View of Mt. Moran through the large picture window at Jackson Lake Lodge – Wendy @ https://wendy.blog*

Jackson Lake Lodge has three different restaurants ranging from casual to formal dining.

Mural Room, Pioneer Grill and Blue Heron Lounge.

Mural Room

Type: Fine Dining
Cuisine: Wild Game, Fish, Steaks
Atmosphere: Formal
Hours:

• Breakfast Menu – 7:00 – 9:30am
• Lunch Menu – 11:30am – 1:30pm
• Dinner Menu – 5:30pm – 9:00pm Reservations Recommended: Call 307-543-3463 or book online
• Kids Menu
• Website

While their pictures on their website are beautiful and the menu items look delicious, we have not eaten in the Mural Room.

Why not?

Because it has white tablecloths and is upscale.

When we are in Grand Teton National Park, we are here to camp, hike, swim, take pictures, see animals, and explore. We do not bring clothes fitting for a white tablecloth meal. I think the white tablecloth would run if it saw us coming!

So I cannot give you advice on if you should eat there or not. Just know that the restaurant is there and may be an option for you.

That being said, as for the other two eating establishments there, Pioneer Grill and Blue Heron Lounge, if you are already at Jackson Lake Lodge or are staying here and are hungry, they are good options. But….I wouldn’t suggest making a special trip to Jackson Lake Lodge to eat.

Make a special trip here to shop? Yes.

Take in the magnificent view? Yes.

Look out over the willow flats for animals? Yes. (Bring binoculars).

To hunker down for a socked-in rainy day? Most definitely!

A must-go place to dine? Eh.

The only place we eat and drink at Jackson Lake Lodge is the Blue Heron Lounge.

Blue Heron Lounge

Type: Bar/Lounge
Cuisine: Upscale Bar Food
Atmosphere: Casual
Serves: Lunch, Dinner, Cocktails
Hours: 11:00am – 12:00am
Menu
Website

Blue Heron Lounge’s Deck at Jackson Lake Lodge with Grand Teton in the background photo: Michael Poundstone

The Blue Heron Lounge serves a selection of upscale bar food with their full bar. There is a TV set inside, usually set to a sports event.

The food is good and the menu diverse. The menu includes dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegetarian options. There is not a kid’s menu.

Views are excellent.

The Blue Heron Lounge is ideal for

• Drinks and snacks
• View

Know Before You Go

• Even though the name has “Lounge” in it, kids under 21 are welcome with their parents, both on the deck and inside
• There is not a kid’s menu but if you ask them what they have for kids, they usually have some options
• The deck is in full sun. No umbrellas. Sun is especially harsh in the early evening as it will be directly in your eyes. You’ll find that it won’t set fast enough.
• If eating on the deck, hats and sunglasses are a MUST. Along with sunscreen and bug spray.
• Whenever possible, I like eating outside in GTNP, but here, I suggest opting for indoor seating, close to a large picture window.

Pioneer Grill

Type: American Diner
Cuisine: Full Breakfast, Burgers, Sandwiches, Salads, Milkshakes
Atmosphere: Casual
Serves: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Takeout
Hours: 6:00am – 10:00pm

• Breakfast Menu
• Lunch Menu
• Kid’s Menu
• Take-out menu
• Website

“What restaurant in the park doesn’t have a good view”?

Pioneer Grill.

Pioneer Grill is a long counter that snakes around the room, 1950’s diner style. This is another restaurant we don’t make a point to eat at. Not that it is a bad place. It has decent food. We just like our restaurant eating in the park with a side of mountain views. 🙂

Surprisingly, it serves alcoholic beverages! But I don’t really see the point since there is no view to look at… Ah! They must have heard me typing — they do have a take-out window you can order and take your food out on the deck. View problem solved! Take-out menu

The Pioneer Grill is Ideal for:

• People tired of the mountain views??
• People staying at the lodge who don’t want to fork over the $$$$ for the Mural Room?
• People traveling with kids

Know Before You Go

• No view
• Has a big selection of kid-friendly options
• Stools are high up without arms, may not be ideal for small kids
• Often the place is busy enough that parties larger than four have to split up and sit separately. (This is another reason we don’t eat here often, when our group of six tries, we are always told we’ll have to wait a long time or split up into smaller groups. This often doesn’t work for us, so we head to Blue Heron Lounge or go down the road to Trapper Grill at Signal Mountain.)

* Image provided by © Wendy @ https://Wendy.blog
License. Disclaimer

Have any questions about Jackson Lake Lodge and/or its restaurants? Feel free to comment below, we’d love to hear from you!

