Ponderosa Cafe — Restaurant in Hulett

Wow! What a gem! We just happened upon this place traveling through Wyoming at just the right time (lunch!!).

First impressions was how unique this place was. There is all kinds of fun stuff along the walls and an alien just chilling in the corner. We were greeted immediately by friendly staff. No one else was there but we were told there busier times were later in the evening. It’s not surprising because the population of these towns is so small and far apart.

We ordered the fried mushrooms to start and they were hot off the fryer. The breading was full of flavor and the mushrooms have a burst of umami making all the other flavors that much better. But when you add the homemade ranch to it… hooboy it really kicks it up a notch.

My bacon cheeseburger wasn’t a dive bar burger meaning it was greasy and messy (albeit wonderful). It was a classic burger cooked to perfection with a thick slice of tomato and onion with fresh greens to top it off. Normally bacon in most places is cheap thin slices. Not here. This was good old fashioned bacon also cooked perfectly. This was a top tier burger.

We also got a bacon covered chicken cutlet and that thing was on another level. It didn’t need the bacon. That should be very telling because I love bacon on anything. The chicken was cooked to perfection and the breading on it was bursting with flavor as well. All the accoutrements were also fresh. They could’ve slapped just the cutlet down on a bare plate and no one would complain. It was that good.

The only downer was the fries. They were typical crinkle cut fries. Nothing to complain about but also nothing to write home about. But who needs fries when you get these huge portions of culinary heaven.

Based on these two dishes alone I would blindly endorse every dish they serve.

I’m giving this place all sorts of five stars because not only will I joyfully eat here again if I’m around, I will be going out of my...

What a treat. I had the pleasure of visiting this spot yesterday. We found the place on Google. It had high ratings. We pulled up and it wasn’t open. Something told me to check the back. I am glad I did. The owner asked for 15 min and he would have the menu ready. We came in. Had drinks. I had a unique filet tip steak meal. The soup and salad that accompanied it was on point. The unique potato fries were amazing. The steak was seasoned and cooked to perfection. Every thing was amazing. It was so good I had to get another meal since we were there so long. I ended up with the pasta dish and was equally satisfied. Boy I was stuffed. You need to pay them a visit. Jodie is an awesome bartender and server and she’s hilarious. Dean is awesome. His food is amazing. I chatted with a couple of customers at the bar and they shared that this is the spot to come to for amazing food in the area. I’m a witness. Hands down one of the best experiences I’ve had. Go pay them a visit. You...

2025-06-20 Wow! Upon a recommendation by the local chamber of commerce, I rode my bicycle down the big hill from the Hulett Airport to dine in town. So glad I did!

The restaurant was packed full of tourists, but the waitress promptly seated me at a table. I was awarded with a VERY cold water glass bottle, with a pivet cork top fastener, that I poured into my adjacent glass. Cool niche approach!

My house salad arrived with Caesar dressing, croutons, cherry tomatoes...the works. Amazing!

I ordered the 10oz steak with garlic skewered shrimp. When the waitress placed it on the table, I sang a hymn! Perfectly cooked, scrumptious flavor. One of the best I've enjoyed in months!

The shrimp was EXCELLENT! Perfect texture, seasoning, and temperature. Even the ranch fries were crisp on the outside and moist inside.

Atmosphere inside and outside screamed old west decor. A perfect compliment to the local attractions.

Take my word for it...this restaurant is...