Just a short jaunt from Guernsey State Park, the charming town of Hartville is a quiet, Old West gem that has managed to slide under the radar. But despite being home to just a few dozen hardy full-time residents, this wood-planked community is home to quite the storied (and rowdy) history. Hartville began as a lively mining town, bursting at the seams with gold, silver, copper, and iron ore back in the 1870s. Combined with Wyoming’s deep-rooted cattle ranching scene, what sprang forth in Hartville was the perfect cowboy haven: Miners and Stockmen’s Steakhouse & Spirits. Today, this cowboy-era remnant isn’t just home to the oldest bar in Wyoming, it’s also the oldest restaurant in the state! For a truly authentic cowboy meal straight out of the Wild West, pop on into this historic restaurant in Wyoming for a trip back in time.
Two hours south of Casper and minutes from Guernsey State Park, the petite town of Hartville stands quietly off the beaten path. As one of the smallest towns in Wyoming, the community may not be on many travelers' radars, but fortunately, that's only contributed to the town's resilient charm.
This tiny western haven boasts some fantastic, historic wood-planked architecture straight out of a Hollywood western, but perhaps its greatest claim to fame is the legendary steakhouse that sits at the heart of it.
It doesn't hurt that Hartville is also the oldest town in Wyoming still standing.
Advertisement
Miners and Stockmen's Steakhouse & Spirits is everything an authentic Wild West steakhouse is meant to be, complete with a historic barback that dates back to 1862.
The gorgeous wood piece was carved in Germany before being shipped to New York, Cheyenne, and by train to Fort Laramie. It was brought to Hartville by wagon in the 1880s. True to the era, the center mirror has had to be replaced several times due to being shot out in gunfight brawls.
Advertisement
But there's even more Wild West history hidden in plain sight. A tall silver pole along the wall is where those who partook in one too many drinks were often handcuffed for the evening before being transferred to the holding cell out back.
The taxidermy on the walls is all local, and most are original. You'll also find a wall of recognition that features the names of thousands of U.S. veterans who have dined here over the decades.
But while you won't find extra frills here, you'll find everything made with love and seared to perfection. The menu is almost entirely steak, as it should be, with a dollop of extras here and there.
But these aren't any ordinary steaks. Every cut of beef at M&S is USDA-certified prime black Angus beef and considered by many to be the best in the state.
Alongside the tender, hand-cut strips, ribeyes, filets, and sirloins are sides that are full of flavor, like the crispy, BBQ-drizzled potato skins. You'll also find regular specials to tantalize the tastebuds, like Carolina pulled pork, surf & turf skewers, smoked chicken, tri-tip, and more.
Up until this point, your meal at Miners and Stockmen's has been all about hearty, down-to-earth cooking. But the homemade desserts served up at this small-town restaurant are on a whole new level.
Advertisement
Every Old West dining experience at M&S comes with a new selection of tasty made-in-house treats to choose from. From fresh-baked blueberry pie and refreshing strawberry cake to decadent favorites like the chocolate praline cake with Belgian dark chocolate, four-layer coffee toffee cake, rich cheesecakes, and so much more.
Add on world-famous coffee, incredible service, and dozens of the most refreshing beers and spirits on tap, and this middle-of-nowhere restaurant is absolutely worth the detour and - belt loops willing - an encore.
Next time you have a hankering for some perfectly grilled steak, pop on into Miners and Stockmen’s Steakhouse in Wyoming for a Western meal fit for a true cowboy! What’s your favorite cut on the menu?
