Cowboy country cooking and fine, international dining don’t always seem to go hand in hand. After all, fine linen tablecloths and napkins at chuckwagon dinners are a rarity (as far as we know)! But 2022 saw the grand opening of a completely new addition to the Cheyenne dining scene: a totally unique blending of French cuisine and techniques with the down-to-earth, rustic ingredients and flavors Wyomingites have come to know and love. The next time you’re in Cheyenne, Paris West is home to some phenomenal cowboy cuisine like you’ve never experienced before!
The historic Central Plaza Hotel has been a staple in downtown Cheyenne since 1961. Located close to the state capitol, the Union Pacific Railroad, and many of Cheyenne's many other downtown hotspots, the hotel primarily catered to railroad workers as they traveled all over the country.
The hotel fell into disrepair over the decades, but has been recently undergoing major updates and renovations starting with its landmark restaurant on the ground floor: Paris West Haute Cuisine & Patisserie.
Named due to Cheyenne's historically elegant and eclectic "big city" reputation (relatively speaking), it's fitting that Wyoming's own "Paris of the West" has a small taste of French-inspired glamor in its midst.
While not a French restaurant in the traditional sense, this unique restaurant and bar brings something brand new to Cheyenne's dining scene: French-cowboy fusion.
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The classic, slow-braised French flavors and comforting dishes here are remarkably hearty, especially when combined with Wyoming's country-style eats.
Think rich burgundy beef, chilis, and stews, along with delectable pasta, divine coq au vin (chicken braised with bacon, mushrooms, onion, and white wine), and tender pork paillard (pork tenderloin with a Dijon cream sauce).
In fact, to add a little extra twist to the flavor mix, you'll also find Cowboy (and Cowgirl) sushi here, hand-rolled by sushi chefs. No seaweed or raw fish, though!
But what we especially love is that they offer brunch as well as dinner! And in the City of Love, brunch means homemade CREPES. In addition to handmade crepes, French toast bread puddings, scrambles, skillets, omelets, and deliciously-crafted frittatas are all unique and approachable dishes.
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Then, there are the fresh-out-of-the-oven croissants, beignets, and baked goods!
Just like its City of Love namesake, there’s a LOT to love about this fun fusion restaurant!
The menu at Paris West in Cheyenne is constantly changing as the restaurant’s decorated chefs tweak, perfect, and explore creative additions to the lineup. Be sure to check out their website and Facebook to stay on top of the latest menu additions and special events.
