Do you make New Year’s resolutions? Instead of setting unrealistic expectations or far-fetched intentions, why not make your goals for the coming year more fun? Resolve to try one of these Montana restaurants each month—and not only will you be supporting local businesses, you’ll also get to try some seriously delicious food in the meantime. Here are 12 suggestions of the best restaurants in Montana to try this year.

  1. January: The Buffalo Cafe (Whitefish)

The Buffalo Cafe / Facebook If you’ll be in Whitefish in the winter, cozy up at The Buffalo Cafe. For decades, this locally owned, locally sourced spot has served some of the best breakfasts, lunches, and dinners in town. Buffalo Cafe, 514 E 3rd St, Whitefish, MT 59937, USA

  1. February: Jam! (Bozeman)

Russell M / Google If you don’t already believe breakfast is the most important meal of the day, you will after you start your morning here. In a city with no shortage of spots to go for breakfast, this place stands out. Jam!, West Main Street, Bozeman, MT, USA

  1. March: Parker’s (Drummond)

Cirena Evenson / Google Located in the small town of Drummond, Parker’s Restaurant is known for its massive burgers, which come in almost 140 combinations. Deciding which burger to order here is never easy, so you may have to come back a few times and try a variety. Parker’s Restaurant, 32 E Front St, Drummond, MT 59832, USA

  1. April: Blacksmith Italian (Bozeman)

Blacksmith Italian / Facebook Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night restaurant, a special occasion spot, or you just really, really love Italian food, Blacksmith never disappoints. Executive Chef and co-owner Cory Dragone has been in the restaurant industry since he was 14, and his passion for Italian food is obvious (and appreciated). Blacksmith Italian, 290 W Kagy Blvd suite c, Bozeman, MT 59715, USA

  1. May: Lolo Creek Steakhouse (Lolo)

Lolo Creek Steakhouse / Facebook The drive to reach Lolo Creek Steakhouse is almost as enjoyable as the meal you’ll have here. This timeless steakhouse proves that you can never go wrong with meat and potatoes. Lolo Creek Steakhouse Inc, 6600 Highway 12 West, Lolo, MT 59847, USA

  1. June: Mi Pueblito Taco Bus (Big Sky)

Mi Pueblito Taco Bus / Facebook There are several taco buses in Montana, but this one is especially extraordinary. If you’ll be in Big Sky in the summer, treat yourself to a taco lunch after a hike. Trust us. Mi Pueblito Taco Bus, 1567 Lone Mountain Trail, Big Sky, MT 59716, USA

  1. July: Schafer’s (Bigfork)

Schafer’s / Facebook Summer is the perfect time to dine outdoors at Schafer’s and enjoy the view of Flathead Lake. While the views are phenomenal, fortunately, the food here also happens to be fantastic. Schafer’s Restaurant, 14735 Sylvan Dr, Bigfork, MT 59911, USA

  1. August: Sunflower Cafe & BBQ (West Glacier)

Sunflower Cafe & BBQ / Facebook Have you ever seen such a delightful restaurant on a campground? Sunflower Cafe & BBQ is located at a campground in Glacier National Park, and once you discover it, you’ll fall in love. Please note that this restaurant is closed during the winter months. Sunflower Cafe & BBQ, 12070 US-2, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA

  1. September: Bar 47 (White Sulphur Springs)

Bar 47 / Facebook Located on Main Street in White Sulphur Springs, Bar 47 is the kind of place you might expect to find in a larger city … except it’s in a tiny town. The elevated pub fare is out of this world. Bar 47, 24 E Main St, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645, USA

  1. October: Sir Scott’s Oasis (Manhattan)

Steve Olp / Google EDITOR’S NOTE: Unfortunately, Sir Scott’s Oasis has permanently closed its doors.We couldn’t have a list of bucket list restaurants and not include this one. Sir Scott’s Oasis is as Montana as it gets, and the steak is as tasty as ever. Sir Scott’s Oasis Steakhouse, Lounge, & Bar, 204 W Main St, Manhattan, MT 59741, USA

  1. November: Boxcar Bistro (Missoula)

Boxcar Bistro / Facebook Boxcar Bistro is the newest restaurant on the list—they just opened their doors in May of 2021. Named in honor of Missoula’s railroad-heavy past, the eatery has a speakeasy vibe and a rotating menu. Boxcar Bistro, 875 Wyoming St Suite 101, Missoula, MT 59801, USA

  1. December: The Fieldhouse (Billings)

The Fieldhouse / Facebook There’s never a bad time to visit The Fieldhouse, one of Billings’ best restaurants, by far. But in December, the experience is especially enchanting when twinkling lights and holiday decor illuminate the dining room. The Fieldhouse, 2601 Minnesota Ave, Billings, MT 59101, USA

How many of these restaurants will you try? For restaurants with a view, take a look at these nine scenic lakeside restaurants in Montana. If you know of any off-the-beaten-path restaurants in Montana, let us know in the comments.

