Unearth The Voyage
Jackson Hole isn’t just about world-class skiing and breathtaking mountain views—it’s also home to some of the most unforgettable dining experiences in the West. From cozy historic houses serving tender elk medallions to gondola-accessed bistros perched thousands of feet above the valley floor, this corner of Wyoming knows how to pair wild flavors with even wilder scenery. Whether you’re craving mesquite-grilled bison, perfectly seared venison, or just a sunset meal with the Tetons as your backdrop, these restaurants deliver adventure on every plate.
1. Gun Barrel Steak & Game House (Jackson) — the classic for game
For decades, locals and visitors alike have trusted Gun Barrel as the valley’s original game-meat headquarters. Walk through the door and you’ll find mesquite-grilled elk steak, thick cuts of bison prime rib, and a signature trio platter that lets you sample elk, bison, and a venison bratwurst all on one plate.
The atmosphere is pure Wyoming—wood beams, mounted antlers, and a menu that reads like a hunter’s dream journal. Servers know their cuts and can guide first-timers through the difference between elk tenderloin and bison ribeye.
If you’re only going to try game meat once in Jackson, this is your spot. Reservations fill quickly during ski season, so plan ahead.
2. The Blue Lion (Jackson) — elk tenderloin in a cozy historic house
Tucked into a century-old blue clapboard house just off the town square, this fine-casual gem has been winning hearts—and stomachs—for years. Elk takes center stage here: expect a beautifully plated tenderloin draped in wild-mushroom port sauce, plus house-made elk meatballs that regulars order by name.
The vibe is intimate and welcoming, with candlelit tables and a menu that changes with the seasons. It’s the kind of place where your server remembers your order if you visit twice.
Couples love it for date night, but families feel just as at home. Make a reservation—the dining room is small and fills up fast on weekends.
3. Snake River Grill (Jackson) — refined takes on elk & venison
Snake River Grill brings a polished, New American lens to Wyoming’s wild flavors. Game isn’t just on the menu here—it’s woven into every season’s lineup with creativity and finesse. Look for elk carpaccio as a starter, a hearty venison “hot bowl” for those craving comfort, and cast-iron seared elk tenderloin that arrives at the table still sizzling.
The dining room feels sleek and modern, a nice counterpoint to the rustic game-house vibe found elsewhere in town. Wine pairings are thoughtful, and the service is polished without feeling stuffy.
It’s ideal for travelers who want wild game but prefer a more refined presentation and atmosphere.
4. Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse (Jackson) — steakhouse vibes, serious game
Located directly beneath the legendary Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, this steakhouse offers all the Western charm you’d expect—saddle barstools upstairs, mounted game downstairs, and a menu that doesn’t hold back. Grilled elk tenderloin and bison flank steak share billing with traditional cuts like ribeye and New York strip.
The atmosphere is loud, lively, and unapologetically touristy in the best way. It’s a place where you can wear your cowboy boots unironically and nobody bats an eye.
Portions are generous, so come hungry. If you’re dining solo, grab a seat at the bar and strike up a conversation—everyone’s friendly here.
5. Spur Restaurant & Bar (Teton Village) — buffalo short ribs & more, near the lifts
Steps from the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Spur delivers what it calls “mountain cuisine”—Alpine-inspired dishes built around regional ingredients. Buffalo short ribs are a standout, slow-braised until they fall apart, and elk appears in creative starters that change with the chef’s whim.
The setting is casual but elevated, with exposed wood and big windows that let in plenty of natural light. Skiers pile in after a day on the slopes, still in their base layers, while others dress up for a proper dinner out.
It’s versatile that way—come as you are, and the kitchen will meet you with bold, satisfying flavors either way.
6. Westbank Grill, Four Seasons (Teton Village) — mountain-view steakhouse with wild game
Perched inside the Four Seasons Resort, Westbank Grill offers a steakhouse experience with a view that rivals anything on the menu. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame Rendezvous Mountain, and as the sun sets, the peaks glow pink and gold. Wild game rotates through the dinner lineup, often appearing as seasonal specials that highlight Wyoming’s hunting heritage.
