Billings, Montana, often surprises visitors with its vibrant food scene, rivaling that of much larger cities. For someone who grew up here, it’s easy to take for granted the incredible dining experiences available. However, the downtown area has exploded with new culinary destinations in recent years, making it a true haven for food lovers. As a former Division 1 offensive lineman, I know my way around good food, and while those 10,000-calorie days are behind me, my passion for delicious meals remains. Friends from across Montana and the country always reach out for my recommendations when they’re in town, seeking the best Food Billings Mt has to offer. So, here’s my guide to some of the must-try spots, a list that’s bound to spark some debate!
Image of a vibrant brunch scene, showcasing the lively atmosphere of Billings’ food culture.
Breakfast & Brunch: Start Your Day the Billings Way
No food guide is complete without addressing the essential morning meal. Finding the perfect brunch spot, especially one with great mimosas, is key to recovering from enjoying Billings’ nightlife. For the best breakfast food Billings MT has, look no further:
Top Pick: Sassy Biscuit. Though a newer addition to the Billings food scene, Sassy Biscuit quickly won me over. Their biscuits are simply incredible, and the menu is packed with creative and comforting options.
My Go-To Dish: The Kitchen Sink – This hearty dish is a breakfast masterpiece, loaded with home fries, savory sage sausage, peppers, onions, mushrooms, all smothered in bacon gravy and topped with a perfectly fried egg. It’s the ultimate fuel for a day of exploring Billings or hitting the Montana trails.
Honorable Mentions: For other fantastic breakfast and brunch food Billings MT offers, check out Seva for globally inspired dishes, Bernie’s for classic diner fare, McCormick’s Cafe for a local favorite, Hog Wild Cafe for generous portions, and Stella’s Kitchen and Bakery, legendary for cinnamon rolls that are larger than life (or at least, larger than my head!).
Image of the Black Dog Coffee House interior, highlighting its cozy and artisan atmosphere, a gem in Billings’ coffee scene.
Coffee Culture: Artisan Coffee in Billings MT
Billings’ artisan coffee scene has truly flourished in recent years. You won’t find me at a chain coffee shop when there are so many excellent local options. For the best coffee food Billings MT style, I recommend:
My Favorite: Black Dog Coffee House – Whenever I’m back in Billings, a visit to Black Dog is a must. It’s the perfect place to relax, get some work done, and enjoy exceptional coffee. Plus, it’s dog-friendly, so my pup can join me!
My Go-To Drink: The Cortado! While Black Dog offers a wide range of specialty and seasonal drinks, I’m a sucker for a well-made cortado. It’s the perfect balance of espresso and steamed milk.
Image of the “I’m Your Huckleberry” burger, Burger Dive’s award-winning creation, a testament to Billings’ casual food excellence.
Casual Dining: Delicious and Diverse Food Billings MT Style
When it comes to casual dining, Billings spoils you for choice. I rarely cook at home when I’m in town because the options are so outstanding. Downtown Billings is packed with diverse restaurants to suit any craving. For amazing casual food Billings MT offers, these are my top recommendations:
Must-Try: Burger Dive – Winning “best burger in the country” isn’t just for show. Burger Dive lives up to the hype. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any burger on the menu, and be sure to order the onion rings and a milkshake – you won’t regret it!
My Go-To Burger: The “I’m Your Huckleberry” Burger – This burger claimed the 2016 Burger Championship title, and for good reason. The combination of homemade huckleberry hatch chili BBQ sauce, bacon, goat cheese, arugula, and roasted red pepper mayo is pure burger perfection. It’s a unique taste of Montana food Billings MT proudly serves.
Honorable Mentions: For other fantastic casual food Billings MT has, explore Crazy Mary’s Fish and Chips (still the best fish and chips I’ve ever tasted), Spitz Mediterranean for flavorful Mediterranean street food, La Tinga for vibrant Mexican, Last Chance Pub & Cider Mill for pub fare and cider, McCormick’s Cafe (again, because it’s that good), Montana Brewing Company for classic brewery food, Montana’s Rib and Chop House for a hearty meal, Pickle Barrel for deli sandwiches, and Zydeco for Cajun and Creole flavors.
