Lunch at Jackson Hole: Bring a Friend

Jackson Hole
1270 Madison Avenue
New York, NY
(212) 427-2820 | Map

I had the opportunity to catch up with my friend Julie, and to meet her husband Izzy, during their recent trip to New York. Julie and I met back when I was a graduate student in Cleveland, and until our lunch, I hadn't seen her since I left Cleveland nearly three years ago! She and Izzy were planning on spending their morning at the Guggenheim, so Julie left it to me to pick a place nearby where we could have lunch. A bit of Internet research led me to the Madison Avenue location of Jackson Hole. (There are several Jackson Hole locations throughout the New York area.)

Drinking Coffee at Jackson Hole in New York

When I arrived at the restaurant, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn't too crowded, even though we had agreed to meet during the potentially busy brunch/lunch rush. Julie and Izzy were upstairs, which was even less crowded than the first level. As you can see by the photo, the tables behind me were empty (they were packed by the time we left). While we tried to decide between the extensive list of options on the menu, I dutifully sipped on my obligatory Sunday cup of coffee (the first of two I'd have that day).

Guacamole Omelette at Jackson Hole Restaurant in New York, NY

Since I already had my coffee, I thought it was only fitting that I order off the "Eggs & Omelettes" section of the menu. Behold, the Guacamole Omelette ($10)! This thing was huge and absolutely stuffed with guacamole, onion, cheddar cheese, and bacon. All of their omelettes come with a side of toast and potatoes, but I have to admit that I was thrown when the potatoes turned out to be French fries. The omelette was just okay. It came out of the kitchen cold. I'm not sure whether that was because the pound of guacamole that they put in it was cold, thereby making the rest of the omelette cold, or because they forgot about it. (My omelette came out last.) Regardless, I think I would have preferred the guacamole on top of the omelette rather than inside it. Maybe I should suggest that the next time I go there.

Now, Jackson Hole is advertised as the "Home of the 7 oz. Burger." I think Julie and Izzy were drawn to the burgers for this reason. And, wow! The folks at Jackson Hole aren't kidding...

Burger Mexicana at Jackson Hole Restaurant in New York, NY

The Western Burger at Jackson Hole Restaurant in New York, NY

Julie ordered the Burger Mexicana ($9), which is topped with cheddar cheese and jalapeno peppers, and Izzy ordered the Western Burger ($10), which is topped with Jack cheese, barbecue sauce, bacon, and fried onions. Can you believe the size of those things? When Julie tried to pick hers up to bite into it, the bun just failed and she wound up eating it with a fork and knife.

For an extra $4, you can order the platter version and get French fries, lettuce, and tomato. Though, honestly, I don't know what good the lettuce and tomato are going to do on burgers that size!

Broccoli and Cheese Baked Potato at Jackson Hole Restaurant in New York, NY

Chili Cheese Fries at Jackson Hole Restaurant in New York, NY

Instead, Julie opted for a Baked Potato with Broccoli and Cheese ($7) and Izzy went with the Chili French Fries ($5.50), which actually had the beans, too. I've never seen chili fries come with anything but the meat and sauce, so this was interesting to see (for me, at least). As for the baked potato, I'm not quite sure that what arrived at our table qualifies as a baked potato. Pure insanity.

We learned a valuable lesson. If you're planning on going to Jackson Hole for a meal, bring a friend or two and split everything. You'll definitely have plenty to share! By the time we were finished with our meals, we were so full that I don't think any of us wanted to move. But, because Julie and Izzy wanted to make it over to the American Museum of Natural History, we had no choice. So we settled the bill and made our way out onto the sidewalk to say our goodbyes. But not before we took one last picture!

Michelle and Julie

See? Documented proof that you can eat that much food and still come out of the experience smiling.

(Psst... Word has it that Taste As You Go will be announcing a new giveaway soon! Stay tuned!)



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