10 Best Wyoming Restaurants

Wyoming is famous for dishes featuring bison, elk, and trout. The state's food identity is a direct reflection of its ranching heritage and its Rocky Mountain environment, a style often referred to as "Rocky Mountain Cuisine." What sets Wyoming's food apart is its strong emphasis on high-quality, locally raised game and beef. Culinary techniques are often straightforward and rustic, with a focus on grilling and pan-searing to highlight the natural flavor of the meat. Key ingredients that are central to the state's cuisine include bison, which is leaner than beef and has a slightly sweet flavor, and wild-caught trout from the state's clear rivers and streams. Huckleberries, which grow wild in the mountains, are another prized local ingredient, used in desserts, sauces, and cocktails.

The average cost of a meal in Wyoming at a budget restaurant is between $18 and $30 for one person. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs between $70 and $130. Meals at high-end or fine dining establishments like Snake River Grill or Kampai start at $100 per person and can exceed $200, depending on the menu and selections.

Wyoming's fast-food scene is dominated by national chains, but it also features some strong regional players. Taco John's, which was founded in Cheyenne, is a beloved local institution with a massive statewide presence. Another regional favorite is Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, known for its retro diner feel.

• Taco John's: A Wyoming-born chain famous for its "West-Mex" style of fast food, particularly its Potato Olés, which are round, deep-fried potato nuggets.
• Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: A regional chain popular for its thin, crispy-edged steakburgers, shoestring fries, and fresh-made frozen custard.
• Taco Bell: This national chain is extremely popular in Wyoming and is a direct competitor to the homegrown Taco John's.
• McDonald's: A ubiquitous presence in nearly every town, serving its classic menu of burgers and fries.
• Subway: One of the most widespread chains in the state, offering made-to-order submarine sandwiches.
• Wendy's: Known for its square beef patties and Frosty desserts, Wendy's has a solid footprint across Wyoming.
• Arby's: Popular for its roast beef sandwiches, curly fries, and Jamocha shakes.
• Burger King: Another major national burger chain with a significant presence in the state.

The Wyoming dining scene, especially in the destination town of Jackson, continues to see new and sophisticated openings. Recent additions include Aurora, a fine dining restaurant at the summit of Snow King Mountain, and Saffron, Jackson's first Indian and Nepalese restaurant. These new establishments bring fresh concepts to the state.

• Aurora: A new fine dining restaurant located at the top of Snow King Mountain in Jackson. Aurora offers a menu of locally sourced ingredients with panoramic views of the Teton mountains and the town below. Located at 100 E Snow King Ave, Jackson, WY 83001.
• Saffron Indian Restaurant: Jackson's first restaurant to serve traditional Indian and Nepalese cuisine. The menu features curry dishes, Tandoori breads, and vegetable entrees. Located at 225 N Cache St, Jackson, WY 83001.
• Melvin Dojo: A late-night bar and restaurant on Jackson's Town Square from the team behind Melvin Brewing. The Dojo serves a menu of Asian and American street food, craft beer, and offers a late-night menu. Located at 20 E Broadway, Jackson, WY 83001.
• Railspur: A new taco restaurant in downtown Cheyenne. Railspur serves a menu of creative tacos and other Mexican-inspired dishes. Located at 707 W Lincolnway, Cheyenne, WY 82001.

Wyoming's main tourist and population centers, Jackson and Cheyenne, have several popular restaurants in their downtown areas, such as Snake River Grill, Local, and The Metropolitan. The list below shows the best restaurants to try in Wyoming's key downtown locations.

• Snake River Grill: Located on Jackson's historic Town Square, Snake River Grill is a long-standing institution known for its refined yet rustic New American cuisine and its signature Eskimo Bar dessert.
• Local: At the heart of Jackson's Town Square, Local is a modern American steakhouse famous for its in-house butcher shop and its menu of dry-aged steaks and local game.
• The Metropolitan: Cheyenne's The Metropolitan is a highly sought-after downtown restaurant specializing in upscale comfort food, steaks, and creative cocktails in a sophisticated setting.
• Hand Fire Pizza: This Jackson restaurant is housed in the historic Teton Theatre right off the Town Square, specializing in wood-fired pizzas made with organic and local ingredients.

