Do you know what would make Laramie even better? A meal worth savoring. Fortunately, our favorite restaurants also happen to be walking distance to some of Wyoming’s finest mountain views. At the 19 spots on this guide, a memorable meal is never far off.
The Cowboy Saloon & Dance Hall
$ | (307) 460-2026 | WEBSITE
The Cowboy Saloon & Dance Hall—one of our favorite honky tonks—doesn’t take reservations. The easiest way to experience their lively atmosphere is to grab a spot at the massive bar, and enjoy the live country music from the nearest available stool. They’re all fun, but start with the Jubilee Days charcuterie board, with delectable blueberry goat cheese, spicy cheddar, and the necessary variety of meats to balance out all that richness.
J’s Prairie Rose
$ | (307) 745-8140 | WEBSITE
The patty melt is the star at J’s Prairie Rose, a charming local restaurant that cooks their own excellent onion rings fresh. They’re crispy, golden—almost the texture of tempura—and do double duty on their Western burger, because they’re also served with the breakfast menu. They have a full house, but you’ll get top-notch service just a few minutes later from their lightning-fast kitchen.
Night Heron Books & Coffeehouse
$ | (307) 742-9028 | WEBSITE
We’re bending the coffeehouse rules, but Night Heron’s quiche, bagel sandwiches or breakfast burritos are worth some light rule-breaking. The drinks always taste fresh, and the iced coffee is pretty smooth, so this is one of those bring-your-laptop-and-stay-awhile deals. In case you need a firmer pastry, the Casablanca iced tea is just a sip away.
Grounds Internet & Coffee Lounge
$ | (307) 460-2073 | WEBSITE
Don’t bother fighting for a table during the morning rush at Grounds. Instead, place a drive-through order for a dairy-free latte, or maybe a dark black coffee, then take your drink to Happy Jack. The latte isn’t so hot that you need to wait, but still perfectly creamy from the combination of oat milk and espresso in a sturdy paper cup.
Mingle’s Lounge
$ | (307) 721-2005 | WEBSITE
Mingle’s Lounge pours a lot of wonderfully cold draft beers. Grab one of their reasonably priced tall pours, find a free billiards table for entertainment, and settle in for a friendly game. Bring your own house cue if you’re serious about pool—the ones here can be hit or miss. Snag some complimentary popcorn when it’s available, and chat with the attentive bartenders who remember returning customers. It’s a welcoming spot that makes everyone feel right at home.
O’Dwyers Public House
$ | (307) 742-3900 | WEBSITE
O’Dwyers Public House is a fairly normal pub with a fairly normal bar setup, so you could easily wander in here at happy hour (it’s got a great one), order a beer, and never know about the beauty of ordering the Irish Nachos. Don’t make that mistake. Instead, grab a seat at the bar, then ask for the Irish Nachos. No matter what else you try, the end result will have the texture of pure comfort. If that sounds appealing to you, you’re going to love this place.
Mizu Sushi
$ | (307) 745-3888 | WEBSITE
Mizu Sushi has been serving the freshest, tastiest sushi for residents of Laramie for over a decade. They’ve also been perfecting the cowboy roll for as long as Wyoming has had cowboys. Get the baked mussels with creamy cheese sauce, then spend the evening enjoying a date night or gathering with a large party.
The Sugar Mouse Cupcake House
$ | (307) 223-2147 | WEBSITE
Make sure you’re celebrating a special occasion if you’re ordering a cupcake from The Sugar Mouse Cupcake House. Each cupcake is the size and weight of a small teacup, and could comfortably satisfy your average sweet tooth for hours. Our favorite is the chocolate cupcake, topped with several layers of buttercream, sprinkles, fresh berries, edible glitter, and a little sugar mouse decoration.
The gluten-free and vegan options are just as decadent, making every visit feel like a proper celebration without needing to book an expensive party.
Wyoming’s Rib & Chop House – Laramie
$$ | (307) 460-9090 | WEBSITE
This is the rib and steak house with the most school spirit in town, but we’d happily cheer for any team that serves food this good. (The downtown spots are closer if you can do without the community pride.) This classic Laramie chop house pumps out perfectly seasoned steaks that taste best after a game. Bring an appetite, and order the Cote de Beouf, with fall-off-the-bone ribs, shrimp and scallop pasta, corn dog nuggets, and their legendary Dirty Blue martini.
