Park, Eat, Repeat: 5 Tasty Restaurants West Yellowstone, MT
After spending all day at Yellowstone—watching bison, hiking to waterfalls, and snapping enough photos to last a lifetime—your stomach's undoubtedly growling like an angry grizzly. Worse yet, you're at risk of turning hangry yourself.
But here’s something to cheer you up: West Yellowstone has an amazing food scene waiting for you. You can indulge in juicy bison burgers, fresh local trout, and huckleberry treats so good, you'll want to sneak a pie home with you.
If you’re ready to eat, we’re here to help. Here are five restaurants in West Yellowstone you’ve absolutely got to try for some unforgettable food and drinks.
Hank’s Chop Shop
221 N Canyon St, West Yellowstone, MT 59758
You know that perfect post-Yellowstone meal—the kind where every bite makes you close your eyes and go, “Oh yeah, that’s the stuff”? Hank’s Chop Shop delivers exactly that, and in a big way. It’s a carnivore’s love letter to Big Sky Country, known for its hefty half-pound bison burgers made fresh by hand every day.
Many people come here just to build their own burger. But you don't have to stop there. You can also sink your teeth into one of their USDA Prime, hand-cut beef or bison steaks instead. Or you could try their Elk Ravioli or Lemon Pepper Trout. Add one of the 24 beers on tap plus your favorite side, and you’ve got yourself a meal that hits harder than a Yellowstone geyser.
The best part? It’s all served up in a reimagined auto repair shop (with a casino in the back!). So, you can nosh on good eats, sip something cold, and then try your luck before heading back to your rental for the night.
Firehole Bar-B-Que Company
120 Firehole Ave, West Yellowstone, MT 59758
If smoky, fall-apart barbecue is your love language, Firehole Bar-B-Que Company is your kind of place. This no-frills joint may look low-key, but it serves up some of the boldest flavors in town—and the secret’s out. After getting featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, this place never fails to draw a crowd nightly.
It's no wonder, too, because the brisket is tender with that perfect bark, the pulled pork is melt-in-your-mouth good, and the Buffalo Sausage? Let’s just say that it doesn’t stick around long. Everything’s smoked in-house daily and served until it’s gone, so get there early. It’s not uncommon for hopeful diners to roll up in the early evening only to find the doors already closed for the day. That’s how fast the good stuff goes.
The Buffalo Bar
335 US-20, West Yellowstone, MT 59758
If you're after a place that feels like the local hangout, The Buffalo Bar is where you want to be. It's the kind of joint that captures the spirit of West Yellowstone: friendly, unpretentious, and full of personality. Whether you’re rolling in after a long day at the park or looking for somewhere to catch the game, you’ll feel right at home here.
The vibe leans classic sports bar with a Western twist. The major NFL and college games play on multiple screens, making it a favorite for football fans. On Trivia Tuesdays, locals pack the place to battle it out over burgers and beers. And the energy is always endlessly welcoming, whether you’re a regular or just passing through.
As for the food? It's much more than your standard bar fare. You’ll find everything from Thai Shrimp and Chicken Wings to Grilled Salmon Tacos and Country Fried Buffalo Steak. They also have a nice selection of 1/2-pound burgers, including the Cowboy Burger featuring the ever-popular Huckleberry BBQ sauce. So, you really can’t go wrong, no matter what you get.
Old Town Café
128 Madison Ave, West Yellowstone, MT 59758
Want the full West Yellowstone food experience? Make at least three visits to Old Town Café—once for breakfast, once for lunch, and once for dinner. Trust us, one meal here isn’t enough to soak it all in. This family-owned gem serves up classic American comfort food all day long, with a welcoming atmosphere that feels like your favorite hometown diner.
Breakfast runs until 11:30 am and is worth waking up early for. Locals swear by the Montana Mountain Berry Pancakes, topped with huckleberries and whipped cream. But hungry hikers go straight for The Mountain Man—an 8-ounce flat iron steak with eggs and hashbrowns. Lunch and dinner bring ample comfort-food entrées like Country Fried Steak, Steelhead Trout, and Seared Elk Medallions.
There’s even a casino on-site if you’re feeling lucky after your meal. And if you’re into craft cocktails, the bar’s got you covered with inventive top-shelf creations. Whether you're fueling up for the park or winding down after a long day outdoors, Old Town Café delivers hearty food and the kind of warm, small-town vibe you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Slippery Otter Pub
139 N Canyon St, West Yellowstone, MT 59758
Burgers, beers, and bison—oh my. If you’re looking for a fun, low-key spot where the vibe is as friendly as a Yellowstone tour guide, slide into the Slippery Otter Pub. This friendly, laid-back pub is one of West Yellowstone’s go-to hangouts for locals who swear by it and the travelers who wish they’d found it sooner.
The menu’s stacked with comfort food classics, all of which are kicked up a notch. Charbroiled elk, lamb, and bison burgers? Absolutely. Crispy beer-battered cod with a side of hand-cut Idaho fries? You bet. And don’t sleep on the 12-ounce Prime Rib. It’s rubbed in horseradish, garlic, and pepper, then slow-roasted until it practically melts in your mouth.
No matter your vibe, this place lets you choose your own adventure. Want fresh air and front-row people-watching? Grab a seat on the patio and dig in. Feeling more like drinks and a little friendly competition? Head inside, grab a booth, and rack up a game of pool while your food’s on the way. Wherever you land, good times (and great eats) are guaranteed.
Enjoy Big Flavor in Big Sky Country
So, there you have it—a bite-sized look at some of the tastiest West Yellowstone restaurants. But there's a lot more to this town than just what's on the menu. To truly soak in the small town charm, a quick day trip just won’t cut it. Slow down, stay awhile, and savor the full Montana experience.
For a cozy home base, ask our trusted local partners, Roam Property Management, about the perfect West Yellowstone vacation rentals to unwind and launch your next adventure.
