Eating + drinking your way across Jackson Hole

Visiting Jackson Hole, Wyoming is often synonymous with epic powder days during winter and breathtaking hikes in the nearby national park during the summer months. Crowds flock for ski season running from November to April and warmer activities ranging from July thru September. The great outdoors here are complemented by a culinary scene that rivals any major city. Restaurants, bars, and other local establishments serve up eclectic options that will surely hit the spot after some of your cardio. More than 2.6 million visit the region each year in a state with a staggering low population of ~600,000. Whether you’re as hungry as a bear, looking for a crisp craft beer, or interested in smaller bites, I have some Slam Spots served up for you!

Breakfast: Look no further than Persephone Bakery for a chic respite from those frigid Wyoming mornings. This french-inspired outpost sells breads and pastries with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Operating at two locations, Downtown Jackson and Westbank Center off Moose Wilson Road, the entire valley can now indulge in some scrumptious treats. The hype is most definitely real as the Persephone team took home a James Beard Semifinalist Award in 2020. Some sweet choices to try out include the cinnamon brioche, morning glory muffin, and the banana nutella bread. If you’re feeling savory, order the shakshuka, egg sandwich, or quiche lorraine. Wash down your bites from a bevy of the hot beverages on the menu before you embark on your daily activities.

Brewery Scene: Whether it’s aprés ski season or the wind down after some thrilling river rafting, imbibe a few pints at the local breweries. Located at the base of Snow King Mountain, StillWest Brewery & Grill boasts a spacious upstairs restaurant as well as a ground floor taproom. Known colloquially as “The Town Hill,” this family ski area was Jackson’s first winter recreation area back in 1936. Enjoy the mountainside views from StillWest and dabble in some of my hoppy recommendations. Beers in my traveling party that were enjoyed include May the Pils be with You, Eye of the World IPA, and Cosmic Nebula Hazy IPA. Just a few blocks away near the town square, Snake River Brewing has been pouring cold ones since 1994. “Brewed with a touch of the Tetons,” this establishment is humbly honored to be America’s most awarded small brewery. During my February visit, I was pleased with the Jenny Lake Lager and Cross Czech Pilsner. The open industrial style of the building makes Snake River a convivial gathering spot! Make sure to add a sticker to the water tower at the entrance (you’ll know what I mean).

Carnivore's Delight: Former home of the Wyoming Wildlife Museum and Taxedry, the restaurant space occupied by Gun Barrel Steak and Game House is unique to say the least. For the last three decades, patrons have been dining on exotic game meats such as bison, venison, or elk. Enjoy the steakhouse experience while locking eyes with mounted game trophies of all sizes. Begin your grand feast with house-made focaccia bread and “very healthy” fried green tomatoes. Some meat options to order for the table include bison prime rib, elk loin, and beef short ribs. For over 40 years, Bubba’s Bar-B-Que Restaurant has graced Jackson Hole as its longest standing and favorite BBQ spot. This old-school joint dishes out delicious brisket, smoked pork shoulder, and 9 different sides. Mounted TVs hover around the lively bar area while booth-seating make up the outer perimeter grounds.

Fast Casual:

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, on a budget, or even traveling solo, Jackson Hole covers the bases. Liberty Burger is a Texas-based burger bar that has pulled up shop in the Cowboy State. After a tiring YET incredible day of powder skiing, I came across this spot in need of quick protein and carbs. I decided to go basic and order The Liberty Burger with some sweet potato fries. I greatly appreciated learning about their sustainable practices with farming and food preparation.

Outside of Town:

Hopefully I’m not leaking a well-kept secret but you may need to hop in a car and leave downtown to find this pizza joint. Celebrating 2 years of business this past November, Bill and Rosyln Smithers fire up deep dish pizza and family-style takeout meals to the Jackson Hole area. The cabin-like space at Wilson Pizza is very cozy, seating about 12 people. Our group was famished on day 1 so our order looked like this: garlic knots, lasagna, meat pizza, and reba pizza. This was a perfect discovery for us because we were struggling to find restaurants that weren’t taking reservations.

Local Watering Hole:

Yee-haw you cowboys and cowgirls! Let's say I saved the final hoorah for Wyoming’s most iconic watering hole. Established in 1937, Million Dollar Cowboy Bar brings a lively wild west energy each night through live music and dance. Vintage decorations and memorabilia cover the walls inside this landmark venue. Go ahead and strap yourself into the saddle seats as you gallup into the bar. Boots and hats are optional however, it’s highly encouraged to get a whiskey or bourbon on the rocks. There you have it folks, a guide mapping out some food and drink options around Jackson Hole!