J’s Prairie Rose Cafe – Laramie, Wyoming

J’s Prairie Rose Cafe in downtown Laramie opens at 7 a.m. sharp, and we were waiting as the door was unlocked.

As soon as we entered the building we were greeted with a smile by our server named Anna.

She quickly delivered menus and steaming mugs of coffee. (Good coffee, I might add.)

This was one time when I did some research before we arrived at the eatery. While Peepaw was gassing up the car, I spent a few minutes reading reviews of the Prairie Rose Cafe, and I quickly learned about how popular their Breakfast Burrito has become. As soon as I read the description in the menu I knew I just had to try it.

I asked Anna for her recommendation for which meat to choose. She laughed and said “Everything’s better with bacon!” That was all I needed to hear, since I totally agreed with her logic. I ordered the green chili on the side, since I was afraid it might be too hot for my taste. (I’m kind of a wimp when it comes to heat.)

It wasn’t long before the small eatery was nearly full of ranchers, cowboys, and “locals” on their way to work. But server Anna kept the orders flying into and out of the kitchen. (You may notice Anna is slightly out of focus in my photos…but that’s because she was too busy to stand still!)

She kept our coffee cups full, and she always took time for a smile and a word to all the diners. 

It wasn’t long before our breakfast arrived. Peepaw got his “usual”…and he was happy with his choices…

And how was my Breakfast Burrito?

It was truly one of the most memorable breakfasts of my life!

Yup…you heard it here. Of my LIFE.

Let me just try to describe that “homemade green chili”…

Nope. I can’t. Words fail me. (And THAT, Dear Readers, isn’t easy for someone who grew up with the nickname “Chatty Patty”…)

It was not “hot”, but the depth of flavor was incredible. It was smoky and rich and…Words DO fail me!

I hated to bother Anna, since she was so very busy…but I just HAD to know about that chili. I asked her if she could tell me what was in it so I could TRY to duplicate it when I got home. But Anna said the cook won’t even tell HER what’s in it…AND SHE IS MARRIED TO HIM! (Now THAT’s what I call a secret recipe!)

And just who is that amazing chef/husband/chili maker? His name is Jason. As in J’s Prairie Rose Cafe.

Jason was also too busy to chat, but Anna told me Jason and his dad Leonard make about twenty gallons of that magical green chili…every week!

All I can say is this. If you ever find yourself in Laramie, Wyoming…Go to J’s Prairie Rose Cafe. If the door is locked, stand outside until they open, no matter what time you arrive. Go inside. And order that Breakfast Burrito with Homemade Green Chili. And tell them Meemaw sent you.

You can thank me later. If you can find the words.