Best of the West(Side)

Here is how to spend an Epic Day in Teton Valley.

Just a short drive over Teton Pass lies a gem of a place: Teton Valley, Idaho. This vibrant little community stretches along the western side of the Teton Range, and is home to great food, outdoor activities and more.

If you’re looking to plan the perfect day in Teton Valley, we’ve got plenty of inspiration for you! From the best way to fuel up for a day of fun, to where to head for lunch, followed by après sips and dinner options… it’s all here! Read on to get some insider tips on planning (and enjoying) a truly epic day in Teton Valley: the best of the west side of the mountains!

Coffee & Breakfast in Teton Valley

Coffee: an absolute requirement to starting a day of snowy adventure in the mountains. We heartily recommend snagging a pour of Alpine Air’s locally-roasted brew to fill your cup. This small-batch roastery began right here in Teton Valley and is pouring exceptional coffee as well as serving up breakfast bites in two locations in downtown Victor (the drive through and the cafe).

Alpine Air coffee 1

If you’re seeking a sit-down affair, visit Alpine Air’s flagship cafe (at 175 W. Center Street in Victor) for even more food options to go along with your drink order. Keep it simple with some jam or cinnamon sugar toast, or go hearty with avocado, egg and bacon variety. Should you find yourself in a bit of a time pinch, no problem. Just swing through the Alpine Air Coffee Hut (located right at Victor’s only stoplight — can’t miss it) and enjoy a hot cup and a breakfast sandwich on your way out the door.

Grand Targhee Grub

After enjoying a spring day on the slopes at Grand Targhee, you’re bound to work up an appetite. The views? The powder? The relaxed vibe? It’s easy to lose track of time on the mountain. But no matter what time the hunger hits, there’s a great option nearby.

Pop into Powder Cache: a slopeside establishment with a welcoming atmosphere, incredible views and a beautiful stone fireplace. Enjoy family-friendly, scratch-made food crafted from local and sustainable ingredients to create delicious American West-inspired mountain comfort dishes.

Looking for something a little more laid-back? Hit up Wild Bill’s Grill. Featuring authentic handmade Mexican fare, hand-tossed fresh pizza, burgers, fries, baked potatoes, chicken pot pie and brisket sandwiches, Wild Bill’s has a little something for every craving.

Mother Truck Tacos grand Targhee
Image courtesy Grand Targhee Resort

If the snow’s just too good to justify a lengthy break, zip over to The Mother Truck for tacos. You’ll find the team cooking up all kinds of your favorite Mexican dishes, from street tacos and stuffed-to-the-brim burritos to tantalizng carne asada fries and soul-warming wild boar pozole. You’ll also find beers, tasty margaritas and other cold drinks.

Teton Valley Après

When the lifts stop spinning — or your legs just can’t handle another run — it’s time for après. And Teton Valley does not disappoint when it comes to après options.

If you’re looking to stay slopeside at Grand Targhee, head to the iconic Trap Bar & Grill. Dig into a mountain of nachos or wings, savor a signature Trap Bar Bloody Mary or a locally-crafted microbrew beer. It’s a deeply local experience, and one that you’ll not soon forget.

However, if you’re already headed down the hill and looking to après in the heart of Teton Valley, swing into Teton Thai in downtown Driggs. Sip on an Asian-inspired signature cocktail or enjoy one of the in-house brewery’s craft creations. Of course, don’t overlook bites like BKK Street Ribs or Fried Wontons.

Dinner in Teton Valley

Though Teton Valley is smaller than Jackson Hole, it boasts an impressive array of great dining options. Many locations throughout the valley offer menus populated with locally-sourced ingredients crafted by thoughtful and creative chefs.

If you want to cap off your day in a truly local fashion, make a bee-line for the Knotty Pine Supper Club. In a cozy, low-slung cabin, you’ll find great burgers, mouthwatering Kansas City-style barbecue, and much more. The Knotty Pine is also the leading music venue in Teton Valley; they’re teaming up with the Mangy Moose in Teton Village to bring great music to both sides of the hill, so be sure to keep an eye on their concert schedule, too!

Forage Bistro and Lounge
Image courtesy Forage Bistro & Lounge

Should you be in the mood for a more refined dining experience, head to Forage Bistro & Lounge, located at the Driggs Airport. Featuring a seasonally-rotating menu, this local favorite features sophisticated plates crafted from locally and regionally-sourced ingredients. It’s also got an impressive wine list and delicious signature cocktails.

Dinner… after Teton Valley

If you’re headed home to cook, you must not miss a stop at Food Shed Idaho. This little spot in downtown Victor, recently recognized by The Wall Street Journal, will absolutely surprise you with the caliber and diversity of super-local and international ingredients available. Pick up some locally-raised meat, some handcrafted Italian pasta or any number of superb ingredients to take home and make an unforgettable meal. No matter what you’re in the mood for, Food Shed Idaho will set you up to create a dinner to remember!

Food Shed Porcini Risotto

On your way out of town, pop by the Grand Teton Brewing tap room and pick up some Teton Valley-brewed beer to accompany your meal!

Perhaps you’re just a bit nervous about navigating Teton Pass in the dark. No judgment here — we know how it goes! Make your trek over the hill and pop into Nora’s Fish Creek Inn — another deeply-loved local establishment. This award-winning eatery‘s menu offers up truly mouthwatering fare. Keep it simple with a hearty, juicy burger or slice into a flawlessly-grilled steak or trout amandine; it’s a family-friendly spot with something for everyone.

An Unforgettable Day in Teton Valley

Though the west side of the Tetons may not be as bustling as Jackson Hole, don’t let the relaxed facade fool you; Teton Valley certainly shouldn’t be overlooked on your winter calendar. From exceptional powder skiing at Grand Targhee to great food at any time of day, it’s a place that certainly deserves a spot on your adventure list.

From a great breakfast and exceptional coffee to a satisfying midday refuel, to relaxing après and dinner, Teton Valley has plenty to offer. On second thought, you should probably pencil in more than one day on the western side of the hill… wouldn’t want to miss a thing!

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Melissa Thomasma

In full rebellion against the unpredictable climate of the Rocky Mountains, you can find Melissa on her Teton Valley deck grilling any month of the year. Typically in flip flops. Snow, rain, wind… no weather is too fierce. She’s a lover of peaches in any form, has a borderline addiction to arugula, and (strangely) has been known to drizzle soy sauce on pizza. But even more than she loves her stand mixer and cast iron collection, she adores cooking for her husband and two kids. When this Jackson Hole native isn’t scurrying around her messy kitchen, she’s probably outside floating the river, hiking, camping, fishing, or, well… grilling.

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