Maybe it’s the vintage vibe, or perhaps it’s the classic comfort food you’ll always find on the menu… but there’s something special about a good old-fashioned diner. We’re lucky to have dozens of them here in Montana, and these 12 stand out among the rest. When you’re craving a good burger and a shake, stop by one of these spots.
1. Betty’s Diner, 49779 US-93, Polson
Betty’s Diner serves traditional American food seven days a week (breakfast and lunch only on Sundays). The lakeside location makes it a favorite amongst the Flathead travelers.
2. Roadhouse Diner, 613 15th St N., Great Falls
Don’t be surprised if you have the best burger of your life at the Roadside Diner. Not only do they cut, grind and hand-patty all of their burgers every day, but they use buns from Wheat Montana. All of their delicious ingredients are local whenever possible.
3. Wolfer’s Diner, 126 3rd Ave, Havre
Sitting down at Wolfer’s, you might feel as if you’ve gone back in time. Ordering a classic hand-dipped shake or their homemade fries will only enhance that feeling. The 50s vibe is fun here, and better yet, the service is friendly.
4. Bernie’s Diner, 19 N. Broadway, Billings
Bernie’s, which was named after the owner’s mother, is located inside the Northern Hotel. The charming vintage vibe is fun, and you can count on your breakfast or lunch being served with a smile.
5. Uptown Diner, 120 N Higgins Ave., Missoula
Uptown Diner is a classic retro no-frills breakfast and lunch spot, a great place to go when you need a strong cup of coffee and a hearty meal.
6. Dizzy Diner, 316 Spring St., Terry
You won’t find too many restaurant options in the small town of Terry, but the Dizzy Diner, which is close to the interstate, makes a great lunch stop for locals and travelers alike. Bring cash when you dine here—they prefer to be paid the old-fashioned way.
7. 5th Street Diner, 500 Central Ave., Great Falls
The 5th Street Diner will take you straight back to the 1950s. The stainless steel lunch counter is from F.W. Woolworth, and it’s one of the last in the country still in operation. The menu is pure comfort food, and it’s delicious.
8. Town Haul Diner, 7524 US-287, Harrison
When you’re looking for freshly made food on your way to Yellowstone, look no further than Harrison’s Town Haul Diner. They’re best known for their breakfast and lunch, but they also have a weekly prime rib dinner special.
9. Ruby’s Cafe, 2101 Regent St., Missoula
Everyone in Missoula knows that Ruby’s is the place to go for savory home cooking. Whether you go for an over-sized breakfast or a juicy burger, you can’t go wrong here.
10. The Pelican Cafe / Railside Diner, 701 E Main St., Laurel
The friendly service by the community-oriented team at The Pelican somehow makes their classic comfort food taste even better. The reasonable prices and good-sized portions don’t hurt, either.
11. North Star Ice Cream & Diner, 1107 Utah Ave., Butte
The North Star Diner serves pizza, frozen yogurt, and good old-fashioned ice cream scoops… in other words, all the best food groups.
12. Western Cafe, 443 E Main St., Bozeman
Bozeman’s Western Cafe is a local icon, drawing in residents and visitors to town for years. Stepping inside and seeing the locals sitting at the breakfast bar will make you feel like you’re in the Last Best Cafe in the Last Best Place.
One of the best things about Montana’s diners has to be their tasty burgers. Here’s a list of other local burger joints you might enjoy.
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