The biggest city in the state of Wyoming, Cheyenne is commonly associated with pan-American restaurant chains and generic fast food. We take a culinary tour of Cheyenne in search of the best locally owned restaurants to sample cuisine from Wyoming and further afield.
Lowcountry cuisine is more commonly associated with states such as Georgia and North Carolina but the Morris House Bistro brings these flavors, inspired by a great mix of African, Caribbean and Cajun cooking, to the great plains of Wyoming with real gusto. A bungalow-style house that was once home to America’s first female Justice of the Peace lends a grand setting to dine in, with such treats as shrimps and grits, sweet peas and bacon and filet of beef.
Looks like it's closedHours or services may be impacted due to Covid-19
Family-owned and run since 1942, this independent restaurant at the heart of Cheyenne serves up large portions of Americana alongside dishes of roasts, burgers, steaks, prime ribs, Mexican food and seasonal features, most of which are prepared on-site. Boasting a grand view of the famous Union Pacific train station, The Albany has established a loyal customer base in its 70-plus years at the same location. There is a range of draft and bottled beers on offer and an extensive liquor mart as well for the connoisseur.
A bit more than your basic burger bar, 2 Doors Down cooks up gourmet burgers where the ingredients go far beyond beef, in a bun with options such as the Mushroom Swiss, which makes the most of the finest Swiss cheeses, or the self-explanatory Bacon Avocado Burger. These twists on much-loved American classics are all served with endless fries and veggie options. For those who don’t fancy their meal in between two slices of bread, platters of breaded chicken or steak and salads are also available.
Specializing in Mexican food, the Tortilla Factory doesn’t just supply the basic wraps, nachos and burritos like any other Mexican restaurant. Its menu also offers genuine south-of-the-border dishes like barbacoa, relleneos and ceviche, as well as the house speciality: freshly baked Mexican confections including conchas, bolillos and tres leche cake. Authentic Mexican cuisine makes up the bulk of the menu but more common American dishes also make an appearance with burgers, steaks and fries all vying for attention.
A taste of Thailand on the Great Plains, Anong’s Thai restaurant serves up premium authentic Thai flavors that come from the owner’s own experiences. After emigrating from Thailand, he worked in many Thai restaurants in the 1990s, but what always struck him was the lack of flavor in the food being served. One day, he knew that it was Anong’s turn to come around. Decorated in traditional Thai motifs, the restaurant holds all the charm of the Orient and mixes it with Western fine dining to provide excellent service in a memorable ambience. House specialities include asparagus shrimp and salmon green curry.
Despite its name, Poor Richard’s is a bustling, family-owned restaurant with almost 30 years of experience behind its belt. The menu presents a mishmash of American and international favorites, many influenced by a mix of Mexican and Italian flavors. But the staple at Poor Richard’s is definitely the steak – aged for 28 days, then cooked to perfection, it has brought much popularity to the restaurant.
Most people wouldn’t see having a sandwich for lunch as anything unique, but Bread Basket Bakery and Sandwich Shoppe offers the luxury of freshly baked deliciousness, still warm and straight from the oven. In addition to the wide selection of breads, pastries and pies, all baked in-house, the bakery also has a great lunch menu with tasty soups and salads. A favorite among Cheyenne locals, Bread Basket Bakery is a must-try on the local food scene.
The speciality at Rubyjuice is fruity and healthy – this small venue is an expert at making a great smoothie, but also boasts a full lunch menu. With health and vitality being at the core of the restaurant’s mission, there are all sorts of quick snacks or substantial meals available, from wraps and salads to daily soup choices and vegetarian options in abundance. The real staple, however, are the smoothies that come in a huge variety of guilt-free flavors.
Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines run the gamut at the Dynasty Café. The restaurant’s menu puts an emphasis on freshness and simplicity, with most of the items prepared in-house. Mongolian chicken and Szechuan shrimp are two particularly popular dishes, whilst buffet and banquet options are also available.
An all-American affair with a saloon and steakhouse feel to it, the Bunkhouse Bar and Grill serves up steaks, burgers, fries and sides. Heavy on the Americana it takes its décor from the ranches of the Great Plains, while the dining experience is made that much more interesting by live music from the house band. A wide variety of draft beers and liquors are available for an after-dinner drink, the party atmosphere goes on long into the evening.
