What can we say… we love home cooked meals in Montana. Especially home cooked meals we don’t actually have to cook ourselves. We recently discovered some delicious mom and pop restaurants in our state, and now we’re more than happy to add to that list.

Craving a meal like Mom used to make (or maybe even better)? Read on for some of the best mom & pop restaurants in Montana.

1. The Buffalo Cafe, Whitefish

Since 1979, the Maetzold family has owned and operated The Buffalo Cafe. They must be doing something right, because it has an excellent reputation in Whitefish and one reviewer said it would be "my final meal if I were on death row."

2. The Town Haul Diner, Harrison

Tourists on their way to Yellowstone or Lewis and Clark Caverns who are lucky enough to stop by the Town Haul will discover that this little diner has some great food. Their meals are made with local ingredients, including fresh eggs from their own chickens.

3. Ekstrom’s Stage Station, Clinton

Well worth the 22 mile drive from Missoula, this camping resort’s restaurant’s cozy atmosphere is almost as comforting as the food. Almost.

4. Lisa’s Pasty Pantry, Missoula

For 20 years, Lisa and Charlie McGrath’s restaurant has been serving pasties, burgers, and sandwiches that are now well-known all over Montana.

5. Wild West Diner, Culbertson

For over 30 years, the Wild West Diner has been a local favorite. That’s probably because the service is great and the food is memorable, but it could also be because so many dishes come smothered in delicious gravy.

6. Home Cafe, Conrad

Large portions, friendly service, and reasonable prices. There’s really nothing not to love about Conrad’s Home Cafe.

7. Moose’s Saloon, Kalispell

Moose’s might be close to Glacier National Park and the Big Mountain Ski Resort, but the locals love it just as much as the tourists. This family-friendly restaurant has served their one-of-a-kind pizza and sandwiches since 1957.

8. Libby Cafe, Libby

Two words: Huckleberry Flapjacks. They’re what makes the Libby Cafe locally famous, but the rest of the menu is pretty great too.

9. Johnson’s Cafe, St. Mary

The story behind Johnson’s of St. Mary is an example of the true American dream—a married couple worked hard while raising their children and ranching cattle. They built what is now the RV park and campground slowly, and today it’s still run by their children. The onsite restaurant serves the same homestyle cooking as it did 65 years ago, with homemade bread and freshly made, never frozen hash browns.

10. Cislos, Kalispell

Cislos might not look like much at first, but this Kalispell favorite serves some of the best food in town. The portions are large, the service is friendly, and the atmosphere is cozy.

11. Avon Family Cafe, Avon

It’s hard to decide what’s a better choice here, a hearty breakfast, a famous cinnamon roll, or an old-fashioned dinner special like homemade spaghetti. We’d suggest trying them all (though maybe not at the same time).

12. Boardwalk Restaurant, Miles City

Stop in and try some homemade soup or an entree at this charming little no-frills Miles City spot. They’re only open for dinner, but it’s a dinner you won’t forget.

The only thing better than enjoying dinner at a mom and pop restaurant is following it up with some delicious local ice cream. Bon appetit!