One of my favorite activities when I travel is being able to sample all the delicious food. When my belly is happy, I am happy too! Despite Bozeman’s size, the quality of restaurants are surprisingly very high. I’ve broken down this list of the best restaurants in Bozeman by breakfast, lunch, and dinner and added some bonus restaurants to check out if you find yourself in a neighboring town.
Bozeman is a special place for us. We lived there for about 6 years. Dining out with friends, with family or on dates was something we really enjoyed. Even though we don’t live in Bozeman anymore, we visit frequently, and still have friends there. You can be sure that we will be visiting these restaurants in Bozeman when we are in town again.
Honestly, Bozeman is not a cheap place to visit. Restaurants have continued to increase prices making it pricey to eat out. There are still some options for mid-range to inexpensive food that can be found if you know where to look. This list of best restaurants in Bozeman, MT includes not only the high cost fancy restaurants, but also some cheaper options that are still tasty if you are on a budget!
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Delicious Breakfast in Bozeman
Coffee and Pastries
Wild Crumb – $
Serving mouth-watering pastries and the best coffee from my favorite coffee shop in town, Rockford, you can’t go wrong with Wild Crumb. You will find sweet and savory croissants, danishes, cinnamon rolls, and much more. Don’t miss scoping out the desserts either. Come back for a lemon tart or cinnamon bread pudding after lunch. Open Tuesday-Sunday 7am-3pm.
Granny’s Gourmet Donuts – $
Best kept secret in Bozeman is stopping into Granny’s Donuts on Montana State University’s campus. Each donut is only $1 dollar or get a dozen for $10. The kids will love getting a sprinkle donut where they can dunk it in the sprinkles themselves! My favorite is the coffee donut. Granny’s only accepts cash!
Sit Down American Breakfast
Storm Castle Cafe – $
For an American breakfast with large portions, make your way to Storm Castle Cafe. Located next to Granny’s Gourmet Donuts, this farm-to-table breakfast joint will fill you up and keep you happy for a good section of the day. Storm Castle doesn’t take reservations, so expect to wait. It can get really busy.
Coffee Pot – $
The Coffee Pot is located a little outside of Bozeman and just south of Four Corners. For me it is definitely worth the drive out there or choose it as an option if you are heading into Big Sky for the day. The Coffee Pot has flavorful food in a cozy setting. On warm days, you can eat outside in the yard. Their menu isn’t a typical American breakfast but has some classics like biscuits and gravy and a couple breakfast burritos. They also have a wonderful selection of pastries. Their pie is to die for!
Best Restaurants in Bozeman For Lunch
Quick and Easy
Best Burger – $
If you are looking for a finger-licking hamburger at a reasonable price, you have to check out Best Burger in Four Corners. This family-owned restaurant is known for their fresh angus beef burgers, but they also have other options including a veggie burger, chicken burger and more. Don’t forget the waffle fries or sweet potato fries with fry sauce and a milkshake too! Yum! You can dine in or do the drive through.
Roost – $
If you like fried chicken, you have to go to Roost. We actually ordered Roost on our first vacation to Bozeman and it didn’t disappoint. Their fried chicken is crispy and juicy. A little slice of southern comfort in Bozeman.
Pickle Barrel – $
Don’t let the Pickle Barrel’s small building fool you. This place is the spot for sandwiches! You can get a HUGE sandwich here. I usually ordered the half size and it was more than enough. All of the sandwiches are made to order on fresh baked bread and come with a pickle of course!
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Sit Down and Relax
Backcountry Burger Bar – $
The Backcountry Burger Bar is the best restaurant in Bozeman to try out that bison burger you have been looking to sample while in Montana. Pair your reasonably priced burger with some haystack onion rings and a local Bozeman beer. If you are vegetarian, they also have veggie burgers and beyond beef options to choose from.
Revelry – $$
Located in downtown Bozeman, Revelry is an American style restaurant that serves fresh dishes with locally sourced ingredients. It is one of my top choices for lunch restaurants in Bozeman. They have a good variety of entrees to choose from and the setting is comfortable and trendy.
