In Montana, the drive to get somewhere is half the adventure. The scenery is vast and varied, and the small towns you encounter along the way are full of interesting bars and restaurants. Montanans often drive specifically to seek out one of these gems tucked off the beaten path. Or plan an adventure based around where they’ll finish the day. Head in any direction from Bozeman, and in less than an hour, you can enjoy delicious food, lively conversation, and some jaw-dropping scenery. Here are a few of our favorites.
Willow Creek Café
Known for their ribs, even southern patrons sing their praises! Add the Carolina Gold Sauce, and you’re set. If ribs aren’t your thing, they have a great burger or fried chicken sandwich, and the wedge salad with candied siracha bacon is excellent! This area is great for exploring Missouri Headwaters and Madison Buffalo Jump State Parks!
The Coffee Pot Bakery and Cafe
The Coffee Pot is a cozy little log cabin serving some amazing pie and baked goods just down the road from Four Corners. Their daily homemade specials rotate and are hearty and comforting. Their in-house pottery collection is gorgeous and a great way to take a piece of Montana home with you.
The Jump
Outside Gallatin Gateway, The Jump is a lively mixture of food, music, country dancing, and game nights! The menu includes an all-day breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring handcrafted wood-fired pizza. Other specials to watch are Wing Wednesday, Taco Tuesday and prime rib on Saturdays!
Land of Magic Steakhouse
It is an authentic classic steakhouse; you won’t find any frills around here, and you won’t go home hungry. Meals begin with a relish tray and mini loaves of bread followed by a soup of the day (winter and fall), salad or shrimp cocktail, steak, twice-baked or regular potatoes, and a scoop of Wilconxin’s ice cream. Don’t worry if you’re not a steak fan; other options include walleye fillets and duck a la orange! Tip: make a loop from Bozeman and enjoy the rolling hills near Churchill.
Gallatin River Lodge
You’ll feel country living when you dine with Gallatin River Lodge. This peaceful setting offers floor-to-ceiling views of the trout pond, mountain backdrop, wildlife, and some epic sunsets just minutes from downtown Bozeman. The food is creative and elegant while maintaining a hearty Montana feel.
Horn and Cantle, Lone Mountain Ranch
After a day of Nordic or downhill skiing in Big Sky, Montana, Horn and Cantle is a lovely way to wind down the day. Their creative and well-rounded menu has pan-seared steelhead trout, wild game Bolognese, or roasted garlic and white cheddar polenta. During the winter months, also check out the sleigh ride dinners at the Ranch. (Note: due to popular demand, reservations are available one month before the day of arrival.)
Pine Creek Lodge
While the food is excellent at Pine Creek Lodge (watch for their brunch events with live music), the best reason to go to Pine Creek is for the music lineup. From big names to local favorites, the music showcase is a must-follow. They’ve got it dialed in; concert nights have delicious food, cold beer, and good vibes.
Pony Bar
This little bar tucked up at the end of the road (literally) is a must-do if you’re in the area. Enjoy a game of pool, a cold beer, and during the summer months, live music. The Pony area is popular with horseback riders, ATV riders, and hikers. Lewis and Clark Caverns is just over 20 minutes down the road, and is a great place to explore!
Riverhouse BBQ
Riverhouse BBQ is the place to stop for a cold beer, delicious BBQ, and some spectacular views of the Spanish Peaks from their giant deck. Their meats are dry rubbed and then slow smoked over mesquite wood. Enjoy dinner on your way home from Yellowstone or fishing on the Gallatin River.
Clyde Park Tavern and Café
The Shields Valley is well worth a drive with the Crazy Mountains in the background, miles of open rolling hills, and the Shields River, a tributary of the Yellowstone River. Make a loop through Gallatin Canyon, to Wilsall, Clyde Park, and perhaps explore Livingston on your way back through.
If you enjoyed this blog, take a look at some of our other related articles:
- 5 Easy Hikes in Yellowstone National Park
- Vegan Food in Bozeman
- Support the Land's You Love - Conservation License Required for Most State Lands
In our never-ending quest to keep up with all things new in Bozeman, we have been producing content for years and can't possibly update every blog when new businesses open or existing businesses close. Please reference the publish date and do your own due diligence when making plans.