It’s neither dirty nor blue: more like a perfectly balanced citrus cocktail.
3rd Street Bar
$ | (307) 742-5522 | WEBSITE
Yes, those are the wings, and yes, they serve them up crispy and saucy with a side of ranch like classic bar fare. Try the Blueberry Moscow Mule at this local spot in Laramie, which is refreshing and tangy and goes down smooth with the laid-back vibe. Round out your order with a Deep Eddy Lime Mule for a perfect day-drinking combo.
The Great Untamed
$ | WEBSITE
This cozy Laramie meadery on the 2026 list feels like a welcoming family gathering spot. The standout raspberry country wine is creative and reasonably priced, which really lets that homemade flavor shine. If you don’t want to deal with crowded bars or overpriced drinks, The Great Untamed is just the place—and it has board games and Friday game nights.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
$ | (307) 721-3800 | WEBSITE
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery delivers reliably satisfying comfort food: hearty, generously portioned, and made with care. Just a short drive from the university campus, the family-friendly spot does a standout chicken fried steak, plus plenty of options for pie lovers and tea drinkers. Also, the welcoming atmosphere pairs exceptionally well with a leisurely lunch and friendly conversation.
The Human Bean
$ | (307) 460-2829 | WEBSITE
Another solid choice for college students and locals alike, The Human Bean is the spot for a Mexi-mocha latte and some good energy. The menu board features seasonal options, but we like the Mexi-mocha latte with its delicious mix of Mexican hot chocolate and coffee—an innovative flavor that hits just right. The coffee comes at a perfect temperature, ready to enjoy immediately, and the drive-thru line moves quickly, rarely taking more than a couple of minutes per vehicle.
Small touches like the humorous sign explaining how to merge vehicles add to the welcoming vibe. Despite occasional order mix-ups, the staff’s friendly, caring attitude—they often ask about your day—and fast service make for a consistently positive experience. Overall, it’s a favorite with tasty food, great drinks, and that good energy everyone appreciates.
McAlister’s Deli
$ | (307) 742-2864 | WEBSITE
This deli in Laramie isn’t just for generous sandwiches and standout soups—they also do chef salads. (And cheesecake made fresh daily.) For a quick lunch downtown, it’s a great choice. We like the Applewood BLT, with crisp bacon, fresh lettuce, and a thick layer of mayonnaise.
Lovejoy’s Bar & Grill
$ | (307) 745-0141 | WEBSITE
At Lovejoy’s Bar & Grill, all their fabulous burgers are $14. The casual spot is perfect for watching sports, so a booth by the big screen is the best plan of attack for your first bite of the Hungarian stew. Hearty beef, a world of paprika, tender potatoes, rich broth, and sour cream, plus gluten-free buns if you need them (get them), all washed down with a cold draft beer.
Papa Murphy’s | Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza
$ | (307) 745-7676 | WEBSITE
Papa Murphy’s is one of Laramie’s most reliable pizza spots, and they make an exceptional pie with high-quality ingredients at fair prices. The take-and-bake concept is super convenient and just a little bit clever, and it’s best enjoyed fresh from your own oven at home whenever you’re ready.
Andale Rapido
$ | (307) 745-5944 | WEBSITE
You can get all sorts of Mexican comfort classics at this unassuming spot (long may it reign over Laramie’s strip malls), but the Campesano Burrito is non-negotiable. You can actually enjoy one with your own refills from either side of the counter—there’s the order-upfront-then-sit-down method, as well as the regular service when it’s not too busy.
Alibi Wood Fire Pizzaria & Bakery
$ | (307) 745-9738 | WEBSITE
From the team behind the popular sourdough pizza concept, this Laramie spot makes a perfectly shareable Cubano sandwich. The hearty, crusty sourdough is baked in-house, and the combination of gourmet meats inside is just flavorful enough, and speckled through with special seasoning. The outdoor seating area is right outside, but the sandwiches hold up well if you need to take them further.
QDOBA Mexican Eats
$ | (307) 742-9962 | WEBSITE
Usually, we prefer our burritos with as many types of meat as possible. But we’ll make an exception for the cheese nachos at QDOBA Mexican Eats. They’re absolutely loaded with all the usual toppings, but what sets them apart is the creamy—dare we say indulgent?—cheese sauce drizzled over the fresh chips, and jalapeños on top. Their actually-meaty burritos are good too, and we always snag a quesadilla for later.
