Nothing beats stopping in a small town like Saratoga, Wyoming, and stumbling upon an ABOVE-AVERAGE restaurant! Way above average.

It's even better when that above-average restaurant looks like a typical small-town diner, but then surprises everyone with its amazing food and charm.

If you are entering Saratoga from the north, you'll find it on that side of town just about right after you cross the river. It's on your left.

We got there just in time, before the lunch rush. One look at their menu and we knew that this place was a little different.

Photo By Tim Mandese, Focus West Photography
Photo By Tim Mandese, Focus West Photography

They serve breakfast and lunch at the Hen & Harvest. Most of what they have is fresh and homemade. Even their breads. Locally sourced ingredients add to the flavor.

I suggest going to their website at this link and scrolling down to look at what they serve. I bought a few of their homemade cookies on the way out the door. WOW! I might have to drive all the way back from Cheyenne just to have those again.

We ate inside. But that deck, overlooking the river, looked inviting.

Photo By Tim Mandese, Focus West Photography
Photo By Tim Mandese, Focus West Photography

Some of the people I was with had breakfast. But it was close enough to noon that I had a burger. This was not a typical burger.

The Brown & Gold Burger was a nearly half-pound of hand-pressed burger piled with cheddar, bacon, crispy onions, a fried egg, and mustardy Carolina BBQ sauce, served with fries

You'll love their unique take on biscuits and gravy, with their own special gravy recipe.

All around us, folks were eating the restaurant's own take on classic American meals.

Photo By Tim Mandese, Focus West Photography
Photo By Tim Mandese, Focus West Photography

This next part will sound creepy, but trust me, I love a place with a sense of humor. They have two restrooms. Both have unusual artwork. So I went in and took pictures.

Photo By Glenn Woods
Photo By Glenn Woods

The entire restaurant is full of funny signs and slogans.

That really sets the mood.

Photo By Glenn Woods
Photo By Glenn Woods

This stuff hanging from the walls for the restrooms will give you something to look at while you are in there.

Then you'll come out telling your friends and family that they have to go in and see it, whether they have to go or not.

Photo By Glenn Woods
Photo By Glenn Woods

Thanks to that wonderful meal, I'll have to go back and try everything else on their menu. Perhaps I'll eat on the deck next time.

The Charming Community Of Elk Mountain Wyoming

With one of Wyoming's most famous mountains in the background, the tiny community of Elk Mountain, Wyoming, is one of the most charming and interesting places to visit. But most people miss it. That might be what keeps it charming.

Gallery Credit: Glenn Woods