Field Notes

Guide’s Guide to the Best Restaurants in Jackson Hole!

by JasonApr 15, 2013
World Chocolate Master Chef Oscar Ortega in Jackson Hole Wyoming.
World Chocolate Master Chef Oscar Ortega in Jackson Hole Wyoming
Jackson Hole’s Oscar Ortega competing in the World Master Chocolate competition in Paris France. Chef Ortega is the owner of Coco Love and Atelier Ortega in Jackson Wyoming.

Where to eat: The valley of Jackson Hole is home to around 20,000 people but, with over 4 million visitors a year, has enough restaurants to satisfy a mid-sized city. The variety is amazing given that you are saddling up for a meal in a remote cowboy town in NW Wyoming. Do you want Thai, Sushi, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Austrian, Italian or just plain old American? Once you know what you want, which usually takes your typical Jackson Hole local about an hour of back and forth to figure out, then you hope it’s not Friday night or July 4! The prices for dinner can vary from about 10.00-100.00 per person so each of our recommendations will include 1-3 dollar symbols to give you an idea of cost. $ is under 10.00, $$ is under 30.00 and $$$ is over 50.00. These are estimates based on our own bills and definitely depends on what you order. These are places we like or know are good from our clients. Restaurants can change in quality pretty quick so if they’re not on our list they could be pretty good and ones here could go down hill with the change of a chef. With that said this is a good place to start, places favored and frequented by locals.

Breakfast:

 Bubba’s $ – (Jackson) A good place for a hearty breakfast without breaking the bank. You will see a lot of locals lining up here. If you’re on a budget or want to fit in order the working man’s special. It’s not on the menu.

 The Bunnery $– (Jackson) Another Jackson Hole classic! During high season there might be a line out the door so get here early or be prepared to wait. Try the Gros Ventre Slide or other locally named dish.

 Creekside Market and Deli $ (Jackson) This is the place to grab a quick burrito, breakfast sandwich or bagel and a hot cup of locally roasted coffee to get the day started. Also a great place to stock up on sandwiches, supplies and drinks before heading north into the parks.

 DOG $ – (Jackson) Down on Glen or DOG is the locals go to for a solid breakfast burrito. Order one up with meat or veggies and spicy or mild depending on your taste. A DOG burrito is often all you will need until dinner.

 Nora’s Fish Creek Inn $ – (Wilson) A hearty breakfast in a rustic setting. Saddle up to the bar if you don’t want to wait for a table. Either way enjoy a good meal surrounded by locals and tourists alike.

 Pearl Street Bagels $ – (Jackson) This locally owned coffee house and bagel shop is a must try. With a location in both Jackson and Wilson you are never too far from a cub of locally roasted coffee or one of their signature bagels. The local’s tip here is they don’t toast their bagels so don’t ask and choose from a variety of house made cream cheese flavors.

 Shades Cafe $ – (Jackson) This is my favorite place to eat breakfast but you have to get used to a more limited menu and small space. Housed in an historic log cabin, they serve up great eggs benedict variations and burritos.

 Terra Cafe $ – (Teton Village) Situated inside Hotel Terra, this is my go to breakfast stop before skiing Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. A varied menu, good food and convenient location in Teton Village bring me back.

Lunch:

 Backcountry Provisions $ – (Jackson) Tucked away just off the square, this is a good place to grab a sandwich to take into field.

 Betty Rock $ – (Jackson) I might eat here more than anywhere in Jackson! This is especially since they introduced their burgers and fries which I think might just be the best in Jackson. They also have a varied menu, fresh baked goods and milkshakes.

 Bon Appe Thai $$ – (Jackson) Just off of town square in Jackson, this small Thai owned and operated restaurant is a popular locals spot for both lunch and dinner.

 Creekside Market $ (Jackson) Mentioned above, Nick and his crew provide a one stop shop for anyone heading into the parks and wanting to bring a lunch, snacks or cocktails with them on their journey.

 Dornan’s $$ (Moose) This is a classic Jackson Hole eatery located in the middle of Teton Park. They have an amazing wine selection (which you can buy in their retail store and bring into the restaurant with no corkage fee!), good pizza, calzones and salads and most importantly an upper and lower deck that look out over the Snake River and the Teton Range. You will see more than one climber saddled up to the bar here on a summer day.

 Jenny Lake Lodge $$ – (Grand Teton National Park) This historic ranch situated just up from Jenny Lake serves up gourmet food at fast food prices (almost). You might want to call to make a reservation because they fill up fast in the summer.

 Pinky G Pizza $ – (Jackson) This is our go to pizza spot in Jackson. Fun, casual, and tasty. You can order whole pies or select flavors by the slice and enjoy a local wine while they heat it up.

 Rising Sage Cafe $ – (Jackson) Located inside the National Museum of Wildlife Art, the Rising Sage offers a nice menu overlooking the National Elk Refuge and surrounded by one of the best wildlife art collections in the world.

 Sidewinders American Grill $$ (Jackson) A local’s favorite if your in the mood for a fancy sports bar menu and atmosphere. They have everything from homemade pizzas to Mahi Mahi. This is the place to watch a game since they have more TV’s than seats!

 Signal Mountain Lodge $ – (Grand Teton National Park) This is our go to place when we are out in the park late photographing Grizzlies. The trick here is to now wait in line at the restaurant and sit in the bar area (Trapper Bar). The next and most important local trick….order the full nachos and a margarita! People will stare and you will feed your whole family with one order of nachos.

 Silver Dollar Bar/ Wort Hotel $$ – (Jackson) The Silver Dollar Bar is both a great lunch and dinner restaurant with great nightlife and live music on select nights throughout the year. In the summer you can sit outside and order off either the bar or restaurant menu anywhere on the deck or in the bar.

