If you want the best Bloody Mary for the best price in the world, Dornan’s is the place to go. If you want world class views of the Tetons while savoring incredibly tasty pizzas, calzones, and salads washed down by local beers, Dornan’s is the place to go. If you want to rent bikes to ride into Grand Teton National Park or just pick up a few grocery items before you enter the Park, Dornan’s is the place to go. If you…. well you get the idea – Dornan’s is the place to go!
In my view, it is a required stop for any visitor to the Valley. It is located in a carved out portion of Grand Teton National Park, just west of Moose Junction off of Highway 89. After making a left from the Highway, make your first right about 200 yards down the road (a little further is a bridge over the Snake river from which you can often see Moose grazing along the river). It is about five minutes north of the Airport.
My favorite is the adult only roof top deck. It may well have the best view in the fifty states. After ordering your food inside the log cabin main building (and your Bloody Mary or beer from the bar), go up the unassuming staircase and be treated to an inspirational view of the Tetons, in all their majesty, directly in front of you. Whenever we pick up guests from the airport this is our first stop. I guarantee you a few minutes of soaking up the sun and views will leave you feeling that you are the luckiest person in the world to experience those precious moments.
On your way out, don’t forget to take the dirt path behind the main building. A short stroll will lead you to the Snake River where Menor’s Ferry used to operate until 1926. At the time, it was the only way to cross the Snake River for 40 miles in each direction. You will get an appreciation at the water’s edge of the swiftness of the current in the river.
While you are at Dornan’s, you can also:
- Rent bicycles for riding into the Park on the bicycle trail that roughly parallels the road as far as Jenny Lake (see a future post about this very worthwhile).
- Check out their world class wine selection from their liquor store (I actually am a frequent purchaser of their Huckleberry vodka).
- Buy groceries or have specialty sandwiches made in their grocery store.
- Arrange for a fishing trip.
- Or just pick up a quick burger, hot dog, ice cream cone or coffee.
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