A Local’s Guide to Jackson Hole, Wyoming
For three unforgettable years, I called Jackson Hole home. During that time, I worked as the lead concierge at a luxury hotel in Teton Village, where my days were dedicated to crafting memorable vacations for families, couples, and adventurers alike. From organizing ski days and wildlife tours to recommending the perfect spot for après cocktails, I came to know every corner of the valley and I loved helping others discover its magic. Drawing from that experience, I’ve put together this local’s guide to Jackson Hole, a resource I’ve shared countless times with friends and family. Now, I’m excited to share it with you, so you too can experience the beauty of the Tetons like a local.
If you’re planning your own winter trip, consider this your guide to where to stay, eat, and play in Jackson Hole, curated with both visitors and locals in mind.
If you’re planning a trip for the summer, be sure to check out my summer travel guide here!
Where to Stay
During the winter months, Teton Village is ideal for convenience, as it sits at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. If nightlife and a livelier atmosphere are more your speed, you’ll want to stay in downtown Jackson.
- Hotel Terra – A modern and stylish property with ski-in/ski-out access. Its rooftop hot tub is a favorite après spot and also has a spa.
- Teton Mountain Lodge – While a traditional hotel, it offers a cozy mountain-lodge atmosphere along with an outdoor pool, a rooftop hot tub, and one of the best restaurants in Teton Village: Spur, famous for après-ski, craft cocktails, and an award-winning chef.
- Four Seasons – As you’d expect, it’s luxurious and beautiful, but comes with a much higher price tag. While it’s an excellent option, many visitors prefer to put their budget toward experiences in the valley instead.
Where to Eat
Jackson Hole is a foodie’s paradise, with everything from casual grab-and-go spots to fine dining experiences.
Teton Village
- Teton Thai – A local favorite for authentic Thai cuisine.
- Spur – Located inside Teton Mountain Lodge, it’s the go-to après spot with outstanding food and drinks.
- Handle Bar – Located inside the Four Seasons, Great lunch spot after a few runs or apres meet up with your crew.
- Il Villaggio Osteria – Italian restaurant with great small plates and cocktails. Fun for apres or dinner.
- Mangy Moose – Fun spot for the whole family with a huge menu that is sure to have something for everyone.
Wilson
- Nora’s Fish Creek Inn– A beloved brunch spot with a mountain cozy dining room located halfway between downtown Jackson and Teton Village.
- Pearl Street Bagels- Great for grab and go bagels before your adventure.
- Calico– Casual and family-friendly place to grab pizzas and salads.
Downtown Jackson Hole
Breakfast
- Cafe Genevieve – Best brunch in the valley!
- Persephone Bakery – A charming bakery and café with excellent pastries, coffee, and a standout egg sandwich. Best cookies too.
lunch
- Sweet Cheeks Meats – The best option for grab-and-go breakfast and lunch, with a loyal following thanks to its friendly owners.
- Cutty’s – A Philly-inspired bar with a wide variety of cheesesteaks, great pizza and craft beers. Great spot for a casual bite.
- Creekside Market – Famous for hearty sandwiches, perfect for packing along on an outdoor adventure.
- Big Hole BBQ – Best known for its smoked meats and melt-in-your-mouth burnt ends.
dinner
- Snake River Grill – One of the most celebrated fine dining options in Jackson. The steak tartare pizza is a signature dish. They have an extensive wine list and truly is one of the best places in the valley with a menu full of local ingredients.
- Local – Known for its lively happy hour, excellent cocktails, and modern mountain cuisine. Popular with both locals and visitors in the heart of Jackson Hole, located directly next to the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar and steps away from the historic town square.
- Bin 22 – Bin 22 is a tapas-style wine bar where sharing plates is encouraged. Moreover, while outdoor dining is available in the warmer months, the space inside is intimate; therefore, it is preferable for smaller groups (fewer than four) rather than larger parties.
- King Sushi – A tiny, 20-seat cabin restaurant offering outstanding sushi; arrive early for happy hour specials and don’t forget to throw back scallop shooters!
- Teton Tiger – Asian fusion flavors paired with inventive cocktails. Their ramen and curries are insane.
- Blue Lion– Located in an old house with indoor and outdoor seating available. Sometime has live music! Have to get their famous rack of lamb- it’s divine!
- Trio – In addition, Trio is the sister restaurant to Local, and it is equally loved for its creative menu and inviting atmosphere. It’s always a great dining experience and a personal favorite as this was my husband and I’s first date spot!
- The Bistro – Located inside the Cloudveil hotel. Their raw bar and mussels are fab.
dessert
- Moo’s – Local ice cream shop with fun flavors!
- Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream Shop – Classic ice cream shop with all of your favorites.
Things to Do
Daytime Adventures:
- Snowmobiling – Options include Brooks Lake Lodge, with open trails and views of the Tetons; Granite Hot Springs, which rewards you with a soak in a natural hot spring; and Yellowstone, where snowmobiles are one of the only ways to experience the park in winter.
- Skiing – Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is located in Teton Village with world class skiing for levels of all types.
- Dogsledding – Togwotee Pass offers an unforgettable experience, with well-cared-for dogs and stunning scenery.
- Grand Teton National Park – Take a guided wildlife tour or rent snowshoes for a winter hike. Trails to Taggart and Bradley Lakes are particularly rewarding with views of the gorgeous mountains.
- National Elk Refuge – A must-visit, whether you drive through to see bighorn sheep and elk up close or take a scenic sleigh ride with Bar-T 5. Kid-friendly activity that is a great way to see the wildlife up close.
- National Museum of Wildlife Art – Located just outside of Jackson, this museum holds the largest collection of wildlife art in the country.
Nightlife:
- In Teton Village/Wilson:
- Mangy Moose: A lively après spot with frequent live music.
- The Stagecoach: Famous for its Thursday night disco parties.
- In Jackson:
- Million Dollar Cowboy Bar: An iconic venue with saddle barstools, pool tables, and a fun mix of locals and visitors.
- The Rose: Known for craft cocktails and Friday night DJs.
- Pinky G’s: A late-night pizza favorite.
- Silver Dollar Bar at The Wort: Tuesday bluegrass nights bring both locals and visitors together on the dance floor and it’s always bound to be good times!
Final Thoughts
Jackson Hole offers more than just world-class skiing- it’s a destination where every day feels like an adventure. From snowmobiling to wildlife watching, delicious meals to après-ski cocktails, the valley has memorable experiences for everyone. Having lived and worked here, I can promise that no matter how long your stay, you’ll leave already planning your next visit back to one of the most beautiful places in the United States.
