We’re pretty big proponents of supporting local businesses here in Montana, especially when it comes to the places we eat. Luckily, we’ve got plenty of wonderful family-owned restaurants whose owners are putting their hearts and souls into their businesses – and it shows. These are 11 of them.

1. The Buffalo Cafe, 514 3rd St E., Whitefish
Jeff K / Yelp
Melanie J / Yelp
The Buffalo Cafe has been owned by the Maetzold Family and for over 30 years. Tourists instantly love the hearty meals and great service, and the locals know it as a friendly neighborhood business.
2. Double Front Cafe, 122 W Alder St., Missoula
Maria R / Yelp
Michalle R / Yelp
Missoula's best fried chicken joint has been family-owned since its 1909 beginnings. Since 1961, the Herndon family has been running things, preserving the original chicken recipe perfectly.
3. Lemongrass Thai Restaurant, 2695 King Ave W., Billings
Jim A / Yelp
X H / Yelp
This unassuming little Thai restaurant in Billings has been family-owned since they opened a few years ago, and the food is exceptionally tasty.
4. Main Street Overeasy, 9 E Main St., Bozeman
Main Street Overeasy / Yelp
Main Street Overeasy / Yelp
This crowded breakfast joint often has a wait, but it's worth it to enjoy a home cooked meal made by Eric Carr, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America who owns Main Street Overeasy with his family.
5. AK Cafe, 1998 Euclid Ave., Helena
AK Cafe / Yelp
AK Cafe / Yelp
Want a taste of Alaska in Big Sky Country? The family who owns this charming cafe spent some time living in Alaska before returning home to Montana to open the cafe.
6. Matilda's Family Diner, 317 S Ellery Ave., Fairview
Matilda's Family Diner / Yelp

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Matilda's / Yelp
You can get breakfast all day at this quaint little cafe that sits near the North Dakota border. Matilda's opened last year when Angel Lopez surprised his wife, Mindy, by buying the restaurant she'd always wanted to open as a Valentine's Day gift.
7. Matt's Place, 2339 Placer St., Butte
Kerry L / Yelp
Craig L / Yelp
This classic burger join was opened by Matt Korn in 1930, and it's been family owned and operated since the early 1940s. They serve some of the best burgers and shakes on the planet.
8. Family Affair Restaurant, 616 26th St N., Great Falls
Arlene H / Yelp
Family Affair Restaurant Facebook
Family Affair might be the best kept secret in Great Falls. They serve delicious home-cooked meals here, and their desserts and pastries - especially the freshly baked cinnamon rolls - are amazing.
9. Rosita's Mexican Restaurant, 314 E 9th St., Libby
GH / Yelp
Tina N / Yelp
This little family-owned restaurant has a big reputation in Libby for serving delicious street tacos with a smile.
10. Nalivka’s Original Pizza Kitchen, 1032 1st St., Havre
Nalivka's Original Pizza Kitchen Facebook
Nalivka's Original Pizza Kitchen Facebook
For over 50 years, the Nalivka family has been making their own pizza sauce and dough, and they remain one of the most popular restaurants in Havre.
11. Follow Yer Nose BBQ, 4 Overlook Rd., Emigrant
Dale S / Yelp
Christopher M / Yelp
This amazing open-air BBQ joint is open seasonally, so make sure you visit while the weather is warm. The views and the food are both wonderful.

While it seems like new and exciting restaurants are always opening in Montana, sometimes it’s nice to dine at our favorite tried-and-true neighborhood gems.

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