Kelly on the Gros Ventre Cafe – 4 Reasons to Go
Type: Sandwich Shop
Atmosphere: Casual
Serves: Sandwiches, Coffee, Beer
Hours: Call 307-732-9837
Directions
You know you are in Wyoming when there is a prominent sign in an eatery telling you to “stay inside if bison are in the parking area”.
This isn’t a funny poster or decoration on the wall. It is a real-life warning!
This means it has happened!
And continues to happen.
Do you think locals have to plan around the bison?
Locals planning lunch:
“Where do you want to meet up for lunch tomorrow?”
“Let’s eat at Kelly.”
“Great! What time?”
“12:30? Or do you think the bison will be there?”
“I don’t know, we may be pushing it. We can try and see.”
Although I doubt bison would be a deterrent, they might be a draw.
Either way, it is a real thing to take seriously. Stay inside until the bison have left!
If you’re not a local and are wondering if you should go to Kelly on the Gros Ventre, consider going for the following four reasons:
Go for the Coffee
Their espresso machine was custom built in Florence, Italy. I don’t know what that does to the coffee, but it has to be great, right? I’ve had lattes there, and they were fantastic.
Kelly on the Gros Ventre
Go for the Sandwiches
The sandwiches are made to order, on-site, not premade or prepackaged. So while you may have to wait for your sandwich, it will be fresh and oh so good! Look at the pictures to get an idea of what you get.
Pro Tip – Sandwiches are large – you may want to split with someone or be prepared to take some home for another meal.
Great sandwich with a great view – photo courtesy of Emma P., Yelp
Go for the Outdoor Seating
There are two outdoor seating areas. One with picnic tables and umbrellas (umbrellas! super important on hot, sunny days) and a shaded high bar with stools. Both with great views of the Tetons!
View from Kelly on the Gros Ventre Cafe
Go for the Picture
You are here, you might as well get your own picture of and/or with the bison parking lot sign. And maybe a bison sighting! How great would that be?!!
As always, be safe!
Kelly on the Gros Ventre could be ideal for:
- Coffee
- Lunch with a nice big sandwich and beer
- Afternoon beers while looking at tetons under an umbrella for shade
- If you are staying at Gros Ventre campground
- If you are on your way to or from Mormon Row and Moulton Barns, Slide Lake, “Shane Cabin”, and/or Kelly Warm Springs
Know Before You Go
- Parking lot is limited, only about 15 cars can fit
- No indoor seating
- Good for coffee, but not a full breakfast spot
- Not a good dinner spot on the week days as it closes mid afternoon
Do you think you’ll go to Kelly on the Gros Ventre Cafe?
Are you hoping to see bison or avoid them?
Either way, be careful, bison are dangerous and are much faster than they look. Do as the sign says and do stay inside if they are in the parking lot. Stay safe!
Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!
Jenn Cunningham
Founder, Explore GTNP
Hi, I'm Jenn, pictured here on Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park. I am a Wyoming native and have vacationed every year of my 40+ years in Grand Teton National Park. I know this park inside and out, so use my years of experience and knowledge to plan, go, and do your perfect Grand Teton National Park vacation!
Is it normally open end of September? I will be staying right around the corner. Sure hope so
Hi Beth! They aren’t open for the 2020 season yet (rumor is they hope to open in July). When they open I will be sure to ask. Here is their phone number to keep on hand when you are there: 307-732-9837.
Thanks
Closed on Sunday and Monday for football. Great sandwich 🥪. Fun unique place with character.