It’s winter, and whether you are a skier, snowboarder, or non of the above, it’s the season of après, and everyone’s doing it. Lucky for us, our classic après landing just got a revamp, and is the perfect place to take your boots off, relax, play, eat, drink and soak some Jackson Hole History.
We spoke to Alexie Messer, the general manager of the Mangy Moose, to get the dish on the new renovations.
Dishing: For those who don’t know, what is the Moose like and what is its history?
“The Moose is the quintessential après ski bar. I personally like to believe that stepping into the Moose Saloon is like taking a trip back in time to the original wild, but also simple, ski culture of the ’70s and ’80s. From the memorabilia on the walls of old Americana to the history and legends of Jackson Hole, the Moose reeks of nostalgia. It was founded in 1967 by two guys who were looking for a way to stay in a ski town, make money and have a good time while doing it. That’s still the overall feel of our staff and why we are here. We want to provide good ol’ fashioned, no frills fun with live music daily, cold beer, signature margaritas and our world-famous Moose nachos. This isn’t the spot for perfectly chilled Dom Perignon and sushi. We aren’t pretentious and want everyone to feel like there is a place for them somewhere at the Moose, whether it’s in the Saloon, Café, Lounge, or Steakhouse. As we, and the ski industry, have evolved since 1967–it’s apparent how much the atmosphere has changed to be more inclusive of women, families and people of all income ranges. It is our goal to reflect the current climate and not cater to one specific group.”
Dishing: What are the new renovations?
“Previously, the Café downstairs only served breakfast and lunch, then closed for the evening. We have added a new bar down there and started a mug club for locals. The menu consists of pizza and casual bites at a lower price point than upstairs in the Saloon or Steakhouse. It is now open until around 8 p.m., nightly. We also renovated the upstairs of the Steakhouse to give it a more lounge-like feel. There are bigger chairs, couches, a shuffleboard table, pool table and new, 10-person bar. This allows for overflow from the Saloon during après and also a place for families to go when they need more space and a quieter environment. We also have a kid’s room in the Steakhouse with Netflix, toys, a large couch and giant Connect Four.”
Dishing: What is the aim for the new lounge? What does it offer?
“The aim is to give locals and families a place to go instead of fighting for space in the Saloon. We have the only public pool table in Teton Village in the lounge. It just seems like the people that live here are continually being forced out of the establishments in the Village to accommodate the tourists. We want to give everyone a place to hang out that they can afford and relax in with having to fight for it or break the bank.”
Dishing: What should every visitor order?
“I always recommend the nachos and margaritas upstairs. If you are eating in the Café, the Carne Asada tots are a must or any taco.”
So, next time you are après-skiing, bored or simply seeking some fun, go check out the Moose’s new lounge, drink a margarita and challenge your friends to a game of pool.
