Wyoming has loads of restaurants serving up all types of cuisine to satisfy your appetite no matter what you’re craving. However, if you’re in the mood for a side of authentic western atmosphere to go along with your meal, you’ll want to dine at the most iconic restaurant in the state.
Located inside a historic hotel in a tiny little town that happens to be pretty iconic itself, this eating establishment specializes in traditional Western dining. The menu is filled with meat – steaks, game, fish, and even the signature Hunter’s Salad is topped with blackened beef tips. It’s a carnivore’s dream and just the place to go to immerse yourself in the Wyoming vibe. You can make reservations if you want to, but they’re not necessary at the Virginian.
The Virginian Restaurant is part of the Historic Occidental Hotel, located at 10 North Main Street in Buffalo.
hunkacheese/TripAdvisor
It got its name from the famous novel by Owen Wister, who was a guest at the Occidental during the time he was working on his book.
giuliaduepuntozero/Flickr Wister was taken with the hotel and the little town in general. Historians say that he wrote some chapters for the book in his room at the Occidental and that details from significant parts of the story bear more than a coincidental resemblance to the hotel and the street just outside of it.
The dining room in the Virginian has been remodeled a few times over the years, but always while taking care to preserve the atmosphere.
Beverwin/TripAdvisor
Additionally, the building’s unique features have been left in place, such as the cozy little alcoves that serve as private dining salons.
Beverwin/TripAdvisor You can even take your meal inside the old vault which has also been turned into a dining nook.
There’s an old-time saloon at the Occidental, too, snugged in between the hotel lobby and the Virginian.
Historic Occidental Hotel/Facebook
The menu at the Virginian isn’t extensive, but there is a variety of choices starting with appetizers and salads.
NaeLamb/TripAdvisor They have their own version of a spicy, herb-y artichoke and spinach dip, and the lamb sliders are almost a meal in themselves.
When it comes time for the entrée, there’s plenty of meat on the menu including beef as well as wild game.
Mtn_States_Rd_Waryer/TripAdvisor The chopped steak is a delicious blend of bison and elk.
You can order the beef filet mignon, an elk tenderloin, or the bison ribeye.
Bill Walsh/Flickr
If you prefer seafood, you can choose baked scallops, grilled shrimp…
Historic Occidental Hotel/Facebook
…or grilled salmon.
Historic Occidental Hotel/Facebook There are poultry options on the menu, too, such as chicken Alfredo and the Occidental’s signature Chicken Marsala.
There’s always a special on the menu, too, so be sure to ask about it to make choosing a little more difficult.
Historic Occidental Hotel/Facebook
The choices don’t get any easier when it’s time for dessert. You can take your pick of Wyoming Whiskey cake, chocolate cake with cream, crème brulee, or whatever lip-smacking, sweet concoction the chef has a mind to make.
Historic Occidental Hotel/Facebook
Have you had the experience of dining at the Virginian? What was your favorite thing on the menu?
hunkacheese/TripAdvisor
giuliaduepuntozero/Flickr
Wister was taken with the hotel and the little town in general. Historians say that he wrote some chapters for the book in his room at the Occidental and that details from significant parts of the story bear more than a coincidental resemblance to the hotel and the street just outside of it.
Beverwin/TripAdvisor
You can even take your meal inside the old vault which has also been turned into a dining nook.
Historic Occidental Hotel/Facebook
NaeLamb/TripAdvisor
They have their own version of a spicy, herb-y artichoke and spinach dip, and the lamb sliders are almost a meal in themselves.
Mtn_States_Rd_Waryer/TripAdvisor
The chopped steak is a delicious blend of bison and elk.
Bill Walsh/Flickr
There are poultry options on the menu, too, such as chicken Alfredo and the Occidental’s signature Chicken Marsala.
If you don’t mind driving out to the boonies for great food, you’ll want to visit this incredible steakhouse that’s so worth the drive.
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