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

Jenn Cunningham
Founder, exploreGTNP

Type: American, Pub
Cuisine: Full Breakfast, Burgers, Specialty Sandwiches, Appetizers, Soups, Salads, Dessert
Atmosphere: Casual
Serves: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Hours: 7:00 am to 10:00 pm
MENU
Gluten Free Menu – Request a Copy
307-543-2831

All the Tetons are spectacular, with the Grand and its buddies getting most of the attention. So this restaurant’s view of the Tetons is all about Mt. Moran. Mt. Moran is a mountain whose appearance can change from “puny” to “Grand” (pun intended) depending on the angle you are at. Viewed from the south, “puny”. From the north, “grand and statuesque”. And from Signal Mountain, “large, looming, and magnificent.”

The Trapper Grill has large picture windows for viewing if you choose to eat inside. They also have a small outdoor deck.

This deck is the best one in the park.

Why? Because it has the best view?

No. As stated earlier, every view is great.

Because it has the best food?

Debatable…. I think they do, in the park…

Trapper Grill has the best deck in GTNP because it has UMBRELLAS!

Simple umbrellas.

Something that doesn’t sound like a selling point, and isn’t listed in all the brochures, but makes all the difference.

Huge difference!

Anywhere from lunchtime on, the deck is in full sun. Hot sun. Bright sun.

The umbrellas provide protection and hard to find outdoor eating shade. Shade that keeps you (and a tall beer) a couple of degrees cooler. Shade that cools your skin and allows squint-free viewing of the mountains.

Outdoor Dining on Trapper Grill’s Deck at Signal Mountain Lodge

Okay, enough about the biggest plus of eating here.

What about the food?

Food

In my humble opinion, I think Trapper Grill is the best food in the park. I usually get a burger or chicken sandwich and walk away happy (and very full).

If you go here, you will most likely see many large mounds of nachos floating around and being served. They are an impressive sight!

….but when it comes down to it, the nachos are big and filling and, in my opinion, average.

I hate saying this because I think they look fantastic and enticing!

But, I’ve ordered the nachos many times over the years, and there have been times when the meat in them was cold. If the meat in them was consistently warm, I’d probably give them a better score. They do hit the spot when you are extremely hungry. We often get the 1/2 order of nachos with a beer after a long, exhausting hike. The 1/2 order is huge and can feed two to three people, (or two tired hikers). 

Hopefully, if you order them, you will have a better experience (the view can sometimes make them taste better :-))

That being said, Trapper Grill gets so many things right! And here is proof….

After reading 600+ reviews on Trapper Grill, the menu items that came up consistently as excellent and highly recommended were the fish tacos, the wings, and the fried brussel sprouts. For breakfast, the winners were the Blueberry Hotcakes and the Blackberry Stuffed French Toast.

And one last note on the nachos, one guy commented that the full order of nachos was a cheap way to feed his family of four in a national park….

Blueberry Pancakes

If none of these items mentioned so far float your boat, there is more to chose from. They have an extensive menu and everyone should be able to find something easily, including vegetarians, and gluten avoiders. They have the largest menu of gluten-free items in GTNP (more proof Trapper’s Grill gets it right…). One reviewer even called Trapper Grill “Celiac Heaven”.

The portions here are large. Again, why this place is great after a big hike or a long day’s excursion. If you’re not as hungry as the portion size or don’t have a way to store leftovers, they do offer 1/2 orders. Less waste, and less on the waist….

Service

The service is sloooowww. Every time we go here, busy or not, the service is slow. The interesting part is, sometimes it is the waitstaff and sometimes I think it is the kitchen staff. Something to think about when it comes time to tip your server.

I tell you of the slow service, not to dissuade you from going, but to prepare your spirit. It is something to take into consideration if you are STARVING. Something that is tolerable if you are relaxing on the deck and not in a hurry.

Also, this place is usually busy, especially during peak eating times. To avoid long waiting times to be seated, go earlier than peak hours.

Pro Tip: If the wait time to be seated is long, and longer than you want to wait, go to the hostess stand and place a To-Go Order. Take your order to find picnic tables down by the marina. You won’t get service, or eat on the deck, but you’ll be outside with a fantastic view. Please remember to clean up thoroughly when done as not to attract the bears. (Carry out is also good if you are staying at Signal Mountain Lodge and have a room with a view.)

Sunset seen from Trapper Grill Deck at Signal Mountain Lodge

Other Things To Know

• Sunsets can be wonderful here! And, as much as I love the umbrellas, do know that for a short period of time before the sun goes behind the mountain, the sun will be in your eyes, circumventing beloved umbrella. Fight back with sunglasses and hats.
• Use bug spray. You are outside, closer to the water, and there may be mosquitoes, especially if you are there at sunset.
• Do not order the hot chocolate. It is hot water with powder, and is overpriced ($3.25) and disappointing, even with the whipped cream on top.
• They have a great beer selection, with many being local beers.
• While at Signal Mountain Lodge, check out the Needles Gift Store – it is the best in GTNP and features items from regional artists. This shop has a different selection of items you won’t find in the rest of GTNP.
• After your meal, go down to the marina and walk along the shore or docks to take in the views at a slightly different angle.
• Trapper Grill does not have free wi-fi. (Ironic right? Being named Signal Mountain Lodge…)

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

Jenn Cunningham
Founder, exploreGTNP

Grand Teton 3 DAY Itinerary

Signal Mountain Lodge and Trapper Grill can both be found in our GTNP 3 DAY Itinerary. If you are looking for additional ideas of what to do and see in Grand Teton National Park, and how to do it efficiently to make the most of your time, check out our Grand Teton 3 DAY Itinerary.

