Imagine the most “Idaho” restaurant you can think of. Then amplify that by about a hundred times and you’ll have the Pioneer Saloon. The Pioneer Saloon completely embodies everything about Idaho and the Idahoan lifestyle. Located in Ketchum, this restaurant is one of the most popular places among the locals and for visitors it’s often the first place to stop when they visit. Not only is their food to-die-for, the restaurant’s atmosphere offers you something you can’t get anywhere else. Have you ever wanted to be in a real saloon-type setting? Well, here’s your chance. This decades old restaurant is a one-of-a-kind place that you can’t pass up when you’re in the area.
The Pioneer Saloon is located in the ski resort town of Ketchum, Idaho. Ketchum is famously beautiful and a haven for outdoor lovers, making it a highly popular town to visit all year long.
The Pioneer Saloon personifies the rugged outdoorsy-ness that the town exemplifies, while showing off the old western history that made the town what it is today. Western style memorabilia and animal heads hang on the walls, making you feel like you've traveled back in time.
The building was originally a gambling casino opened in the 1940's. Over the years it's served as a meeting hall, a dry goods store, and an antique store until it became a restaurant and took on the name that it still has today in the 1960's.
The restaurant could almost be considered as a museum of sorts, with all of the historic decor mounted around. There's a little bit of everything stuffed into this smallish restaurant including stuffed animals, antiques, posters, photos, and even one of Ernest Hemingway's shotguns (the author is still Ketchum's most celebrated celebrity resident).
The Pioneer Saloon feels exactly like...well, a saloon. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting. As soon as you step inside you feel like you're being welcomed back, even if it's your first time visiting.
The open kitchen just adds to the excitement of the dining experience. From your seat you can watch the piece of meat you ordered being cut and grilled in front of your very eyes.
The menu consists of all different kinds of meat and seafood entrees, as well as burgers and sandwiches. They are most renowned for their prime rib, and that seems to be the most popular item. However, you will be sorry if you don't try their most iconic food item...
The "Jim Spud" is an original Pioneer Saloon creation. The Jim Spud is served as a main course, and is a baked Idaho potato with butter, chives, onions and six ounces of teriyaki prime rib...and covered in cheese, to top it off. Basically it's the most intense loaded baked potato you've ever seen!
Pioneer Saloon definitely makes it as one of Idaho's most iconic restaurants. Nothing says "Idaho" more than a hearty, home cooked meal surrounded by laughter and people who share a love for our gorgeous state!
