JSI Grill — Restaurant in Laramie

I'll start with the conclusion and work my way back: JSI Grill is special. It's the type of place you put on your itinerary as soon as you know you'll be in town, or if you're just passing through, you make sure it's meal time when you hit Laramie. It's Gino's (or Pat's) in Philly. The Carnegie Deli in Manhattan. You get the idea.

Unlike those legendary spots, JSI is a new joint. It hasn't been promoted by obnoxious locals, celebrities on talk shows, or basic cable food personalities with a stupid catchphrase and ridiculous hair. The common thread is the important thing: the food. That, and the lack of pretense.

There are no cliff divers, pirate caves or mariachis here. No eccentric Euro chef carmelizing sea urchin with a blowtorch, either. Instead, the menu - and ambience - confidently let you know that this place is about the food. Not the slightest hint of a gimmick, not even a cartoon animal mascot.

The absence of customary commercial distractions makes it easier to render judgment on the food, and let me tell you: it delivers in spades. The menu is basic stuff- unpretentious fare that could have been lifted from the calendar of any grade school cafeteria. The difference is that instead of bite after bland bite tasting like defeated public employee, JSI's scratch-made comfort food is confidently, unpretentiously excellent. Fried chicken, sandwiches, wings... the basics... but just like the 1960s-era Green Bay Packers, the execution is so good they don't need any misdirection or trick plays to be the best in the business.

Speaking of business, this restaurant isn't just a local, family owned affair, chances are the owners will cook and serve your food. That's a far cry from the typical evil corporation exploiting teen labor to feed you processed food that's been awakened from deep-freeze to slowly shrivel under a heat lamp.

Laramie isn't exactly flush with restaurants worthy of your hard-earned and ever-depreciating dining dollar. JSI Grill certainly tops the list, however short it may be. Locals: discover it, if you haven't already. Truckers and travelers: this is absolutely the...

Cozy little restaurant with big flavor. JSI sits in an easy to miss and unassuming wood clad building slightly larger than a garage. But don't let that fool you, the meals contained within are nothing to laugh at. Using locally sourced beef, the burgers melt in your mouth with juiciness. And what burger would be complete without thick cut fries and inch thick onion rings coated in a beer batter made from a local brew? Try saying that five time real fast. If that's not enough try one of their 19 different wing sauces, and a different special each day. If you aren't in the mood for dinner they are also open for breakfast serving up huge portions of pancakes, ham, has browns and a variety of omelets. My favorite breakfast items are also featured; Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs, and Biscuits and Gravy. What keeps me from giving 5 stars? It was a very tough decision. The food can be a bit pricey and it adds up fast. Your meal doesn't come with a side so you'll have to pay an extra two dollars to add fries to your meal, or slightly more for onion rings. It can be mostly forgiven knowing that the beef is local and the food is...

The wonderful couple that run this place were the sweetest and most polite people ever. Came in with my brother and my Dad for lunch. Suggested several different options as well as let us try a cup of their insanely delicious hatch green chili! The gentleman owner cooking was more than happy to come chat and talk about his dishes which were incredible. They both made us feel right at home and it made the place feel even more inviting. Dont let the size of the building fool you. This place is PACKED with flavor and quality dishes. Everything was clearly homemade and super fresh. Locally sourced meat and super fresh sides. French fries were incredibly fresh and the onion rings were some of the biggest most delicious looking onion rings ive ever seen. They also offer a large variety of homemade from scratch to go soup and other side options if you are in a hurry and want a quick hot meal! 5 stars for the food and 5 stars to the wonderful staff. Will definitely be back much more this winter for my soup and chili fix on cold days. Check out this hidden gem and support this hard...