Sweet Melissa — Restaurant in Laramie

I was blown away by my visit to this little off the beaten path treasure! The quality of food went way beyond what I expected to experience while visiting Laramie. I was alone, so I asked to sit at the bar. (Beautiful bar, btw, maybe walnut wood?)They have a list of signature drinks that all sound so delicious! It was impossible to choose just one, so I had the orange julius and the red sangria. Both were fantastic. The bartender Scotty was nice and enjoyable to chat with. The waitress Makaley was friendly and funny and patient with all of my questions. The staff seemed to work together really well, helping each other out and taking care of all of the customers rather than just their individual tables. It made for a really positive experience with a lot of great interactions. They actually seemed happy to be there. It felt like I had a little glimpse of their individual personalities because they don't wear a generic uniform, but they all still look nice! A big group of college kids came in and asked to do ski shots. They got set up at the end of the bar real fast, did their shots, and then headed on to the game. It was entertaining to watch. The gal that took care of them handled the big group with ease. It didn't feel like an interruption or an annoyance to my dining experience at all. I had a kimchi pancake as my appetizer (absolutely loved it and the delicious sauce served with it!) I ordered the falafel pita with a side of jalapeño peppers for my main dish and only wished that I'd had more room in my belly to keep eating it! I ended up making two meals out of this one dish and enjoyed it just as much the 2nd time around! I reheated the falafel in the airfryer and ate every last bite! I was surprised that prices weren't higher based on the quality of food coming out of the kitchen. It was a really comfortable environment with a vast assortment of customers and incredibly tasty food. I will absolutely make the drive to Laramie again soon so that I can begin working my way through all of the dishes (and drinks) on their menu! Kudos to the ownership/management team. They are clearly doing something right at this restaurant. If I could rate more than 5...

I've lived in Laramie for 6 years and this is my #1 favorite spot in town. I will always bring guests visiting from out of town here or recommend it to newcomers. Here's why: Atmosphere & Service. A small space with dim lights makes it cozy for a solo lunch during a stressful finals week, a weekend get-together with friends, or even a professional meeting. I have never received service that was even mediocre here and you can tell the staff work as a team to make things run smoothly. Because it is small, be aware that it gets busy fast. Drinks. They're strong, reasonably priced, and delicious. The signature cocktails are all well-balanced and unique. My personal favorites are the Steamboat Lemonade and the Key Lime Pie Martini. A friend of mine loves the Bee's Knees. They also have a great variety of beers on tap if a cocktail isn't your thing. Especially if you're there for happy hour, it's worth it to get a drink. Food. I have never tried any dish here that I disliked. If I'm there with my friends, there's an excellent chance we're ordering the buffalo cauliflower wings, made even better by the house-made vegan ranch, or the cashew queso. In the summer the udon noodle salad is incredible and the country-fried impossible and lentil loaf are both perfect winter comforts. The lasagna and mac & cheese specials are almost always worth checking out. For dessert, there's a reason people rave about the fried banana bread. It's decadent and big enough to share, even if I could usually take it down all on my own. There are many good reasons this place is so beloved. Find out...

Sweet Melissa’s serves up an experience that transcends dietary labels. As someone who’s spent a lifetime savoring meat and still counts it among life’s pleasures, the fact that my favorite restaurant in town is vegetarian should speak volumes. Sweet Melissa’s doesn’t just make plant-based food—they elevate it to an art form.

Their seitan Reuben is a revelation. Smoky, savory, and perfectly pressed, it captures the soul of the classic deli staple while offering something wholly new. And the mac and cheese? Exquisite. Creamy, rich, and indulgent, it’s comfort food at its finest—crafted without compromise, full of flavor, and impossible to forget.

But what truly sets this place apart is their attention to detail and the warmth of their service. The staff are always upbeat, genuinely kind, and it’s clear they take pride in what they do. Every visit feels like coming home.

The atmosphere completes the experience—calm, cozy, and welcoming, like a favorite old sweater you never want to take off. Sweet Melissa’s is more than a vegetarian restaurant. It’s proof that food made with care and imagination can win over even the most devoted...