Cheyenne, the capital city of Wyoming, is a place where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, and where the spirit of the American West is alive and well. While it may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of foodie destinations, Cheyenne has a unique culinary scene that reflects its rich history, cultural heritage, and geographic location. In this article, we’ll explore the types of food that Cheyenne, Wyoming is known for, and what makes the city a must-visit destination for anyone who loves good food and drink.
A Brief History of Cheyenne’s Culinary Scene
Cheyenne’s culinary scene has its roots in the city’s early days as a railroad town and cattle hub. The city was founded in 1867, and its location at the intersection of the Union Pacific Railroad and the Cheyenne-Deadwood Stage Trail made it a major stopping point for travelers and traders. As a result, Cheyenne’s early restaurants and eateries catered to a diverse crowd of cowboys, ranchers, and railroad workers, serving up hearty, comforting dishes that could satisfy a hard day’s work.
Over time, Cheyenne’s culinary scene has evolved to reflect the city’s growing diversity and changing tastes. Today, visitors can find a wide range of restaurants serving everything from traditional American comfort food to international cuisine. However, despite the many changes, Cheyenne’s culinary scene remains deeply rooted in its Western heritage, and many of the city’s signature dishes continue to reflect its cowboy culture and ranching traditions.
Beef: The King of Cheyenne’s Culinary Scene
When it comes to Cheyenne’s culinary scene, one thing is clear: beef is king. The city is surrounded by some of the most productive ranchland in the country, and the local cattle industry has been a mainstay of the economy for generations. As a result, Cheyenne’s restaurants serve up some of the best beef in the country, from tender steaks to hearty stews and roasts.
One of the most iconic beef dishes in Cheyenne is the cowboy cut ribeye, a thick, juicy steak that’s cut from the rib section of the cow. This dish is a staple of many Cheyenne restaurants, and is often served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, crispy fried onions, and a drizzle of rich demiglace.
Another popular beef dish in Cheyenne is chuckwagon food, a type of hearty, comforting cuisine that’s inspired by the chuckwagons of the Old West. Chuckwagons were mobile kitchens that traveled with cattle drives, serving up hot, nourishing meals to cowboys on the range. Today, Cheyenne’s chuckwagon restaurants serve up classic dishes like beef stew, chili, and chicken fried steak, all made with locally sourced ingredients and a healthy dose of cowboy spirit.
Where to Find the Best Beef in Cheyenne
If you’re looking for a great steak in Cheyenne, there are several restaurants that are worth checking out. Here are a few of the top recommendations:
- The Cheyenne Club: This upscale steakhouse is located in the heart of downtown Cheyenne, and serves up some of the city’s best steaks, including a mouth-watering cowboy cut ribeye.
- The Outlaw Saloon: This rustic, Western-themed restaurant is a local favorite, and serves up a mean chicken fried steak, along with a variety of other beef dishes.
- The Hitching Post: This casual, family-friendly restaurant is a great place to find a hearty, comforting meal, including a variety of beef dishes like burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
Other Local Specialties
While beef is undoubtedly the star of Cheyenne’s culinary scene, there are several other local specialties that are worth trying. Here are a few of the top recommendations:
- Bison burgers: Bison is a lean, flavorful meat that’s native to the American West, and is often served up in burger form at Cheyenne’s restaurants. Try one at The Bison Restaurant, which serves up a variety of bison dishes, including burgers, steaks, and roasts.
- Rocky Mountain oysters: Also known as prairie oysters, these are actually bull testicles that are breaded and deep-fried. They’re a local specialty in Cheyenne, and are often served up as an appetizer or side dish.
- Chislic: This is a type of skewered meat that’s popular in the American West, and is often made with beef, venison, or antelope. Try some at The Chislic House, which serves up a variety of chislic dishes, including skewers, salads, and sandwiches.
Local Ingredients and Produce
Cheyenne’s culinary scene is deeply rooted in the local ingredients and produce of the American West. The city is surrounded by some of the most productive farmland and ranchland in the country, and many of its restaurants make use of locally sourced ingredients in their dishes.
Some of the top local ingredients in Cheyenne include:
- Wyoming beef: This is some of the best beef in the country, and is often served up in steaks, roasts, and burgers.
- Rocky Mountain trout: This is a type of freshwater fish that’s native to the American West, and is often served up in Cheyenne’s restaurants.
- Western game meats: Cheyenne’s restaurants often serve up a variety of game meats, including elk, venison, and antelope.
Cheyenne’s Food Festivals and Events
Cheyenne hosts a variety of food festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating the city’s culinary heritage and showcasing its local ingredients and produce. Here are a few of the top events:
- Cheyenne Frontier Days: This is one of the largest and most famous rodeos in the country, and features a variety of food vendors and restaurants serving up classic Western cuisine.
- The Cheyenne Food and Wine Festival: This annual festival celebrates the city’s culinary scene, with a variety of food and wine vendors, cooking demonstrations, and live music.
- The Wyoming Brewers Festival: This annual festival showcases the state’s craft beer scene, with a variety of local breweries and live music.
Visiting Cheyenne’s Farmers Markets
Cheyenne has a thriving farmers market scene, with several markets operating throughout the year. These markets are a great place to find fresh, locally sourced ingredients and produce, and to meet the city’s farmers and food producers.
