Wrangler in Fairfield, ID

 
Small Town Drive In

It was a pretty August day, when we arrived at Fairfield's little drive-in restaurant. A little restaurant, in a little town, of about 400.

Don and I were traveling with my brother and sister-in-law, to Sun Valley Lodge. Chris and Karen knew all about Wrangler's great burgers. The 4 of us knew this could be a tasty budget meal, before our costly visit to the famous Idaho lodge.

Fellow Diners

It was clear that we weren't the only travelers on US 20, stopping in for lunch.

It looked like we might be sharing the tiny dining room, with a lot of bikers. At least there were outside tables, if needed.

Painted Windows!
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I was pretty delighted to see the colorful windows as we approached the western style cafe. 

The 2024 Olympics had just ended, but the festive windows were still celebrating with bright messages! I started thinking Parisian Cafe, instead of Old West Diner.

More Colors

We headed for the doors, with colorful flag and flames. 

I paused when we stepped inside, to admire the red and yellow gum-ball machines. Behind the tall one (holding my favorite, Double Bubble) I saw the word, Scrumdiddlyumtious! I knew this was my kind of positive place!

Chris Orders

My bro Chris stepped up to the window first. He and Karen knew a little something about Wrangler's big menu and ordering process. 

I should have studied the menu. Instead, my eyes examined the 2-toned structure, making up the counter and window. I tried to find clues about the age of this place. Months later, I still know nothing about Wrangler's history. The internet tells me little.

Home of the Original Snow Bunny Burger

While waiting to order, I was tempted to take interior photos, but I didn't want to disturb the bikers hanging around, waiting on orders. So I studied the wall mural and wondered why the woodwork covered the part of the bunny mural.

The bikers were actually quite gracious and shifted around. Suddenly one of the 8 tables was available. 

Burgers and More

Soon Don and I were at the window, taking in the details of the large hanging menu. We could have gotten a shrimp basket, or a chicken club wrap, or finger steaks. But our mouths were already watering for burgers.

There were over a dozen burger options, some with crazy names. The popular Roadkill Patty Melt, or Powder Pig Burger! How about a Rugburn Burger, or a Power Bunny? We did not order the 2-pound, Jack-a-Lope, for $49.00! 


​Milkshake & Curly Fries

Chris and Karen knew what Wrangler does best. They shared a milkshake, that required a spoon.

Along with burgers, they shared fresh, cut to order curly fries. And of course some containers of fry sauce. 

Don and I got cheeseburgers and tots, with some of that famous fry sauce. Too bad we didn't have a birthday to celebrate with a candle. The sauce was so thick, it would have supported a flaming candle, with no danger! 

Thanks Karen and Chris!

We've done some fun dining with these 2! So glad they knew about this popular place! 

It was the perfect stop between Boise and Sun Valley!

Restroom Adventure

I do love to mention a restaurant restroom, if there's any bit of adventure involved. Wrangler only had one and it was tucked back in a hall, near these saloon doors.

There seemed to be about 8 people working the kitchen and an endless stream of diners coming and going. A very odd line was forming for the restroom, even though I believe there was a sign of some kind telling us to avoid lines that blocked the path for kitchen workers. It was sort of amusing, like when you're on a plane and you can't decide whether to break the no standing in the aisle rule, when you need the restroom.

Okay, that was not really a worthy story. 

Off We Go

I left our little western oasis, feeling nicely nourished. I probably could have benefited from a hike near Sun Valley, to work off my burger feast.

Instead, I  enjoyed my satisfied stomach, while I took in the view!
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