10 of the best restaurants, breweries and bars in Wyoming's capital

Cheyenne is a city of surprises – who knew that Wyoming’s capital has a thriving culinary scene with new additions and old favorites, including a distillery and several craft breweries? If you're looking for some of the best places to eat and drink in Cheyenne, here are 10 spots that have you covered.

The Metropolitan Downtown

Cheyenne's taste of fine dining, The Metropolitan Downtown is a chic restaurant that offers the best of both worlds – a chef-driven menu in a comfortable yet elegant atmosphere. From Italian bison sausage pasta to calamari fritti, their elegant twists on classic dishes pair well with the clever cocktail creations. A customer favorite is their bone-in rib-eye, a 20-ounce cut of steak with cilantro lime butter which is served alongside salad and a baked potato.

Paramount Ballroom

Offering signature craft cocktails with creative names, such as Stubborn Cinderella and The Girl in the Kimono, the Paramount Ballroom in downtown Cheyenne encourages conversation both in its indoor space and also on the outdoor patio which overlooks colorful murals. The cozy cocktail bar’s friendly staff make this an ideal spot to meet for happy hour or a bite to eat before exploring downtown. They serve a 100% vegetarian menu which includes artichoke dip, deviled eggs and homemade hummus.

Napoli’s Italian Restaurant

A somewhat recent addition to Cheyenne’s restaurant scene, Napoli’s originally opened in Laramie, but is now housed in the historic Frontier Building. Serving traditional Italian fare, they have quickly become a favorite among locals. The staff’s warm hospitality and attentive service makes you feel like a member of the family.

Their menu boasts such specialties as gnocchi al pesto and penne alla vodka, but you’re in for a treat if you try the chef’s favorite, which has tortellini combined with shrimp and chicken in an alfredo sauce.

Chronicles Distilling

A veteran-owned company, Chronicles Distilling is located in the historic Asher Building. This vodka distillery run by two brothers opened in July 2019, and they offer a variety of flavors, including Tart Lemon vodka and Berry and Barb whiskey. You can also take a distillery tour which educates guests about the distilling process.

Outlaw Saloon

The Outlaw Saloon is often referred to as Cheyenne's version of Gilley's, a legendary honky-tonk bar and nightclub. This deceptively large bar/music venue/casino in Cheyenne is the place to be on any night of the week. Kick up your heels with live bands playing on two stages or try your hand at the slot machines. With entertainment four nights a week and 26,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, you can order a drink at any of their five bars and then enjoy some live music.

Paramount Cafe

Conveniently located next door to Paramount Ballroom, this small cafe was originally part of a theater at the turn of the century. The Paramount Cafe’s marquee features cheeky slogans such as “I don’t need an inspirational quote, I need coffee,” and the coffee creations are made with thoughtful attention to detail.

Caffeine lovers with a serious sweet tooth will enjoy a Mary Poppins signature coffee, which contains white chocolate, salted caramel and almond. They also serve smoothies, bubble tea and frozen frappes.

Freedom’s Edge Brewing

Freedom’s Edge opened in 2012 and has been serving the community ever since with small town charm and the craftsmanship of a big city brewery. Their laid-back atmosphere and welcoming vibe make it the perfect spot to settle in for a flight of beers. Choose from their High Noon Chili Ale or Corner to Corner IPA, and soon you’ll find yourself chatting with other friendly guests.

Bunkhouse Bar & Grill

Bunkhouse Bar & Grill is on the outskirts of town, and any cowboy or cowgirl worth the boots they’re wearing knows that the preferred method of transportation is by horse, so don’t be surprised if you see a line of them waiting out front. Featuring a full bar, they also have a live band that plays country music on Fridays and Saturdays. This is fun for the whole family, so bring your kids.

Don’t expect anything healthy on this menu. Order their prime rib sandwich or, for those experimental eaters, the fried rocky mountain oysters. (Hint: they aren’t really oysters.)

Bella Fuoco Wood Fired Pizza

Bella Fuoco is family-owned and got its start as a mobile and catering business serving handmade wood-fired pizza, before opening their downtown location in 2017. In addition to its pizza, the menu features pasta, salads and Wyoming microbrews. Grab a seat inside or people watch on the outdoor patio and sip your beverage of choice. You can’t go wrong with their jalapeño popper pizza or the meatball pie, or really any of the items on the menu at this casual pizzeria, especially the duck wings.

Accomplice Beer Company

Located inside the historic Cheyenne Depot, this distillery and restaurant offers instant gratification at its finest – over a dozen self-pour taps where guests can sample a variety of beers instead of committing to a full pint. At any given time, Accomplice Beer Company has seven signature beers, three seasonal styles and four guest taps that change periodically, and also a full menu of comfort food favorites.

Order up a plate of chicken wings or opt for one of their artisan pizzas, with flavors such as prosciutto-arugula or cowboy pepperoni.

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This article originally appeared on 10Best.com: 10 of the best places to eat and drink in Cheyenne, Wyoming