Summers in Sun Valley simply can’t be beat. Most days, the temperature hovers around a pleasant 78 degrees, trailheads and swimming holes are minutes away from town, and though town may be busier, it’s still easy to find one’s own private corner of this oasis. Adding to the magic of summer is the al fresco dining. The outdoor dining options vary significantly, from rooftop dining to intimate tree-shaded patios and expansive decks with mountain views. Whatever you choose, flip flops and sunglasses are part of the dress code.
While virtually every restaurant in the Valley offers outdoor dining, a few highlights are worth checking out.
Pubs With a Breeze
When one pictures drinking beer on a deck in Ketchum, Lefty’s is likely the first spot to come to mind. The deck at this longtime favorite pub is packed the minute the snow melts and the sun starts shining. There’s ample seating and the vibe is more like one big party, with patrons flitting from one table to the next, beer in hand, to say hello to friends old and new. In the summer, Lefty’s often hosts local musicians on the deck, adding a pleasant ambiance as you enjoy fare from a traditional pub menu: burgers, fries and onion rings, and sandwiches.
Just down the hill on Warm Springs Road is another Ketchum staple: Grumpy’s, a locals’ hangout. Big burgers and big beers (schooners) are the fare here. And, of course, lots of fun in the sun in their outdoor seating.
Mountain-side Dining
While most al fresco dining spots around Ketchum take advantage of their views of Baldy, there is one al fresco eatery that turns the tables, so to speak, and offers sweeping views of the Valley, and that is the Roundhouse, perched two-thirds of the way up the mountain. Ride the gondola for a charming meal—lunch or dinner—above the Valley.
At the base of the mountain, on the Warm Springs side, is the locals’ favorite: Apples’. Originally known for being the best après spot in town, Apples’ in recent years has expanded its outdoor dining, and menu, for year-round dining. Soak in the ski-culture décor and lively ambiance at a Ketchum institution.
The View on High
The rooftop of the Warfield is one of the most coveted spots for dining in the summer. There are great views—both of the surrounding mountains as well as of downtown Ketchum—plenty of shade to keep you from roasting, and the atmosphere is, to put it simply, fun. Seating options abound, from stools at the small rooftop bar and six-seater high-tops where you can mingle with others to two-tops and bigger tables for dining with friends, to Adirondack chairs around the firepit. This is truly the spot for any kind of summer wining and dining.
Just across Main Street from the Warfield is the ever-popular Sawtooth Club. While the Sawtooth has a range of seating venues—bar high-tops to small quiet tables—some of the most prized seating is on their beautiful second-floor deck. Always festooned with bright summer flowers, the Sawtooth deck is a special place to share a meal on a warm summer evening.
A hidden gem, the second-story patio at the Sun Valley Wine Company is also an absolute treat in the summer with its Baldy views. Both a restaurant and a boutique wine shop, one can enjoy wining and dining on their rooftop deck. Their thoughtfully crafted menu features seasonal ingredients and dishes designed to pair with an extensive menu of wines by the glass or bottle. Share small plates with friends, like caviar, warmed cheese with bread, carpaccio or one of their heartier salads or entrées.
Upscale and Outdoors
The Sun Valley Club’s location at the resort’s golf course makes it a huge draw for those looking to enjoy a post-game drink or meal, but the large sunny patio is a joy for anyone, particularly families who may be staying at the resort and want to meet Dad after playing nine holes. The wrap-around patio offers spectacular views of Baldy, or great people-watching, as you take in golfers practicing their swing on the driving range. In addition to a varied lunch menu, the Sun Valley Club also has a full bar.
The patio at Limelight is another summer dining gem, with gorgeous Baldy views, ample seating, and live music from local musicians most days starting at 5:30 p.m. This is a great spot for a group, with several cornhole games and a ping-pong table providing entertainment for the kids. The Limelight offers a daily happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. If the sun goes down and it starts to get chilly, move to the lounge seating around one of the outdoor firepits. The menu changes seasonally and offers a large selection of shareable plates, entrées, wood-fired pizza, as well as craft cocktails and beer and wine.
With a new location across from Town Square, Cookbook boasts a lovely outdoor deck with a front-row view of Baldy. Cookbook has quickly become a go-to favorite of longtime residents. Try their pink vodka cream sauce and pancetta pasta, their hand-crafted pizzas, or slow-roasted chicken for a culinary treat in the fresh mountain air.
Elegant Al Fresco
For a top-shelf dining experience, head to the Grill at Knob Hill, located within the Knob Hill hotel on the north end of Ketchum. Their al fresco dining is simply stunning, with numerous tables arranged on both their outdoor covered terrace and the lawn, surrounded by a blooming garden and spectacular views to the north. Their Pacific Northwest–influenced menu changes seasonally to feature the freshest local ingredients in their selection of small plates, fresh catches, entrées, and more. Don’t miss a craft cocktail from their bar.
Paris in the summer? Try Michel’s Christiania, a hallowed Ketchum establishment. Owned and run by Michel Rudigoz, former U.S. Ski Team coach (and coach of Olympic gold-medalist Picabo Street), Michel’s offers classic French cuisine on a peaceful outdoor patio. Michel’s has long been a fixture of the Ketchum scene, frequented by longtime locals and visitors alike.
Southern Haunts
Long a favorite of Hailey diners, the Power House offers a combination pub and bike shop. This Main Street spot has a beautiful patio with picnic tables shaded by cherry trees, perfect for gathering with your friends after a midday bike ride and planning your next one over one of the best burgers in the Valley (Wagyu beef) and one of the pub’s many fresh beers on tap. Peek inside to check out the vintage mountain and road bikes on display.
La Cabanita at The Mint offers authentic Mexican food on its spacious outdoor patio. Enjoy people watching along Main Street Hailey while enjoying classic street tacos, among other traditional Mexican fare.
For casual coffee, breakfasts, and lunches, try The Wylde Beet or Black Owl Coffee. The former boasts a 100% plant-based menu and breakfast served all day. Black Owl serves up wonderful home-baked goods, as well as exquisite egg dishes, all available in their peaceful outdoor picnic-bench seating area. g
BEST GRAB-AND-GO FOOD OPTIONS FOR PICNICS
Whether you’re heading to Ketch’em Alive, the Sun Valley Music Festival, Jazz in the Park, or just want to catch the sunset from your favorite spot in town, having the perfect picnic is essential. Check out these great establishments in town that have ready-to-go picnic meals, charcuterie boards, and more to make your al fresco dining
moment memorable.
Cookbook: Cookbook offers a daily selection of cheeses and charcuterie on their menu for two, four, or six. They also take specialty charcuterie orders.
Rasberrys: Their deli counter serves a daily rotation of made-from-scratch soups, salads, and other entrees to go.
Atkinsons’ Markets: The deli counter at any of the grocery store’s three locations offers a diversity of entrees and appetizers, as well as prepackaged foods ready to go.
Ketchum Kitchens: This kitchen goods store has its own deli section, serving a selection of local grab-and-go items, like Piedaho pies, Café Della salads, house-made charcuterie boxes, Hangar bread, Three Peas bakery goods, and more.
Pantry: This specialty pantry features local artisanal goods and rotating entrées and appetizers made in-house weekly in their deli.
Café Della: In addition to its indoor service, Café Della has a full complement of grab ‘n’ go items, including fresh salads, hearty lasagnas, and flavorful curries, soups, and stews.