All the best places to see, hikes to do, places to dine, and the fun to have laid out day by day in this 3 Day Itinerary.

Type: Italian, American
Cuisine: Pizza, Pasta, Appetizers, Soups, Salads, Sandwiches, Dessert
Atmosphere: Casual, Pub
Serves: Lunch and Dinner
Hours: Seasonal
MENU

Of the two restaurants found in Dornan’s, Chuckwagon and Pizza Pasta Company, Pizza and Pasta’s menu has more options and a full bar. 🙂

There is an indoor eating area and there are two outdoor decks.

The upstairs deck is for those 21 and older. No exceptions. Those under 21 cannot go upstairs, not even with an adult.

The main level deck is open to everyone.

Both decks provide great views of the Tetons, with the upper deck providing additional 360-degree views of the area – Gros Ventre, Blacktail Butte, and Shadow Mountain.

Views are Fantastic, the food average to good, prices are comparable for the area, and the service is different.

Very different.

So you know what to expect, see “Service” section.

Service

When you walk inside, the place has all the appearances of a full-service restaurant.

It isn’t.

Follow these instructions to save yourself frustration and confusion.

Seat yourself (which I recommend before ordering), grab a menu and some silverware from the cash register and take it to your table.

Order food at the cash register, take the number they give you, set the number prominently on your table.

Now go to the bar (in the same room) and order your drinks, non-alcoholic and alcoholic. If you are drinking water, there will be pitchers at one end of the bar with glasses you can fill. Take a pitcher back to your table with you if you want (recommended).

Your food will be brought to your table.

So far, so good…okay.

This is the different part. After the food is brought to you, there will not be waitstaff to come around and wait on you.

If you want beverage refills, you will need to go back to the bar.

Additional food items need to be ordered at the cash register. (Something to consider this when choosing to eat upstairs on upper deck!!)

While the lack of service may seem like a “negative”, you may choose to see it as a “positive” as you can lounge and linger without worrying about holding a server’s table. This is great for people looking for a place they can relax for long periods of time, to enjoy drinks with friends and the view.

Pizza and Pasta Company is ideal for:

• Everyone, including kids, vegetarians, and gluten avoiders (gluten-free crust on pizzas available for extra charge)
• If you are looking for a place to relax and linger while you enjoy the view (you will be serving yourself, so no waitstaff needing to turn over tables)
• If it is a hot day, and you need to get out of the sun and into the shade – great view of Tetons is still possible inside, big picture windows
• If you want a deck with drinks to look at the view, without kids (top deck for adults only) or with kids at bottom deck
• Any size groups, for very large groups or tours, call ahead 307-733-2415 ext. 300

Know Before You Go:

• No matter where you sit (except at bar) you need to order at the cash register. You will also need to order both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at the bar. If you need anything or want to order anything additional, you will need to go to the cash register. There is no wait staff coming around checking on you.
• The upstairs deck is for 21 years old and up. No exceptions. Kids under 21 will not be allowed upstairs, not even with an adult.
• Both decks have fabulous views, but they are usually in full sun and can be HOT! Hats, sunscreen, sunglasses (and a cold drink) help. The upstairs deck sometimes has umbrellas, but prepare your spirit for them not to be there.
• Bug spray and sunscreen are a must, for every day, but do reapply both if you eat outside. You are at 6,200+ ft elevation and close to the Snake River. Don’t let sunburn and mosquitoes ruin your vacation.

Bonus

There is a “Hootenanny” on Monday nights from 6:00-9:00 pm! In the summer, it is held outside by the Chuckwagon restaurant.

The rest of the year, it is held inside at the Pizza Pasta Company.

Cost is free.

Our Review

When we go to Dornan’s this is where we like to eat. We like the food here better than the Chuckwagon and the pizzas are yummy (not to mention easy for kids!).

We especially like to go here after our long hikes.

We sit at the bar, order something we think we burned enough calories for, and have a well-deserved beer. James usually gets a local beer, and I go for the lightest beer possible, local or not, and take sips of his to see if I like his. We sit at the bar inside because it is usually late afternoon when we are there and the sun is beaming down on both decks. The inside bar has large picture windows to look at the Tetons.

View from the large picture window inside Dornan’s Pizza Pasta Co Restaurant

We come here, after hikes, even when we have the two 13-year-olds. We buy them ice cream for a hike well-done (actually it is their bribe reward) at the ice cream cart outside. If they are starving, they eat at the restaurant first and then get ice cream.

13-year-old after hike at Dornan’s Pizza Pasta Company Restaurant

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

Jenn Cunningham
Founder, exploreGTNP