Eating Wyoming: Chill Grill In Rock Springs Has Cool ’50s Vibe And Huge Burgers

ROCK SPRINGS — After a failed back surgery left her grappling with the possibility of never walking again, Bernadette Boyack decided to channel her determination into something meaningful.

“If I didn’t do something, I knew if I would have just stopped, I was going to end up in a wheelchair,” she said. “So, I decided to keep fighting and I did — I opened the diner.”

That leap of faith turned into the Chill Grill Old Fashioned Soda Shop at 1525 Elk St., a 1950s-inspired diner Boyack created from scratch and opened in October 2015.

Over the past decade, the converted gas station has become a go-to spot for Rock Springs locals, celebrated for its throwback atmosphere and homemade comfort food, like massive, never-frozen burgers.

The walls are lined with old 45 records and vintage photos of ’50s icons like Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe. 

But it’s not just about the décor. There’s a warmth in the air, a welcoming hum of conversation, and the promise of well-made diner grub.

“I had no idea what I was getting into when I bought it,” Boyack told Cowboy State Daily. “There were oil sumps in the dining room we had to fill with sand, gas tanks to remove — it was a lot more than I expected, but my family and I made it happen.”

She looks back now and appreciates the struggles she overcame, but at the time, the challenges were anything but easy.

Those Huge Burgers

The menu at the Chill Grill is as much a reflection of Boyack’s creativity as it is her resilience.

Nearly everything is made from scratch, from the soups and chili to the salad dressings and gluten-free options. The burgers, crafted from high-quality steak cuts, stand out.

“It’s not just a burger,” Boyack said. “It’s a steak burger — no nitrates, all-natural and made to order.”

The towering double cheeseburgers are a highlight on the menu, featuring half-pound patties that challenge even the biggest appetites. Diners marvel at their size, often having a difficult time getting their mouths around them, but the challenge only adds to the experience.

“Out of everything on the menu, our burgers are probably the best,” said Paige Reynolds, a server at the diner.

The diner is also celebrated for its ice cream, Reynolds said, including hand-spun old-fashioned shakes, banana splits and malts.

 With a variety of flavors to choose from, including special holiday creations like eggnog and gingerbread, there’s something to satisfy every sweet tooth.

“Our ice cream and burgers are what I think makes us unique,” Reynolds said. “We love getting creative with the flavors, especially during the holidays.” 

And for those with dietary restrictions, the Chill Grill will make gluten-free options.

“I’m celiac, so I understand how important it is to get it right,” Boyack said. “We have a dedicated fryer just for gluten-free items, and we even have gluten-free cones for our ice cream.”

That commitment means a lot to customers. 

“This is the only place in town I can safely eat because I have to have gluten-free food,” said Terry Wright Dickinson, a Rock Springs resident. “The french fries are the best and the food is like nothing else around here.” 

The Chill Grill’s reputation also stretches far beyond Rock Springs. Every summer, travelers from across the country make it a point to stop on their way through.

“I had one customer who came in that told me their friends had come through and said they had to stop here to eat after hearing them rave about it,” Boyack said. “Now, they make it a regular stop every time they come through.”

A Place To Connect

Boyack said she intentionally designed the restaurant with connection in mind, aiming to create a space where people could step away from their distractions and enjoy each other’s company.

“You don’t see as many people buried in their phones here like you do in restaurants where there are TVs and other distractions,” she said. “It’s the kind of place where people actually sit and talk to each other.”

The diner is more than a place to eat; it’s also a place where small gestures make a big difference.

Boyack often writes personalized notes on to-go boxes for her regulars, a thoughtful touch that keeps them coming back. 

Her annual Breakfast with the Grinch, which is scheduled this year from 7-10:30 a.m. Dec. 21 has become a local tradition, drawing families together for breakfast and photos with the Grinch.

Moving Forward

After weathering the challenges of the pandemic without closing, Boyack is now looking to freshen up the menu.

While she’s keeping the details under wraps for now, she hopes the changes will help draw more customers during the quieter winter months.

“Winter can be tough, so I’m working on some ideas to keep things steady,” Boyack said. “We’ll see how it goes, but I always want to make sure there’s something here for everyone.”

But for now, Boyack oversees the Chill Grill with the same passion and commitment that brought it to life, ensuring her team carries out her vision for great food and warm service. 

And for those who walk through the doors, it’s more than just a meal — it’s a reminder of what hard work and a touch of nostalgia can create.