Gun Barrel Steak and Game House

Gun Barrel Steak and Game House sits on Broadway in the heart of Jackson, Wyoming, where the Tetons rise above the town and the Wild West ethos still runs through the streets. This is a steakhouse built on the premise of celebrating game meats alongside prime beef, a concept that feels rooted in the landscape itself. The restaurant occupies a space that leans into its setting without apology, offering a dining experience that reflects Jackson's character as an outdoor-focused mountain town with upscale sensibilities.

Why This Restaurant Stands Out

What separates Gun Barrel from standard steakhouses is its commitment to game meats. While you'll find excellent beef on the menu, the kitchen has built a reputation for sourcing and preparing wild game with the kind of skill that respects the ingredient rather than masking it. This isn't novelty dining. It's a reflection of the region's hunting culture and the availability of animals that thrive in the high-altitude landscape surrounding Jackson.

The restaurant also carries a history in the community. It's been a destination for both locals and visitors for decades, which means the kitchen has refined its approach over time rather than chasing trends.

What the Kitchen Is Known For

Game meats form the core of the menu. Elk, bison, venison, and duck appear in various preparations. The kitchen often features these proteins in ways that highlight their distinctive flavors rather than tame them. You'll typically find game prepared as steaks, roasts, or in composed dishes paired with seasonal vegetables and sauces that complement rather than overwhelm.

Prime beef selections are available as well, prepared with the techniques you'd expect from a steakhouse focused on quality cuts. The menu tends to rotate with availability and season, which means what's featured in summer may differ from autumn or winter service.

Atmosphere and Setting

The interior reflects Jackson's mountain lodge aesthetic. Wood, stone, and a sense of rustic refinement create an environment that feels both comfortable and intentional. The space acknowledges its Wild West context without veering into kitsch. You're dining in a place that takes both its setting and its food seriously.

Expect a busy room most nights, especially during peak season and on weekends. The energy is convivial but not frenetic. Families, couples, and groups of friends all occupy the dining room, which speaks to the restaurant's broad appeal.

Service and Experience

Staff tend to be knowledgeable about the menu and comfortable discussing the differences between game proteins and their flavor profiles. Service pacing is attentive without feeling rushed. If you're unfamiliar with cooking game or want recommendations, your server can guide you toward preparations that suit your preferences.

Reservations and Waits

Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly during summer months and on weekends. Jackson's tourism season runs year-round, but peaks in summer and during ski season in winter. Walk-in waits can stretch significantly during these periods. If you arrive without a reservation, expect to wait or plan to dine during off-peak hours like early evening or midweek.

Price Tier

Gun Barrel operates in the upscale range. Entrees reflect the cost of sourcing quality beef and game meats. This is a special-occasion destination for many visitors, though locals treat it as a regular spot for celebrations and gatherings. Plan accordingly if you're budgeting for dinner.

Best Time to Visit

If you're in Jackson and interested in game meats, dinner is the primary service. The restaurant operates year-round, which means you can experience it across all seasons. Summer brings the most crowds and the longest waits. Spring and fall offer smaller crowds with pleasant weather outside. Winter is quieter unless you're visiting during ski season.

Good to Know Before You Go

• The restaurant is located at 862 W Broadway, within walking distance of Jackson's town square and central shopping district.
• Parking is available but can be tight during peak hours. Arriving early or using nearby lots is advisable.
• The menu emphasizes game meats, so if you're strictly a beef eater, you'll find options but may miss the point of the restaurant.
• If you have questions about how a particular game meat is prepared or want recommendations, ask your server. The staff expects these conversations.
• Dress code is casual to smart casual. You won't be out of place in hiking boots and clean jeans, but the crowd skews toward people who've dressed for dinner.

Neighborhood and Location Context

Broadway is Jackson's main commercial spine, lined with galleries, shops, and restaurants. Gun Barrel sits in the middle of this activity. The town square is a short walk north, and the National Elk Refuge is just minutes south. This location puts you in the thick of Jackson's visitor scene while remaining rooted in the community's identity as an outdoor gateway.

Who This Is For

This restaurant suits anyone curious about game meats or seeking a high-quality steakhouse experience grounded in regional character. If you're visiting Jackson and want to try elk or bison prepared by a kitchen with serious expertise, Gun Barrel is the obvious choice. Couples celebrating anniversaries, families gathering for special dinners, and groups of friends looking for a memorable meal all find a home here. It's not for diners seeking avant-garde techniques or molecular gastronomy. It's for people who value quality ingredients, skilled execution, and a sense of place.

FAQ

• Do I need a reservation? Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season. Walk-in waits can be lengthy.
• Can I get beef if I don't want game? Yes. The menu includes prime beef selections alongside the game offerings.
• What's the difference between elk and bison? Elk tends to be leaner and slightly more gamey in flavor. Bison is milder and closer in taste to beef. Your server can guide you toward your preference.
• Is this a fine dining experience? It's upscale and refined but not formal. The atmosphere is warm and inviting rather than stuffy.
• Does the menu change seasonally? Yes. Availability of game meats and other ingredients shifts with the season, so expect variations throughout the year.