There are breweries, and then there are places that feel like they were conjured specifically for people who take their good times seriously. Melvin Brewing, tucked into the heart of downtown Jackson on Broadway Avenue, falls squarely into the second category — and if you haven’t made it through their doors yet, consider this your formal invitation.
Melvin started right here in Jackson Hole, born out of the back of a Thai restaurant (yes, really) before it grew into one of the most decorated craft breweries in the American West. The brand has since expanded, but the Jackson location retains every ounce of the scrappy, irreverent character that put it on the map. Walking in, you’re greeted by a space that feels equal parts mountain town dive, art project, and serious beer hall — exposed brick, loud music, local art on the walls, and a tap list that changes often enough to reward repeat visits.
The flagship 2×4 Double IPA is reason enough to make the trip. It’s big, bold, resinous with Pacific Northwest hops, and balanced in a way that makes you appreciate just how much craft goes into a well-made double IPA. But the real fun is working your way through the rotating seasonal offerings. On a recent visit, the taproom was pouring a crushable hazy pale ale perfect for the afternoon sun slanting through the windows, alongside a rich, roasty porter that felt made for après-ski in the truest sense. The staff actually know their beer — ask them what’s fresh, and you’ll get a genuine answer, not a sales pitch.
The food program is no afterthought either. Melvin serves up Thai-influenced dishes that pay homage to the brewery’s origins — think crispy spring rolls, spicy noodle bowls, and wings tossed in sauces that have just enough heat to make the next sip of cold beer feel like relief. It’s the kind of pairing that shouldn’t work on paper but absolutely does in practice.
What makes Melvin stand apart in a town full of excellent drinking establishments is the atmosphere. This is not a place designed to impress out-of-towners with exposed timber and elk antler chandeliers. It’s a place where locals actually hang out — where mountain bikers roll in post-ride, where ski patrollers decompress after a long day on the hill, and where the conversation tends to be louder and more animated than the background music, which is saying something.
Melvin is located right downtown, easy walking distance from Town Square and most of the main lodging corridors, so there’s no excuse for missing it. Go on a weekday evening if you want a seat without a wait, or embrace the weekend energy and let the crowd carry you. Either way, order the 2×4, grab a stool at the bar, and settle in. Jackson Hole has no shortage of iconic experiences — this one just happens to come in a pint glass.
