The main building was first erected in 1863, and the coffee shop was added in 1890, along with the building to the West (originally Murphy's Grocery and the local Post Office). To the East was a livery stable (where the present day gift shop is located). At the turn of the century, the Cafe was expanded to include the area that is now the gift shop.

During the late 1930's, the Post Office was converted into a saloon, and in 1952 the back portion of the restaurant was added, expanding the establishment to approximately 8000 square feet, including the three-tier main Dining Room, the alcove, foyer and conference room. The chandeliers in the Main Dining Room are treasured rare antiques, imported from France. Some of the original Cafe fixtures are still in use.

Due to a fire that all but destroyed the addition, the building was remodeled in 1980, at which time "The Rose" stained glass window and the elaborate oak woodwork were added, and the baby grand player piano!

Some strange sightings and occurrences have many people claiming that the building has a ghost in residence. Rumor has it that it is the spirit of a man shot and killed int he bar by his lover's husband, in a jealous rage.

During the course of construction in the fall of 2006, workers revealed an old sign from what had been The Santa Fe Cafe. "It wasn't as big as The Gold Nugget," remembers Congress resident, Mac McMillin, "but it had good food... good prices, and a bus stop." The restaurant was opened during the 1940's by two Greek men - the Bokas brothers.

Over the years, many famous personalities have dined at the historic Gold Nugget Restaurant; celebrities such as John Wayne, Clark Gable, Clint Eastwood, Nick Adams, Ben Johnson, Dan Quayle, Alice Cooper and Rex Maughan. Most recently, the Gold Nugget has proudly served world famous fashion designer, Mark Jacobs, supermodel Kate Moss, Former Alaska Senator Ted Stevens, and Brent Strom, the St. Louis Cardinals pitching coach.

The restaurant can seat parties of 2 to 200! There is ample parking near the main entrance, on the North side of the building. Breakfast is served from 7am until 12 noon. Lunch is from noon until 4pm. Dinner is served from 4pm until 9pm daily.

The Gold Nugget Restaurant
So Good, It's Scary!