5 Best Restaurants in Billings, Little Big Horn, and the Montana Plains, Montana

3 Brother's Bistro

$$
Once an ice-cream parlor, today 3 Brother's Bistro, named for chef Greg Smith's three sons, is Hardin's finest dining establishment. That said, it's still a casual place that serves mostly pizza, barbecue, and beer. While it's hard to beat the house smoked pulled-pork sandwich, the salmon melt, paired with the Pigs Ass Porter brewed in Belt, Montana, comes close.
American Lunch Dinner $$
316 N. Center Ave., Hardin, Montana, 59034, USA
406-545--5133
3brothersbistro.com
Known For
  • the smell of meat smoking
  • the tri-tip cheesesteak
  • a passionate chef who stops by your table to say hi
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch Sat.

Central Feed Grilling Co.

$$$
Housed in the historic (1916) former Central Feed building, until recently this family-owned brewery was where farmers and ranchers came to buy grain and seed. Today it serves typical brewpub fare, but with a slightly elevated twist. That said, the beer brewed on-site has a ways to go before it's ready to win awards. Reservations are recommended as this is the most popular restaurant in town.
American Lunch Dinner $$$
220 E. Main St., Lewistown, Montana, 59457, USA
406-535--2337
www.cfgrillco.com
Known For
  • exotic (for Central Montana) appetizers like salmon ceviche and ahi tuna
  • Grains of Montana brioche burger buns
  • great outdoor deck with views of Big Spring Creek

Lunch Box

$

There are daily soup and sandwich specials at this family-style deli, where the bread is all homemade. The menu lists a lot of healthful choices, as well as salads, nachos, and baked potatoes.

American $ Breakfast Lunch
213 3rd Ave., Havre, Montana, 59501, USA
406-265–6588
Known For
  • two homemade soups are available daily
  • over 70 different sandwich choices
  • good lattes and espresso
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Credit cards accepted

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Union Grille

$$$$
The Union Grille's constantly changing seasonal menu features Montana regional cuisine and fare from afar, such as Pacific troll salmon, tagliatelle pasta with sautéed tiger prawns, and grilled pork tenderloin. The varied wine list is populated predominantly by choices from California and Oregon vineyards and offers a number of exceptional beer choices from Montana microbreweries. Reservations are recommended, and in the summer, enjoy dining on the outdoor deck with river views.
American Dinner $$$$
1 Grand Union Sq., Fort Benton, Montana, 59442, USA
406-622--1882
www.grandunionhotel.com
Known For
  • lovely dining room setting with period furniture
  • superb prime rib
  • Missouri River views
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. Closed Mon. Sept.--May. No lunch

Walkers

$$$

Situated downtown near the Alberta Bair Theater, this prime people-watching restaurant has a loyal dinner following, understandable considering its casual yet elegant decor, pleasant, attentive service, and such entrées as buttermilk fried chicken, Alaska king salmon, apple-brined pork shank, and made-from-scratch pastas. Walkers also has an upscale bar scene, attracted, in part, by a tempting selection of craft cocktails served by bartenders so hip they look like they belong in Brooklyn. This is where politicians (such as President Bill Clinton), celebrities and other famous folks dine when they're in town.

American $$$ Dinner
2700 1st Ave. N, Billings, Montana, 59101, USA
406-245–9291
www.walkersgrill.com
Known For
  • one of the only restaurants in town with a community table
  • its spicy pork fat--fried cauliflower starter
  • the bacon jam served on its signature burger
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: No lunch, Credit cards accepted