Yellowstone National Park Travel Forum

I get into Idaho Falls around 11 AM and am driving to the Grand Tetons. Where should I stop for lunch?

Jacskon Hole might be the spot. If you go to West Yellowstone instead, Rexburg is a College town with alot of fast food.

I guess I was unclear - any specific recommendations for good restaurants along the route? Thanks.

Oh well, gave you some cities that you may have to research some places you would like. My tastes may differ

You could try the Blue Lion or Calico in Jackson. These have good food and are plenty popular with locals. I've only been there in the summer, when they both have patios open -- not sure about winter.

Idaho Falls for lunch should include a drive/walk along the River Parkway. Start at Broadway and River Parkway and the falls are a great sight. Not that high, but makes up for it with width. On Lindsay Blvd, near River Parkway, off Landbank is "Jakers Restaurant". Also along the River Parkway and Lindsay are other restaurants. For Jakers, see theire website: www.jakers.com

If you didn't already get the picture there really isn't anywhere to stop for lunch between Idaho Falls and the Tetons except Jackson.

You don't say which route you are taking...the one through Alpine Junction? There are some places in Hoback Junction if you want to stop before Jackson.

But you might enjoy eating in Idaho Falls as was suggested and take the walk along the river by the falls.
And if you want the drive over the Teton pass then going through Rexburg would give you somewhere to eat as well. We like Craigos pizza there or the Hard Hat steakhouse. There is also Gringos Mexican which isn't bad. If you go that way you could also try Sun Dog's in Victor.

Dear Segolilly,

Thanks for the tips. I didn't know there was a choice as to routes. Google maps sends me through the Swan Valley. Is there a better way?

Acprincess

There are several routes. From Idaho Falls you can go through Swan Valley past Paradise reservoir to Alpine Junction. (a relatively flat route, )
Or you could go through Swan Valley. In town, before the reservoir, turn off to go over to Victor ID and over the Teton Pass into Jackson.
The one I like though is north from Idaho Falls along hwy 20 to Rexburg, then just past Sugar City turn east and head to Driggs. This takes you to the Teton Valley with amazing views of the west side of the Tetons which most people don't see. Then you go to Victor and over the Teton Pass into Jackson.

Like Segolily, I've done that drive from Rexburg-SugarCity-Tetonia-Driggs in Idaho to Teton Pass (this is Rte. 33). The reason this road is so interesting is that it's flat in Idaho, but ahead as you approach Wyoming, you see this giant wall of mountains, which are the Teton Range, rising ahead of you. You climb up the pass (8430 feet), stop for some splendid views into the Jackson Hole valley (picnic lunch up here?), and then drive down the hairy-scary, most gorgeous curvy road imaginable to Jackson. Be sure to know your car's lower gears.

BTW, if you want an excellent bed-and-breakfast place in Rexburg, just contact me. It is located right on the Snake River.

Marianne and Segolilly,

Thanks for the tip - I will definitely go that way. Also, I would love the name of the B&B for future reference. This trip, however, I planned way ahead and scored reservations at Jackson, Old Faithful, and Lake Lodges.

Best wishes,

Acprincess

The excellent B&B just outside of Rexburg, Idaho, is called the Blue Heron, and it overlooks the Snake River. Its owners are David & Claudia Klingler. Telephone: 866-745-9922 or 208-745-9922. Have fun on your trip!