Kalispell, Missoula, and Northwest Montana Restaurants

We’ve compiled the best of the best in Kalispell, Missoula, and Northwest Montana - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.

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  • 1. Buffalo Cafe & Nightly Grill

    $$

    This is the place for the classic small-town café experience. Locals and visitors happily blend in a casual, friendly atmosphere as they dig into well-prepared breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. You can start your day with huckleberry pancakes or biscuits and gravy and come back for a home-cooked dinner of sirloin steak Stroganoff or a hefty helping of Grandma Maetzold's original mac 'n cheese recipe.

    514 3rd St. E, Whitefish, Montana, 59937, USA
    406-862–2833

    Known For

    • All-day service of good ol' home cooking
    • Heaps of warm and friendly service
    • Locally made, artisan Sweet Peaks ice cream

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner Sun. and Mon., Credit cards accepted
  • 2. Allentown Restaurant

    $$$

    On the edge of the Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge, the lodge has views of the snow-tipped Mission Mountains and native-grass-edged wetlands full of birds. The restaurant is open seven days a week, and dinners include local Double R Ranch beef steaks, seafood, and specials like baby back ribs. You can find reasonable lodging here, too ($), as well as an art gallery, a museum, and a trading post next door.

    69286 U.S. Hwy. 93, Charlo, Montana, 59824, USA
    406-644–2588

    Known For

    • Good food and outstanding views
    • Nice spot to stop after exploring Ninepipes National Wildlife Refuge
    • Great patio allows outdoor dining beside a private kettle pond

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 3. Backslope Brewing

    $$

    Pair a great local beer with delicious casual fare at this local brewery, where there are always about eight different kinds of house beer on tap as well as kombucha, sparkling water, and nitro iced coffee. The premium burgers and sandwiches are exceptionally good, especially when accompanied by hand-cut garlic Parmesan fries. Try the slow-roasted ginger hoisin pork sandwich with spicy slaw, or have it in a bowl with rice, spicy slaw, and sriracha mayo. The fried pickles are great for a starter, and there's always a good selection of simple, house-made desserts. Note: this is a brewery, so they are only licensed to serve their own house brews and have to stop pouring at 8 pm in accordance with Montana liquor laws.

    1107 9 St. W, Columbia Falls, Montana, 59912, USA
    406-897–2850

    Known For

    • Local brewery
    • Creative menu
    • Garlic Parmesan fries

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. Closed nightly at 8 pm
  • 4. Bernice's Bakery

    $

    Buttery croissants, cookies, cupcakes, scones, quiches, muffins, and other glorious baked treats abound at Missoula's best bakery, a longtime local favorite. Come in for coffee seven days a week from 6 am to 8 pm or for lunch from 11 am to 4 pm, when there's a small selection of soups, salads, and sandwiches, such as roast beef and Swiss, or hummus on whole wheat with feta and artichoke hearts. There's seating inside and out, or you can eat alongside the nearby river.

    190 S. 3rd W, Missoula, Montana, 59801, USA
    406-728–1358

    Known For

    • Delicious cupcakes and big cakes for birthdays and anniversaries
    • Quiet, comfy place to work or read a book
    • New menus posted online every morning

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner, Credit cards accepted, Reservations not accepted
  • 5. Betty's Diner

    $

    A classic 1950s American diner on the south end of the lake near Polson, Betty's is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Decorated with old signs and other Americana artifacts, it serves classics like biscuits and gravy, homemade milkshakes, and signature Betty pancakes. Look for the big pink neon sign on the west side of Highway 93.

    49779 U.S. Hwy. 93, Polson, Montana, 59860, USA
    406-883--1717

    Known For

    • Fast, friendly service in a fun atmosphere
    • Can handle big groups with ease
    • Tasty, juicy burgers, especially the cajun Breezy burger, with green chillies and pepperjack cheese

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
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  • 6. Biga Pizza

    $$

    This intimate, downtown pizza place is popular for its unusually creative flavor combinations. Locals come for the Caramelized Goat, a piping-hot pie capped with caramelized onions, goat cheese, roasted garlic, mozzarella, and fresh herbs. Other fun combos include the Prosciutto & Fig and the Sweet Potato, Bacon & Maple Chipotle. If you're not feeling that adventurous, you can always create your own.

    241 W. Main St., Missoula, Montana, 59802, USA
    406-728–2579

    Known For

    • Local microbrews sold by the can or the six-pack
    • The dough is made the old-fashioned Italian way, and pizzas are cooked in a big brick oven
    • Long lineups are the norm in summer

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 7. Bitter Root Brewing

    $

    Meet the brewmaster, sample a Bitterroot Bock or Single Hop Pale Ale and enjoy live music Thursday and Saturday. One of the oldest breweries in the state, Bitter Root Brewing brews 40 different styles of beer annually, and the kitchen churns out all your favorite brewpub staples, including their specialty, hand-dipped, Sawtooth Ale-battered fish-and-chips.

