Eat on the Best Deck in Grand Teton National Park at Trapper Grill

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, Explore GTNP