This Historic Restaurant And Hotel In Nebraska Will Take You Back To The Old West
By Delana Lefevers|Published February 18, 2019
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Delana Lefevers
Author
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
History buffs, take note – this restaurant and hotel in western Nebraska is calling your name. If you’re a fan of Nebraska history, American history, fun memorabilia, and classic architecture, this place in Crawford will easily win your heart.
The Gate City Hotel and Grill in Crawford was formerly known as MJ's Ranch House - and it's gone by plenty of other names since it was built in 1909. Over its long life, the building has served as student apartments, a funeral parlor, military lodging, and a destination for ladies of the night, among other things.
Today the restaurant on the ground floor is just as charming as ever and retains much of its historic elements. Tin ceiling tiles and a heavy wood bar bring the mind the Nebraska of generations past.
One can't help but notice the photographs and memorabilia lining the walls. There are pictures here from Nebraska's early days, pictures celebrating the lives of early pioneers, and pictures of Native Americans including Sitting Bull and Chief Red Cloud.
One of the most notable vintage items in the restaurant is this American flag featuring 46 stars. This would make the flag more than a century old - Oklahoma became the 46th state in 1909 and the 47th state, New Mexico, was admitted to the union in 1912.
But people don't come here just to look at the walls. The food is classic and hearty, and the steaks are some of the best you'll ever taste. Here in the heart of cattle country, ordering the steak is a must - but there are plenty of other options on the menu, too.
If you're passing through and need a place to stay (or if you overindulged a bit at dinner), the upstairs guest rooms offer the perfect place to hunker down for the night.
The decor is an unusual blend of antique and modern, and somehow it works perfectly. The rooms are large but cozy; the accommodations can best be described as a cross between a B&B and a hotel.
Stop by for a delicious meal – and maybe a night of relaxation – here in spectacularly beautiful western Nebraska. Find the Gate City Hotel and Grill at 445 2nd St, Crawford, NE 69339. Visit the website or Facebook page for more information.
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