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Almost anywhere you dine in southern Wyoming, beef plays a prominent role on the menu; prime rib and steak are often specialties. Standard fare at many small-town restaurants includes burgers and sandwiches, and several eateries serve outstanding Mexican dishes. The pickings can be a bit slim for vegetarians, although most menus have at least one vegetable pasta dish or meatless entrée. Jeans and a T-shirt are acceptable attire for most places (even if the folks at the next table happen to be dressed up). Cowboy hats are always welcome.
The fanciest restaurant in Rawlins, this little steak house in a Victorian home serves hand-cut meat, seafood, and pasta, with a few Asian fusion dishes, to boot. Co-owner Lena Dirck grew up in Singapore and opened the restaurant with her husband James in the mid-1990s, back when it was hard to find a variety of restaurants in Rawlins. Aspen House remains a favorite with locals and visitors alike.
Locals and tourists alike make the 15-mile drive from Cheyenne for the live music and homey feel of this out-of-the-way spot. The dance floor is huge, and the menu is full of cowboy favorites, including steaks, burgers, and Rocky Mountain oysters. All the soups and sides are made from scratch, and there's also a full bar. For the full experience, come on Friday or Saturday night for the live music or on Sunday afternoon for a weekly jam session.
