4 Ways to Feast in Central Montana
Flavorful fare in the Big Sky state.
After a day on the river, in the mountains, or on horseback, I usually have only one thing on my mind: finding a spot to score some great eats.
Luckily, Central Montana has everything from small-town diners to upscale restaurants, each serving hearty dishes that can satisfy the most ravenous appetite. Whether you go for a traditional Montana dish like ribeye steak or a colorful plate of fresh greens, there's a little something for everyone.
1. Breweries
Enjoy a taste of the Big Sky state with a pint from one of Central Montana's many craft breweries. This region is known for growing malt barley, and many of the brewers use the local-grown ingredient in their own recipes.
If you're around Havre, try popping into small-scale Triple Dog Brewing Company and try one of their award-winning beers like their Bears Paw Belgian Wit, their Aberdeen Scotch Ale, or their 1857 Bohemian Pilsner. If you're closer to Harlowton, belly up to the bar with cowboys at Gally's Brewing Company, and enjoy their handcrafted beer inside of the former Harlowton's Montana Bar which was built in 1913. For a list of some of Central Montana's other craft breweries, click here.
Most of Central Montana's breweries serve drinks only, so start out with a happy hour glass and then make your way to a nearby restaurant for tasty bites.
2. Cafes, Pizza Joints, and Diners
Central Montana's small towns are filled with the kind of down-home restaurants that serve hearty, delicious fare that we crave after a long day of exploring outside. One of our favorites is the Buckhorn Bar in Augusta, MT. A perfect place to chow down on a burger after spending a day, or a week, in the mountains.
Enjoy western classics like steak, hamburgers, and baked potatoes, or nosh on handcrafted artisan pizza. Get spicy with Mexican standards, or go for comfort food with battered fish and chips.
Oh, and did we mention the Pie Trail? Montana is known for its huckleberry pie, but that's just the start of it. In the summer months, a plethora of local berries grace bakeries. No matter where you are in Central Montana, there's a yummy slice of pie waiting for you around the corner. Visit the Pie Trail map to find some of our favorites near you.
3. Farm-to-Table Dining
If you're in the mood for elegance, check out one of Central Montana's fine dining restaurants. Feast on prime cuts of beef, tapas, or vegetarian fare at establishments like Enbar in Great Falls, the Union Grill Restaurant in Fort Benton, and Stetson's at the Yogo Inn in Lewistown. Bison is also a popular feast of Central Montana. Be sure to try a bison burger while you're in the area!
4. Farmers Markets
Get ingredients to cook your own meals or stock up on some snacks to take out on the trail at one of Central Montana's farmers' markets. In addition to fresh produce, you'll find Montana-made goodies like chokecherry jam and syrup, fresh-baked fry bread, and porkies-on-a-stick. Click here for a list of the farmer's markets in and around the area, like the Great Falls market on Saturday mornings.
Farmers markets run throughout the summer and sometimes feature other family-friendly activities like live music, pony rides, and other special events.
To see more dining options along with nightlife, shopping, and cultural attractions, check out www.CentralMontana.com.
Additional Info
Looking for options to stay in Central Montana? Check out 5 Unique Ways to Stay in Central Montana.
Looking for an adventure in Central Montana? Give one of these 5 Unforgettable Experiences in Central Montana a try.
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Do you love the outdoors?
Yep, us too. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox.
