There are plenty of places to savor your evening meal in Jackson Hole that are at ground level, so to speak, but only four fine dining establishments offer views from on high: two on ski resort mountaintops, one atop a butte and the other above the National Elk Refuge.
AURORA
There’s a new shining star at the summit of Snow King Mountain: the brand-new Aurora restaurant (photographed above). It’s up here where you’ll experience fine dining in this tri-level building, with the best views of the sprawling town of Jackson and the Tetons.
The interior is just as jaw-dropping and scenic. Behind the bar, a 24-foot by 8.5-foot LED mural depicts Snow King’s ski runs with light effects that mimic sunrises, sunsets and, of course, the aurora borealis. This stunning mural was created by locally acclaimed artists Bland Hoke and Dan Sanford.
The restaurant’s rooftop deck is a delightful bonus and the perfect venue to eat small bites and enjoy cocktails (reservations are not required).
Aurora’s menu is crafted by Executive Chef Brando Hicks, who emphasizes locally-sourced ingredients. Menu items include such delights to the taste buds as buffalo sirloin carpaccio and elk tenderloin, grilled swordfish, Wagyu steak tartare, lamb and pork chops, and prime New York strip, to name just a few.
For an unforgettable, unique experience, combine dinner and drinks at Aurora with stargazing at the Snow King Observatory and Planetarium just a few steps from the restaurant.
There is additionally a summertime King Concerts series and Aurora offers a special combo meal before the music begins. Reservations are available via Resy from approximately 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on concert nights. Reservations are highly recommended, as tables are expected to book quickly.
Reservations in general may be made by calling 307-284-4427, but walk-ins are welcome at the bar.
RELATED STORIES: Snow King Mountain in Summer and Snow King Mountain in Winter
PALATE
Palate restaurant is located within the National Museum of Wildlife Art and sits atop a sage-dotted hillside overlooking the expansive National Elk Refuge. Enjoy a creative lunch with a view that complements the museum’s world-renowned art.
This lunch spot invites you to sip a glass of rosé on the patio, linger over your meal and peruse the museum’s world-class art collection. The extensive menu items feature inventive dishes made with seasonal, sustainable and local ingredients. A few examples of offerings are Idaho Trout Fish and Chips and an elk meatloaf wrap, consisting of elk, bison, beef, pimento cheese, bibb lettuce, tomato, Chow Chow, roasted garlic mayo, in a spinach tortilla. A kids' menu is available, too.
Palate is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
PISTE MOUNTAIN BISTRO
Piste sits at the summit of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s Bridger Gondola with jaw-dropping views of the whole of the Hole (i.e., Teton Valley).
Piste is another restaurant with a menu consisting of produce and meat from regional producers such as Idaho’s Cosmic Apple Gardens, Snake River Farms, 460˚ Bread, Grove City Gardens, and Larks Meadow Farms, and the Jackson area’s Haderlie Farms, Lockhart Cattle Company, and Mead Ranch Beef. A few of Piste’s entrees are Sturgeon Filet, Elk Ragu Bolognese, Snake River Farms Skirt Steak, Grilled Idaho Haloumi, and Peach Panzanella.
In the summer, Piste is open for dinner only — 6:30 to 9 p.m. — Sunday through Thursday, starting mid-June. The restaurant is closed every Friday and Saturday for private events. During ski season, Piste is open for lunch only.
RELATED STORIES: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Summer and Winter at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
SPRING CREEK RANCH
The butte upon which Spring Creek Ranch resides offers up an authentic Western experience on Wednesdays from June through September. Start with a one-hour horseback ride at 4 p.m. led by Spring Creek Ranch’s Castagno Outfitters, which takes you along the scenic ridge at Spring Creek.
The ride is followed by a hearty, 6:30 p.m. three-course Western BBQ cookout at the picturesque Sage Overlook, where the mighty Teton Range joins you for this most memorable experience. Enjoy the warm ambiance of live music or an engaging nature chat with a resident naturalist and cap off the evening by crafting your own S’mores at the custom S’mores Bar, complete with a crackling campfire.
For more information, visit springcreekranch.com, or email the sales team at gravy@springcreekranch.com, or call 307-733-8833.
THE LAST WORD
Dining on what feels like the top of the world — especially in the case of Snow King and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort — should be a must during your visit here. Of course, there are exceptional ways to enjoy a meal of any sort and at any time in Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park, so check out some of the related stories below and make your plan or reservation now!
CHECK OUT: Dining in Jackson Hole: The Essentials; Deckside Dining; Family-Friendly Restaurants in Jackson Hole; 3 Meals While Cruising, Floating or Riding in Grand Teton National Park; Best Private Dining Restaurants in Jackson Hole