Definitely excited to come back and would absolutely recommend stopping here if you're in the area. read more
1 year ago
I was in the area staying at a Hipcamp to unwind after a few days in Yosemite. We stopped here on a whim and ended up enjoying it so much that we ate here twice during our two-day stay. First off, the service was incredible both times. The staff were so friendly, attentive, and really seemed to anticipate what we needed. We kept commenting on how great the service was. It stood out both visits. The views are beautiful, especially if you sit out on the patio overlooking the hills across the street. The patio is shaded with a canopy, which made it the perfect spot to relax and escape the sun for a bit. We had dinner here first, right after a long day of hiking in Yosemite, and we were starving. I didn't even get a chance to take pictures because we dove right in. I ordered the Veggie Galore Burger and my boyfriend got The Classic Cheeseburger. Both were amazing. The patties were cooked perfectly and had so much flavor. We also tried their fresh-squeezed lemonade, which was divine with just the right amount of sweetness and super refreshing. When we came back for breakfast, I had the Veggie Skillet and my boyfriend got the 2+2+2. The skillet was one of the best I've ever had. You can tell the ingredients are fresh and high quality. The biscuit was a bit on the dry side, but still tasty overall. My boyfriend really enjoyed his breakfast, too. We'll definitely be back the next time we're heading to or from Yosemite. It's such a great little spot with great food, great views, and even better service. read more
2 months ago
1 month ago
4 months ago
A pretty unexpectedly delicious meal on the way back from Yosemite. A cool spot with nice people in my opinion. Worth checking out especially if you're in a jam. read more
2 months ago
Food was quality and great as well as the service and a beautiful view. Jewel on the top of the hills. Good food coma read more
4 months ago
What a great little spot for breakfast! We were staying nearby and one day we decided to have a late breakfast here. We sat outside and enjoyed the scenery while we enjoyed each other's company and the food. Super friendly and fast service this place is a definite "must try"! read more
1 month ago
9 months ago
4 months ago
We stopped here on our trip to Yosemite. It was not a far drive from our stay at Yosemite westgate lodge. The outdoor seating was pleasant (in April) and the rose bushes were blooming. The food was delicious and the servers were friendly. read more
8 months ago
The food is very good here. Its a favorite of the locals and a great stop on your way to Yosemite. Its in Big Oak Flat at the very top of the Old Priest Grade Short cut. Nothing fancy but the food is fresh, always served with a smile, and reasonable. They have about 7 or 8 tables inside and a great outside area in full sun. That seems to be the "in" place for most. They stop serving breakfast at 11. I love breakfast for lunch so Im a bit bummed. They are open until 8. They have great burgers (never frozen) and sandwiches like steak, BLAST, turkey, pulled pork, and sloppy Joes. They are very generous with their portions. They make their own potatoe chips and I love them. Fries are good too. They also have salads, calamari, avacado toast, and even Lobster and mac cheese! Its a nice stopping place. read more
Finding this here is like spotting a unicorn on the highway ! I am pleasantly surprised to find a beautiful spot in the middle of nowhere and also grateful that places like these preserve their charm whilst also serving good food. Enroute from San Jose to YNP we wanted to get lunch and found them . The setting is just gorgeous and despite it being a tad bit too hot to sit out we still did and loved it . The staff was sweet and kind and served some old school warm hospitality with a side of beers and food .Indoors is very small so if you have a bigger group prepare to sit out . They have a variety of sandwiches, salads and burgers and beers to go with it . Everyone in our party seemed to love what they got. Generous portions and very reasonable priced. read more
*hidden gem alert* This little cafe off the side of the road just outside Yosemite's North entrance was our favorite meal in Yosemite. Situated with a beautiful outdoor space and friendly staff, the grilled items on the menu belie a hidden grill master working in their kitchen. I had the bratwurst plate, which had two beautifully cooked bratwursts paired with fresh sauerkraut. The husband had the pulled pork sandwich, which he said it was one of the best grilled porks he has had, filled with smoky flavor. The prices are also extremely reasonable. Honestly worth checking this place out to get away from the crazy prices within the park and to eat some actually excellent food. read more
