Bopping around Montana for August. Where are folks liking to eat and drink?
It’s a big state, you might want to narrow it down a bit. But not a lot of upper end dining, and little ethic cuisines. More fast food and some decent pizza joints, mostly local establishments, but Mackenzie River Pizza has multiple locations and is pretty good. As you might expect, there are some decent steak joints.
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Yea. I thought for the purposes of the thread bigger would be better.
In my case, I know we’ll be in red lodge, Bozeman, and Missoula. Maybe more.
Plonk, in Bozeman and Missoula, used to have some nice wines, not sure as I have not been there for a couple of years.
And, need to find someone with a house at the Yellowstone Club.
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I’ve spent a fair amount of time in W. MT, but most of my time has been on a dozen or more trips from Seattle to Minnesota when my parents were alive. This means mostly along the I-90 corridor (my usual overnight stays were in Missoula and Buffalo, WY). But time spent in Bozeman and nearby Livingston, and a little in Billings.
If you go to Glacier NP area, the town of Whitefish is nice, although very much gentrified over the last few decades (not as much as Jackson Hole, but not the same little town I fondly recall). Anyway, have breakfast at the Buffalo Cafe, an institution. Sat next to Julia Roberts in the mid ‘80s.
In Missoula, there is the previously mentioned Mackenzie River Pizza. Other decent spots have been Biga Pizza, an Irish pub called Stone of Accord, and The Montana Club steakhouse, although it has been years since I have been there.
In Bozeman, a busy/popular spot is Montana Ale House. A couple of old favorites are now gone, most of the rest of the places I’ve gone are more casual sandwich joints for lunch.
Near Bozeman is the town of Livingston. Nice little town, worth a visit if only for burgers and onion rings at Mark’s In and Out (no, not that In and Out). Expect a line.
If you happen to be heading thru Sheridan, Buffalo or Gillette, WY, let me know and I can give you more ideas.
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I lived in Whitefish from 97-02 but haven’t been back in 20 years. I’m afraid to now as I want to remember it as the place it once was.
I never thought then that it would take off because the winter weather is not for yuppie types. The mountain can just be blanketed with fog for days on end. But when it clears up or you get an inversion the peaks of Glacier NP are spectacular.
Downtown used to have that authentic charm though which was ultimately discovered as most every place is these days.
I have no doubt the best dining similar to a city will be in Bozeman. It was somewhat gentrified even back then.
If you go to Flathead lake a town that was unique and up and coming was Big Fork, might want to look into that for hanging out if you are that way. If you can I would drive up/down the east side of the lake for more natural beauty. The west side was very kind of utilitarian towns with little charm.
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Missoula:
The Saturday Farmer’s market was one of the best I’ve been to in the world
Black Street Coffee was best roaster.
Notorious P.I.G was GREAT bbq. Ribs and beans as stand out. Prices quite fair.
Chico Hot Springs is the OG Montana restaurant near Gardner. Not sure if the Blue Moon Saloon in Cameron is still around, but we would go there after floating the Madison.
Made Livingston. Home of the Great Jim Harrison.
Only one stop so far, The Gourmet Cellar, but it was a good one.
Best selection I’ve seen in a while.
The new owner, Calvin, Bought it from the previous owner (19years?) two years ago and though we only spoke a short while, he clearly has the passion.