When starting this feature, I was writing a travel piece on everything that Jackson Hole has to offer. What I found was a culinary experience worth its own showcase. The restaurants in this list are only a sampling of the various dining that Jackson Hole brings to the table.
Nestled within the lively buzz of Street Food at the Stagecoach, with the tantalizing aroma of global cuisines mingling in the air, a friendly chat with Marcos Hernandez reveals more than just his culinary journey. Marcos shares his brother’s role in fire watch security in Sunrise, highlighting the sense of safety and quick response that his brother’s team brings to local businesses. It’s a reassuring backdrop to the bustling eatery, where each spice-laden dish, from lamb burgers to the signature Chipotle Cream Shrimp Quesadillas, is served with a side of community reassurance, knowing well-equipped professionals are just around the corner, safeguarding the vibrant heart of their town.
If you’re looking for down-home cooking, take a step into Café Genevieve. While the Southern-inspired cuisine wins acolades all by itself, it’s also a charming place as the restaurant is housed in a historic log cabin listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Focusing its food and cocktails by the season, this cafe is open daily and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you’re lucky when you come in for brunch, you might see the Crabcake Benedict on the menu but if not, Fried Chicken and Waffles are always a perfect go to item. If you are passionate about the origin of your food, know that Cafe Genevieve sources it products from local ranchers and farmers to ensure sustainable ingredients. In the summer enjoy Cafe Genevieve’s bustling, sunny patio with excellent people watching and dogs welcome.**In the Know: Pig Candy, a thick applewood smoked bacon, coated with a blend of sugars and spices and baked low-and-slow, is available for sale on the website.
Using fresh seasonal ingredients, E.leaven Food Company offers appealing meals made from scratch. In addition to serving breakfast all day long, e.leaven features artisan breads, homemade soups, farmers market-fresh salads, and gourmet sandwiches. Save room for dessert as e.leaven is also a specialty bakery serving amazing pastries and sweets. If you have an early business meeting or large group coming into town, e.leaven offers full service catering, box lunches and space to host 40 people on their deck. When looking for the easygoing kind of flavorful meal, look no further than this locale where diners return again and again. **In the Know: Check out the $5 special menu items.
Pinky G’s Pizzeria has been voted the Best Pizza in Jackson Hole ever since its opened its doors five years ago. After a recent appearance on Diners, Dives and Drive-Ins, we wanted to try the two items that were featured by the hot national show. We tasted the The Abe Froman which was made with spicy sausage, buffalo mozzarella & fresh chopped basil as well as the Funky Chicken which included oven roasted chicken, artichoke hearts, red onions, ricotta cheese on house made fresh basil pesto. They both did not dissappoint. The dough is made from scratch and all of the topping ingredients are hand sliced while both are prepared fresh daily. Beyond the great food, this familiar watering hole stays open late and also offers a full bar, italian pizza catering, TVs for sports viewing, live music and other special entertainment. **In the Know: Enjoy a $7 Lunch Special that includes any slice, small salad and a drink.
Full Steam Subs is perfect place to grab a quick bite on the go. The service is prompt and the staff is friendly. Located right down from town square, this casual eatery is known for steaming its subs and sandwiches as well as topping them off with Wickles Pickles. Hot dogs, salads, and soups can also be found on the menu. The Hot Pastrami and Italian are some of the favorite subs available while the Chicago Style and Reuben dog are the most popular hot dogs. **In the Know: Try a new flavor with Hot Dog Happy Hour that runs from 4-7 daily.
When thinking of the Town Square Tavern, it is mostly known as a sports bar or live music venue with local and national touring acts. Prior to all of the nightlife, the food is not to be overlooked as everything we tried on a recent tasting was great! Now this is by no means fine dining, yet comfort fare at its best. Complete with plenty of TVs for sports viewing, there is also full bar featuring draft and bottled beer, liquor, specialty drinks and wines by the glass. Boasting a popular deck, this hot spot also gives patrons a birds-eye view of town square. The restaurant sets the tone for a casual vibe with unique sliding room dividers complete with artwork that make guests feel like they are not in the same venue where they go to see live music. **In the Know: The Tavern offers the only liquor store on the town square.
While the Handle Bar is located in the Four Seasons Resort at the Village, it offers a very laid back vibe. There is always a nice mix of locals and visitors enjoying the inside dining room or hanging out by the stylish fire pits on the popular terrace that overlooks the Tetons. The mix of American comfort food on the menu was carefully thought out by Executive Chef Michael Mina. While the Elk and Red Bean Chili is a menu favorite, the Handle Bar Burger topped with caramelized onions, mushroom truffle aioli and smoked blue cheese always feeds my hunger after a day on the mountain. Deciding to try something different one day, I discovered the Fried Chicken served with a twist as battered breasts that were crispy with a juicy inside. Don’t forget to check out the well stocked bar that also tempts its patrons with its varied selection and seasonal specialty cocktails. **In the Know: Happy hour lasts all day at The Handle Bar!