Bourbon – $$
Bourbon is a delicious restaurant serving up hearty BBQ right on 7th Ave. You can choose from sharing various southern dishes to getting your own plate of brisket or pulled pork. Everything we’ve tried is fantastic! Our kids always get the mac & cheese and we always order the burnt ends! There is nice patio seating here and if the weather is pleasant they will open up the garage doors to let the breeze flow inside.
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Top Dinner Restaurants in Bozeman, MT
Mountains Walking – $$
If you enjoy a good microbrew or hard seltzer, add Mountains Walking to the list for dinner in Bozeman. Alongside their tasty beers, their savory food consistently impresses. Enjoy wood-fire pizza or a yummy sandwich that pairs well with your drinks. Don’t miss out on the tachos. Imagine tater tots and nachos had a baby…that’s tachos.
Shan – $$$
Shan is an accumulation of cultures wrapped into a restaurant. It isn’t Thai and it isn’t Chinese but a mix of the owners experience and journey combined together. What I do know is that it is very enjoyable to eat. The mix of small plates that are meant to be shared brings people together and allows you to try so many different dishes. I have heard the dumplings are the best, but they sell out fast. Sadly they weren’t available when I went. Also, get a reservation in advance because this restaurant in Bozeman books up fast!
Tanglewood – $$$
Tanglewood has exceptional food without a lot of fuss. This means you will recognize all the ingredients on the menu. It is straightforward while being fresh and flavorful. We loved to come for happy hour. They have great deals at that time for food and drinks. My favorite cocktail is the Elk Hunter.
Blackbird – $$
Blackbird Kitchen is probably one of the most popular restaurants in Bozeman and there’s a good reason for it. They consistently serve high quality Italian food. I would recommend making a reservation due to their popularity, but they do take walk-ins. Save a little room at the end of your meal; their desserts are divine.
Best Restaurants in Nearby Towns
Big Sky
Horn and Cantle – $$$$
For an experience like no other, book a table at Horn and Cantle. This is hands down our favorite restaurant in the Bozeman, Montana area and well worth the drive to Big Sky. You will experience fine dining in a cozy cabin-like atmosphere. This restaurant is also very high in demand, and you will need to book your reservations well in advance. The reservation system opens 30 days prior to your desired date, so set a reminder.
Riverhouse BBQ – $$
To experience the best BBQ around, you need to drive down to Riverhouse BBQ. The back patio is the perfect spot to hang out while enjoying a beer and the view. The tasty BBQ is melt-off-the-bone good. They don’t take reservations, so you might have to wait. Thankfully, there is a nice spot to wait right outside. This place is low key, so it would be fully expected to grab a beer from the bar while you wait.
Livingston
Campione – $$$
For a nice night out in Livingston, I suggest enjoying a meal at Campione. This incredible restaurant is for the foodie at heart with flavors that will make you want to come back night after night. I can still taste the bison ragu and the broken cheesecake with blueberry glaze. Oh and the brussel sprouts. I could keep going on and on… The setting is very intimate, so again, be sure to book your reservation well in advance!
Mark’s In and Out Beef Burgers – $
If you are just driving through Livingston on your way to or from Yellowstone and want a cheap burger, Mark’s In and Out Beef Burgers is the place to go. This 1950s style drive-in diner, which actually opened in 1954, has cheap and yummy eats. Grab a fresh beef burger, fries and a small shake for $8.37. Can’t get anything that cheap anymore. There are of course other options to choose from as well. Enjoy!!
The Fireside Room at Sage Lodge (Pray, MT) – $$$
A little ways down the road from Livingston, is a restaurant that is in one of the most beautiful settings I have ever experienced. The Fireside Room offers an experience that most restaurants can’t, a breathtaking view alongside your entree. Its cozy setting and its appetizing food make it worth the drive. Since they are part of a lodge, the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Plan to visit after a day in Yellowstone or book a room for the night! Be sure to pair your meal with a cocktail here, as they mix up some of the best drinks in Montana.
Belgrade
The Mint – $$
Step back into an old western town and eat a delightful meal at The Mint. Imagine servers with cowboy boots and flannel shirts serving you a juicy steak while you listen to country music. This is the feel and charm of The Mint. Reservations recommended at this tasty steakhouse.
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