Captainamerica

As one approaches that tiny hamlet town on the way to Yosemite, it might be that Massachusetts Lemon Laws a quick blink you are past....Don't blink! Groveland is full of wonderful things to do whether you are Yosemite bound or just out for a road trip. that quaint gold mining village poised at the edge of the Sierras is quick becoming a diner's Mecca for quality selections spanning a myriad of styles from the fast and affordable to extraordinary and posh.

Lets first talk about the more unique dining choices.... The Iron Door Saloon is a favorite amongst regular two-wheeled travelers to Groveland. The eclectic saloon boasts of being the oldest continuously operating saloon in California and the aged woodwork and huge iron doors are testament to that. Once famous for their buffalo burgers, guests can now also enjoy such California styled treats as chicken Caesar rollups. The Iron Door Saloon is absolutely worth a stop for old west ambiance, intrigue and an interesting set of characters, hungry or not! 209.962.8904.

For the romantics, there is the Victoria Room at the Groveland Hotel. that special-event dining establishment has a beautiful and hushed dining room providing peace and romance for a lovely dinner for two. The gourmet menu pairs well with their Wine Spectator Award wining wine list. Even the new chef, Greg Lutes, comes with a list of accolades including one from Zagat. 209.962.4000.

Pine Mountain Lake, a private community just around the corner from Groveland, has a Country Club that is open to the public. Capable of seating up to 200 persons, the Country Club is always the choice for big venued events. While perhaps better known for their dinners, their greatest assets are the Yosemite peaked views. With that in mind, we strongly encourage a lingering lunch on the deck where you can enjoy the both the views above and the golfers below. 209.962.8636.

Evergreen Lodge is a tucked away gem. You cheap life assurance never find that place by accident. Located 8 miles off of Highway 120 and nearly at the Hetch Hetchy entrance to Yosemite, visitors here will find a lodge setting, a reminder of the movie Dirty Dancing, with campfires and s'mores nightly. The main log cabin building holds a good sized restaurant and bar and serves both a gourmet menu and a casual menu of burgers and such. The setting is great fun with an occasional live band on weekends and the food is tastey. 209.379.2606.

The Hotel Charlotte with its owner-chef run dining room Cafe Charlotte is popular with locals and visitors alike and is often said to be like coming to Lynn & Victor's house for dinner. With an oft changing menu, guests will be at once impressed with the wide variety of choices including selections originating from as far away as Argentina and Thailand mixed in with traditional mediterranean favorites. A small but diverse wine list featuring choices from Sierra Foothill wineries compliments the menu nicely. 209.962.6455.

every of these venues offers up a Look great for the Summer with Medifast and get one week FREE! (Use code PROMO at checkout!) of special event dinners throughout the year featuring wineries, music, guest chef's, themed nights and oodles more. Our most famed collaborative event is the annual Progressive Dinner, scheduled for October 26th, which starts at one dining room and moves from restaurant to restaurant through four courses and ends with dancing at either the Country Club or the Iron-Door-Saloon.www.HotelCharlotte.comwww.HotelCharlotte.com. has a listing of local scheduled events from these restaurants and more.

Next let's give mention to the quick-stop local favorites for a fair bite at a good price with warm service thrown in for good measure. every of these stops can boast a blue ribbon, best in class for some specialty or another and are often the choice for travelers heading through town for a quick bite.

As you peak The Grade coming from the west on Highway 120, your first chance for a meal is Big Oak Lounge, open for breakfast, lunch and diner. that bar with restaurant has recently installed a balanced wine list with an entry level choice, nice mid-priced wine and a great higher-end wine to choose from in both reds and whites. The regular menu features huge servings and abroad selection of favorites including some delicious New York steaks, 209.962.6015

Heading into Groveland, two miles further down the road, on the right is the tiny 10 seater Hot Doggie car insure up the famous Casper brand of Hotdogs and a few other choices, all made to order, well priced and delicious. 209.962.8986

Just off Main Street in downtown Groveland there is Stan's Que on Back Street. Stan specializes in smoked meats, and the custom bar-b-que sauce is truly one-of-a-kind. Stan and Pam offer outdoor seating only and are open May through October, 209.962.7529.

Directly across from Stan's, but on Main Street is Cocina Michoacana, the popular Mexican restaurant, doing an authentic job seven days a week, lunch and dinner. The green sauce is by far the best we have had north of the border, try the enchiladas.

Continue heading east and at the corner of Feretti Road you will find the traditional diner of PJ's, always hot, always fast and we very much enjoy their soft-serve ice-cream Consolidate debt loan student in the hottest days of August, 209.962.7501.

Just around the corner, on Feretti Road is Two Guys Pizza Pies serving up all-you-can-eat weekday lunch specials that can't be beat! Two Guys also does delivery and has a fresh salad bar, 209-962-GUYS.

If you like a nice country drive, stay on Feretti Road out to the Airport where you will find the little Corsair Cafe serving up a menu that includes burgers and perfect french fries. 209.962-6793

The value and diversity of choice you will receive while dining in Groveland far exceeds the pricing you will find once inside Yosemite National Park. We hope you will stop in Groveland while on your way to Yosemite for a bit, a bite or an overnight!

Lynn Upthagrove, along with her husband Victor, own the Hotel Charlotte, in Groveland, on the way to Yosemite. www.HotelCharlotte.comwww.HotelCharlotte.com.