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Going Out in Sun Valley: A Bucket List

Every town has its traditions for what a night on the town looks like. For those in Boise, this could be riding the bull at Dirty Little Roddy’s or doing test tube shots at Humpin’ Hannahs. Sun Valley has its own traditions which—if you plan your night accordingly—you just might do it all in one night!

By: Hayden Seder + Save to a List

Dinner and Drinks

It’s going to be a long night so you’ll want to grab dinner. Luckily some of Sun Valley’s most notorious dining establishments also happen to be part of the bucket list. Famous pub Grumpy’s is notorious for its “don’t-give-a-damn” attitude—they don’t even have a phone. The menu is simple, burgers, beers, and more beer. Grab one of their famous schooners, a full 32 ounces of beer in a chalice-like goblet big enough for fish to swim in. For a very slightly more formal vibe, check out the Pioneer Saloon with its walls of memorabilia, head-sized baked potatoes and delicious margharitas. Try the Sawtooth Club for traditional mountain fare and while you’re there, do a traditional shot ski or “kiss the moose” as its known. On the wall of the Sawtooth Club is the head of Morty the Moose. If everyone in your group of 3-5 kisses the moose, you’ll get a discount on a shot ski round. For a different dinner scene, head to the rooftop of the Warfield with its own full-service bar, a delicious contemporary American menu and several firepits to keep you cozy.

The Cellar Pub

In the natural progression of a night out in Ketchum, after dinner drinks are to be had at one establishment: The Cellar Pub. Stop outside at the giant wooden chair for a classic “chair pic”, taken my locals and tourists alike. Then descend down the steps into this favorite basement bar and restaurant serving up classy pub fare and delicious drinks. Best known for their Moscow Mules, these yummy drinks are served up in icy cold, copper mugs that’ll require you to leave your I.D. at the bar when ordered, lest you take one home with you. Enjoy shuffleboard and a few other arcade games or just let the tunes of favorite playlist “Hip Hop BBQ” get you in the mood to party.

Whiskey Jacques

Now that you’ve had a few drinks in you and are ready to move, head over to bar Whiskey Jacques for some of their nightly music. Performances range from $20 bands from out of town to $5 to see local tunes or hear the spin of a local DJ.

Casino

From Whiskey Jacques, cross Main Street to check out the Casino, a haunt for everyone from the likes of Ernest Hemingway to Hunter S. Thompson to your favorite local liftie. The Casino is cash-only and the bar on a weekend night is often so hopping that getting a drink might be a task. There are three pool tables, foosball, darts, pull tabs and several arcade games. The last establishment in Ketchum to allow smoking inside, the vibe of the Casino makes it easy to imagine what it was like when the bar was populated by miners and other ruffians. The classic drink to order here is the “Hamtini”, a Hamm’s beer with a squirt of lime in it which only costs a couple dollars.

End of the Night

If the bars have closed and you’re still feeling restless, try a few classic moves. Grab a bite to eat at the food truck pod next to Whiskey Jacques before heading north through town to the local graveyard where the grave of Hemingway is often visited and pens and bottles of liquor left as offerings. (If going to a grave at night is too spooky, one is always free to visit the grave during daylight hours!) If someone in your party is ok to drive, try one of the hot springs in Warm Springs to end your night; there’s one at the base of Baldy on the Warm Springs side and the Frenchman’s Hot Springs several miles out Warm Springs Road. They can be a bit tricky to find so ask a local for directions.

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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