The Shell Bar is, in a word, Wyoming's "Cheers." if you remember that award-winning TV series or…read moreyou've caught it in re-runs, you know its appeal is much more than the setting; it was the characters who made the show a smash hit.
In my opinion, the same applies to the Shell Bar.
Now don't get me wrong, the setting in tiny rustic Shell Wyoming is awesomely scenic and refreshingly serene. And the completely rebuilt bar, designed as an homage to the structure that historically occupied the same footprint, is nothing short of spectacular. But just like "Cheers," it's the people who make the Shell Bar the kind of place "where everybody knows your name and they're always glad you came."
The newly redesigned, completely rebuilt and recently (July 2024?) reopened Shell Bar was just getting going for limited hours a few nights a week when we visited in August, but it was bustling with locals and out-of-town visitors alike. The atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming, fun and inclusive; nobody is allowed to be a stranger for long! While Wyoming is famous for its cowboys/cowgirls (or is it "cowpersons?"), and there's no shortage of authentic Wyomingites at the Shell Bar, you'll find them friendly, easy-going and more than happy to tell you interesting stories of life in their rugged, landlocked state. Even if you're not a card-carrying member of a certain political party that dominates the state (guilty as charged), you'll be welcomed respectfully and as a friend.
The Shell Bar does have a full kitchen and I believe the owners have plans to eventually offer food made on the premises, but for now they seem to be happy hosting a variety of rotating local food vendors who feature their delicious fare each night the Shell Bar is open. As for libations, this place has it all. From several beers on tap and an even more options in bottles/cans, to wine, cocktails, soft drinks and more, Shell Bar has what you want. Their liquor selection (including an impressive range of Scotch whiskeys), is top shelf and their prices are quite reasonable, particularly compared to what we are all paying in more urban drinking establishments.
The bottom line is that if you find yourself anywhere near the feet of the gorgeous Big Horn mountains, stop by the Shell Bar for a memorable visit to a true local gem. "You wanna go where people know, people are all the same. You wanna go where everybody knows your name."