I arrived in here just about 11:30 am as they were transitioning from breakfast to lunch, and was told I could not order off the breakfast menu at that time. It was pretty crowded at that time, but quickly became empty as all the breakfast people finished and left. So I ordered a Chicken Club Sandwich which goes for $18.00. It was a nice sandwich and it came with a generous portion of french fries. The service was friendly and courteous, and it's nice inside. They have indoor as well as outdoor seating. I thought this was a nice place to stop for a meal along the road. read more
5 months ago
We had the best food and the service was amazing. There is such a gorgeous view! We will definitely be coming back again soon. read more
2 years ago
Stopped by this spot after a family vacation, and it was so worth it! The scenery outside is spectacular, with charming little shops inside offering good coffee and more. The food here is simply delicious! We ordered the ribeye steak, which was tender and well-seasoned, and the bean soup was tasty. The salmon sandwich was amazing, and the falafel sandwich was also delicious. The servers are very friendly and helpful, making the experience even better. This place is a must-see, and we will definitely come back! read more
What a gem this restaurant is tucked on the top of the mountain! After reading the great Yelp Reviews I was happy to have the restaurant exceed my expectations in terms of delicious food, great service and a convenient location (it's by far the best restaurant around in this area!). They offer a wide variety of delicious food both for dine in (inside or outside to enjoy the mountaintop view) as well as take-out. A lot of people got food to go to take back to their hotels or into Yosemite National Park. I was also impressed that they offer Vegetarian and Vegan options. I (while personally not a Vegan) ordered the Farm Fresh Vegan Sandwich which had delicious sautéed crimini mushrooms,spinach, caramelized grilled onions, grilled tomato and avocado all on top a tasty Ciabatta bread - the best part was the sauce: a delicious homemade balsamic vinaigrette. I actually have a large 'collection' of balsamic vinegars and I like to make my own balsamic salad dressings so I can be hard to please with balsamic vinaigrettes but I can honestly say this one was outstanding! I highly recommend it! I also was happy that in addition to regular French fries they also have sweet potato fries which I got with a side of ranch = yum! My Dad ordered a cheeseburger with fries and a milkshake - can't go wrong there! He thought it was delicious! Also of note was their fresh squeezed lemonade! This was truly fresh squeezed and tasted so natural and delicious! They also serve breakfast and dinner but we were there for lunch. Even though they were busy we hardly had to wait long at all for our food (under 10 minutes - cooked fresh to order!) and the service was very nice and attentive. Some people complain in their reviews that the restrooms are for restaurant customers only but I don't think that's outrageous at all - it seems perfectly reasonable to me and probably why the restrooms here are clean and in good condition -unlike roadside rest stops. I can't see why people complain about this! Why let busloads of random tourists use the restaurants' bathroom? - it seems to me like those are the ridiculous people, not the restaurant. I highly recommend Priest Station Cafe and will for sure return the next time I'm in the area - or even not - it is worth a slight detour since there aren't many food options in this area and Priest Station Cafe is clearly the best in the area! read more
1 year ago
We grabbed a table on the balcony. Very nice breeze and it was covered. We ordered, to share, Priest Au Poivre, Curry Braut and the Croquettes. The food is excellent. For drinks we got the Dust Bowl Brewry Lager, very tasty. Service was top notch. So the burger was tender, the bun got slightly soggy but that is expected for this type of burger and sauce on it. Fries are slightly bigger than shoestring. The curry braut, there had to be two of them in the appetizer (well worth it) nicely flavored as a sweet barbeque with a curry hint. Of course the chocolate torte was very good. read more
