CHEYENNE - Ike's Bar & Grill, a locally-owned eatery operated by the owners of Capitol Cuisine, has suddenly closed. Now, its future seems unclear and uncertain; some believe it could reopen, others believe it's gone for good, and it may only be time that can tell whether it returns.
A look at the history
Cheyenne natives Brian and Kaylan Eicholtz opened Ike's Bar and Grill on October 22nd, 2021 at 122 W 6th Street, across the street from Car Quest Auto Parts. Although the word "bar" is in their name, Brian told Wyoming Tribune Eagle that he wouldn't call the shop a bar, rather, a restaurant because he thinks that one shouldn't have to worry about taking your family out to a bar just to be able to listen to live music.
| TOP: Ike's seen in December 2021 | BOTTOM: Ike's menu seen in early 2025 - Optopolis |
The restaurant offered a number of different food options including sandwiches and pizza; appetizers and sides included options like onion rings, pretzel bites, and fried pickles. The restaurant even featured a salad bar. Brian and Kaylan previously had operated a different restaurant called Capitol Cuisine which was located at the corner of Capitol Ave and W 8th St; that space is now occupied by Hokkaido Ramen House.
The Laramie County Property Assessor GIS indicates that this building was built in the year 1977. The building was previously occupied by Casa de Trujillo, and it dates back to at least 1980 as confirmed by the 1980 Cheyenne City Directory. An exact closure date for Casa de Trujillo isn't currently clear to Optopolis, but Google Maps Streetview dated May 2018 seems to indicate it was still operating at that time.
 Casa Restaurant seen in May 2018 - Google Maps Street View |
About a year ago in July 2024, a Facebook user expressed concern in Cheyenne Community Connections that Ike's may have closed, asking if they closed permanently, but many people immediately clarified in the comments of the post that Ike's was very much still operational. As of January 2025, they were still operating as confirmed by a visit made by Optopolis.
Ike's Bar & Grill quietly closes doors
On June 21st, 2025, a different Facebook user asked in Cheyenne Community Connections if Ike's Bar and Grill is closed for good. Unlike before, the restaurant's doors were closed this time. Comments on the post also indicated that the restaurant was closed, but they didn't seem conclusive as to what happened and whether the restaurant may reopen. However, many stated concerns of possible mismanagement.
| Ike's Bar and Grill seen in early July 2025 - Optopolis |
In a visit made by Optopolis on July 10th, the restaurant indeed appeared to be closed, and a sign on the front door stated simply, "closed." A peak inside of the restaurant from one of the windows revealed that the restaurant was still furnished; bottles of alcoholic beverages could be seen sitting on a counter, and various other items appeared randomly placed around the restaurant.
The restaurant last posted to their Facebook page on May 7th, 2025 regarding the NBA Playoffs. At this time, their Facebook page does not indicate the status of the restaurant, and various sites like Facebook and Google Maps still list the business as operational.
 Various items and fixtures were still inside of Ike's, suggesting it may not be permanently closed, but confirmation one way or the other has not yet been uncovered by Optopolis - Optopolis |
At this time, it's not clear to Optopolis if or when the restaurant may re-open, or if the alternative may be true.
Let us know your thoughts...
Do you want to see Ike's reopen? If they don't reopen, what would you like to see take the space? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Published: 07/16/2025 at 12:00 PM MT
Updated: N/A