Mom-and-pop restaurants offer a unique experience that many restaurants can't: they make you feel like you're dining with family. Hidden gems among a bounty of swanky eateries, these (often) no-frills establishments serve up food made with heart, with menus consisting of recipes that have been passed down through the generations. Our state is home to a number of historic restaurants, many of which have attained iconic status over the years, but precious few are as rooted in local history as one particular small-town gem in west-central Wyoming. For a homey and familiar mom-and-pop dining experience, plus a hefty dose of mouthwatering steak done right, the historic Svilar's Bar & Steakhouse in Hudson is a worthy stop to add to your Wyoming cuisine explorations.

When a restaurant has stood the test of time for nearly a century, it's a clue that there are some pretty magical menu items being served up inside. Svilar's Bar & Steakhouse in Hudson, Wyoming is no exception! This family-owned hidden gem has been welcoming hungry diners since 1941, although the history of Svilar's goes back even further to 1912.

Svilar's has been tucked away between Lander and Riverton for decades now. But before its final iteration as a delicious local steakhouse and watering hole, Svilar's played many roles in the community, from a creamery and ice house to a service station, clothing store, bakery, and more. Even cigar production at one point!

Uniquely, the meat-centric era of this beloved small-town steakhouse first began as a love story.

In 1912, Dan Svilar, a recently-arrived transplant from his native Yugoslavia, purchased the Miner's Bar where the current restaurant now stands. As fate would have it, Bessie Sevenovich, a widow and fellow Yugoslavian, moved to Hudson with her children just a few years later. It was kismet.

What started out as the occasional opportunity to feed down-on-their-luck railroad workers gradually transformed into something bigger. Few could resist the lure of "Momma" Bessie Svilar's homemade fried chicken! The restaurant was made official in 1941, and to this day, Momma Svilar's recipes are still the backbone of the menu.

Since its humble beginnings, Svilar's has fueled up a number of celebrities and big names over the decades. Famous figures like Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, President John F. Kennedy, and even actor Roy Rogers, just to name a few, have dined in this very space.

This historic restaurant in Wyoming definitely has some stories to tell!

Today, you may or may not find yourself seated in a vintage red booth across the way from a celebrity, but you'll definitely be sharing a delicious dining experience with some friendly faces and fantastic new friends. Locals already know that Svilar's is a treasure and will welcome you with open arms to Hudson.

You'll also be treated to a phenomenal meal, whipped up using many of the same recipes Momma Svilar herself used.

Whether grilled at a backyard barbeque, served cowboy-style at a chuckwagon dinner, or seared to perfection at one of our state's most beautiful restaurants, we all know that steak is always on the menu here in Wyoming. And always in season! Fortunately for hungry diners, the steaks at Svilar's are fork-tender and perfectly cooked to your preference.

They were added to the Svilar's menu in 1950.

Momma Svilar's world-famous fried chicken (Chicken in the Rough) is definitely a crowd favorite, along with the incredibly unique and flavorful sarma.

This international take on the classic cabbage roll is absolutely PACKED with filling and out-of-this-world flavor. This delicious and unexpected menu item seems to be hiding some sort of centuries-old magic as well, as it pairs perfectly with absolutely everything on the menu. This tasty side is also hand-rolled and made fresh, just like Momma Svilar made it.

And the homemade ravioli… this is old-world comfort food at its finest. Even today every ravioli is made and filled by hand!

Served under a generous ladle of wood spoon-stirred sauce and you've got yourself something special.

Over 80 years later, Svilar's is still in the family of Dan and Momma Svilar.

The restaurant has been passed down over the years from child to child to grandchild and is now managed by a long-time employee of the restaurant. It's all in the (extended) family here!

And from the moment you walk in, you'll feel like part of the Svilar family too!

We LOVE featuring hidden gems like these! Have you ever visited Svilar's Bar & Steakhouse in Hudson? This is a fantastic place to grab a drink or a hearty meal with friends! Check out the Svilar's Bar & Steakhouse Facebook page to stay on top of hours and specials. While you're at it, nominate your favorite small-town place to dine!

If you're looking for more local dining gems to tuck into, Svilar's is just one of the many humble little restaurants in Wyoming that we can't get enough of and if you plan to visit Hudson on a road trip, don't forget the delicious road trip snacks!