Restaurants

Big Sky: Lone Mountain Ranch Dining Room serves elegant interpretations of Western favorites like elk and bison, along with pasta, beef, and fish. Eat in the charming log cabin or outdoors.

 

Billings: Since it is Montana's largest town, Billings has more dining options then you'll find most places in the state. Juliano's for exotic fusion cuisine and Walker's Grill for generally delicious food are local favorites. Rex is a more expensive steakhouse, also with seafood offerings.

 

Bozeman: The Gallatin Gateway Inn, in a restored railroad hotel, serves tasty American food for good prices. Bistro (eclectic Mexican and Asian), Spanish Peaks Brewery (Italian), and O'Brien's (fine cuisine) are also recommended.

 

Butte: M&M Bar and Cafe preserves an old West saloon atmosphere. Lydia's serves Italian food in an attractive Victorian setting, while Uptown Cafe is the local choice for American and bistro entrees.

Great Falls: Mackenzie River Pizza Company serves gourmet, woodfired pizza for lunch and dinner, and Jaker's Steak, Ribs and Fish House is the place for expensive, delicious American food.

Helena: If dessert is your priority, head straight for The Parrot, an old-fashioned soda fountain and sweet shop on North Last Chance Gulch. Miller's Crossing, On Broadway, and Pasta Pantry are good choices for American and Italian-influenced dishes in a casual atmosphere.

Missoula: You should have no trouble finding inexpensive, tasty food in Missoula, since thousands of college students do so every day. Food for Thought, Second Thought, Think Fast, and Headquarters Bakery and Bagels are all outlets of the same local bread-and-sandwiches favorite. The food is delicious and cheap, for both lunch and dinner. The Depot is another popular Missoula restaurant, serving seafood and beef.

 

One more restaurant worth mentioning is the Chico Hot Springs Lodge Restaurant, simply because it is one of the best in the state. Chico Hot Springs is well worth a visit if you are near Livingston. You'll find year-round swimming in the mineral hot springs, and delicious upscale food in the dining room.

Davis, Seabring, and Brian Hurlbut. Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Guilford, CT: Insiders' Guide, 2005. Fifth edition.

Northern Plains. Lincolnwood, Illinois: Exxon Mobil Travel Guide, 2006.

 

Olin, Susan. Glacier National Park. Guilford, CT: Insiders' Guide, 2005. Fourth edition.

Tirrell, Norma. Montana. Oakland, California: Compass American Guides, Inc., 1997.