If you go to a city like Big Sky or Bozeman, you’ll definitely expect to eat well — many of our top tourist destinations’ blocks are loaded with tasty restaurants. But we also have plenty of smaller towns full of excellent eateries that haven’t received national attention… yet. These 8 places aren’t known specifically for their great restaurants, but if you visit, you should go hungry.
- Big Timber
Jasperdo / Flickr
Thirsty Turtle Facebook Big Timber is a ridiculously charming mountain town and a paradise for outdoor lovers. And with dining options like the Thirsty Turtle (BBQ, burgers, and the best prime rib) and Iron Star Pizza Company, it’s safe to say you’ll never starve.
- Butte
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
Jennifer C. / Trip Advisor Butte is a historic mining town, but it also happens to have some fantastic food. Treat yourself to an authentic pasty from Joe’s (pictured here) or from Nancy’s, enjoy Chinese food at the oldest restaurant in Montana (Pekin Noodle Parlor), or dine at one of the many steakhouses or Italian eateries. You won’t be disappointed.
- Glasgow
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
ravelingman413 / TripAdvisor Most Montanans wouldn’t consider Glasgow a food city, but perhaps they should. Not only is it home to Eugene’s Pizza, which gets shipped across the country to people who can’t live without it, it also has some scrumptious Mexican food (from Fiesta Mexicana) and an incredible coffee shop (The Loaded Toad).
- Havre
Jasperdo / Flickr
Sheryl M. / TripAdvisor If you’ve ever been to Havre, you’ve probably been to Rod’s Drive Inn and eaten an Ugly Burger (at least, we hope so). But this small town’s dining scene is bigger than burgers – try taking a seat at Wolfer’s Diner, Murphy’s Irish Pub, Grateful Bread, and the laid back Spud’s Grub Hut, just to name a few.
- Hamilton
Wikipedia
chuckatbigsky / TripAdvisor For many Montanans, a trip to Hamilton means going straight to Nap’s Grill and eating a giant burger. And while this is always a good decision, this pleasant Bitterroot town has a lot more to offer. Dine on authentic French food at the charming Taste of Paris (pictured here), try a gourmet sandwich from Bouilla, and feast on pizza over a pint at Higherground Brewing Company.
- Stevensville
I Love Stevensville Montana Facebook
management / TripAdvisor Only 1,988 people call Stevensville home, so it’s a small town by any definition. But these locals are lucky – with food from The Catered Table (pictured here), Mission Bistro, Flavorful, and more to choose from, it’s a wonder anyone here cooks.
- Red Lodge
Ali Eminov / Flickr
Mas Taco Facebook Restaurants in Red Lodge seem to have all the best cuisines covered: Pizza, steak, tacos, Italian, and good old-fashioned diner fare. From the scrumptious delicacies at Mas Taco (like this burrito) to the delicious and healthy fare at Honey’s Cafe, you might have a tough time deciding where to have lunch.
- Livingston
Mattia Panciroli / Flickr
AdventurousTraveler6 / TripAdvisor As one of the gateways to Yellowstone, Livingston is definitely a tourist destination. But the next time you’re there, try eating your way around the city and see what you find. Between the classics like Mark’s In & Out and the newer bistros and cafes, you’ll be impressed (and full).
Do you have a favorite “food town” in Montana? Foodies everywhere seem to appreciate the dining options in Whitefish.
Jasperdo / Flickr
Thirsty Turtle Facebook
Big Timber is a ridiculously charming mountain town and a paradise for outdoor lovers. And with dining options like the Thirsty Turtle (BBQ, burgers, and the best prime rib) and Iron Star Pizza Company, it’s safe to say you’ll never starve.
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
Jennifer C. / Trip Advisor
Butte is a historic mining town, but it also happens to have some fantastic food. Treat yourself to an authentic pasty from Joe’s (pictured here) or from Nancy’s, enjoy Chinese food at the oldest restaurant in Montana (Pekin Noodle Parlor), or dine at one of the many steakhouses or Italian eateries. You won’t be disappointed.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
ravelingman413 / TripAdvisor
Most Montanans wouldn’t consider Glasgow a food city, but perhaps they should. Not only is it home to Eugene’s Pizza, which gets shipped across the country to people who can’t live without it, it also has some scrumptious Mexican food (from Fiesta Mexicana) and an incredible coffee shop (The Loaded Toad).
Sheryl M. / TripAdvisor
If you’ve ever been to Havre, you’ve probably been to Rod’s Drive Inn and eaten an Ugly Burger (at least, we hope so). But this small town’s dining scene is bigger than burgers – try taking a seat at Wolfer’s Diner, Murphy’s Irish Pub, Grateful Bread, and the laid back Spud’s Grub Hut, just to name a few.
Wikipedia
chuckatbigsky / TripAdvisor
For many Montanans, a trip to Hamilton means going straight to Nap’s Grill and eating a giant burger. And while this is always a good decision, this pleasant Bitterroot town has a lot more to offer. Dine on authentic French food at the charming Taste of Paris (pictured here), try a gourmet sandwich from Bouilla, and feast on pizza over a pint at Higherground Brewing Company.
I Love Stevensville Montana Facebook
management / TripAdvisor
Only 1,988 people call Stevensville home, so it’s a small town by any definition. But these locals are lucky – with food from The Catered Table (pictured here), Mission Bistro, Flavorful, and more to choose from, it’s a wonder anyone here cooks.
Ali Eminov / Flickr
Mas Taco Facebook
Restaurants in Red Lodge seem to have all the best cuisines covered: Pizza, steak, tacos, Italian, and good old-fashioned diner fare. From the scrumptious delicacies at Mas Taco (like this burrito) to the delicious and healthy fare at Honey’s Cafe, you might have a tough time deciding where to have lunch.
Mattia Panciroli / Flickr
AdventurousTraveler6 / TripAdvisor
As one of the gateways to Yellowstone, Livingston is definitely a tourist destination. But the next time you’re there, try eating your way around the city and see what you find. Between the classics like Mark’s In & Out and the newer bistros and cafes, you’ll be impressed (and full).
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