One of the best parts about visiting a new town—or exploring your own backyard—is finding its neighborhood gems. These aren’t necessarily the flashiest restaurants or the most popular hot spots, although some of them definitely have a perpetual line of locals at the door. These are the places that serve consistently great food and greet familiar faces with a smile. These 12 neighborhood restaurants in Montana definitely have the "neighborhood favorite" vibe going for them.

1. Biga Pizza, Missoula

Missoula is certainly a city that’s fit for foodies, but it’s this local pizza joint that keeps everyone from the college students to the lifelong locals coming back for more.

2. South 9th Bistro, Bozeman

The food served in this old Victorian house is some of the best you’ll find in Bozeman… and that’s saying a lot. The motto here is "great food, great service, no excuses."

3. Juliano’s Restaurant, Billings

Homemade bread, classic entrees and service with a smile is what you’ll find at Juliano’s, which is often called one of Billings’ best kept secrets.

4. Cislos, Kalispell

With its location right on US Highway 2, it’s a bit of a stretch to call Cislos a neighborhood restaurant. But everyone in Kalispell knows the portions here are large and delicious, and the service is friendly.

5. The Stray Bullet Cafe, Ovando

Ovando is a tiny town of 71 people located an hour northwest of Helena. It may not have a lot of competition in the area, but it definitely serves the best breakfast around.

6. Murphy’s Pub, Havre

Murphy’s Pub was named after the owners’ family dog. Inspired by authentic Irish pubs, it’s a great place for locals to pull up a chair and catch up on life over burgers and beef pasties.

7. Lisa’s Pasty Pantry, Missoula

Editor's Note: This restaurant is permanently closed.

Speaking of pasties, this Missoula neighborhood gem steals the spotlight when it comes to Montana’s most famous meat pies. Everything is made from scratch here, and it shows.

8. Gallicano’s Pizzeria, Anaconda

If you’re looking for authentic New York style pizza in the heart of Anaconda, look no further than Gallicano’s. They’re locally owned and operated by the Gallicano family, but their slices taste like they’re flown straight from Brooklyn.

9. Local Kitchen and Bar, Billings

The ingredients in the food here are local, the chefs behind the menu are local, and even the artwork is local. There’s a lot to love about this beloved Billings restaurant.

10. Main Street Bistro, Lewistown

Editor's Note: This restaurant is permanently closed. This charming bistro is often sought out by tourists who are passing through on their summer travels, but it’s the locals who love it enough to keep it in business.

11. On Broadway, Helena

On Broadway’s dim lighting, homemade chef’s specials and hearty entrees give it all the markings of an authentic neighborhood Italian joint. The occasional live music is also a nice touch.

12. The Pizza Baron, Great Falls

Editor's Note: This restaurant is permanently closed. In a city full of chain pizza restaurants, the Pizza Baron is a shining star. They deliver their delicious pies, but they’re best enjoyed in the small but inviting dining room.

Neighborhood gems are the best. And so are Montana’s best mom & pop restaurants.