They don’t call Montana “The Last Best Place” for nothing. We’re all about preserving pieces of the past here, from our Dinosaur Trail to our classic dining establishments.
Each restaurant on this list is over 50 years old, and they’ve all still got the delicious food and friendly service that keep Montanans coming back for more.
1. Owl Cafe, 203 E Main St., Laurel
Since 1916, the Owl Cafe has been delivering delicious home-cooked meals to the Laurel community. The cafe has a delightful old-timey atmosphere, but the food can still compete with all the newer restaurants in town.
2. Western Cafe, 443 E Main St. Bozeman
Love it or hate it, the Western Cafe has stood the test of time. It's been a fixture in downtown Bozeman for decades, and it's still a top place to head for a hearty breakfast served any time of day.
3. The Shack Cafe, 222 W Main St., Missoula
Since 1949, The Shack Cafe has been a Missoula staple (though they did move locations once, in the 80s). They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner in a space decorated with antiques
4. Moose's Saloon, 173 N Main St., Kalispell, MT
Moose's Saloon has been THE place to go for hot pizza and cold beer for decades. The older it gets, the more charming it gets, but the quality of the food remains the same.
5. 600 Cafe, 600 Main St., Miles City
Established in 1946, The 600 Cafe is one of the few remaining "original" cafes in Eastern Montana. It's still a local favorite.
6. Gamer's Cafe, 15 W. Park St., Butte
1905; That's when this charming cafe opened its doors in Butte. It may be one of the oldest businesses in Montana, but the owners have worked hard to ensure that it has maintained its historic beauty. The classic American breakfasts and lunches served here also happen to be delicious.
7. R-B Drive-In, 932 Helena Ave., Helena
The R-B Drive-In started as a root beer stand, later expanding to include tasty burgers, fries, chicken strips and hot sandwiches. It remains a Helena staple that both younger and older generations of Montanans enjoy.
8. Stirrup Coffee Shop, Dude Rancher Lodge, 415 N 29th St., Billings
Since 1950, the Dude Rancher Lodge has been providing Billings visitors a restful respite at a charming lodge. Their onsite restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It has been renovated recently, but it still maintains its classic charm.
9. Double Front Cafe, 122 W Alder St., Missoula
Double Front chicken has been a Missoula favorite for over 100 years, and it's definitely still going strong. Should it ever shut its doors, the city of Missoula would go into a period of mourning.
10. Tracy's 24 Hr Family Restaurant,
Tracy's has been in business since 1952, boasting three generations of ownership. They're also open 24 hours, which is convenient for night owls and early risers.
11. The Old Saloon, 210 Railroad Ln., Emigrant
Emigrant's Old Saloon opened in 1902, and it's been a hot spot for locals and visitors ever since. They serve breakfast from 7 - noon, lunch until 5 PM, and then the adjacent Livery Stable opens for dinner.
Sometimes it’s fun to dine at a place with a lot of history. Check out the fascinating story behind Montana’s oldest restaurant .
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