The Priest Station Cafe is a must-stop when you're in Groveland. Whether you're passing through Yosemite, staying in Groveland, or a local, this spot offers beautiful, sweeping views of the Old and New Priest Grade as you dine on the large outdoor patio. The Priest Station Cafe has just installed new, larger sunshades, ensuring every spot on the deck has coverage. We have enjoyed many lunches, breakfasts, and brunches here while gazing out at the Grade, watching cars, trucks, motorcycles, and trailers pass by, with the occasional daredevil skateboarder jetting down the hill. We have enjoyed all the food, and my favorite is the BLAT, recently updated to BLAST (bacon, lettuce, avocado, sprouts, and tomato). The boys have enjoyed a variety of burgers from the classic, the cowboy, and the brie, showcasing the diverse menu. Priest Station Cafe makes their chips, which are a must-have! The service is always on point, and everyone is always welcoming and friendly. A long-established business rich in history, with roots in the founding family, it is a wonderful place to stop in and enjoy a glass of wine, a cold beer, a bite to eat, and take in the beautiful views. read more
7 months ago
1 year ago
Our brunch was amazing! and the kitchen even honored my request to turn their carnitas omelette into a burrito and add pickled onions. I hope I have the chance to return one day and see it on the menu! We also stayed overnight in one of the cabins and it was lovely. read more
10 months ago
1 year ago
5/5 priest poached eggs 5/5 staff service - friendly warm and attentive 5/5 fruit freshness and color 4/5 French toast 4/5 hash browns, medium crisp 5/5 aptmosphere - beautiful mountains, home feeling, nature read more
Great locations with clean restrooms, excellent service and very good food. Only downside? Flies. Being that it is literally out in the middle of nowhere on Highway 120, flies gotta eat too. Unfortunately, instead of dining al fresco, they managed to get into the dining room. I think that every time that the entry door was opened for guests to enter or leave, a couple of flies flew in. Short of an extremely powerful fly fan, I'm not sure what else they can do. We had stopped here the day before to use the restroom and get some orange juice. Our guest from Japan thoroughly enjoyed his freshly squeezed juice so we decided to stop by for lunch on leaving Yosemite. It was about 1pm when we arrived and there were three tables in use outside and three more inside. We were told to sit wherever we liked and menus were presented and drink orders taken. Of course, our guest requested Orange Juice again. I wasn't particularly hungry because I was tired so wanted to eat light. He wanted a smaller portion as well, so we split a BLAT with Onion Rings. My partner ordered a Sassy Brisket Sandwich, also with Onion Rings with a Diet Pepsi. I stuck with Ice Water. When our sandwiches arrived, our BLAT was served on two plates with Onion Rings on each. While $16 plus $3 for the Rings may seem a bit high in price, it's not. It was well worth it. Lots of crispy bacon, sweet tomato slices, creamy ripe avocado and lettuce on nicely toasted bread. She said that her Brisket Sandwich was delicious and while some of the Onion Rings looked over-fried, everything was on point. When they figure out the fly issue, easy 5 stars from us! And yes, we'll be back on our next trip to Yosemite! read more
1 year ago
6 months ago
3 years ago
9/5/22 Zach, Coco and I stopped here for lunch before finishing the drive home. It was super, super hot that day and we were so glad they have an outdoor patio so that we could have Coco sit outside with us. The staff here are super friendly overall and they also brought a water bowl out for Coco. Here's what we ordered: 1. Lamb and beef kafta kabob (mine) 2. German bratwurst plate (his) 3. Apple crisp a la mode (mine too) If you need to use the restroom, be sure to ask the friendly staff for the code. The restroom is very well maintained. All of the food is made to order and we waited around 15 minutes for the main plates to arrive. The restaurant is situated on top of a hill and there's a nice view, but the flies were everywhere! I felt bad that the flies were landing on Coco the entire time but rather that than trapped in the hot car. As for the food, the sauerkraut and sausage are juicy and delicious. Salad is refreshing. The lamb and beef kebab is so good; it was full of flavor and juicy. The Apple crisp was the perfect touch to end the meal but in the heat it was melting fast so I pretty much ate it within a few minutes after it came out from the kitchen. It's a little pricey, but the quality of the food and service is excellent. read more
10 months ago
1 year ago
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More info about Priest Station Cafe
16756 Old Priest Grade
Big Oak Flat, CA 95305
Directions
(209) 962-1888
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http://prieststation.com/
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Priest Station Cafe - tradamerican - Updated September 2026
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