If you’re anything like me, when it comes time to think about where I’m going to have lunch, meet a friend for happy hour or eat dinner, restaurants with outdoor seating hold major sway in summertime.
So this is Dishing’s handy little guide to help you decide where to park it al fresco.
Town of Jackson
The Blue Lion: This downtown establishment is kind of tucked away, and its deck shaded by old trees.
Betty Rock Cafe: A great spot for lunch, this Pearl Street favorite offers both covered and sunny spots for enjoying your salad, sandwich and now burgers.
Cafe Genevieve: Enjoy the deck any time of the day, but it’s great for a long, lazy brunch. Happy hour is great, too (check out our calendar).
43 North: Meet a friend for a Snow King hike, then mosey on over here for a snack, beer or glass of wine (after you drink water, of course).
The Kitchen: A hip location in town with a bonus from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., a $5 happy hour menu featuring favorites such as luxury shrimp, shishito peppers and parmesan truffle fries.
Picas: This hidden gem is a great spot to enjoy tacos and margaritas. Bike there, like most locals do, and don’t worry if you are still in your workout clothes, proving that you’ve earned that basket of crisp chips.
Pinky G’s: Tucked under the Pink Garter Theatre, it’s not so much a deck as it is outdoor seating. Still, a great spot for a late-night slice and people watching.
Pizzeria Caldera: For a different perspective of town, head to this second-story deck. From here you can see all the action without having to get caught in it.
Rendezvous Bistro: A favorite since opening last summer, it’s especially nice on those packed nights, and the 50 extra seats ensure locals can always get a table. Grab a cocktail at the high bar tables or have dinner a communal table with a large fire pit in the middle.
Shades: A nice option for breakfast, this deck is a popular spot to enjoy a coffee and muffin or something more for lunch too.
Sidewinders: The wrap around, second story deck was a great addition to the town favorite last summer. Lots of seating means you can find a spot any time of day.
The Silver Dollar Bar and Grill: Dine outside on Broadway by grabbing one of a few tables here to escape summer crowds. Here, you can people watch to your heart’s content.
Snake River Brewery: Large picnic tables offers tons of seating for meeting many friends for a mid-day lunch or after-work pitcher of beer.
Snake River Grill: A quaint upstairs deck that holds a few tables, enhances one of Jackson’s best dining experiences. You’ve gotta have dinner outside here at least once this summer. Call exactly at 3 p.m. to get a reservation on the coveted deck spots which they open day of for reservations.
Sweetwater: A longtime go-to, Sweetwater was for years one of the few places to have meal outside. It’s still a favorite place to order a sandwich and lemonade and look up at Snow King.
Thai Me Up: Right next door to Sweetwater, this deck and beer garden are often packed with people into the wee hours of the night enjoying a microbrew and Thai food.
Teton Village/Westbank
Calico: Hands down one of the best places for kids and families, this large wrap-around deck offers views of the restaurant’s garden and a large yard for playing shared with the Q. Some of your meal and dessert may include offerings from the garden.
Cascade: I haven’t been out here yet this summer, but I’ve been told the recently remodeled deck is one of the best new spots in Teton Village.
The Deck: Go here for amazing views. Happy Hour from 4:30 to 6 p.m. offers 2-for-1 drinks alongside a menue of shared plates from the al fresco kitchen.
Il Villagio Osteria: Nestled hillside in Teton Village in Hotel Terra, Osteria’s outdoor seating invites you to linger here all night long.
Teton Thai: Situated on the edge of the outer ranch lot at Teton Village, Teton Thai offers a lovely patio to add additional seats to this small, but wonderful Thai restaurant. Don’t miss the potstickers with fried garlic.
Q Roadhouse BBQ: Here you can get your BBQ fix in a setting that matches what you imagine when you are eating grilled meat. The large windows open onto a deck with a huge yard and patio.
