A local mom and writer advises on where she suggests you can dine with a family.
Jackson Hole is known for its world-class culinary scene, but most kids aren’t craving sushi or a luxury dining experience. Parents, take heart! There are plenty of restaurants that are wonderfully welcoming to kids of all ages and serve excellent food.
Even if your kid is in the “chicken-fingers-only phase,” you’re not doomed; these places will keep kids happy and serve up tantalizing options for adult appetites, too. Delve into this roundup of some of the most kid-friendly (and parent palate-approved) places to eat in Jackson Hole:
Roosevelts
Located just steps from the iconic Town Square, Roosevelts offers a relaxed ambiance that pays homage to the rich heritage of the American frontier and the trailblazers that forged West.
This family-friendly restaurant serves American fare and classic comfort food made from scratch. They do a great job with kid-beloved standbys like a cheeseburger, grilled cheese, mini corndogs and — of course — chicken fingers.
For the grownups at the table (or more adventurous kids), options range from mouthwatering handhelds like the McKinley’s Prime Rib Sandwich (tender roasted ribeye topped with horseradish cream, green chili cheese sauce and onions on a toasted hoagie bun) or the Taft Smashburger (two beef patties topped with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, caramelized onions and Roosevelts’ sauce served on a brioche bun).
Other entree options include fish and chips, roasted chicken, Trail Boss Bison Ravioli and Bull Moose Bison Ribs (bison ribs slow roasted until they fall off the bone, tossed in tangy barbecue sauce and served with mashed potatoes. Note: this is a moose-free product).
Calico Bar & Restaurant
Generations of local families have fond memories of dinner at Calico Bar & Restaurant on the Moose-Wilson Road. Since it’s opening in 1966, this eatery has long been a go-to for great Italian fare, signature cocktails and top-shelf wine.
It’s also been thoroughly enjoyed by children for decades due to the deck-based seating options and the expansive yard for joyful play. Parents can kick back and enjoy great food and drinks (we’re looking at you, spicy marg…) while keeping an eye on their kids making new friends, playing games and thoroughly enjoying a summer evening. (And knowing that after all that running around, they’ll sleep extra well.)
While Calico doesn’t have a specific kids’ menu, they have plenty of options to please even the pickiest of eaters. Order a side of pasta and choose a sauce (marinara, butter, pesto, mac and cheese or alfredo), or opt for a build-your-own woodfired pizza. Keep it simple with cheese, pepperoni and other standby toppings that are thoroughly kid-approved.
Grownups can enjoy more sophisticated specialty pies like the Ski Bum (pesto, spinach, Canadian bacon, artichoke hearts, olives, tomatoes, pine nuts, and parmesan) or the Godfather (capicola, prosciutto, pepperoni, salami, basil and house-made mozzarella). Alternatively, a bright salad, grown right in the Calico garden, is an amazing choice.
Sidewinders American Grill
Now with two locations in the valley (on Broadway and on the Moose-Wilson Road), Sidewinders has a family-friendly sports bar vibe. The Wilson location is just across the yard from Calico, so parents can enjoy the same benefit of outdoor dining and an expansive, safe space for kids to play.
Both locations are best known for their casual, approachable fare — pizza, nachos, burgers and more. Both locations have a kids’ menu that features plenty of kid-approved classics. Guaranteed winners include the cheese quesadilla, cheese pizza slice, mac and cheese and, of course, chicken tenders.
Grownups can enjoy fantastic pizzas like the eponymous Sidewinder (mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, Canadian bacon, fresh garlic) or the creative Buffalo wing (mozzarella, spicy wing sauce, Buffalo chicken, celery and bleu cheese). Other flawlessly executed standards include the Reuben and hot Nashville sandwiches, satisfying salads, and a lineup of tantalizing specialty burgers.
Merry Piglets
One of Sidewinders’ sister restaurants, Merry Piglets is another longtime local favorite for family dining. This bright, relaxed Tex-Mex spot brings a delectable flair for diners of all ages, boasting whimsical murals and south-of-the-border decor. Located just a block from the Town Square, it’s a great spot to grab lunch or dinner downtown.
