Based on Reddit discussions, travel forums, and local blogs.
Visitors treat Thermopolis as a small-town dining scene where a few reliable favorites stand out: Black Bear Cafe for breakfast, Dairyland for ice cream and Bangkok Thai or One Eyed Buffalo for dinner. Experiences are often polarized—One Eyed Buffalo and the Safari Club draw strong praise for atmosphere or food from some and harsh criticism from others—so check recent reviews and hours before you go.
One Eyed Buffalo (One Eyed Buffalo Brewing Co.)
Overall sentiment: mixed
Highly recommended by many for steaks, prime rib and house beers, but visitor experiences are polarized—check recent reviews and ask about steak doneness.
"one of the best meals I’ve had maybe ever."
"one eyed buffalo had awful, awful food. I would never recommend going there."
Sources: reddit.com · reddit.com · cowboystatedaily.com
Black Bear Cafe
Overall sentiment: positive
Frequent must-stop for breakfast—classic diner fare, large portions and popular morning crowds; plan for early closing and busy season waits.
"Black Bear Cafe in Thermopolis also has fanfreakingtastic milkshakes."
"excellent pancakes"
Sources: reddit.com · wanderlog.com · tripadvisor.com
Bangkok Thai Restaurant
Overall sentiment: positive
The go-to Thai/Asian option in town; reviewers praise dishes like pineapple curry and pad thai and note good vegetarian/gluten-free options—check hours first.
"Bangkok Thai among the top three restaurants in Thermopolis."
Sources: tripadvisor.com · tripadvisor.com · reddit.com
Dairyland & Hot City Coffee
Overall sentiment: positive
Popular walk-up counter for ice cream, shakes and burgers—great for a casual treat after the hot springs; expect seasonal hours and outdoor seating.
"This place has the best philly cheesesteak we've EVER had."
Sources: tripadvisor.com · tripadvisor.com
Thermopolis Safari Club
Overall sentiment: mixed
Visit for the over-the-top mounted-animal décor and historic, kitschy vibe; many recommend it as an experience/photo-op but warn the food is inconsistent or poor.
"Safari club food is horrible."
"Neat atmosphere. Terrible food."
Sources: reddit.com · tripadvisor.com · tripadvisor.com
Los Cabos
Overall sentiment: mixed
Main sit-down Mexican option in town—many reviewers find chips, salsa and fajitas good and service friendly, but consistency and service receive mixed reviews.
"chips and salsa were outstanding."
Sources: tripadvisor.com · reddit.com
P6 Station Stonefired Pizza
Overall sentiment: mixed
Mentioned occasionally as a casual option with decent to good food; appears on TripAdvisor lists of local restaurants.
Sources: tripadvisor.com
Shorty’s Saloon
Overall sentiment: mixed
Listed among casual local spots; mentioned sporadically on forums and TripAdvisor as an option for a laid-back meal or drink.
Sources: tripadvisor.com
148 Bistro
Overall sentiment: mixed
Occasionally cited on TripAdvisor and Reddit as a local dining choice; fewer mentions than the town's top spots but appears in 'top restaurants' lists.
Sources: tripadvisor.com
Audra’s Copper Coo
Overall sentiment: mixed
Appears in TripAdvisor listings and occasional forum mentions as one of several casual local eateries; limited discussion compared with the most-mentioned places.
Sources: tripadvisor.com