VOGUE: Best of the Best in Jackson Hole
See Why Locals Call This Western Town Neverland
One trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and it’s easy to see why locals call it Neverland. It’s the kind of place that lures you in forever with its top-rated skiing, picturesque parks, laid-back vibe, town square straight out of a Western movie, and bustling culinary scene that rivals most other outdoor destinations. And with the recent opening of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s Sweetwater Gondola—which gives intermediate skiers more skiable terrain—everyone wants a piece of the action this year.
While carnivorous delights grace menus at quintessential steak houses like the famous underground Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse, White Buffalo Club, and Westbank Grill—which are not to be overlooked by any means—there is a bounty of other unique dining options to explore. Here, a list of standout restaurants and bars to add to your agenda on your next Jackson Hole vacation.
It’s the unassuming, relaxed atmosphere paired with chef Jeff Drew’s innovative mountain cuisine that keeps everyone coming back to Snake River Grill, a fine-dining staple since 1993. The SRG steak tartare pizza with house-made garlic aioli presents one of the most memorable eating experiences you could ever give yourself. “It has been on the menu for more than 15 years and we serve approximately 3,500 pizzas every year,” notes Drew. Popular cilantro and jalapeño beer-battered onion rings served on a branding iron and wild game chorizo–stuffed dates—because the chef likes to present wild game to guests in different ways—are truly delectable.
Lotus has become the first choice for those craving something on the healthy side without sacrificing taste. It’s a “wellness center in the form of a restaurant,” owner Amy Young explains. Think: eggs Benedict with citrus béarnaise that won’t put you into a food coma, and açaí bowls so glorious they deserve an Instagram snap. Its sleek new home in Town Square also features an attractive bar setup. Quench your thirst with a refreshing Bloody Mary made with cold pressed juice or Just Beets, a beet-centric but not overpowering concoction that will “add an hour or two to your life,” notes bartender Logan Sanders.
Late-night cravings can only be satisfied at one spot: Pinky G’s. No frills, no fuss, just darn good pizza. If a pepperoni slice the size of your face doesn’t cut it, opt for the Abe Froman pie with mozzarella, basil, and spicy sausage—well worth the wait.
Chilly days in town are best spent warming up with spicy Mexican hot chocolate at chef Oscar Ortega’s “dessert boutique” CocoLove. His proprietary blend of Mexican cocoa and spices will leave you all warm and fuzzy inside as you browse stores like Made and Paper & Grace both in the vicinity of the town square.
If you find yourself pondering a casual, quick meal, perch at Trio’s bar for dinner. Order the mussels and a side of waffle fries—but be prepared. These aren’t just any waffle fries; they come with a sinful blue cheese fondue sauce. (Insider’s tip: Order the sauce on the side so the fries don’t get soggy.)
Persephone Bakery, Jackson’s French-style bakery and coffee shop, became so wildly popular that owners Kevin and Ali Cohane opened sister property Picnic last year. While it offers the same core pastries and coffee as Persephone does, you can also nosh on dreamy toast combinations and quirky American favorites like gourmet pop tarts and red velvet whoopie pies. Pork and egg toast smothered in maple cream exists and is the perfect marriage of salty and sweet. It’s completely acceptable to sip a bourbon any time of day in a ski town, so order the Kentucky Breakfast with nitro cold brew, bourbon, and chocolate chile bitters.
Fred Peightal and chef Josh Governale, the culinary duo behind Cafe Genevieve(perhaps the best brunch in town), are at it again with newly opened Orsetto, an Italian-inspired eatery that features Negronis. Order a Negroni Bianco plus fried olives with gorgonzola cheese to start, but save room for the chicken liver bruschetta and house-made pasta—so divine, you may find yourself asking for seconds. Since portions are split, you can have the best of two worlds at one setting: cacio e pepe and spicy fusilli alla vodka. End with a cannoli and glass of Italian white, or opt for a flight of three amari to help you digest.
For early risers, a trip to Pearl Street Bagels—with locations in Jackson and Wilson—is a must. But a word to the wise: Don’t ask for your bagel to be toasted. These bagels are so fresh and warm that toasting is entirely unnecessary (and borderline offensive). Smear with tomato herb or spicy house-made Mexican cream cheese and order a frozen mocha—even on the frostiest of days, it is simply perfect.
Bin 22, a local favorite, is a tapas bar with a liquor store attached that features exceptional wines by the glass. The best way to enjoy an afternoon is to pull up a barstool, befriend the bartender on duty, and work your way through the chalkboard wall list of wines. House-pulled mozzarella with wild mushrooms and the daily arancini are two things your palate needs to experience. When all is said and done, you can score a bottle of your favorite wine and a tub of artisan ice cream sandwiches from sister brand Cream + Sugar to go.
The Rose’s chef-driven menu is a great way to eat your way through local, seasonal ingredients, and it’s quite unique to Jackson Hole. While à la carte is available, it’s best to indulge in a four- or seven-course tasting menu expertly paired with wines. Artful bites are presented on stunning pottery, rustic wooden squares, and in apothecary-style glass jars with lids. The menu changes weekly, but expect to see sturgeon, referred to as “mountain sashimi,” surface frequently. Even more obscure, Sub Rosa is a chef’s table experience offered each Wednesday night. If you have it in your post-food coma state of mind, stick around for the most avant-garde cocktails out West at the bar.
Après is best spent at The Handle Bar at Four Seasons Jackson Hole in Teton Village, where you’ll find the A-list crowd sipping whiskey neat. Between Michael Mina’s Ramen Bar pop-up and a Mountain Whiskey Ceremony—where essence of pine, cinnamon, and marshmallow are torched to “accentuate the spirit”—a good time is practically guaranteed. The enticing s’mores cart filled with house-made confectioneries via pastry chef Rhonda Ashton allows you to roast marshmallows table-side—a real treat.
Ride up Bridger Gondola and take an intermittent ski lunch break at Piste Mountain Bistro. At 9,000 feet in elevation, your feast is paired with unmatchable valley views on a bluebird day. Reserve a coveted window seat and bring your appetite: The rosemary French dip on a fresh, crispy ciabatta roll is a must—you get to dip it in pancetta butter. Share an order of confit duck wings, creamy mac and cheese with pulled pork, and an obligatory skillet of warm monkey bread with banana caramel and cinnamon salt. With an impressive wine list, a plethora of local brews, and craft cocktails, lunch often leads into après.
Try the Groomer, with local Highwater Vodka, rosé, raspberry shrub, mint, and lime.
A gas station turned New York City–style bodega at the base of Teton Village is a one-stop shop you’ll want to peruse. As the name implies, Bodega is known for an epic selection of local grocery items. It also boasts a butcher shop and a small but impressive liquor selection. More important, sloshies (boozy adult slushies in the form of craft cocktails) and Roadhouse Brewing Company beers can be found on tap at the bar.
If you encountered a night out at Stagecoach Bar (known simply as “the Coach” to locals), you’d be wise to spend the morning after at James Beard Award–winning Nora’s Fish Creek Inn in quaint Wilson. While the line may seem daunting, you’ll want to suck it up for two reasons: endless drip coffee and unbeatable huevos rancheros with Nora’s famous green salsa.
