13 of the Best Places to Eat + Drink in Jackson, Wyoming
Jackson, Wyoming, is a mountain town that is sure to take your breath away. But it can also be a town that fills your stomach with delicious food, warms you up with hot coffee, and replenishes you with quality produce after a long hike. I’ve compiled the best places to eat and drink in Jackson.
Jackson, Wyoming, is often rightly referred to as “God’s country”. I call it “soul space”. Whatever name you give it, there is simply no denying its jagged mountains and dense wildlife populations will leave you in total awe.
Jackson is a gorgeous mountain town just a 15-minute drive from Grand Teton National Park in western Wyoming. I’ve visited multiple times, in every season, and always leave enamored with this special place. In the early 1800s, fur trappers and frontiersmen flocked to Jackson due to its plentiful wildlife. Today, it’s dude ranchers, mountaineers, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts that swarm Jackson. And all of these people, be them avid hikers or casual tourists, need to eat.
When it comes to dining in Jackson, there is something totally unique about its blend of sophistication and informality. Upscale eateries sit on the same street as cowboy bars and breweries. You’ll find people wearing activewear to dinner at fancy ski lodges. The juxtaposition is one of the things I love most about the town because it feels entirely its own.
best time to visit Jackson, Wyoming ↴
Jackson Hole experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Arguably the best times to visit Jackson are in the summer and winter, which are also the busiest times of the year to visit. However, there are perks to visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn), including fewer crowds, beautiful natural colors, and animal activity! I’ve broken it all down for you below:
Spring (April-May) | The spring sees snow-covered mountains and is the best time for wildlife enthusiasts to visit. The weather in the spring can be unpredictable, and the average temperatures are still quite cold.
Summer (June-August) | June, July, and August are peak tourism months. This is the best time of the year to visit Jackson for hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing. It can get very hot and the town gets very crowded. There are a lot of community events during the summer, including the Jackson Hole Rodeo, Grand Teton Music Festival, and the Teton County Fair.
Autumn (September-October) | By September, the temperatures drop, but the fall foliage begins to transform the valley into shades of oranges, yellows, and reds. Some animals, such as Grizzly and black bears, are still active in the autumn, making their final preparations for winter hibernation. Outdoor recreation, for the most part, is still good during this time of year.
Winter (November-March) | If you love skiing or snowboarding, you will not be disappointed by the powder in Jackson Hole. The double-digit negative temperatures and copious amounts of snow make it a snow bunny haven. The slopes are frequented by celebrities who love the cozy cabin vibes for their annual ski trip.
best places to eat in Jackson, Wyoming ↴
Note: I’ve gone ahead and included restaurants and cafes from Jackson’s surrounding towns as well because if you ever find yourself in this little mountain town during the off-season, you’ll come to discover that many of its eateries and local joints are shut completely or open with very limited hours.
Hand Fire Pizza
What once was the 300-seat Teton Theater, is now a wood-fired pizza restaurant with a buzzing bar. At night, when the neon lights are illuminated, Hand Fire brings life to Jackson’s Town Square. Hand Fire’s dough is hand-rolled and their pizzas are made with only the best organic ingredients, which makes the final product taste like it came straight from Naples.
Jackson Drug Co.
For nearly 100 years the Jackson Drug and Original Soda Fountain has been regarded as a landmark amongst Jackson residents and visitors. The building, which was originally a drugstore, opened its doors in 1919. Later, in 1937, the store moved buildings to be on the corner of the Town Square, where you’ll find it today. Burgers, soups, and sandwiches all served inside a Jackson Hole landmark building, passed down from generation to generation— it doesn’t get more “Wyoming” than that.
Glorietta Trattoria
Glorietta’s thoughtful menu is made up of incredible antipasti, homemade pasta, and wood-fired pizzas accompanied by expertly crafted cocktails and Italian wines. The hearth of Glorietta is warm and cozy. It’s an establishment built with natural materials to reflect the beautiful scenery outside. The food and ambiance are both sophisticated without pretense or fuss.
