Pioneer Saloon — Restaurant in Ketchum

I was hyped up coming here after reading all the reviews and blog post recommendations about this place. This was my first time in Ketchum, so I wanted to hit the "must go to" spots. At the end of the day, I was disappointed in almost every aspect, from the food to the atmosphere, to the pricing.

Walked in on a Saturday evening, put my name on the wait list. Was told to come back in an hour to check if I'm up or not, which wasn't that big of a deal, since I spent the time just walking around the little downtown area checking out the place. Came back in an hour, was told there were still 6 people on the list ahead of me, and this time to wait another 30 minutes, with the possibility of being called earlier. Since they don't give out buzzers, and I already "invested" aka wasted an hour waiting here, I didn't want to risk the chance of being called and not hearing it and missing out on my turn, so I sat on the bench outside the building reading over the real estate brochures of the million dollar "bargain" properties. Was finally seated after about 1 hour and 35 minute wait, longest I've ever waited to get seated anywhere. Nevertheless, team morale was still high, we were all still optimistic.

We got seated at a round table that was in the highest foot traffic area, next to the bathrooms and the kitchen. Describing the interior lighting as "dimly lit" is an understatement, this place was almost pitch black inside. The actual surface area of the table was small and tight, the tables are VERY close together, and the noise level was very high. They are really trying to cram in as many people as physically possible into that limited floor space. There was a party of 8 people across the room who were laughing, yelling and being obnoxious, which I don't fault the restaurant for (some people just don't have the self awareness of how they're acting and how to be courteous in shared spaces). But with how small and cramped the place is, it was something myself and my party just couldn't tune out.

While waiting to get in, I overheard someone mentioned he was waiting for his date to arrive, and I honestly felt bad for the guy, because this would be the last place I'd ask a date out to. I just thought of how awkward it would be, particularly how dark and loud it was. You wouldn't be able to keep a normal conversation without yelling, and wouldn't be able to really see the other person. To make it worse for the date guy, he didn't put his name on the wait list...RIP brother... He was still waiting when we left.

We all got the Sirloin here ($25.95), which comes with a small side salad to pre game with, and a side of rice. If you want potato with your steak, it will cost you an extra $3.95 if you order it with your entree, and $5.95 if you order it as a side without an entree, a move that was SUPER PETTY to me. Come one, how can you not include potato with steak... BRUH.. I really enjoyed the side salad. The steak was good (not great), and the baked potato was very good (nice size honestly). That being said, for the whole package coming in at $30, I was not impressed. I still find the steak at Texas Roadhouse the best tasting, and the price per portion there is still the best IMO. I'm just an average joe and not a food critic, so maybe I can't tell if this steak here was higher quality or special. To me it wasn't impressive.

Overall, this is a light 3 to me. Highly disappointed, especially after getting hyped over by the reviews. Strong point to me was the waitress and the people who were working the wait list, both were very nice and welcoming. Everything else (food, atmosphere, pricing, WAITING TIME) was a letdown. This is just another example of not believing everything you read. Maybe I'm just not appreciative of the history at this restaurant, or maybe I don't fall into their targeted age demographic, but I don't think I'll be recommending this place...

The Ambiance: Stepping into Pioneer Saloon in Ketchum is like a delightful journey back to the Wild West. The rustic decor, complete with historical memorabilia and the impressive antique bar, creates an inviting atmosphere that charms you from the get-go. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and comfort, offering guests a unique dining experience that's both casual and captivating.

The Staff: Service here is nothing short of excellent. The Pioneer Saloon staff are welcoming, attentive, and knowledgeable about both the menu and the storied history of the place. They clearly take pride in their work and go the extra mile to make sure every patron feels like a part of the Pioneer family.

The Food: The cuisine at Pioneer Saloon is as hearty as it is delicious. The prime rib is a standout dish, cooked to perfection every time, and the Jim Spud is a local favorite you won't want to miss. Each meal is a testament to the Saloon's tradition of serving appetizing and satisfying Western fare with a home-cooked feel.

Pet Friendly: As the Saloon is a restaurant with a traditional dining setting, pets aren’t accommodated indoors. However, the heart of Ketchum is generally pet-friendly, so you can still enjoy a stroll with your four-legged companions around town before or after your meal.

Accessibility: The establishment is thoughtfully accessible, allowing everyone to join in the experience. Parking is convenient, and navigating the interior is hassle-free, ensuring a comfortable visit for guests with mobility considerations.

Overall: Pioneer Saloon is more than just a restaurant; it's a destination. With its superb service, delectable dishes, and captivating historic ambiance, it’s a must-visit for anyone looking to savor the essence of Ketchum's rich heritage. Easily a five-star experience, Pioneer Saloon is an essential stop for locals and travelers alike. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an unforgettable meal in a truly...

We came for a birthday dinner and were subjected to the most unprofessional and hostile treatment I have ever witnessed.

We were quoted a wait time of 45-60 minutes by the host in the front and he gave us a buzzer. We were happy to wait and while waiting we moved to a temporary low table at the front, which we shared with another party, to order drinks and appetizers while we continued to wait for our actual dinner table.

During our 1.5 hour+ wait we continued to check every 15 minutes with the front desk host. After we asked for another update, he went to the back to check. A moment later, a female employee emerged and immediately began yelling at us, loudly accusing us of ignoring our pager. The pager had been placed in the middle of our table, in plain sight, and had never buzzed—a fact the other guests at our table immediately confirmed for us.

When I attempted to calmly explain this to her, she became more aggressive, shouting that she had buzzed us 6+ times, has "30 years of experience" and "never makes a mistake," completely dismissing us and bringing me to tears with her hostility.

The situation escalated horrifically when my friend also tried to speak with her. The female employee yelled at my friend, threatened to have our entire group thrown out for being "disruptive," and then threatened to call the police on my friend, who is Black, while calling us names. At no point were we ever raising our voices or being disruptive.

Appalled and shaken, we chose to leave immediately. As we went to pay, our waitress, who was visibly embarrassed by the entire scene, insisted that we not worry about the bill for our drinks and appetizers. While we appreciated her kindness, it does not erase the hostile, threatening, and discriminatory behavior we were subjected to. This wasn't a case of bad service; it was an actively abusive encounter. I would strongly warn any potential patrons to avoid this...