[May 21, 2013] Good eats for your day trip Tweet May 21, 2013 (Wyoming Tribune-Eagle - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Looking for a day trip to fill the suddenly warm afternoons We traveled to a few eateries, all located about an hour from Cheyenne, to try their best fare and let you know what's worth a trip out of town. And if you have any favorites, send your suggestions to [email protected] to be used in future editions and lists. to be used in future editions and lists. BRUCE'S BAR (World class Rocky Mountain oysters) WHERE: 123 First St., Severance, Colo. Take Interstate 25 south to Harmony Road in Fort Collins and follow it east to Severance. You can't miss it from there. COST: A plate of beef Oysters runs $8.99 and comes with a side of fries. You can upsize to a combo of beef and buffalo oysters for $12.50. All-you-can-eat oysters specials on Saturday and Sunday are $12.99, as well as Wednesday and Friday for $10.50. The bar also serves reasonably priced burgers (a classic is $8.50), other bar food and even steaks. HOURS: Open every day at 10 a.m. Online: www.brucesbar123.com PHONE: 970-686-23220 Fun fact: The murals on the outside of the building were painted in 1972 by a freelance artist and feature bulls pro-testing the food service, Western scenes and a golfer that looks a lot like original owner Bruce Ruth. CHUGWATER SODA FOUNTAIN (Old school ice cream shop) WHERE: 314 First St., Chugwater. Off the interstate, pass the site of the former gas station and hang a left on First Street. COST: Malts and shakes are $4.05 and you can select from more than 25 toppings to add on. The shop also sells snack foods, including Chugwater Chili cheese fries, along with tourist items. HOURS: Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. ONLINE: www.chugwatersodafountain.com PHONE: 307-422-3222 FUN FACT: The soda fountain is one of the oldest buildings in Chugwater, having been built in 1914. Wyoming's Oldest Operating Soda Fountain dominates the corner of First Street in Chugwater. A yellow sign proudly touts the milkshakes, food and souvenirs. As one enters the store, it's hard not to feel the history. Over its 99 years, the shop has been a doctor's office, pharmacy, diner, grocery story, veterinarian supply store, liquor store and, of course, soda fountain. Today, visitors stroll across the wood floor to a vintage bar -- originally from a mercantile -- where they can watch their milkshakes being made the old-fashioned way, expertly passed from metal container to glass. Locals frequent the shop quite a bit, more so now that the local gas station is out of commission, though tourists from as far away as Japan have stopped in as well. Almost everyone has a shake, and as the sign on the wall says, "If that don't hit the spot, something must be wrong with your spot." The 25 flavor choices include watermelon and peanut butter. Random mixes are the way to go, though waitresses are ready with favorite combinations. If you need something to cut the sugar, the shop also sells soups, sandwiches and other basic foods, including dishes made with Chugwater Chili. J'S PRAIRIE ROSE CAFE (Comfort food without the grease) WHERE: 410 S. Second St. in downtown Laramie. HOURS: Monday-Thursday from 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Friday from 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m.-noon COST: Specials run $6.99, and regular dishes are about $10. PHONE: 307-745-8140 ONLINE: www.jsprairierose.com FUN FACT: The location was home to a Chinese food restaurant for years. J's Prairie Rose Cafe is housed in a nondescript brick building near the edge of downtown Laramie. The inside is about as close as you can get to the cliched dinner experience, and while that may not be a selling point, the food is good enough not to notice. This little gem plates some beautiful homestyle dishes quickly without sacrificing flavor or quality. In fact, the cafe's motto is "not fast food, good food fast." Highlights on the menu include your traditional burger, hot dog and sandwich fare along with larger meals like chicken fried steak. But it is the steak French dip sandwiches that are worth the drive. A house specialty, the sandwich is built around the actual thing: slices of steak placed on a warm bun with a side of au jus dipping sauce. Couple that with some fresh-cut french fries soft enough to sleep on and you have one heck of a meal. Of course, you will also be ready for a nap afterwards. The cafe is also known for its desserts, which are made fresh every day. The cinnamon rolls are a popular choice, though they do offer a nice selection of pies. Anyplace that draws hungry college kids and locals must bring good food to the table. This cafe does that and more. OTHER STOPS ALBERTO'S WHERE: 2605 11th St. Road, Greeley, Colo. HOURS: Monday-Thursday from 10:30 a.m.- 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m-9 p.m. PHONE: 970-356-1417 Featuring the hottest green chili around, Alberto's also has some great breakfast burritos, offering a rotating type of meat with three levels of spiciness every day. ROMA PIZZA WHERE: 728 16th St., Greeley, Colo. HOURS: Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m.-12 a.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. PHONE: 970-352-9511 The college crowd may come for the drink and pizza specials, but the food is good enough to draw repeat visits. Serving Italian classics, the prices are more than reasonable for high-quality food. Snag a calzone or split a pizza for lunch. CHOICE CITY BUTCHER AND DELI WHERE: 104 Olive St., Fort Collins, Colo. HOURS: Monday/Tuesday from 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday/Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday/Saturday from 7 a.m.- 9 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m.- 6 p.m. PHONE: 970-490-2489 ONLINE: www.choicecitybutcher.com Stop in for amazing sandwiches and burgers or to check out the full-service deli, which features traditional meats next to exotic fare like alligator sausages. JUSTINE'S PIZZA WHERE: 140 E. Boardwalk Drive, Fort Collins, Colo. HOURS: Monday-Friday from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m. every day for dinner service. PHONE: 970-225-1950 ONLINE: www.justinespizza.com Hand-tossed and delicious, Justine's Pizza is a northern Colorado tradition. Everything is fresh and the jukebox is killer. ___ (c)2013 Wyoming Tribune-Eagle (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 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