Some of the top farmers markets in Cheyenne include:
- The Cheyenne Farmers Market: This market operates every Saturday from May to October, and features a variety of local produce, meats, and artisanal goods.
- The Downtown Cheyenne Farmers Market: This market operates every Thursday from June to September, and features a variety of local produce, meats, and artisanal goods.
Conclusion
Cheyenne, Wyoming is a city with a rich culinary heritage, and a deep love of good food and drink. From its famous beef dishes to its local specialties and ingredients, Cheyenne’s culinary scene is a reflection of its Western heritage and cowboy culture. Whether you’re a foodie, a cowboy, or just someone who loves good food and drink, Cheyenne is a must-visit destination that’s sure to satisfy your appetite and leave you wanting more.
What are some popular restaurants in Cheyenne, Wyoming?
Cheyenne, Wyoming, is home to a diverse range of restaurants that cater to various tastes and preferences. Some popular restaurants in the city include The Morris House Bistro, which serves contemporary American cuisine, and Sanford’s Grub & Pub, a local favorite that offers a wide range of burgers and sandwiches. Another popular option is the Cheyenne Club, a historic restaurant that serves classic American dishes in an elegant setting.
In addition to these restaurants, Cheyenne is also known for its vibrant food scene, which features a variety of local eateries and cafes. The city hosts several food festivals throughout the year, including the Cheyenne Food and Wine Festival, which showcases the best of local cuisine and drink. Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining or casual eats, Cheyenne has something to offer.
What are some popular cowboy-themed attractions in Cheyenne?
Cheyenne, Wyoming, is often referred to as the “Magic City of the Plains,” and its cowboy heritage is still alive and well. One popular cowboy-themed attraction in the city is the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, which showcases the history of the American West and the Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo. Another popular attraction is the Terry Bison Ranch, a working ranch that offers bison tours and a chance to see these magnificent animals up close.
In addition to these attractions, Cheyenne is also home to a number of cowboy-themed shops and restaurants, including the famous Boot Barn, which sells a wide range of cowboy boots and western wear. The city also hosts several cowboy-themed events throughout the year, including the Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo, which is one of the largest and most famous rodeos in the world.
What are some popular outdoor activities in Cheyenne?
Cheyenne, Wyoming, is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. One popular outdoor activity in the city is hiking, with several trails available for all skill levels, including the popular Cheyenne Botanic Gardens and the Vedauwoo Recreation Area. Another popular activity is fishing, with several lakes and streams in the area that are stocked with trout and other fish species.
In addition to hiking and fishing, Cheyenne is also a great destination for camping, with several campgrounds in the area that offer a range of amenities. The city also has several parks and green spaces, including the popular Lions Park, which features a playground, picnic areas, and a lake. Whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to enjoy the great outdoors, Cheyenne has something to offer.
What are some popular events in Cheyenne?
Cheyenne, Wyoming, hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, including the famous Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo, which is one of the largest and most famous rodeos in the world. Another popular event is the Cheyenne Food and Wine Festival, which showcases the best of local cuisine and drink. The city also hosts several music festivals, including the Cheyenne Jazz and Blues Festival and the Cheyenne Folk and Bluegrass Festival.
In addition to these events, Cheyenne is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Cheyenne Little Theatre, which produces a range of plays and musicals throughout the year. The city also hosts several art festivals, including the Cheyenne Artwalk, which features the work of local artists. Whether you’re interested in rodeos, food, music, or art, Cheyenne has something to offer.
What are some popular shopping destinations in Cheyenne?
Cheyenne, Wyoming, is home to a range of shopping destinations, including the famous Boot Barn, which sells a wide range of cowboy boots and western wear. Another popular shopping destination is the Cheyenne Frontier Mall, which features a range of national chain stores and local boutiques. The city also has several antique shops and vintage stores, including the popular Antique Mall of Cheyenne.
In addition to these shopping destinations, Cheyenne is also home to a number of local artisans and craftspeople, who sell their wares at the city’s many markets and festivals. The city hosts several craft fairs throughout the year, including the Cheyenne Craft Fair, which features the work of local artisans. Whether you’re looking for cowboy gear, antiques, or unique gifts, Cheyenne has something to offer.
What are some popular museums in Cheyenne?
Cheyenne, Wyoming, is home to a range of museums that showcase the city’s rich history and culture. One popular museum is the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, which showcases the history of the American West and the Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo. Another popular museum is the Wyoming State Museum, which features exhibits on the state’s natural and cultural history.
In addition to these museums, Cheyenne is also home to the Cheyenne Depot Museum, which showcases the city’s railroad history, and the Nelson Museum of the West, which features a range of exhibits on the American West. The city also has several art museums, including the Cheyenne Art Museum, which features a range of exhibits on local and regional art. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or culture, Cheyenne has something to offer.
What are some popular day trips from Cheyenne?
Cheyenne, Wyoming, is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, making it an ideal base for day trips to nearby attractions. One popular day trip is to the Vedauwoo Recreation Area, which features stunning rock formations and hiking trails. Another popular day trip is to the Terry Bison Ranch, a working ranch that offers bison tours and a chance to see these magnificent animals up close.
In addition to these day trips, Cheyenne is also close to several national parks and monuments, including the Rocky Mountain National Park and the Devils Tower National Monument. The city is also within driving distance of several nearby towns and cities, including Laramie and Fort Collins. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or just want to explore the local area, Cheyenne is a great base for day trips.