Sometimes, a hearty meal at one of Montana’s many epic steakhouses or burger joints is all you need. But then there are those times when only a truly unique experience will do — and that’s when our one-of-a-kind dining experiences come in handy. These are a few of our favorites.
- Yesterday’s Calf-A, 435 Oregon Short Line Road, Dell
mksfca / Flickr
Nina1940 / TripAdvisor This tiny refurbished schoolhouse has been serving inexpensive comfort food and amazing pie since the 1970s, and it’s one of Montana’s most beloved spots.
- Montana Dinner Yurt, Big Sky Resort
casobg / TripAdvisor
Montana Dinner Yurt Facebook This is truly an experience like no other. Take a snowcat ride to Big Sky Resort’s backcountry yurt, enjoy a three course meal over candlelight with live acoustic music, then relax by a bonfire.
- The Jersey Lilly, 105 Main St., Ingomar
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr This is a legendary Montana establishment, and eating here is almost a rite of passage – and not just because of the outhouses (they didn’t have indoor plumbing at the original 1914 bank where this restaurant is now). Come for the steak and beans, stay for the charm and nostalgia.
- Charlie Russell Chew Choo Dinner Train, Lewistown
Lynn M / TripAdvisor
Lynn M / TripAdvisor This dinner train takes you through the part of Montana where the mountains meet the plains, and your ticket gets you more than your ride and your prime rib dinner. You’ll be treated to live entertainment onboard and a mock hold-up by wild cowboys.
- Old Saloon, 210 Railroad Ln, Emigrant
Sriramlal / TripAdvisor
The Old Saloon Facebook Since 1902, the Old Saloon has been serving Montanans delicious homestyle food and cold drinks. They’re still as popular as ever, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and hosting live music all summer. Eating here feels more like being at the best kind of party than it does dining at a restaurant.
- The Sip ’n Dip, 7 7th St S., Great Falls
Sip ’n Dip Great Falls Facebook
V Smoothe / Flickr While it’s true that you probably won’t have the best meal of your life here, the atmosphere (and Piano Pat) are what keep people coming back. The Sip ’n Dip has become an internationally known establishment, and rightfully so.
- Last Chance Ranch Wagon Ride Dinners, 2884 Grizzly Gulch Dr., Helena
CharlesS916 / TripAdvisor
CharlesS916 / TripAdvisor Board a wagon pulled by horses, enjoy a lengthy and delicious meal and outdoor music, and reconnect with nature at Helena’s Last Chance Ranch. This experience is well worth the cost.
Unique or not, dining in Montana is pretty amazing. Check out our restaurant bucket list for inspiration.
mksfca / Flickr
Nina1940 / TripAdvisor
This tiny refurbished schoolhouse has been serving inexpensive comfort food and amazing pie since the 1970s, and it’s one of Montana’s most beloved spots.
casobg / TripAdvisor
Montana Dinner Yurt Facebook
This is truly an experience like no other. Take a snowcat ride to Big Sky Resort’s backcountry yurt, enjoy a three course meal over candlelight with live acoustic music, then relax by a bonfire.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
This is a legendary Montana establishment, and eating here is almost a rite of passage – and not just because of the outhouses (they didn’t have indoor plumbing at the original 1914 bank where this restaurant is now). Come for the steak and beans, stay for the charm and nostalgia.
Lynn M / TripAdvisor
This dinner train takes you through the part of Montana where the mountains meet the plains, and your ticket gets you more than your ride and your prime rib dinner. You’ll be treated to live entertainment onboard and a mock hold-up by wild cowboys.
Sriramlal / TripAdvisor
The Old Saloon Facebook
Since 1902, the Old Saloon has been serving Montanans delicious homestyle food and cold drinks. They’re still as popular as ever, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and hosting live music all summer. Eating here feels more like being at the best kind of party than it does dining at a restaurant.
Sip ’n Dip Great Falls Facebook
V Smoothe / Flickr
While it’s true that you probably won’t have the best meal of your life here, the atmosphere (and Piano Pat) are what keep people coming back. The Sip ’n Dip has become an internationally known establishment, and rightfully so.
CharlesS916 / TripAdvisor
Board a wagon pulled by horses, enjoy a lengthy and delicious meal and outdoor music, and reconnect with nature at Helena’s Last Chance Ranch. This experience is well worth the cost.
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