5 Reasons to Eat at Leek’s Pizzeria and Marina

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Leek’s Pizzeria and Marina is, well, a pizza restaurant that overlooks Leek’s Marina on Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park.

No sarcasm, just the facts.

And their pizza is delicious!

Which isn’t a fact, but more my opinion that I like to pass off as fact.

By my personal research, I think their pizza is fantastic!

In doing additional research for this post, many people agree with me and some do not. In the end I have learned that pizza can be a very personal thing to people and that they have very strong opinions on what makes a great pizza.

Therefore, you will have to judge the pizza for yourself, and I do recommend going, for the following five reasons.

Leek’s Marina with the Tetons in the background, Photo Credit: Kate320

1. Pizza Dough and Sauce are Homemade

And made on-site daily. The dough is never frozen. Also they use organic flour and cage free eggs.

2. There are Vegetarian and Gluten Free Menu Items

They have quite a few vegetarian options on the menu and we’re not just talking salad and bread sticks (although they are available too). For pizzas and calzones they have the “Sicilian,” the “Popeye”, the “Pesto Pie” and the “4 Cheese Florentine” (that’s 4 out of the 10 available pizzas). There is a Caprese sandwich, and on the kids’ menu: spaghetti with marinara and grilled cheese sandwiches.
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Gluten-free options upon request.

Different types of pizza at Leek’s

3. Microbrews / Wine Available and Dessert!

They have many microbrews on tap, along with many local beers. They also have non-alcoholic beer and a gluten free beer!

There is ice cream for dessert, with many flavors available, including organic selections.

Pro Tip: Try the Huckleberry Ice Cream

4. There is a Deck

And it is the best kind of deck because it has umbrellas! Enjoy the view of the boats in the marina with the Tetons in the background in the shade.

Note: Some tables on the deck have a partial view of the marina and the Tetons due to trees.

Pro Tip: Use bug spray

Deck at Leek’s Pizzeria Restaurant

5. There is a Dog Friendly Table

There is one dog friendly table, and it is located between the trees in front of the deck. This table may have a better view of the lake and Tetons because it doesn’t have the trees in front of it. And while that sounds more appealing, do only sit there if you have brought your dog.

Dog Friendly Table at Leek’s Pizzeria and Marina

That being said, if you have brought your dog, and the dog friendly table is taken, there are a few picnic tables closer to the bay where you can sit. Actually you can sit down there if you don’t have your dog with you. The tables aren’t really associated with the restaurant, but I don’t think they can stop you from taking your food there.

Just make sure you have your food first before going down to the tables. The waitstaff won’t look for you down there to deliver your food. (When finished, bring your dishes back to the restaurant and pick up everything properly as to not attract bears.)

Pro Tip: The tables down by the bay don’t have umbrellas and will be in full sun. Bring hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and bug spray.

Pro Tip: Bring hand wipes. Concerning all outside tables, they may not get 100% clean, especially when it is busy. You can fix that easily yourself with wipes.

Accurate Expectations for a Better Experience

While these are five reasons to go Leek’s Pizzeria and Marina, there are two things to be aware of before you go for a better experience.

1. Service Can Be Slow at Peak Times

At peak dining times for dinner, this place can get packed and the service can sometimes be slow. It gets that way due to their ordering system.

To order food and drinks you stand in line and order at the cashier. There are a maximum of two cashiers working. These cashiers also deliver orders to tables, scoop ice cream, fill alcohol beverages (soda and water are self serve from machine) and bus tables. So at times (not every time) it can take awhile to get your order placed.

Pro Tip: When ordering beer, if you think you might want more than one, order a pitcher. Otherwise, to get a second beer, you will have to get back in line to order it.

The wait time to order and receive food during peak dining times seems to be the biggest complaint. Therefore, consider:

• eating somewhere else if you are in a hurry (Colter Bay has a grocery store with premade items);
• eating at non-peak times (pre-dinner rush is usually before 5:30 pm, post-dinner rush is usually around 8:00 pm)
• calling ahead to ask what the current wait time is (or more accurately how long the line is): 307-543-2494

Leek’s Marina, Mt. Moran in the background

2. You Will Need to Be Self-Sufficient

After ordering your food, you will need to grab your own plates, silverware, napkins and non-alcoholic beverages (soda machine). After they deliver your food and drinks, there will not be waitstaff to check on you or fetch you extras, refills, or additional items.

If you want more food or alcohol, or dessert, you will have to stand back in line. Plan accordingly.

While possible slow service and lack of follow up service may be perceived as negative, which they kind of are, (I will always tell you the good and the bad) I tell you them not to dissuade you from going to Leek’s, but rather to prepare your spirit; to help you have accurate expectations, remove unpleasant surprises, and help you plan accordingly.

In fact, any negatives aside, I really think you should go to Leek’s (not an affiliate), for the pizza, the atmosphere (many locals eat here), the view, the deck, and the overall experience.

Enjoy!

Leek’s Marina with Mt. Moran in the background

Bonus Tips and Info

• The restrooms are in the building across from the restaurant. Bring hand sanitizer in case the hand soap has run out.
• If you are staying at Signal Mountain, look for a 10% off coupon for Leek’s (they own Leek’s)
• First come, first serve, no reservations are taken
• Great option if you are staying at Colter Bay, as it is close by and you get to eat by the water (Colter Bay restaurants do not have views)
• No cell service
• No WiFi
• Not a great place for license plate game/bingo – most of the cars are local 🙂
• Bug spray and cleaning wipes needed if eating outdoors
• Walking from the 2nd parking lot, there are information signs about Leek’s and the history of Stephen Leek and his role in helping the elk of the Jackson Hole Valley
• After your meal, walk down to the bay for an even better view of the boats, lake, and Tetons
• If you arrive by boat, there is a courtesy dock to leave your boat while you eat

Getting Here

It is located on the northern end of Jackson Lake, off HWY 191/89/26, 2.5 miles north of Colter Bay Village. You can’t see it from the highway, so be sure to look for the Leek’s Pizzeria and Marina sign on where to turn.

After driving a short, windy road you will see the main parking lot. No worries if it’s full as there is a second overflow parking lot.

Pro Tip: If you are in a large vehicle or set up, use the second parking lot where people park their boat trailers. There is more room there to turn around and pull through.

Map to Leek’s Pizzeria and Marina

Have any questions or thoughts about Leek’s Pizzeria and Marina? Let us know below in the comments section!

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

Jenn Cunningham
Founder, Explore GTNP