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Jackson Nights
In a place where days are energy sapping, it’s easy to overlook nightlife. But you shouldn’t. We’re not saying you should sacrifice daytime activities to stay out all night, but rather that, whatever you’re up for – mellow to mind numbing – Jackson Hole has it. Wine bars, hipster eateries, romantic restaurants, après ski spots, dance and billiard halls and breweries dot the valley from Teton Village to Moose, hitting Wilson and the Town Square in between.
Mellow
Locals were skeptical when Koshu Wine Bar opened in the back of Jackson Hole Wine Company three years ago. “Wyoming” and “wine bar” just didn’t seem to go. But now locals and visitors pack the place nightly, enjoying its intimate setting, diverse and inspired wine-by-the-glass selection, and Asian-inspired menu.
Over at the Old Yellowstone Garage, David and Cinzia Gilbert have cellars stocked exclusively with wines made by vintner friends in Italy’s Piedmont region. Enjoy a glass or two at the bar, nibbling the restaurant's carefully prepared Italian fare, and you’ll forget where you are.
For a more upbeat atmosphere, grab a spot at the bar at the Rendezvous Bistro. The menu ranges from crispy fried legs to the best mac and cheese in town, and the bar is always a fun place to meet friends or people-watch.
Trio is another favorite with smaller groups of friends out for double dates. The open kitchen allows diners to sit at the bar and watch the chefs in action.
And then there is Dornan’s in Moose, a Jackson Hole institution if ever there was one. You don’t know whether to be more impressed with the views of the Tetons – the bar faces giant windows framing the entire range – or the 1,700-bottle wine shop. The best part is that you can buy a bottle in the wine shop and bring it next door to the bar/restaurant.
Middling
Big nights – St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween, New Year’s Eve – at the Snake River Brewery are legendary, but the other 362 nights of the year it’s toned down a few notches, catering to the beer-and-pub-food crowd. The brewery makes all of its beers on premises and usually has seven or so on tap at a time.
It seems the favorite hangout of the valley's favorite musicians is the Silver Dollar Bar and Grill in the Wort Hotel. The Silver Dollar has one of the best live music line-ups in town: locals such as Judd Grossman, Steam Powered Airplane and Lynn Wright play several nights each week.
Just around the corner, the Cadillac Grille has some mean drink specials, roomy leather-backed booths and serves Billy’s Burgers. For more refined tastes, the bar menu also has such things as sesame seared ahi, wonton cigars and calamari.
Sidewinders is the place to go to watch the big game, and with an affordable childrens menu, it's great for families.
The Peak Bar in the Four Seasons has already become a staple of the Teton Village après-ski scene. Reasonably priced drinks, an intriguing, contemporary design and snacks such as elk quesadillas are a great way to warm up after a long day on the mountain.
On Moose-Wilson road, the Calico is another packed après ski spot. A wood fire blazes in the bar, and the local crowd is friendly and mellow. In summer months, a giant lawn and an organic garden draw families and foodies.
Take two and call me in the morning
The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar on the Town Square could be the most photographed thing in the valley next to the Tetons and the elk arches. Famous for its knotty pine interior and bar saddles in lieu of bar stools, the Cowboy serves as a watering hole for, yup, real cowboys. Not-so-real cowboys are welcome as well, as long as they’re having a good time. But with live country-western bands playing most nights in the summer and on winter weekends, fun is a given. There are even free dance lessons at 7 p.m. Thursdays throughout the summer.
The Rancher Spirits and Billiards is beloved by ski bums and vacationing college students alike. As is the Log Cabin Saloon, where cheap, strong drinks and taxidermied wildlife in the rafters and on the walls combine for an experience you could only have in Wyoming. Another pure-Wyoming experience can be had at the Stagecoach Bar in Wilson, seven miles from Jackson. Whether you go for the Thursday night disco parties or the ever-popular Sunday night country swing dance night, you'll have a great time.
Back in town, at the Snow King Resort, The Shady Lady hosts up-and-coming rock, funk and reggae bands, not to mention others whose music defies classification. The Resort's Snow King Center hosts the Jackson Hole Hootenanny (a.k.a. "the hoot") at 7 p.m. every Monday night. Local and visiting musicians share their talents during 10-minute spots.
Last but definitely not least, The Mangy Moose in Teton Village brings in the best live music in the valley: Nationally-known bands such as Medeski, Martin & Wood, G. Love and Special Sauce, Maceo Parker, Blues Traveler and Reverend Horton Heat make appearances.
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