The Buffalo Cafe / Facebook

If you’ll be in Whitefish in the winter, cozy up at The Buffalo Cafe. For decades, this locally owned, locally sourced spot has served some of the best breakfasts, lunches, and dinners in town.

Buffalo Cafe, 514 E 3rd St, Whitefish, MT 59937, USA

Russell M / Google

If you don’t already believe breakfast is the most important meal of the day, you will after you start your morning here. In a city with no shortage of spots to go for breakfast, this place stands out.

Jam!, West Main Street, Bozeman, MT, USA

Cirena Evenson / Google

Located in the small town of Drummond, Parker’s Restaurant is known for its massive burgers, which come in almost 140 combinations. Deciding which burger to order here is never easy, so you may have to come back a few times and try a variety.

Parker’s Restaurant, 32 E Front St, Drummond, MT 59832, USA

Blacksmith Italian / Facebook

Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night restaurant, a special occasion spot, or you just really, really love Italian food, Blacksmith never disappoints. Executive Chef and co-owner Cory Dragone has been in the restaurant industry since he was 14, and his passion for Italian food is obvious (and appreciated).

Blacksmith Italian, 290 W Kagy Blvd suite c, Bozeman, MT 59715, USA

Lolo Creek Steakhouse / Facebook

The drive to reach Lolo Creek Steakhouse is almost as enjoyable as the meal you’ll have here. This timeless steakhouse proves that you can never go wrong with meat and potatoes.

Lolo Creek Steakhouse Inc, 6600 Highway 12 West, Lolo, MT 59847, USA

Mi Pueblito Taco Bus / Facebook

There are several taco buses in Montana, but this one is especially extraordinary. If you’ll be in Big Sky in the summer, treat yourself to a taco lunch after a hike. Trust us.

Mi Pueblito Taco Bus, 1567 Lone Mountain Trail, Big Sky, MT 59716, USA

Schafer’s / Facebook

Summer is the perfect time to dine outdoors at Schafer’s and enjoy the view of Flathead Lake. While the views are phenomenal, fortunately, the food here also happens to be fantastic.

Schafer’s Restaurant, 14735 Sylvan Dr, Bigfork, MT 59911, USA

Sunflower Cafe & BBQ / Facebook

Have you ever seen such a delightful restaurant on a campground? Sunflower Cafe & BBQ is located at a campground in Glacier National Park, and once you discover it, you’ll fall in love. Please note that this restaurant is closed during the winter months.

Sunflower Cafe & BBQ, 12070 US-2, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA

Bar 47 / Facebook

Located on Main Street in White Sulphur Springs, Bar 47 is the kind of place you might expect to find in a larger city … except it’s in a tiny town. The elevated pub fare is out of this world.

Bar 47, 24 E Main St, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645, USA

Steve Olp / Google

EDITOR’S NOTE: Unfortunately, Sir Scott’s Oasis has permanently closed its doors.We couldn’t have a list of bucket list restaurants and not include this one. Sir Scott’s Oasis is as Montana as it gets, and the steak is as tasty as ever.

Sir Scott’s Oasis Steakhouse, Lounge, & Bar, 204 W Main St, Manhattan, MT 59741, USA

Boxcar Bistro / Facebook

Boxcar Bistro is the newest restaurant on the list—they just opened their doors in May of 2021. Named in honor of Missoula’s railroad-heavy past, the eatery has a speakeasy vibe and a rotating menu.

Boxcar Bistro, 875 Wyoming St Suite 101, Missoula, MT 59801, USA

The Fieldhouse / Facebook

There’s never a bad time to visit The Fieldhouse, one of Billings’ best restaurants, by far. But in December, the experience is especially enchanting when twinkling lights and holiday decor illuminate the dining room.

The Fieldhouse, 2601 Minnesota Ave, Billings, MT 59101, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

The Best Food in Montana November 25, 2022 William Suphan What are the most iconic foods in Montana? The most iconic foods in Montana include:

Huckleberries. These delicious berries grow all over the state and there are many farms that let you pick your own. Mackenzie River Pizza. This pizza chain is a local favorite in Montana. Elk and Bison Burgers. Montana is known for game meat and locals make great use of it in their burgers. Flathead Cherries. These sweet and rich cherries are grown all over Montana and are great in cherry pies.

