A Foodie’s Guide to Wyoming: What to Eat and Where
Laramie, situated about 50 miles north of Cheyenne, offers a charming blend of Old West heritage and modern culinary flair. At the historic Occidental Saloon, diners can savor a true Wyoming experience with their renowned bison steak, a nod to the region’s ranching traditions. This saloon dates back to the 1860s and retains much of its rustic charm, complete with wooden beams and a lively atmosphere. Pairing the hearty game meat with a local craft beer makes for a meal that feels both grounded in Wyoming’s frontier past and vibrant in today’s food scene. Visiting in the cool evenings of summer or fall enhances the experience, as the outdoor patio fills with the soft glow of lanterns and a bustling crowd.
Jackson Hole, located about 60 miles north of the Grand Teton National Park entrance, hosts a number of eateries that celebrate the bounty of the Rocky Mountain West. At The Kitchen, known for its commitment to sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, you can dive into dishes that highlight the area’s fresh game, such as elk and trout. The open kitchen design invites guests to watch chefs craft their plates, emphasizing transparency and care. After a day exploring the Jenny Lake Trail or the Signal Mountain Summit, returning to Jackson Hole for a meal here underscores a connection between the natural surroundings and the food on your plate. Summer and early fall offer the best backdrop for dining outdoors, with the Teton peaks framing the sunset.
In Cody, roughly 80 miles east of Yellowstone National Park’s east entrance, visitors find a unique culinary fusion at the Irma Hotel’s dining room. Named after Buffalo Bill’s daughter, the historic hotel embraces the spirit of the Old West with a menu featuring classic game meat stews and freshly baked bread. The hotel itself is a landmark of Western hospitality and the dining room’s large windows afford views of the rugged Bighorn Mountains. After visiting the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a meal here feels like an authentic taste of Wyoming’s storied past. Winter here has a quiet charm, with snow blanketing the surroundings and the warmth of the hotel’s interior creating a cozy contrast.
Cheyenne, the state capital, combines its railroad town roots with a vibrant contemporary food culture. The Plains Hotel, a historic icon of downtown Cheyenne, offers a dining experience that melds elegance with frontier history. Their signature dish often features locally raised beef with a modern twist, highlighting the region’s agricultural richness. Walking through Cheyenne’s Historic Downtown district before dinner, especially during the spring when the annual Frontier Days rodeo energizes the city, perfectly sets the stage for a meal that bridges past and present.
In the Wind River Valley near Lander, the Sinks Canyon State Park is a natural wonder about 12 miles south of town that pairs well with a visit to the nearby Mizpah Hotel’s restaurant. The park’s highlight is the Sinks, a rare geological feature where the river disappears underground before resurfacing a quarter-mile downstream. After hiking the moderate trail loop to see this phenomenon and the cascading waterfalls, dining at the Mizpah offers a chance to enjoy Wyoming trout dishes, often caught fresh from local rivers. The fall season brings vibrant foliage to the canyon, enriching both the outdoor and culinary experiences.
The town of Sundance, nestled in northeastern Wyoming about 60 miles north of Gillette, hosts an inviting local gem in the form of the historic Red Onion Saloon. This late 19th-century building, once a brothel, now serves up hearty fare like prairie chicken and local game burgers. Its old wooden floors and western décor give diners a palpable sense of history alongside their meals. Visiting in late spring when rodeo season is in full swing offers an authentic glimpse into the local culture with lively music and community gatherings complementing the food.
Finally, for a taste of Wyoming’s agricultural heart, head to the Casper Downtown Historic District, approximately 180 miles north of Cheyenne. Here, the Wyoming Farmers Market brings together regional producers offering fresh cheeses, honey, and meats. Nearby, restaurants like the Silver Fox Steakhouse showcase these ingredients in classic Wyoming fashion, focusing on steaks grilled to perfection and accompanied by locally grown vegetables. Early summer is the ideal time to visit for the freshest market offerings and to enjoy warm, lingering evenings in this revitalized downtown setting.