If you're looking for an out-of-the-ordinary night out head down the West Strip for a unique get-away at historic Cassie's. The steakhouse offers a menu replete with quality, homemade entrees; the bars are cozy and inviting; and the live music will get you up on your feet.
Named for its early proprietress, Cassie Waters, the establishment has been serving up a good time for nearly a century. Back in Cody's early days, the club and eatery was "the place to dine and dance, to see and be seen," according to a historical account by Kari Enger. Not much has changed today.
Cassie's personal story is reminiscent of many from the era – difficult to separate fact from fiction. Apparently, the young businesswoman moved to Cody at the turn of the century with her late husband, an engineer on the behemoth Buffalo Bill Dam.
"At the time of her husband's death, there were few professions a woman could hold in a settlement like Cody," explains Enger. "Cassie Waters began as a sportin' lady, became a madam and later, an astute and respected entrepreneur."
Many rumors surround what actually transpired at Cassie Water's Place, and according to Enger, "the lady was sometimes on the wrong side of propriety."
Today's owners enjoy sharing Cassie's story and continuing the tradition of entertaining their customers. Steve and Melody Singer bought the business in 1995 and maintain a very diverse, family-run operation.
Steve is a man who wears many hats, splitting his time between the kitchen, dining room and dancehall. Professionally trained as a butcher, Steve cuts every steak to order, ensuring the freshest and highest quality product.
"We don't buy our meat frozen or pre-cut," explains his wife, Melody. "That's why our steaks are so good."
So good, in fact, their porterhouse was ranked #2 in "The West's Best Steaks" in American Cowboy's Feb/Mar 2010 issue.
Other delicious must-try's on the menu include their fresh-made chicken cordon bleu, which Melody sums up with one word: "Decadent!" For a lighter bite, she suggests trying the tuna filet or other seafood selections. Each entrée is served with a complimentary relish tray, fresh baked bread and honey butter, and your choice of soup or salad, baked potato, home fries, chef's private rice, or pasta.
When Steve's not slicing or sizzling steaks, he can be found on stage with long-time friends in West the Band. Joining Steve on bass are Jim Krubeck with lead vocals, guitar and sometimes drums, Ed Cook on lead guitar, and Bob Raver on drums. The quartet has been making music together for many years, some of them since childhood.
"Jim and Steve have been together longer than most people have been married," Melody jokes. "Music is their passion."
Music and Cassie's Steakhouse have also gotten into the blood of the band members' children; all of the kids work and perform there, too. Melody and Steve's son Nate recently returned to help out at the steakhouse after graduating from culinary school and working at Jack's Fish House, a four-star restaurant in Boulder. Their daughter, Sheena, helps wait tables and sings from time to time with the band.
For a more locals feel, the Buffalo Bar or day lounge is open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. until close.
"We say ‘close' because some nights it's 10, some nights it's 2; it all depends on the crowd and if it's summer or winter," Melody relates. "The day lounge has that "Cheers" atmosphere where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came."
The Cassie's name has received some worthy international press in the last couple years when three different Travel Channel shows featured it in their programming. Samantha Brown spent time at a local dude ranch and stopped by the steakhouse. Meet the Natives' Tanna Tribesmen came in to eat and dance while working on a cattle ranch outside Belfry, Mont. And, most recently, Jamie Oliver cooked up some cowboy fondue and kicked up his heels live for a broadcast last summer.
"We've gotten lots of exposure lately," Melody shares excitedly. "It's been fun!"
Cassie's Steakhouse is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the summer months. The restaurant closes at 8 p.m. during the off season. Check out their new Sunday Brunch menu each week from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring crab cakes, stuffed French toast, corn beef hash and more.
The front bar offers live entertainment 6 to 7 nights a week throughout the summer. Doug Hunter livens things up with his piano bar from 6 to 9 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday; and West the Band hits the stage Friday and Saturday nights at 9. The third Sunday of every month the bar features Old Time Fiddlers where anyone is invited to come out and jam. Monday nights, June through September, the Whitlock sisters, who have been performing at Cassie's since they were 12 years old, entertain the crowds. Tuesday nights the musical selection varies depending on who is in town.
"We also do a lot of special music; you never know what you might hear," Melody explains. "With Steve being a musician we can take advantage of the venue and have so many different people come and play here."
That is evidenced by the memorabilia lining the walls of the bar and the autographed photos of performers like Vince Gill and wife Amy Grant, Trace Adkins, and the Kentucky Head Hunters who have all "stopped by" to play with Steve and West the Band.
Melody sums up the business succinctly: "Between all the history, great steaks and music, we have a lot of fun!"
Amy Quick first came to Cody more than a decade ago and was immediately struck by the beauty and depth of this remarkable landscape. She enjoys discovering and sharing local lore and spending as much time playing outside as possible.