Find out about these and several more of the most iconic foods in Montana.  What are the most historic restaurants in Montana? These are the most historic restaurants in Montana:

Western Cafe. The Western Cafe has been around in Bozeman for many decades, serving hearty breakfast foods. 600 Cafe. Opened in Miles City in 1946, this has been a local favorite for a long time and looks like it will remain so. Double Front Cafe. This restaurant in Missoula has been known locally for its fried chicken for over 100 years. The Old Saloon. Located in Emigrant, this saloon opened in 1902 and is a famous stop for visitors to Montana.

Learn more about these and a few more of the most historic restaurants in Montana.  What are some hidden gem restaurants in Montana? Hidden gem restaurants in Montana include:

Dave’s Sushi. Montana isn’t known for sushi, but this place serves it fresh in Bozeman. The Stray Bullet Cafe. This tiny eatery in Ovando has great burgers and makes tasty breakfasts. Chicken Shack. Located in a KOA campground in Butte, this hidden gem has surprisingly good fried chicken. Marie’s Italian Restaurant. The little town of Stevensville has a quality Italian restaurant that is truly a hidden gem.

Discover these and many other hidden gem restaurants in Montana.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The Best Food in Montana

November 25, 2022

William Suphan

What are the most iconic foods in Montana? The most iconic foods in Montana include:

Huckleberries. These delicious berries grow all over the state and there are many farms that let you pick your own. Mackenzie River Pizza. This pizza chain is a local favorite in Montana. Elk and Bison Burgers. Montana is known for game meat and locals make great use of it in their burgers. Flathead Cherries. These sweet and rich cherries are grown all over Montana and are great in cherry pies.

Find out about these and several more of the most iconic foods in Montana.  What are the most historic restaurants in Montana? These are the most historic restaurants in Montana:

Western Cafe. The Western Cafe has been around in Bozeman for many decades, serving hearty breakfast foods. 600 Cafe. Opened in Miles City in 1946, this has been a local favorite for a long time and looks like it will remain so. Double Front Cafe. This restaurant in Missoula has been known locally for its fried chicken for over 100 years. The Old Saloon. Located in Emigrant, this saloon opened in 1902 and is a famous stop for visitors to Montana.

Learn more about these and a few more of the most historic restaurants in Montana.  What are some hidden gem restaurants in Montana? Hidden gem restaurants in Montana include:

Dave’s Sushi. Montana isn’t known for sushi, but this place serves it fresh in Bozeman. The Stray Bullet Cafe. This tiny eatery in Ovando has great burgers and makes tasty breakfasts. Chicken Shack. Located in a KOA campground in Butte, this hidden gem has surprisingly good fried chicken. Marie’s Italian Restaurant. The little town of Stevensville has a quality Italian restaurant that is truly a hidden gem.

Discover these and many other hidden gem restaurants in Montana.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

The most iconic foods in Montana include:

  • Huckleberries. These delicious berries grow all over the state and there are many farms that let you pick your own.
  • Mackenzie River Pizza. This pizza chain is a local favorite in Montana.
  • Elk and Bison Burgers. Montana is known for game meat and locals make great use of it in their burgers.
  • Flathead Cherries. These sweet and rich cherries are grown all over Montana and are great in cherry pies.

Find out about these and several more of the most iconic foods in Montana. 

What are the most historic restaurants in Montana?

These are the most historic restaurants in Montana:

  • Western Cafe. The Western Cafe has been around in Bozeman for many decades, serving hearty breakfast foods.
  • 600 Cafe. Opened in Miles City in 1946, this has been a local favorite for a long time and looks like it will remain so.
  • Double Front Cafe. This restaurant in Missoula has been known locally for its fried chicken for over 100 years.
  • The Old Saloon. Located in Emigrant, this saloon opened in 1902 and is a famous stop for visitors to Montana.

Learn more about these and a few more of the most historic restaurants in Montana. 

What are some hidden gem restaurants in Montana?

Hidden gem restaurants in Montana include:

  • Dave’s Sushi. Montana isn’t known for sushi, but this place serves it fresh in Bozeman.
  • The Stray Bullet Cafe. This tiny eatery in Ovando has great burgers and makes tasty breakfasts.
  • Chicken Shack. Located in a KOA campground in Butte, this hidden gem has surprisingly good fried chicken.
  • Marie’s Italian Restaurant. The little town of Stevensville has a quality Italian restaurant that is truly a hidden gem.

Discover these and many other hidden gem restaurants in Montana.