10 Off-The-Beaten-Path Montana Restaurants To Try Right Now
By Jessica Wick|Published November 02, 2017
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Jessica Wick
Author
Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State.
Part of the fun of living in Montana is being able to explore so many new places… and that includes restaurants. As nice as it is to have a tried-and-true spot for Sunday brunch or Saturday dinner, remember, variety is the spice of life. And some of our best meals are served from restaurants that are a little off the beaten path.
If you’ve ever driven past an unassuming eatery or an uncrowded bistro and wondered how the food was, this list is for you. You won’t see these restaurants in magazines or on TV, but you will enjoy your dining experience to the fullest.
1. Ekstrom’s Stage Station, 81 Rock Creek Rd., Clinton
Nestled under the tall pine trees in the quiet community of Clinton, Ekstrom’s Stage Station serves classic American eats in an unpretentious setting. The restaurant is part of a casual camping resort consisting of a collection of reconstructed western Montana homesteader cabins and frontier buildings moved log by log from their original location in the Clark Valley. Simply put, this food is just plain good.
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2. Local Kitchen And Bar, 1430 Country Manor Blvd., Billings
Some people were a little skeptical of this neighborhood restaurant when it opened, wondering if the gastropub was trying to be something that Billings wasn't ready for. But those who have tried it have realized that the food and the atmosphere here are actually perfect.
3. Willow Creek Cafe & Saloon, 21 Main St., Three Forks
The next time you're craving a steak or the best ribs on Earth, make the drive to Three Forks and check out Willow Creek. Even the fries here are fantastic.
4. Bar-S Lounge Supper Club, 5100 N Star Blvd., Great Falls
In case this 20 ounce ribeye isn't proof enough, Bar-S Lounge is definitely the kind of place you should visit when you're really, really hungry (or want leftovers for days).
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5. Off the Beaten Path, 9549 US Hwy 2 E, Hungry Horse
Located inside the historic Tamarack Lodge, this appropriately named restaurant serves breakfast and dinner 7 days a week... and you don't have to be a guest of the lodge to enjoy the tasty food.
"Libby's only eclectic gastropub" opened in 2016, and although it's a bit off the beaten path compared to the other restaurants in town, it's already a popular place. The menu rotates but always includes tasty pizza, hearty entrees and a scrumptious Sunday brunch.
If you drive by June's Bungalow in Colstrip, you may assume it's a house if you don't look closely. It's actually one of the most charming and delightful restaurants in town.
8. Stevi Stop And Go, 3909 US Hwy 93 N., Stevensville
Stevi's may not seem "off the beaten path" since it's right on the highway, but it's definitely a drive from the downtown area of Stevensville. The burgers are so addictive (not to mention the pies) that people will drive some impressive distances for them.
Not only is the Pine Creek Lodge a great place to camp in a cabin and enjoy live music all summer, but the onsite restaurant serves mouthwatering dinners all week and a special brunch on the weekends.
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10. McAllister Inn Steakhouse, 5566 US Hwy 287 N., McAllister
Located near Ennis Lake, this steakhouse serves incredible dinners ranging from classic meat and potatoes to daily specials and seafood. It's well worth going for a long drive to find it.
You’ll find some of Montana’s best meals inside these hard-to-find spots. Of course, our wildly famous restaurants are definitely worth the hype.
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