The Culinary Delights of Highway 50

While it is technically possible to cross the entire state in an afternoon , the real Highway 50 experience means losing hours on the porch of a Sagebrush Saloon. There’s a certain pleasure in going from miles of nothing but wild horses for company to a warm meal, a cold drink, and a good conversation with a total stranger. 

That’s rural Nevada for you, and no place embodies it more than Middlegate Station, a former Pony Express stop turned saloon featuring a historic bar, and a burger so big you’ll get a T-shirt for finishing it. For another storied sud, venture slightly south of Highway 50 to the tiny mountain town of Kingston and pull up a stool at the Lucky Spur Saloon, a small establishment with big views of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.

In Fallon, explore Frey Ranch Farm and Distillery, a sun-dappled estate that grows its whiskey grains on-site. Free tours and tastings are on Saturdays, and there are occasional special events with food trucks. In nearby Austin, don’t miss Grandma’s Bar and Restaurant, the self-appointed living room of Austin which is known for its barbecue chicken pizza, carnitas tacos, and craft cocktails.

For a more family-friendly bar, take a seat at Economy Drug in Ely, a charming 1950s-style soda fountain perfect for a malt or a root beer float. In nearby Eureka, don’t miss Urban Cowboy Coffee & Grill, a go-to saloon-style bar decked in Old-West memorabilia.

Head to travelnevada.com to learn more.