Sunshine, Snowstorms, and the Sweet Return of Patio Season
Beartooth Cafe, Cooke City
Amidst spring snowstorms and blooming bulbs, we’re inching closer to one of our favorite seasons, patio season. It's a lovely occasion to gather with friends for a leisurely lunch or happy hour under Montana’s sunny blue skies. Somehow, patios give you permission to slow down and soak up the moment, and we're ready!
In Bozeman, you know it’s official when the Crystal Bar opens its rooftop deck and a mix of college students and young professionals gather around buckets of Corona for this novel spring ritual. Also in Bozeman, grab a plate of nachos and head to the rooftop of Bozeman Tap Room and Spirits, or snag a seat on the patio at MAP Brewing and enjoy their award-winning beer, delicious food and stunning views of the Bridger Mountains.
If you’re headed to Yellowstone, have lunch in Cooke City, located just outside the Northeast Entrance. Tucked up between towering mountains, there’s not a bad view in town, but you’ll find great food at Beartooth Café. And if you leave via the North Entrance in Gardiner, Iron Horse Bar and Grille has a huge deck overlooking the Yellowstone River.
Iron Horse Bar and Grille, Gardiner
Riverhouse BBQ in Big Sky has a reputation for some of the best BBQ in the state, and its deck offers views of the Gallatin River. (They also host events if you’re looking for a reunion, corporate event, or wedding venue.) A bit further down the road on the banks of Hebgen Lake, the Happy Hour Bar serves up a mean garlic burger and often some lively company. (Once when we were there, the entire bar joined in a round of Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline that left us smiling all the way home.)
For a more refined experience, the Gallatin River Lodge near Four Corners has a lovely patio with fine dining, a fly-fishing pond where guests can practice their casting, and evening stargazing with access to a large telescope, a guided night sky tour and craft cocktails.
Sacajawea Hotel, Three Forks
Three Forks is home to the historic Sacajawea Hotel, with a sweeping wrap-around porch full of rocking chairs and flower baskets that just beg you to come relax. And if you’re looking for nearby entertainment, Bridger Brewing has a large patio, a killer menu and an outdoor concert series with some impressive lineups.
The season doesn’t last long, so get out there while you can!