Cozy Places to Eat in Montana's Yellowstone Country

We're happy to report that winter has finally arrived in Montana’s Yellowstone Country! Big Sky Resort opened last week, Red Lodge Mountain opens today, and Bridger Bowl next week. We have officially entered the cozy season. Which, for us, includes finding cozy restaurants and coffee shops where we can enjoy a meal with family or friends.

If you’ve finished a day of Nordic skiing at Rendezvous Ski Trails in West Yellowstone or toured Yellowstone National Park by snowmobile, gathering around a piping hot pizza at Wild West Pizzaria is just the ticket. They often have live music, and offer a family dining area for those with little ones or a saloon area for those who want to let loose a little.



If you’re in Big Sky, the Sleigh Ride Dinner at Lone Mountain Ranch is an iconic experience. You’ll take a horse-drawn wagon to the North Fork Cabin, where you’ll step into the warm glow of oil lamps and be greeted with a shot of honey moonshine. The prime rib dinner is cooked over a centuries-old railroad stove and served with all the fixings. (They also offer a vegetarian option!) Cowboy singers and storytellers entertain while you dine before heading back with full bellies and happy hearts.

One of my favorite spots is Café Fresco in Bozeman. This little Italian eatery has a warm ambiance and delightful food. From handmade pastas to salads that you’ll crave, it’s a lovely dining experience. Before dinner, I encourage you to explore Downtown Bozeman, home to a plethora of boutiques, galleries, Western wear, bookstores and sporting goods!

In Red Lodge, Babcock and Miles is a wine bar and café with a specialty market featuring a fantastic selection of cheeses, charcuterie and gourmet pantry staples. The café offers sandwiches, salads, small plates, flatbreads and desserts, perfect for a girl’s outing, IMO.



Pompey’s Grill in the historic Sacajawea Hotel in Three Forks is a classic dining experience. The restaurant itself is gorgeous with dark wood beams and copper and leather finishes. They are known for their steaks, which are cooked on a wood-smoke grill, but their other entrées are equally stellar (think sea scallops with coconut curry, pistachio-mint-crusted rack of lamb, or Cajun blackened pasta). If you can, I encourage you to stay the night. The historic hotel was built in 1910 as a rest stop for passengers and train crews. It’s been recently renovated while maintaining its classic, well-appointed style.

If you’re passing through Livingston, don’t miss 2nd Street Bistro. For those who love classic French cooking and other European dishes, this is the restaurant for you. They source as much as they can locally, and the menu is a delightful blend of proteins and vegetables. (While in the area, you may want to plan a soak in nearby Yellowstone or Chico Hot Springs!)