Image of Walker’s Braised Pork Shank, showcasing the elegance and quality of fine dining food in Billings, Montana.
Fine Dining: Elevated Food Billings MT Experiences
Montana fine dining is a unique experience. You’re more likely to see jeans and a button-down than a suit and tie, but don’t mistake the relaxed atmosphere for a lack of culinary sophistication. The fine dining food Billings MT scene can definitely hold its own against big-city restaurants.
Top Choice: Marble Table – A newer gem in Billings’ food scene, Marble Table describes itself as serving “elegant comfort food,” and they nail it. It was tough to unseat my previous favorite, Walkers Grill, but Marble Table rose to the challenge.
My Ordering Strategy: With a menu that’s constantly evolving, I hesitate to make a specific recommendation because I love trying something different each time I visit, and I’m consistently impressed! However, if the jalapeno corn fritters are on the menu, order them without hesitation!
Honorable Mentions: For more exquisite fine dining food Billings MT offers, consider The Local for its refined ambiance, Bin 119 for wine and small plates, Jake’s Steakhouse for classic steakhouse fare, TEN for contemporary American cuisine, and Wild Ginger for Asian-inspired fine dining.
Image of cocktails at Trailhead Spirits, highlighting the craft and quality of Billings’ cocktail scene.
Cocktails: Crafted Drinks in Billings MT
With all this amazing food, knowing where to find a great nightcap is essential. While the fine dining restaurants have excellent cocktail menus, sometimes you want to head to a dedicated cocktail bar. For the best cocktails food Billings MT pairings, I suggest:
Favorite Spot: Trailhead Spirits – I’ve never had a disappointing cocktail at Trailhead, and the distillery awards lining the walls are a testament to their quality. Trailhead has built a strong reputation on its spirits alone, but their cocktails elevate the experience even further.
My Go-To Drink: Chocolate Whiskey on the rocks. This is the ONLY chocolate whiskey in the world! Even if you consider yourself a whiskey connoisseur, it’s worth trying. They infuse cocoa nibs and vanilla bean into the barrel, giving it subtle sweet notes without being overly chocolatey. It’s a truly unique Billings MT food and drink experience.
Honorable Mention: The espresso martini at Doc Harper’s is another cocktail that deserves a spot on this list.
Image showcasing a brewery setting in Billings, emphasizing the city’s vibrant brewery trail and craft beer culture.
Breweries: Billings MT Brewery Scene – A Must-Experience
Saving the best for last: breweries! If you’re looking for me in Billings, there’s a good chance you’ll find me at one of the nine breweries in town. Six of these breweries, along with one distillery and one cider house, are located on Montana’s only walkable brewery trail, a 1.5-mile route through downtown perfect for quenching your thirst. Be sure to check out the Walkable Brewery Trail map from Visit Billings to plan your brewery adventure. Exploring the brewery trail is a fantastic way to experience the local food Billings MT brewery culture contributes to.
My Top Brewery: Meadowlark – Choosing a favorite brewery is tough, but Meadowlark stands out for several reasons. It’s not only a fantastic brewery but also one of my favorite spots for lunch and dinner. This iconic Eastern Montana brewery has created an amazing and spacious venue on the west end of town.
Honorable Mentions: Angry Hanks Microbrewery, Carters Brewing, By All Means Brew Lab, Diamond X Beer Company, Last Chance Cider House and Pub, and Thirsty Street Brewing Company are all excellent breweries worth exploring in Billings.
So there you have it – my guide to experiencing the best food Billings MT has to offer! I know there are sure to be some debated choices on this list, and I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! What did I miss? What are your favorite food spots in Billings?
For even more dining tips and restaurant options, visit VisitBillings.com for a comprehensive guide to Billings’ culinary scene.
Happy adventuring (and eating)!
Andy
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