The Little Wyoming Town That’s Now A Western Food Destination

Though Wyoming is known for being one of the last untamed frontiers, one little town has become known as a premier food destination.

It used to be that travelers would come from near and far to Jackson Hole for the outdoor sports or maybe stop in on the way to one of the epic state and national parks. These days, however, with a growing cuisine scene to rival France, Italy, and New York, this little ski town is also now a foodie heaven.

Picnic, 1110 Maple Way, Suite B

Picnic was created to be an eatery that captures all the fun of friends, food, and sun. You'll enjoy the heavenly red velvet whoopie pies and homemade pop tarts, but it's not all about the pastries. Visit Picnic for breakfast or lunch and indulge in gourmet delicacies such as sandwiches built with house-made croissants and roasted beet salad and other sides served up in a charming cast-iron crock.

Lotus, 140 North Cache Street, Suite B

Lotus is known for cooking up sustainably-sourced food that's good for you as well as good tasting. You can order from their bakery and smoothie menu all day long, or choose selections from their four meal menus, depending on the time of day you drop in. A recommendation for breakfast or lunch is the eggs Benedict slathered in a citrus béarnaise. Those who enjoy Thai cuisine might want to choose from Lotus's several Thai offerings. Try the Bombay Bowl - it's da bomb!

The Gun Barrel, 862 West Broadway

Combining fine dining with a museum, the Gun Barrel is the place to go when you want to try top-notch Wyoming game. Elk, bison, salmon, or trout make up a large portion of the menu, though there are beef, chicken, pork, and even vegetarian choices. If you're in the mood for game, try the mixed grill that includes a serving of venison bratwurst, or a signature favorite, elk medallions with leeks, mushrooms, and sundried tomatoes.

Calico, 2650 Moose-Wilson Road

The Calico menu is full of tasty Italian fare, but when you've got a desire for pizza, this is the place to go. Truthfully, there are many great pizza places in Jackson Hole, but the Calico's hand-tossed and wood-fired pies tops them all.

Snake River Grill, 84 East Broadway, Suite 2

Just off the town square, the Snake River Grill specializes in new-American cuisine. Almost all the items on the menu are the chef's unique twist on familiar dishes, many of them incorporating locally-sourced ingredients. Try the jalapeno and cilantro onion rings dipped in a batter made from Snake River Pale Ale, steak tartare pizza, or the potato pancake topped with smoked salmon and crème fraiche.

Orsetto Italian Bar and Eatery, 161 North Center Street

Orsetto is the last word in Italian cuisine, making ethnic creations that would make your nonnina's mouth water. The house marinara is to die, and you'll have a hard time choosing between bucatini all'amatriciana, garganelli con funghi, and linguini with clams. Try the osso bucco - it's comfort food at its best.

The Blue Lion, 160 North Millward Street

Housed in an historic Jackson residence, the atmosphere at the Blue Lion is so inviting and the food so amazing, you'll want to go back again and again to see what the chefs come up with next. Every night, a new special is featured, but the base menu offers enough delicious fare to keep you satisfied. After indulging in buffalo ravioli, grilled wasabi elk fillet, roast rack of lamb, or miso glazed salmon, try to save room for tiramisu or the house special mud pie.

Cocolove, 55 North Glenwood Street

This little dessert boutique tucked into a tiny outdoor mall is possibly one of the best kept secrets in Wyoming. Those who know about it frequent Cocolove for the crazy-delicious pastries and desserts or to take home a box of exquisite chocolates. Be sure to order a cup of the chef's special Mexican hot chocolate, spicy, chocolatey, smooth, and comforting.

Where in Wyoming do you get your foodie fix?