Yes, there are lunch spots in Wyoming worth trying, including the artisanal Persephone Bakery, the casual Picnic, and the classic Nora's Fish Creek Inn. Persephone Bakery in Jackson is a go-to spot for a stylish lunch, with a menu of fresh-baked breads, pastries, salads, and sandwiches in a chic, French-inspired setting. Its sister cafe, Picnic, offers a slightly more casual lunch experience with creative toasts, bowls, and a popular breakfast burrito. For a more traditional Western lunch, Nora's Fish Creek Inn in Wilson is a James Beard Award-winning log cabin diner, famous for its homestyle American comfort food.

Yes, there are good places for dinner in Wyoming, such as the iconic Snake River Grill, the lively Glorietta, and the inventive Coelette. Snake River Grill in Jackson offers a premier fine dining dinner experience with its sophisticated menu of modern American cuisine, extensive wine list, and rustic log cabin atmosphere. Glorietta, also in Jackson, provides a more energetic dinner with its menu of handmade pasta and wood-fired Italian dishes served in a bustling, rustic-chic setting. For a more unique and creative dinner, Coelette serves a high-concept menu inspired by the shared culinary traditions of mountain regions like the Rockies and the Alps.

Wyoming has several restaurants that serve vegan food, including Cultivate Cafe, Trio, and Sweet Melissa's. Cultivate Cafe in Jackson is a health-focused restaurant that offers a number of vegan and vegetarian breakfast and lunch items, such as tofu scrambles and grain bowls. Trio, an American bistro in Jackson, provides a separate vegetarian menu where several dishes can be prepared vegan upon request. Sweet Melissa's in Laramie is a long-standing vegetarian restaurant with a menu that is almost entirely vegan, featuring comfort food dishes like vegan Reubens and shepherd's pie. In Cheyenne, Accomplice Beer Company offers a vegan burger and other adaptable vegetarian items on its pub menu.

Restaurants in Wyoming that serve gluten-free food include Persephone Bakery, Snake River Grill, and Hand Fire Pizza. Persephone Bakery in Jackson offers a selection of gluten-free pastries and breads, and many of its salads and bowls are naturally gluten-free. The fine dining restaurant Snake River Grill in Jackson can accommodate gluten-free diets for most of its menu items with advance notice. Hand Fire Pizza, also in Jackson, provides a gluten-free crust option for its wood-fired pizzas. In Laramie, Sweet Melissa's vegetarian restaurant has numerous gluten-free options clearly marked on its menu.

Wyoming's most famous cuisines are Rocky Mountain and Steakhouse. The state's culinary identity is a direct result of its wide-open spaces, ranching culture, and abundant wild game. Listed below are the most common and popular cuisines in Wyoming.

• Rocky Mountain / Western: This is the defining cuisine of Wyoming. It is characterized by its focus on game meats that are native to the region. Dishes featuring bison, elk, and venison are staples on menus across the state. The preparation is often simple, focusing on grilling or pan-searing to highlight the quality of the meat.
• Steakhouse: As a major cattle-ranching state, Wyoming has a strong steakhouse tradition. From classic, rustic establishments to modern, high-end restaurants, the steakhouse is a cornerstone of Wyoming dining. These restaurants celebrate the state's beef industry, serving premium cuts of locally and regionally raised cattle.
• American / Diner: In many of Wyoming's small towns and cities, the local diner or cafe is the heart of the community. These establishments serve classic American comfort food, including hearty breakfasts, burgers, and homestyle dinners. This reflects a practical, unpretentious approach to food that is central to the state's character.
• New American: In the tourist destination of Jackson, chefs are using the state's high-quality local ingredients to create modern, refined American cuisine. Restaurants in this category blend traditional Western ingredients with contemporary techniques and global influences.
• Thai: The surprising popularity and long-standing success of restaurants like Teton Thai in Teton Village have made Thai cuisine a notable part of the Jackson Hole food scene. It offers a flavorful and spicy contrast to the region's more traditional meat-focused fare.