    101 Marcus St., Hamilton, Montana, 59840, USA
    406-363–7468

    Known For

    • A large variety of great microbrewed ales
    • It's pub on the inside, but a little industrial on the outside
    • The service can be a little skimpy when it's busy

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 8. Edelweiss Bistro

    $

    One of a very few small, local breweries that is all about lagers rather than ales, the Bayern Brewery offers dozen craft beers in this German-style brewery's tasting room. The Edelweis Bistro upstairs serves good German staples, including excellent sausages and schnitzels. Try the bratwurst and sauerkraut or the kasespatzle. Beer options include Schwarzbier and St. Wilbur Weizen, as well as seasonal specials such as Dopplebock, Groomer, or Face Plant during ski season, and Dump Truck Summer Bock when the weather's warm. Brewery tours are available by appointment.

    1507 Montana St., Missoula, Montana, USA
    406-721–1482

    Known For

    • Tasty locally brewed lagers
    • Authentic German food
    • The brewery reuses all its bottles

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 9. Flathead Lake Brewing Co. Pubhouse

    $$

    On top of 16 selections of house-brewed beer you'll find a typical pub menu upstairs in the Pubhouse and deep-dish pizza downstairs in the cellar. This is a popular place in both summer and winter, with nice views of the lake from the open-air decks.

    116 Holt Dr., Bigfork, Montana, 59911, USA
    406-837--2004

    Known For

    • Large portions of hearty pub food
    • Stupendous views of Flathead Lake
    • A dozen or so craft brews made locally
  • 10. Frontier Cafe

    $

    For a bit of town gossip and great burgers, stop in this classic small-town café, a dressed-down spot where the locals love to hang out. On the weekends, enjoy the best breakfast buffet in the Bitterroot Valley.

    3954 U.S. 93 N, Stevensville, Montana, 59870, USA
    406-777–4228

    Known For

    • A go-to spot for a hearty breakfast
    • The kindest, friendliest staff you'll ever meet
    • Get a trip to the salad bar for just $1

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 11. Marie's Italian Restaurant

    $$

    This family-run sit-down restaurant is known for its gourmet Italian cuisine and fresh seafood. A good way to decide what you like best is to try the sampler, which includes handmade pasta stuffed with different fillings, spinach gnocchi, fettuccine Alfredo, shrimp, vegetables, and another side. All meals include soup or salad.

    4040 Hwy. 93 N, Stevensville, Montana, 59870, USA
    406-777–3681

    Known For

    • Delicious leftovers from the night before served for lunch
    • Dinner sampler
    • Good seafood for Montana

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No credit cards, Closed Dec.–Feb. and Mon.–Thurs. No lunch.
  • 12. Montana Coffee Traders

    $

    The Rocky Mountains might be a strange place for a coffee trader, but the folks at Montana Coffee Traders have been roasting their own beans south of Whitefish for decades. Fresh coffee, pastries, and homemade gelato are favorites at this popular downtown hangout. Stop in to enjoy a cuppa joe and browse the hand-painted furniture, gifts, local artworks, and bulk coffees and teas that line the brick walls.

    110 Central Ave., Whitefish, Montana, 59937, USA
    406-862–7667

    Known For

    • Local farm-to-market pork bocadillo
    • Organic, fair-trade, and socially responsible beans
    • Can be crazy busy, but the staff works hard to smooth things out

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner, Credit cards accepted
  • 13. Naps Grill

    $$

    This local favorite is known throughout the Bitteroot Valley as the place with the best burger in the region—and possibly the state. The locally owned family restaurant serves burgers, steaks, and sandwiches, all made with fresh ingredients and Bitterroot Valley beef. For those who want to eat lighter, they serve a fresh Mandarin Orange Salad.

    200 W. Main St., Hamilton, Montana, 59840, USA
    406-363–0136

    Known For

    • A two-patty, 24-oz. monster burger called the Belly Buster
    • Reasonable prices and good value
    • Long lines and a packed bar

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 14. Taco del Sol

    $

    For a quick bite to eat, this local favorite offers a variety of tasty burritos and tacos inspired by similar shops in San Francisco's Mission District. Try the Mission Supreme with your choice of baked cod, pulled pork, or carne asada. Though now a small chain, the restaurants started in Missoula, where there are three locations, but can now be found all over Montana. Each one has a different vibe, with local, funky art, and cool music.

