Montana's abundance of fresh beef, fish, and produce makes the Treasure State a great place to go out to dinner. While we can't list all of the delicious restaurants in "small town" Montana, we've gathered a list of the Western Ranch Broker's team's personal favorites. Bon appétit!
Montana is a great place to get a steak—with more than 2 million head of cattle in the state, there is fresh beef everywhere you look. Whether you like a juicy steak or a basic burger, prefer diners or fine dining, there are plenty of restaurants featuring local fare to explore. While cities like Bozeman and Missoula get the most buzz for great dining, there are plenty of small-town restaurants putting out big-time flavors in the Treasure State.
Varying widely in both cuisine and ambience, the Western Ranch Brokers team has gathered a list of some of our favorite places to eat in small towns across Montana. As a stop on a summer road trip, a respite after a long day on the river, or a special night out—these dining gems certainly deserve a mention.
Southwest Montana
Photo courtesy of The Grand Hotel Restaurant
The Grand Hotel & Restaurant
Big Timber, MT
Experience fine dining, Montana style. The historic Grand Hotel & Restaurant offers steak from locally raised beef and fresh seafood (flown in daily) in the period style dining room and saloon—served under the watchful eyes of several mounts, including an impressive bull moose. Built in 1890, the hotel is on the national list of historic places and makes an excellent stop after a day of fly fishing on the nearby Yellowstone River.
Pompey’s Grill at the Sacajawea Hotel
Three Forks, MT
Newly renovated historic hotel featuring a fine dining steakhouse with craft cocktails.
Corral Bar, Steakhouse & Motel
Big Sky, MT
Historic log-built bar and restaurant featuring burgers, sandwiches, and steaks.
Clyde Park Tavern & Café
Clyde Park, MT
Casual café and bar serving breakfast, burgers, and sandwiches.
The Old Hotel
Twin Bridges, MT
Escape to the islands without ever leaving Montana. The Old Hotel, built in 1879, now houses a casual, walk-in restaurant serving fresh Hawaiian food. Owners Bill and Paula moved to the Bitterroot from the island of Oahu and brought their island cuisine with them, including pupus, poke bowls, bento boxes, and more. The restaurant is open Thursdays and Fridays for dinner and serves a traditional brunch with a few Hawaiian twists Saturday mornings.
Fetty’s
Wisdom, MT
Family style restaurant serving homemade fare since 1932.
The Den Steakhouse & Bar
Dillon, MT
Casual Montana steakhouse.
Follow Yer’ Nose BBQ
Emigrant, MT
Photo courtesy of Follow Yer Nose BBQ
Casual southern-style barbeque restaurant.
McAllister Inn Steakhouse, Bar and Lodging
McAllister, MT
Burgers and steaks in a rustic setting.
Old Schoolhouse Cafe
Dell, MT
Family-run café in an old schoolhouse serving lunch, dinner, and handmade pies.
Central Montana
Mint Bar & Grill
Lewistown, MT
Busy local bar and restaurant offering steaks, chicken, and fish.
Photo courtesy of KRTV.com
Tall Boys Tavern
Hobson, MT
It’s not hard to find a good steak in Montana, but you won’t regret a stop at Tall Boys Tavern in Hobson—known for their certified Angus burgers and steaks, and tasty smoked meats. Tall Boys is the place to go for high-quality comfort food. The grub is gourmet, but the ambience is more blue jeans than button-downs. Located in the old Murray Block Building, a downtown Hobson fixture since 1910, the building has been an opera house, a bank, and a movie set—appearing in “Thunderbolt & Lightfoot” starring Clint Eastwood and Jeff Bridges. Be sure to try the French fries with house-made curry sauce. You can order extra sauce for a nominal fee and can buy a jar to take home if you still haven’t had enough!
Grand Bar and Restaurant
Roundup, MT
Lively bar serving burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
Edgar Bar
Edgar, MT
Friendly steak house featuring local beef.
Frontier Bar & Supper Club
Shelby, MT
Quality but well-priced steaks, prime rib, and more.
Ringling Bar
Ringling, MT
Steak dinner and drinks in a town with circus roots.
Photo courtesy of Bar 47
Bar 47
White Sulphur Springs, MT
“A small drinking town, with a big elk hunting problem” is how Bar 47 describes the culture of the small Western town of White Sulphur Springs. A great pit stop after a day of hunting or hiking, Bar 47 offers beer and craft cocktails alongside elevated bar food. Mainstays include tacos, sandwiches, and burgers made with locally sourced beef. In the mood for something a little different? Try the sea salt caramel french fries and wash them down with a “grown-up milkshake”.
Western Montana
Lindey’s Prime Steakhouse
Seeley Lake, MT
Photo courtesy of Lindeys Prime Steakhouse
Solid steak dinners featuring lake views.
Whitefish Lake Restaurant (at Whitefish Lake Golf Club)
Whitefish, MT
Steak, seafood, and martinis in a historic log clubhouse.
Tupelo Grill
Whitefish, MT
New Orleans-inspired fish, steak, and pasta fine dining restaurant.
Mercantile Steak
Kalispell, MT
Fine dining featuring steaks and craft cocktails.
Eastern Montana
Hole in the Wall Family Dining
Miles City, MT
Photo courtesy of Mary Meyer
Casual restaurant serving sandwiches and steaks with a soup and salad bar.
Mama Stella’s Pizza
Miles City, MT
Pizza, sandwiches, and beer.
Seabeck Pizza
Broadus and Miles City, MT
Unique thick crust pizza, sandwiches, and salads.
