If you brew it, they will come. In 1994, Snake River Brewery opened an eatery and brewing space in Jackson Hole it hoped would attract both locals and visitors alike. As Wyoming’s oldest and largest craft beer brewery, it seems the “Brewpub” — as it is fondly known — has accomplished that mission. And then some. For 30 years, the brewery has won countless awards for its beers and established itself as a staple on the dining scene within the community that it serves — from beer aficionados to families seeking a fun and lively venue in which to nourish them and their offspring.
The Brewpub is considered by many to be a central part of the community and has been referred to as "Jackson’s living room.”
Quick Facts
Where: 265 South Millward St.
Hours: 7 Days | Kitchen 11am-9pm | Bar 11am-10p.m.
Specials: In addition to daily food specials, Snake River Brewing offers an $12 lunch menu every day.
Fun fact: The peelable labels on all canned beer serves as a sticker!
Contact: (307) 739-2337; no reservations accepted
Menu: Click here
Website: SnakeRiverBrewing.com
Award-winning Brewery
Located in a concrete, steel and glass building less than a half-mile from Town Square, the newly remodeled interior features both a mammoth copper mash tun and a boil kettle smack dab in the center of the 286-seat restaurant.
Both brewing essentials are visible from every angle in the large, bright two-story venue, putting diners and imbibers right in the middle of the brewing experience.
There are always 12 beers on tap.
A lot of brewhouses have glass separating the patrons from the brewing, but here when it boils you can hear it and see it. There’s a lot of hooting and hollering when the brew steams.
A recent visitor to Jackson Hole reports on TripAdvisor that Snake River Brewery was the first place they visited in town.
“It was the number one recommendation from anyone local that we asked. It was very busy with the big draw being from the beer.”
The brewery is known for creating beers from all across the board, from its core beers to its perennials, but the brewers are given freedom to experiment, too.
The two main categories of beers available are lagers and ales — and the brewers don’t skimp on ingredients.
They also get creative and occasionally utilize a small barrel program, using wine, whiskey and one time, tequila.
Awards won include World Beer Cup medals, Great American Beer Festival medals, and Small Brewery of the Year (twice!).
Locally Sourced Food, Varied Menu
But Snake River Brewery is more than just beer — it also boasts locally sourced, fresh-made food.
Mead Ranch of Jackson Hole comes every day to pick up the spent grain from the brewing process and brings it back to the ranch to feed the cattle, which in turn are made into the meat the Brewpub uses in its steaks, burgers and other sandwiches.
Other favorites include the Scratch Pretzel, (baked fresh on-site daily and served with sharp white cheddar queso), and chicken wings.
Menu items run the gamut from sandwiches to wood-fired pizzas to pastas and beyond with a kids’ menu to match.
Jackson Hole's Living Room
The atmosphere in the venue is welcoming and includes a mix of patrons from Jackson Hole as well as visitors from communities all across the world.
Some of the special components to the Brewpub's atmosphere are the big windows and outside light that is always streaming in.
It is an open space and happily loud — it makes you feel like you're in the scene.
In addition to the downstairs dining room, there is an upstairs area more suitable for families with a foosball table and video games. An outside deck provides additional seating in the summer.
Seventeen flats screen TVs are placed throughout the restaurant, which makes it an ideal spot for viewing various seasonal sporting events.
Perhaps one of the comments on TripAdvisor best describes the Brewpub experience:
“The food was good but the atmosphere was better, especially if you want a place to laugh, hang out with your friends, and have a beer. We felt like we were hanging out with the locals at Snake River Brewing and getting a glimpse of everyday life in Jackson.”
BONUS TIP: Try the beer sampler.