Service is impeccable—attentive without hovering—and the wine list is deep. Expect premium cuts, expert preparations, and a level of polish that matches the resort’s five-star reputation.
It’s pricey, but if you’re celebrating something special, this is the place to do it right.
7. Piste Mountain Bistro (Top of Bridger Gondola, JHMR) — dine at elevation with valley vistas
Riding the Bridger Gondola isn’t just for skiers—it’s also your ticket to one of the most scenic lunch spots in North America. Piste sits above Teton Village at over 9,000 feet, where every table offers sweeping views of the valley below and the Tetons beyond.
The menu changes seasonally, leaning into hearty European-inspired bistro fare that fuels both skiers and sightseers. Expect warming soups, creative sandwiches, and shareable plates perfect for a midday break.
Even if you’re not skiing, the gondola ride is worth it for the experience alone. Pack a camera—the views are postcard-perfect year-round.
8. The Deck at Piste (JHMR) — open-air happy-hour legend with the best valley view
When the afternoon sun starts its slow slide across the Tetons, locals know exactly where to be: The Deck at Piste. This open-air gathering spot sits at 9,095 feet, accessible by gondola, and it’s become the stuff of legend for good reason.
Order small plates, grab a craft cocktail or local beer, and settle into a chair with a view that stretches for miles. The vibe is relaxed and social—strangers become friends over shared sunset photos.
It’s not about fancy food here; it’s about the moment. Arrive an hour before sunset and watch the light paint the valley gold.
9. Mural Room, Jackson Lake Lodge (GTNP) — “Tetons from every table”
Inside Grand Teton National Park, the Mural Room lives up to its reputation with a jaw-dropping 60-foot window wall that frames the Teton Range in all its glory. Every seat in the house gets a view, making it one of the most photographed dining rooms in the entire park system.
The menu leans classic American with regional touches, and while it’s not a game-focused spot, the setting more than compensates. Breakfast here is especially magical, when morning light spills across the peaks.
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially in summer. Arrive early to walk the lodge’s historic hallways and take in the murals that give the room its name.
10. Jenny Lake Lodge Dining Room (GTNP) — intimate lodge dining beneath the peaks
Open only from June through early October, Jenny Lake Lodge Dining Room is a seasonal treasure tucked at the base of the Tetons. This is fine dining in the truest sense—reservations are essential, the menu emphasizes local and regional sourcing, and the atmosphere is refined yet warm.
Expect multi-course meals that change nightly, showcasing the best of Wyoming’s short but abundant growing season. The lodge itself feels like stepping back in time, with log-cabin charm and impeccable hospitality.
It’s a splurge, but the combination of location, quality, and ambiance makes it a once-in-a-trip experience worth planning around.
11. Amangani Grill (East Gros Ventre Butte) — serene butte-top views, premium local sourcing
Perched high on East Gros Ventre Butte, Amangani Grill offers a dining experience as serene as it is sophisticated. The resort’s signature restaurant focuses on regional ingredients, and wild game regularly appears on the menu in elegant, thoughtfully composed dishes.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame unobstructed views of the valley and mountains beyond, and the minimalist design lets the landscape do the talking. Service is quiet, attentive, and anticipatory—hallmarks of the Aman brand.
It’s ideal for travelers seeking a more tranquil, zen-like dining experience. Dress code is smart casual, and reservations are a must, especially at sunset.
12. Aurora at Snow King Mountain (Jackson) — new gondola-access dining with regional game
Jackson’s newest high-altitude dining experience, Aurora opened atop Snow King Mountain with immediate buzz. Ride the gondola up as the sun dips low, and you’ll arrive at a modern space where windows frame the Teton Range in cinematic fashion.
The seasonal menu has featured regional meats like elk and buffalo, prepared with a contemporary touch that feels fresh and exciting. It’s still finding its rhythm, but early reviews praise both the food and the setting.
Because it’s new, reservations are easier to snag than at some of the valley’s older legends—but that won’t last long once word spreads.
