All aboard! That's exactly what you'll find yourself doing at this train-themed restaurant in Wyoming. As a child and even as an adult, there's something so intriguing about trains. That's why this old railroad caboose that's been converted into a restaurant will make you feel like a kid again.
The old railroad caboose was in service in Cheyenne from 1869 to 1912. In 1926, the caboose was placed on this foundation and transformed into a restaurant.
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.
advertisement
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!
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!
advertisement
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.
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.
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.
advertisement
And the homemade ravioli… this is old-world comfort food at its finest. Even today every ravioli is made and filled by hand!
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!
advertisement
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!
There is an old saying: "Don't always judge a book by its cover." The same goes for restaurants in Wyoming. Just because a restaurant doesn't quite look up to par, it doesn't mean that the food they serve isn't good. Some of the best food in Wyoming can be found at some of the most unexpected places. Here is our list of the best unassuming hole in the wall restaurants in Wyoming.
This is one restaurant that you will not leave hungry. Silver Spur Cafe is a mom 'n pop style diner that is located at 832 N. Main Street in Sheridan. Be sure to try one of their cinnamon rolls, pancakes and omelet. This is a great stop for breakfast. If you're there for lunch, check out the bacon cheeseburger around.
If you are looking for a different dining experience, then check out the Kaffee Klatsch. For breakfast they serve breakfast sandwiches and for lunch, they serve dishes such as calzone, chicken cordon-bleu, a pulled pork sandwich and a German specialty. Kaffee Klatsch is located at 701 Washington Blvd. in Newcastle.
The Busy Bee is a favorite dining spot for both locals and visitors. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in a dining room that overlooks Clear Creek. Some of their dinner specials include chicken fried steak, ribs, steak and beef. The Busy Bee Cafe is located at 10 N. Main Street in Buffalo.
Su Casa serves some of the best Mexican food in Wyoming. A lot of people go to Sinclair just to eat at Su Casa. Some of their menu items include enchiladas, sopaipillas, sandwiches, tostadas and fajitas. This Mexican restaurant is located at 705 Lincoln Avenue in Sinclair.
Antelope Bar & Paisley Shawl Restaurant is known for its Certified Angus Beef. Some of its main entrees consist of steak (some of the best steaks in Wyoming!), bone-in pork chops, shrimp, and chicken. This quaint restaurant is located in the Higgins Hotel in Glenrock.
Although the interior isn't that appealing, the steak at Svilar's Bar And Steak House is exquisite. The recipes are originally from a Yugoslav family who fed the coal miners and cowboys. They also serve traditional Yugoslavian ravioli, sarma, homemade pickled goodies and bread. Their beef comes from local ranchers.
The Branding Iron is located at the base of the Wind River Range at 13882 US Highway 189/191 in Bondurant. Their lunch menu consists of burgers and sandwiches and their dinner menu items include chicken, salmon, pork and steak. You'll find delicious food at this down-to-earth rustic restaurant.
Editor's Note: Tumblin Tumbleweeds is permanently closed.
Tumblin Tumbleweeds exudes a welcoming western atmosphere and serves amazing food. Some of its chicken dishes included the apple & onion chicken, chicken fried steak, bourbon chicken and chicken & dumplings.
Have you ever been to this/to any of these longstanding restaurants in Wyoming? If so, which ones were your favorites? Would you agree that these are among the best small town restaurants in Wyoming? What other hole in the wall restaurants in Wyoming would you add to the list? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!
We know that some of out there are big foodies, and take lots of culinary road trips. You might consider trying these awesome food containers for snacks in between your gastronomic adventures!
advertisement
If you’re in the mood for more Wyoming adventures, take a look at this video:
