6 Rocky Mountain Oyster Hotspots in Wyoming

Wyoming’s culinary landscape offers more than just steaks and burgers; it’s home to the famous Rocky Mountain oysters, a regional delicacy that isn’t seafood at all. These bull testicles, often breaded and fried, have become a staple across the Cowboy State. From rustic bars to family-owned restaurants, Wyoming offers plenty of places where brave eaters can sample this unique Western tradition.

1. Miners and Stockmen’s Steakhouse in Hartville: Historic Setting for a Wyoming Specialty

Found in Wyoming’s oldest incorporated town, Miners and Stockmen’s occupies a building dating back to 1862. This historic gem serves Rocky Mountain oysters that have earned statewide recognition for their exceptional flavor and texture. The preparation here is traditional but perfected over generations. Thinly sliced, soaked in buttermilk, then coated in a secret spice blend before frying, these oysters develop a distinctive crust while remaining tender inside.

The owners, descendants of original Hartville miners, take pride in preserving this culinary tradition. Visitors travel from across the state to experience this menu item, often paired with locally distilled whiskey. The restaurant’s walls showcase mining artifacts and photos of local ranching families who have patronized the establishment for over a century.

2. The Mint Bar in Sheridan: Iconic Watering Hole with Local Flavor

Sheridan’s famous Mint Bar, established in 1907, boasts a neon sign that’s become a landmark in this northern Wyoming town. Their Rocky Mountain oysters are a weekend special that regularly sells out before closing time. The bar’s unique approach involves marinating the oysters in beer and hot sauce overnight before breading them with crushed saltine crackers.

Served in a basket with hand-cut fries and homemade ranch dressing, they’ve become a rite of passage for visitors. The walls covered in wildlife mounts and vintage cowboy memorabilia create a quintessential Wyoming atmosphere. Ranchers, tourists, and locals mingle at the long wooden bar, often sharing stories about their first time trying this conversation-starting dish that the bartenders playfully refer to as ‘prairie high protein.’

3. Albany Lodge near Laramie: Rocky Mountain Oysters in a Rustic Setting

Nestled in the Snowy Range Mountains west of Laramie, Albany Lodge offers a true mountain experience alongside their famous ‘Mountain Morsels.’ Snowmobilers and outdoor enthusiasts have been refueling with these hearty appetizers since the lodge opened in 1946. Albany’s approach stands out for its simplicity.

The chef uses minimal seasonings, allowing the natural flavors to shine through after a quick deep-fry. Regulars know to request the house hot sauce, a fiery concoction made with peppers grown in the lodge’s summer garden.

The massive stone fireplace and timber beams provide a cozy backdrop as guests enjoy this Wyoming specialty. During winter months, it’s not unusual to see plates of oysters at nearly every table, as hungry outdoor adventurers warm up after a day in the mountains with this protein-packed regional dish.

4. Little Bear Inn in Cheyenne: Steakhouse Known for Its Oyster Basket

Family-owned since 1978, Little Bear Inn sits just outside Cheyenne city limits on a stretch of highway that’s been feeding hungry travelers for generations. Their Rocky Mountain oyster basket has achieved such fame that it’s featured on their roadside sign. The restaurant’s preparation involves a 24-hour buttermilk soak followed by a seasoned flour dredge.

Served alongside their famous ‘Bear Sauce’ (a horseradish-based concoction whose recipe remains a family secret), these oysters convert even the most skeptical first-timers. Ranching families have been celebrating special occasions at Little Bear for decades, often introducing younger generations to this Wyoming tradition.

The cozy interior features dark wood paneling, red checkered tablecloths, and a collection of bear-themed decor that children love to count while waiting for their parents’ unusual appetizers to arrive.

5. The Bunkhouse Bar & Grill in Cheyenne: A Western Tradition on the Menu

Located in the heart of Wyoming’s capital, The Bunkhouse has been serving up authentic Western cuisine since 1948. Their Rocky Mountain oysters arrive golden-brown and crispy, accompanied by a special house dipping sauce that locals swear by. What makes The Bunkhouse special is their preparation method. The chef thinly slices the oysters before a light dusting of seasoned flour and cornmeal.

Regular customers often challenge first-timers to try the dish without revealing what they’re actually eating until afterward! Every Thursday is ‘Oyster Night’ when these delicacies are discounted and served alongside cold local beers. The rustic décor, complete with ranch tools and vintage rodeo photographs, creates the perfect setting for this truly Wyoming experience.

6. The Ranger in Laramie: Local Favorite with Hearty Portions

University of Wyoming students have been initiating out-of-state friends with The Ranger’s famous ‘Mountain Oyster Challenge’ since this Laramie institution opened its doors in 1963. Located just blocks from campus, this unpretentious bar serves some of the largest portions in the state. The Ranger’s preparation stands out for its extra-thick slicing technique and double-dipped batter that creates an exceptionally crunchy exterior.

Brave diners who finish the massive platter receive a commemorative t-shirt and their photo on the ‘Wall of Fame.’ Old license plates, vintage UW sports memorabilia, and decades of signed dollar bills cover nearly every surface of this beloved establishment. During Cowboy football season, the wait for a table can stretch over an hour as alumni return to relive their college days with this quintessential Wyoming experience that’s become a unofficial graduation requirement for many UW students.