Rations
Technically, Rations is located not in Jackosn. It’s on the edge of the town in Wilson, Wyoming, inside a convenience store and café hybrid called Basecamp. Stop by Basecamp to grab food provisions before or after a hike while you fill your car tank up. You’ll find plenty of healthy fuel here, like quinoa salads and vegetarian wraps. Everything is delicious and made fresh.
Hatch
Hatch is an upscale Taqueria and Tequila bar. Located in downtown Jackson Hole, Hatch’s menu features breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, including delicious margaritas and fresh tacos. Vegan and gluten-free options are available, and Hatch prides itself on serving food made with the freshest ingredients and non-GMO produce. The service here is fantastic!
Pearl Street Bagels
Pearl Street Bagels is a no-fuss-no-frills bagel shop in downtown Jackson that serves scrumptious carbs smothered in cream cheese. The bagels here aren’t toasted, since Pearl Street’s philosophy is that freshly boiled bagels don’t need the extra toasting. If you need something a little more hearty, consider one of Pearl Street’s bagel sandwiches with your choice of ala carte toppings.
Caldera House
Caldera House is a luxury, boutique hotel with views of Teton Valley from all angles. The hotel’s restaurant has a reputation for its decadent dishes, like expertly prepared Bison Steak. This is not a budget-friendly eatery, but if you’re looking for an upscale dining experience in the mountains, Caldera’s restaurant is a great choice.
Gather
Bone Marrow Fried Rice, Donut Holes with Blackberry Dipping Sauce, and Pork Bao Buns— the menu at Gather is nothing if not varied. The innovative and eclectic options at Gather make it a wonderful spot for groups to eat together, because there is something for everyone. Gather is a great local business to support, and recently they’ve begun adding a 1% livable wage supplement to every bill.
Persephone Bakery
Established in 2011, this light and airy coffee shop absolutely stole my heart. Everything about it felt like home to me. Every time we go back to Jackson, we inevitably stop by Persephone for a cappuccino or hot apple cider. I’m not the only one who raves about Persephone. It’s a favourite amongst visitors and locals for good reason. Their world-class bakery produces high-quality artisanal bread and pastries using only the finest ingredients and an old-fashioned stone hearth. Above all of that, however, is Persephone’s commitment to its community.
Picnic Coffee + Cafê
For killer breakfast and lunch in Jackson, Picnic is the place to go. The menu offers patrons classic brunch options (Avocado Toast, Breakfast Burrito, Granola Parfait), as well as delicious pastries (Gluten-Free Raspberry Almond Muffin, Spinach Feta Croissant, Zucchini Bundt Cake with Citrus Glaze) and innovative takes on traditional fare (French Toast Bread Pudding, Jackson Hippie Breakfast Sandwich with beet chips and goat cheese). Lunch is equally as exciting, with a bevy of soups, salads, and sandwiches to choose from. Picnic truly has it all— a beautiful interior and a creative menu.
Teton Thai Village
One of the best surprises about Teton Valley and the Jackson Hole area is that there are a number of fabulous Thai food restaurants. The best among them, in my opinion, is Teton Thai Village. By eating at Teton Thai Village, you are supporting a small, family-owned business. For over a decade, Teton Thai has been dishing up authentic Thai cuisine at the base of the Teton mountains.
Cowboy Coffee Co.
My memory associates a very specific smell with Cowboy Coffee Co. In my mind, it’s a warm cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll. Early in the morning, obviously. You have to visit Cowboy Coffee early in the morning like the locals do. Here, everyone feels like a friend and the space feels familiar. You can grab light pastries along with your morning cup of joe. Cowboy Coffee is right on the corner of Town Square, so it’s easy to find, convenient to visit, and worth the stop.
Coelette
Coelette is another love child of Persephone Bakery’s owners. The interior design, the menu, the concept— it is all a reflection of this husband and wife dynamic duo. Coelette’s menu includes some heavy-hitter entrees, like Sturgeon with Vegetable Ash and the veggie-friendly Squash with Fennel Vinegarette. This eatery is a foodie’s dream thanks to its unexpected culinary combinations, including Burrata in Apple Vinegar.
