Our Hometown Go-To Eatery

I have lived in the small town of Green River, Wyoming off and on since 1966. The building where The Hitching Post Restaurant is now located has been there longer than that. I don't ever remember not seeing it as we drove into town from the east.

My mother says the building was a garage at that time, but I don't remember that. I remember it as The Mustang Restaurant and Bar, which was adjacent to The Mustang Hotel. As a child I went with my family to their small cafe in front of the building. The back, a much bigger space, was a bar with a good-sized dance floor, where live bands often played on weekends.

The building had been re-named in the 90s, and the Buckaroo Family Restaurant was born. As I recall, it still had a small cafe in front and a bar/dance hall in the back. I last visited the place for a night of karaoke in the summer of 1999, shortly before moving to Denver.

Buckaroo was in business well into the early 2000s, when the building was purchased by Jeff Stout.

During this time, I was in Colorado, so I missed the renovation years. But I have been told that a lot of old went into the making of the new when Mr. Stout undertook the job of making the place his own. Recycled and refurbished wood and artifacts from around the area were used in unique ways to design the new place.

It was an extensive remodeling and the place is celebrating its 6th-year Anniversary this month. I have to say, after being away for several years and then coming back, I was delighted to see all the changes inside.

During my years away, my parents had made The Hitching Post their after-church breakfast place. It was the place they took family and friends for get-togethers.

They feature a nice soup and salad bar. The soups change daily, and the salad fixings are always fresh and varied.

They have a homestyle-cooking menu!

The artwork featured on every wall comes from local artists. Some pieces are for sale, and some are for display only, but they are all wonderful.

There are Pauls in my family. Did you notice? And we all like good food!

Dad was always a fan of the biscuits and gravy. There was always a little debate with himself. Short stack and a slice of ham, or biscuits and gravy. It went 50/50, but Mom and I enjoyed taking a little nickel wager on what it would be.

Of course, he fooled us once in a while and ordered breakfast burritos. No nickel for us!

There were times when we were tempted, but we never could handle the big breakfasts. Some of our friends and family could, though. And just look at this feast! It's just one of many breakfast specials!

Personally, I like a good dinner, and this is one of my favorites. I especially like the fact that there are always leftovers to take home with me.

Mom and Dad both enjoyed the wonderful Patty Melt! Okay--me, too!

The last meal we had with Dad at The Hitching Post was their rib dinner special. No leftovers for any of us that day--we gobbled them all up! This, after getting our plates and telling each other it was too much for one sitting. But we just couldn't stop eating.

I'd give a lot to go back and have that meal with Dad again, but he's having his ribs in Heaven these days. If they're better than these, it can't be by much!

Green River folks don't have all the choices big city folks have, but when in this small town, you will eat big if you head to The Hitching Post.

By the way, you can't beat the service or the friendly atmosphere. Small town eateries are nice that way!

If you're ever in Green River, check it out!

You can check out The Hitching Post's Facebook page here.

If this made you hungry, you might want to leave me a heart down below.