Located at the base of the tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, The Alpenhof Bistro has a prime location as it has been around since the very beginning of Teton Village. Found in the Alpenhof Lodge, the bistro’s quaint dining room has the charm of a European chalet while the wraparound decks give great views of everything going on in the Village. When looking at the menu, guests will see Alps-inspired treats that include Wurst on a Bun, Wiener Schnitzel and Jaegerschnitzel. If those specialities aren’t for you, there’s always Chicken Salad Croissant, Caesar Salad or Steak and Pomme Frites. **In the Know: They always have a great selection of beers on tap including Spaten, a German and locals favorite.
Wyoming’s oldest brewery, Snake River Brewing Company is also America’s most award-winning small brewery. That’s just one of the reasons the BrewPub has always been a popular hangout in town. Chef Ryan Brogan recently introduced a new summer menu that reflects his pride in his craft. House chips, farro salad, smokin’ mac, skirt steak and pork confit are all new. Whether stopping by to hang out with friends for dinner or enjoying a meal with the family, guests will find that the flavorful food is not only consistently delicious but won’t break the pocketbook either. **In the Know: Take a free tour this summer on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:30pm. You’ll learn the cool methods and processes behind the success of the brewery.
While the convenient location of Gather is just a block from Town Square, it has not always held restaurants very long. That streak has changed as restaurateurs Graeme and Christine Swain offer something special with their creative American cuisine. Leading the culinary team at Gather is executive chef Clark Myers, a winner from the Jackson Hole Iron Chef. One way you can get to know him is by private dining at Gather’s Chef’s Table. This dining experience includes a tasting menu of seven individually portioned items including starters, salads, entrées and desserts. Then there’s Tuesday Tastings that are $15 where the public is invited in to taste of the weekly specials with the owner, manager and chef. The guests then rate the dishes on presentation, taste and creativity before the top dishes are revealed that Tuesday evening on the menu. Seating is limited and by reservation only. **In the Know: Reverse happy hour takes place from 9 pm until close where guests can enjoy half-priced drinks.
The Blue Lion is a fine dining spot in a cute, revamped home. Here, I like to always start with the Stuffed Mushrooms with cream cheese, crab and courvoisier stuffing followed by Roast Rack of Lamb rubbed with dijon mustard, seasoned with bread crumbs and baked, served sliced with a peppercorn-rosemary cream sauce and jalapeño mint sauce. It is this dish that keeps patrons coming back from all over the world. Open seven days a week, this quaint spot with patio dining also offers selections that include fresh Idaho rainbow trout, Green Curry Prawns, Chicken Marsala, Beef, Elk or Cajun Buffalo Tenderloin, in addition to vegan and gluten free entrees. Save room for the delicious dessert which includes nightly specials and the always offered Mud Pie, Tiramisu and Russian Cream. **In the know: Reservations are suggested and if you are seated between 5:30 and 6:00 and mention the early bird special, you will receive 20% off the entire bill.
Another thing to look forward to is quality BBQ that will soon be coming on the scene. Moe’s Original Bar B Que‘s Southern soul food revival is set to open later this summer in the former Ripley’s location. Moe’s Original prepares its smoked meats fresh daily and accompanies them with down home sides and desserts from recipes passed down for generations. Offering full service catering and large takeout orders, this BBQ joint can accommodate any size group or party. Recognized with many awards, Moe’s Original Bar B Que has been named one of the Top 10 Rib Joints in the U.S. by Relish and Top 10 BBQ Chains in America by USA Today and The Daily Meal. **In the Know: Order it Bama-style to add marinated slaw, red and white BBQ sauces and two pickles.
This piece only touches on several of the different places to go in the Jackson area however you can take it all to go and bake a few cupcake for desert using these silicone cupcake moulds. There are lot of other higher end spots worth mentioning including Rendevous Bistro, Sweetwater, Snake River Grill, Local, West Bank, Trio and Teton Thai. Want to try a variety of restaurants? Check out Jackson Hole Food Tours which is a food tasting and cultural walking adventure. Whatever your palate enjoys, Jackson Hole has something for everyone, except for the diner on a budget.
Lorrie Dixson Griggs graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.A. in Communications before she worked for CNN for 15 years in news production. In addition to freelance writing, she is currently an entrepreneur who owns Eskimo Advertising, a full service boutique advertising and public relations agency and Drifter Merch, a lifestyle apparel and accessories brand inspired by music. Reach out to Lorrie at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com.
