An intimate, long-running restaurant in a small historic house — known for its cozy setting, live music, and classic dishes like rack of lamb.
Why It Belongs on the List
A long-standing Jackson favorite set in a small historic house just off Town Square — known for its intimate dining rooms, live acoustic music, and a menu built around classic dishes like rack of lamb. The setting is the draw: warm, quiet, and ideal for a slower, more traditional dinner. The Blue Lion has occupied the same historic cottage near Town Square for over 45 years — a longevity in the Jackson restaurant scene that reflects real quality rather than institutional inertia. The rack of lamb (herb-crusted New Zealand, typically — the finest lamb available) has been the signature for as long as anyone can remember, served with the seriousness of a dish that a kitchen has had decades to perfect. Elk tenderloin, Idaho trout, and garlic pepper pork loin fill out a menu that celebrates regional ingredients without the self-conscious localism of newer restaurants. The acoustic guitar that plays through dinner creates an intimacy that is very difficult to manufacture and very easy to appreciate. The outdoor deck in summer is among the most pleasant dining settings in downtown Jackson. The extensive wine list and handmade cocktails reflect a bar program that has had time to develop its own personality. No restaurant in Jackson is recommended more consistently for special occasions.
What Stands Out
- Most romantic restaurant in Jackson — 45+ years, historic cottage, live acoustic guitar at dinner
- Rack of lamb: the signature dish for four decades — a kitchen with decades to perfect one preparation
- The outdoor deck in summer: among the most pleasant dining settings in downtown Jackson
- Extensive wine list built over decades — the most seasoned cellar in the valley
- The most recommended restaurant for marriage proposals and anniversaries in Jackson Hole