Neighborhood spot draws a local crowd for burgers, wings and brews. by Melissa Thomasma photos by Jay Nel-McIntosh
you meander around Jackson Hole, you won’t see much marketing for The Bird. And that’s on purpose. Perhaps it’s because this off-the-beaten-path eatery eschews a single definition, and boasts a torpedoes-be-damned brand of personality and experience. “It’s a chill, neighborhood spot with a bunch of stupid s--- hanging from the walls,” says owner Will Nowack with a shrug and a grin. He’s adamant that his staff is always genuine and polite but embraces a no-nonsense ethos. “If someone’s rude, we have no problem kicking them out.” “We pride ourselves on being a local joint, something of a hidden gem,” explains Nowack. “Largely that’s because we’re here for the community first and visitors second. We’re a spot that’s on the outskirts of town — kind of hidden behind other buildings off the road, really.” This relaxed restaurant relies largely on word of mouth and the loyalty of locals to keep humming right along.
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Jackson Classic: The Bird
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