This Wyoming Ghost Town Is Worth a Stop Just for the Historic Restaurants

Hidden away in Southwest Wyoming, Atlantic City is a real-life Gold Rush town that’s brimming with old-timey charm and gorgeous desert scenery. Not to be confused with the gambling mecca back east, Wyoming's own Atlantic City is often lumped together with nearby South Pass City and Miner's Delight — two other Wyoming ghost towns that boast incredible peeks into a bygone era. At first glance, the gravel roads, weathered buildings, and noticeable lack of gas stations might lead one to assume that Atlantic City is a ghost town, much like its neighbors, and is likely full of dusty old relics and eerie silence. That's certainly what I used to assume too! But Atlantic City is anything but dead.

As it turns out, this historic town still has some lingering residents, "around 57 people," according to the town's welcome sign (although it's more like 27), and is surprisingly busy, especially during the summer. In fact, this living semi-ghost town is often a last stop for travelers who wish to grab a bite to eat and rest up before hitting the trails. It's just shy of the Continental Divide, and this prime location has kept Atlantic City from slipping into full-blown ghost-town status like many of its neighbors.

Off-roading, camping, hiking — whatever your reason for visiting or passing through historic Atlantic City, at some point, the hunger pangs will come a-calling. For a unique dining experience that combines surprisingly tasty food with a splash of true "Forever West," there are a few long-time spots in this tiny town that look straight out of a 1960s Spaghetti Western, and they're definitely worth checking out.

Atlantic City was founded in 1868, right around the time American gold fever was on the decline. Today, even though the Gold Rush days are long gone, Miner's Grubstake is a beloved local watering hole that still serves up a taste of the past with a menu that’s both hearty and delicious. The rustic saloon-style bar and grill is located right on the main road, offering a one-of-a-kind ghost town dining experience that feels like an authentic step back in time, without any kitsch.

Although it dates back only to 1984, the restaurant's name is a tribute to Atlantic City's mining past. Back in the day, a “grubstake” was the term used for the supplies and food given to prospectors in exchange for a share of their gold strike. When you walk into Miner's Grubstake, you’ll be greeted by a friendly, familiar cabin atmosphere that is reminiscent of the mid-1800s, but with a few modern, quirky touches for a dash of extra personality. And, of course, some hearty "grub" to fuel your adventures.

Whether you’re a hungry traveler passing through or a long-time regular, the menu at Miner's Grubstake has something for everyone. From thick burgers and savory sandwiches to delicious homemade pies, the entire lineup is all about Wyoming-style comfort food — just the way the rough-and-tumble prospectors would have liked it.

The Grubstake Stuffed Burger tends to be the restaurant's bestseller: a juicy, mouthwatering creation loaded with bacon that’s remained a diner staple over the years. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more traditional, the Prime Rib Philly is perfect for a satisfying meal that feels like home, but the buffalo burgers, Reubens, and French dip also get rave reviews. And don’t forget to save room for dessert! The homemade apple pie here is a slice of heaven that’s worth every calorie.

And that's not all. Just steps away, the historic Atlantic City Mercantile has been thriving in various forms since 1893. The pressed-tin faux exterior may not look like much, but inside, you'll not only find legendary wood-grilled steaks and incredible homemade eats (the soup here is phenomenal), but walls packed with local artifacts and memorabilia. Newspaper clippings, vintage bottles, large-scale taxidermy, antique wagon wheels, an eclectic assortment of oddities, and even an old piano fill the space, creating a living history museum of sorts to enjoy while you dine. This is authentic Cowboy State history, so be sure to take your time here to fully enjoy the experience.

Filling up before a long day of hiking the CDT is a must, but a meal or two in this underrated living ghost town is a special experience no matter what's on your agenda. There's something undeniably timeless about dining in a place where Wyoming's original prospectors once staked their claim right outside the front doors! There's also something to be said for enjoying your meal in savory silence, with little but tumbling sagebrush to break the quiet.

Whether you’re a history buff exploring the Gold Flakes to Yellowcake Driving Trail, a hardy local who knows the menu front and back, or just need a good meal and some friendly company before you head into the mountains, Atlantic City, Wyoming, is a fantastic pit stop. How often does one get to dig into a home-cooked meal in the heart of an 1800s ghost town, after all? After you've taken a stroll to admire all the historic buildings around town, grab a seat at one of these local restaurants, feast on some delicious grub, and enjoy an authentic slice of Wyoming’s glittering past.