    422 N. Higgins Ave., Missoula, Montana, 59802, USA
    406-240--3480

    Known For

    • Great burritos and good value
    • Quick, friendly service by employees who enjoy what they do
    • A community-oriented business that supports local groups and events
  • 15. Tamarack Missoula

    $$

    Sip a Yard Sale Amber or the award-winning Hat Trick Hop IPA in this two-story establishment overlooking the river. The main-floor restaurant offers a casual atmosphere with good views. With a literal wall of bigscreen TVs in the bar downstairs, it's the place to go when a game is on. On weekends, the mimosa and Bloody Mary bar is a big draw, as is the generous beer sampler and the build-your-own-Caesar-salad bar. Everything on the menu comes in ample portions, including fish and bison tacos, smoked bacon mac n' cheese, and a large selection of pizzas, burgers, and sandwiches. This is the brewery's first location outside of its hometown of Lakeside, Montana.

    231 W. Front St., Missoula, Montana, 59802, USA
    406-830–3113

    Known For

    • You can't go wrong with keg nachos topped with bison
    • If the kids get antsy, walk a few paces out back and let them whirl on the carousel
    • Ample parking in the back lot beside the river
  • 16. The Back Room of the Nite Owl

    $$

    Locals wait in line for the fall-off-the-bone barbecue ribs, broasted chicken, and fry bread served with honey butter. The atmosphere is very casual, with a large main room, several smaller eating areas (great for families), and a spacious patio. A typical combination platter includes your choice of ribs (country-style or spare) and either broasted or rotisserie chicken served with sides of fry bread, baked beans, coleslaw, and red potatoes—or opt for a side salad. They also serve pasta and have excellent pizza with homemade sauce.

    522 9th St. W, Columbia Falls, Montana, 59912, USA
    406-892–3131

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 17. The Camino

    $$$

    The best of four new restaurants in Missoula's downtown Residence Inn, which was recently constructed on the site of the old Missoula Mercantile, borrows from the culinary traditions of Oaxaca and the Yucatan to deliver outstanding Mexican cuisine and creative tequila-based cocktails. The menu is largely centered around shareable apps and taco plates. Try the house-made guacamole, and the lamb barbacoa tacos. For an adventure, binge a flight of tequila or mezcal samples. Happy hour is offered every day.

    125 N. Pattee St., Missoula, Montana, 59802, USA
    406-317--1260

    Known For

    • Superb tacos on house-made corn tortillas made with several varietals from Mexico
    • A tequila and mezcal collection that would make George Clooney envious
    • Supporting small-scale Oaxacan farmers

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 18. The Knead Cafe

    $$

    Come here for the best bread and soup in the valley. The café's baked goods, including fresh croissants, baguettes, and scones, will entice you in, but it's worth your while to stay for breakfast or lunch—the Reuben sandwiches are sublime, and any one of the salads makes a great lunch. Local artwork adds a warm touch.

    21 5th St. E, Kalispell, Montana, 59901, USA
    406-755–3883

    Known For

    • Perfectly cooked pastrami
    • Plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian options
    • Focus on responsibly sourced produce and farm-to-table cuisine

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon., Credit cards accepted
  • 19. The Shack Cafe

    $$

    Opened in 1949, this cozy café is a longtime Missoula favorite for any meal, especially breakfast. Hardly a shack, this elegant little eatery, in an old auto dealership, offers all kinds of American fare—from an array of salads and sandwiches to huckleberry pancakes and almost 20 omelets, including interesting options like apple, cheddar, nutmeg, and cinnamon; and veggie, cheddar, garlic, and crouton. Swinging doors take you into the saloon, where there's an oak bar that arrived in Montana via steamship up the Missouri River a century ago.

    222 W. Main St., Missoula, Montana, 59801, USA
    406-549–9903

    Known For

    • An oak bar that arrived in Montana via steamship up the Missouri River a century ago
    • One of the best breakfast places in Missoula
    • Get there early or prepare to wait in line

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 20. Whitefish Lake Restaurant

    $$$$

    In the historic clubhouse on the municipal golf course, dine on local favorites such as hand-cut steaks and prime rib, or fresh fish dishes such as baked halibut steak wrapped in herbs and phyllo dough. The Napoléon, made with eggplant, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, and provolone, and topped with a spicy tomato sauce, makes a delicious vegetarian entrée.

    1200 U.S. 93 N, Whitefish, Montana, 59937, USA
    406-862–5285

    Known For

    • Roasted duckling in blackberry brandy sauce
    • Beautiful setting with fantastic views
    • Classy Western ambience

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential

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