Did you know there’s a restaurant in Arizona where you have to travel 210 feet underground just to grab a bite to eat?
Hidden deep beneath the desert, this unusual dining spot is surrounded by ancient rock formations and millions of years of history.
With room for only a few guests, eating here feels more like a secret adventure than your typical dinner date.
So, what’s on the menu at this mysterious restaurant, and how do you actually get down there?
You’re about to find out!
Where Is It?
You’ll find Grand Canyon Caverns Grill inside the Grand Canyon Caverns complex in Peach Springs, Arizona, at Mile Marker 115 along historic Route 66.
It’s roughly a 65-minute drive from Kingman, 1 hour and 40 minutes from Flagstaff, and 2 hours and 45 minutes from Las Vegas, making it an easy stop to add to your itinerary.
About
Imagine sitting down for a meal 210 feet underground, surrounded by ancient limestone walls, with no windows and millions of years of history all around you.
That’s what makes Grand Canyon Caverns Grill, also known as The Crystal Restaurant, one of the state’s most unusual places to eat.
Discovered by chance in 1927, the caverns are part of a 345-million-year-old cave system that stretches 60 miles toward the Grand Canyon.
Unlike most caves, which have dripping water, underground streams, and damp walls, Grand Canyon Caverns are almost completely dry.
As a result, you won’t see many stalactites hanging from the ceiling or stalagmites rising from the floor.
To reach the restaurant, you’ll take an elevator deep underground before climbing the stairs to a small dining platform 25 feet above the cavern floor.
With seating for just a few guests, the experience feels far more intimate than your typical cafe visit.
And while the setting is anything but ordinary, the food sticks to classic American comfort dishes like burgers, BBQ pulled pork, and hearty chicken meals.
You can also choose from options like a 12-ounce ribeye steak, smoked chicken salad, or a vegetarian black bean burger, depending on the menu available during your visit.
The food is prepared above ground and transported down into the caverns, since there’s no traditional restaurant kitchen 210 feet below the desert.
That means your meal has to make quite a journey before reaching your table, which is pretty cool!
Know Before You Go
Hours and Reservations
If you’re planning to dine at Grand Canyon Caverns Grill, reservations are required, and meals are offered as part of a guided cavern tour package.
According to the official website, lunch tours are available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., while dinner tours run from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with meals served after each tour.
The Tour & Lunch package costs $69.95 per person, while the Tour & Dinner package costs $89.95 per person.
Hours, prices, and availability may change, so contact Grand Canyon Caverns before visiting.
What If You Just Want a Quick Meal?
If you forgot to make a reservation or would rather grab a quick meal without booking an underground tour, you can visit the grill above ground instead.
It features a lunch patio, daytime tavern, and full-service restaurant serving favorites like cheeseburgers, fries, salads, and tasty appetizers.
It’s open daily from noon to 7 p.m., so you can stop in for a hearty meal whenever you need a break from exploring.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit, especially from March to May and September to November, when the weather is more comfortable for exploring Route 66.
However, the caverns stay around 56°F year-round, so bring a light jacket to stay comfortable during your underground tour and meal.
Things to Do Nearby
If you have extra time before or after your meal, there are plenty of interesting places nearby worth checking out.
You can drive 15 minutes to the Historic Peach Springs Trading Post, an interesting stone building built in 1928 where locals once traded handmade crafts, food, and other goods.
Across the street from there, you’ll find the Hualapai Cultural Center, where you can explore exhibits about the tribe’s history, traditional crafts, and cultural heritage.
If you’re up for a longer drive from the restaurant, visit the Seligman Historic District, lined with historic buildings, classic motels, and quirky shops that bring Route 66’s past to life.
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