 The Spur $$ – (Teton Village) Located in Teton Mountain Lodge this is the relaunch of a local’s favorite eatery previously called the Cascade. A creative menu, great cocktails and comfortable atmosphere make this a good place for lunch or dinner. Try their bacon Bloody Mary!

Dinner:

 Bon Appe Thai $$ – (Jackson) Just off of town square in Jackson, this small Thai owned and operated restaurant is a popular locals spot for both lunch and dinner.

 Blue Kitchen $$ – (Jackson) Not to be confused with Blue Lion, ‘The Kitchen’ as it is affectionately called serves up creative modern dishes with fresh ingredients. This is a fun place to go and share several dishes family style.

 Blue Lion $$$ – (Jackson) A Jackson Hole fixture that feeds as many locals as tourists. Locally owned and operated, this is a great fine dining experience with good food and great service. The local’s favorite here is the rack of lamb, their house specialty.

 Dornan’s $$ – (Moose) Located in the heart of Grand Teton National Park, this is the place to grab lunch, dinner or just a drink after a day of adventure in the park. If you are traveling without kids don’t miss their adults only upper deck with stunning views of the Tetons.

 Gun Barrel Steakhouse $$ – (Jackson) Housed in a retired wildlife art museum, this is my favorite steak house in Jackson Hole. Not only are all the old mounts and guns on display, they serve reliably good steak and game, always cooked to perfection. Try their Buffalo Prime Rib – it’s my favorite cut of meat there!

 Nikai Sushi $$$ – (Jackson) If you are in the mood for Sushi while in Jackson Hole this is the place. Even if your not in the mood for Sushi you might consider eating here anyway. This is one of our favorites and definitely requires a reservation.

 Osteria $$$ – (Teton Village) This Italian fine dining restaurant in Hotel Terra is one of our favorite nicer places to have dinner. Make sure to make a reservation as they are packed every night.

 Pica’s Mexican Taqueria $$ – (Jackson) Locally owned and operated Tex Mex and great margaritas. We land here a lot when we are in the mood for something fast, fresh and casual.

 Pinky G Pizza $ – (Jackson) This is our go to pizza spot in Jackson. Fun, casual, and tasty. You can order whole pies or select flavors by the slice and enjoy a local wine while they heat it up.

 Rendezvous Bistro $$$ – (Jackson) This is one of the top fine dining restaurants in town yet casual enough that we regularly drop in after a long day of work at the last minute. They have a great menu and friendly service.

Rusty Parrot $$$ – (Jackson) The Wild Sage’s intimate 32-seat gathering room, with its rugged river rock fireplace, has a full view of our exhibition-style kitchen. Regional offerings feature organically grown produce, local game and meats, sustainable fish and seafood, and freshly prepared desserts.

 Sidewinders American Grill $$ – (Jackson) A local’s favorite if your in the mood for a fancy sports bar menu and atmosphere. They have everything from homemade pizzas to Mahi Mahi. This is the place to watch a game since they have more TV’s than seats!

 Signal Mountain Lodge $ – (Grand Teton National Park) This is our go to place when we are out in the park late photographing Grizzlies. The trick here is to now wait in line at the restaurant and sit in the bar area (Trapper Bar). The next and most important local trick….order the full nachos and a margarita! People will stare and you will feed your whole family with one order of nachos.

 Silver Dollar Bar/ Wort Hotel $$ – (Jackson) The Silver Dollar Bar is both a great lunch and dinner restaurant with great nightlife and live music on select nights throughout the year. In the summer you can sit outside and order off either the bar or restaurant menu anywhere on the deck or in the bar.

 Snake River Grill $$$ – (Jackson) A Jackson Hole classic fine dining experience. You will definitely need a reservation during the high seasons. The menu changes regularly but tends to include a bit of everything.

 The Spur $$ – (Teton Village) Located in Teton Mountain Lodge this is the relaunch of a local’s favorite eatery previously called the Cascade. A creative menu, great cocktails and comfortable atmosphere make this a good place for lunch or dinner. Try their bacon Bloody Mary!

 Teton Thai $$ (Teton Village) Owned by a young local couple, Teton Thai has quickly become a Jackson Hole fixture. Whether for lunch or dinner, you will love these traditional Thai dishes made by Thai people. The local’s trick here is the spice scale of 1-5 stars. 0 is no spice and 5 is heeding to go to the hospital hot. They will usually not serve new customers much over a 3.

 Trio $$$ – (Jackson) Another favorite of ours and locally owned by a couple young chefs. The wood fired dishes are both creative and delicious but don’t miss the Blue Cheese waffles fries! They are the reason we go in as often as we do.

 West Bank Grill $$$ – (Teton Village) This is my favorite fine dining restaurant in Jackson Hole. Located in the Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole, if you are in the mood for an elegant experience this might be a good choice. Use the free valet and show up early for a drink in their bar just off the lobby.

Dessert

 Coco Love $ – (Jackson) This locally owned dessert and gelato shop serves up gourmet treats from world chocolate master Chef Oscar Ortega. Everything served is handmade in Jackson Hole at Ortega’s main kitchen on Scott Lane, Atelier Ortega.

 Atelier Ortega $ – (Jackson) This is world chocolate master Oscar Ortega’s flagship kitchen that supplies his confections to dozens of retailers including his other location Cocoa Love. See cutting edge showpieces on display as his team trains for international competition while producing the best desserts you will ever try.

 Moo’s Ice Cream $ – (Jackson) Located right on town square serving locally made ice cream, made with organic cream and fresh fruits. Try one of their local flavor like their famous wild huckleberry or wild blueberry. A Jackson Hole classic!

 

Jason Williams
Our Expert

Jason Williams

Founder / Naturalist Guide
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