The only thing better than a road trip in Montana is a road trip in Montana that’s planned around food. And since many of us would prefer a good old-fashioned mom-and-pop restaurant to a pretentious eatery or a chain restaurant, we made a list of some delicious hidden gems – and it’s entirely possible to visit them all in one weekend. These fantastic hole-in-the-wall restaurants around Montana are some of the best in the state and come packed with tasty eats that are all made with extra care.

Depending on where you live, you may have to do this road trip in reverse or completely out of order. But as long as you end your drive with a full belly and a happy smile, that’s all that matters.

Google Maps
1. The Western Café, Bozeman
Rob Flanigan/GoogleMaps
443 E Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715, USA
Western Cafe of Bozeman / Facebook
Start bright and early with breakfast at the Western Café in Bozeman. Once named Montana's best hole-in-the-wall diner by MSN, this place is a historic gem that sits tucked away in the most unassuming of locations. The cooks here make a mean breakfast.
2. Branding Iron Café, White Sulphur Springs)
BikerCowboy/GoogleMaps
307 3rd Ave SW, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645, USA
David Hampton / Google
Next, head up to White Sulphur Springs and enjoy a meal at the Branding Iron Café. This no-frills local gem is known for its breakfast. And while no one will judge you if you decide to repeat your morning meal, they also make tasty burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches, too.
3. Clark & Lewie's Restaurant, Great Falls
Clark & Lewie's Restaurant / Google
17 7th St S, Great Falls, MT 59401, USA
Chanin Kirby / Google
Clark & Lewie's is located inside Great Falls' O'Haire Motor Inn. Treat yourself to a delicious dinner, stop by the infamous Sip N' Dip Lounge next door for a nightcap, and get some rest to prepare for another day of indulgence. Oh, and did we mention there are mermaids here?
4. El Vaquero Taqueria, Helena
Mostly Montana/GoogleMaps
1338 11th Ave, Helena, MT 59601, USA
El Vaquero Taqueria / Facebook
MSN also gave this place a shout-out, listing El Vaquero Taqueria as the best hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant in Montana. Sink your teeth into one of their tasty street tacos and you're sure to agree.
5. Pork Chop John's, Butte
Mike Alcazaren/GoogleMaps
8 W Mercury St, Butte, MT 59701, USA
2400 Harrison Ave, Butte, MT 59701, USA
The Official Porkchop John's / Facebook
John Burklund invented the pork chop sandwich in 1924, and nearly a century later, it's still a staple in Butte. Stop by one of the two Pork Chop John's locations in town and end your road trip with an iconic culinary staple that is "Only in Montana."

What are your favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurants in the state? Some of the best restaurants in Montana are off the beaten path, and we love discovering new places! Nominate your favorite to give these local hidden gems the attention they deserve.

Now that you’re fueled up, we hope you’ve saved room for dessert too! Montana has an incredible ice cream trail that you’re definitely going to want to check out.

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