The kids’ menu features exactly what you’d expect — delicious kid-friendly versions of popular Mexican dishes. Young diners can select a taco (soft or crispy) with shredded beef, ground beef, pork or chicken, or other classics like a bean burrito, kids’ nachos or a quesadilla. But if those sound too exotic to a picky eater? Fear not. There are also chicken strips.
Choices for bigger appetites are plentiful and truthfully, it’s hard to go wrong at Merry Piglets. Signature classics include Fiesta Chicken (grilled chicken topped with melted Oaxacan cheese, red onion, mild green chiles and tomatoes, served on a skillet) and Flame Grilled Fajitas (sizzling cast-iron platter with your choice of meat, grilled onions and bell peppers. Served with a side plate of sour cream, guacamole, Mexican rice, mashed pinto beans, pico de gallo, lettuce, tomato, blended cheese & flour tortillas).
Other beloved classics include street tacos, enchiladas, chile rellenos, burritos and more. Endless chips and salsa only serve to sweeten the deal, and adults can sample from a wide variety of specialty tequilas or enjoy the spirit in one of Merry Piglets’ signature margaritas.
Jackson Drug
Located right on the iconic Town Square, Jackson Drug is one of the oldest establishments in town. Originally opened in 1919, it’s now operated by the younger generations of the original owners. Embracing the space’s old-timey vibe, it’s the perfect spot to refuel midday.
Jackson Drug’s kids menu offers all of the what-kid’s-crave classics: cheeseburger, hamburger, hot dog, grilled cheese, chicken tenders, and mac & cheese, all served with a choice of fries or apple slices. They even offer kids-sized milkshakes, for pint sized humans! Outside of the kid’s menu, hand-cut fries or tater tots are served crisp and hot, and simple options like the giant pretzel with homemade cheese sauce are also great bets. Alternatively, design your perfect grilled cheese! What kid could say no?
Jackson Drug uses all locally-raised beef in their burgers. Keep it super simple with a classic cheeseburger or get adventurous with options like the Hoback Dad (three patties, American, bacon, fried egg, lettuce, onion, house pickles on brioche) or the Wilson Mom (brie, tomato, arugula and balsamic reduction on brioche).
Of course, no visit to Jackson Drug is complete without sampling their exceptional ice cream and milkshakes! All kids (and kids at heart) deserve a sweet treat.
Mangy Moose Restaurant
Located in the heart of Teton Village, the Mangy Moose has long been a favorite for family dining. The chill, quirky atmosphere is inviting and unique. There’s certainly no shortage of fascinating decor for kids to look at!
The kids menu offers standards (cheeseburger and fries, chicken tenders) and some more sophisticated choices, too. Kids can opt into a salad, cheese flatbread or steak frites if they so choose.
The dinner menu for adults isn’t wildly expansive, but it is stacked with excellent options. Favorites include elk stroganoff (slow braised elk, local seasonal mushrooms, red wine demi, sour cream, egg noodles, fried onion straws) and Saint Shannon’s Pork Ribs (dry rubbed half rack, smoked white sweet potato, bacon braised kale, Wyoming Whiskey honey bbq).
Snake River Brewing
Known locally as “Jackson’s Living Room,” kids are absolutely welcomed in this downtown brew pub. Outdoor seating and yard games are the perfect combination for sunny summer evenings, and inside, families are welcome to sit upstairs.
Known for their great bar fare and pizzas, it’s an ideal spot to wrap up a summer day in Jackson Hole. While many kids would be delighted to tuck into one of Snake River Brewing’s handcrafted pizzas, the kids menu offers a few alternatives, too: mac and cheese, steamed veggies, and — of course — chicken fingers.
Grownups who enjoy beer will be a fan of the pub’s award-winning beverages, some of which are available year-round and others that are rotating specials. When it comes to food, you’ll find everything you want from a great pub: shareable plates like nachos and wings, tantalizing pizza, fresh salads and more. Raise a glass, kick back, and enjoy one of the valley’s favorite family-friendly spots.
