Updated: July 2023.
It's the same old story, you visit a new town and you end up in the touristy area. It's easy to get overwhelmed with all the food options, and you just don't know where to go.
If your goal is to try local restaurants, your best bet is to have a local friend tell you all the secrets. But, what happens if you don't have a local friend? Well, you have us! This goes tot say we're here to give you all kinds of recommendation. Come to our store and we'll give you a special brochure, where we share all our Montana secrets –– this is just a small section of it!
There are some great options for dinner downtown, but also some wonderful options just a few minutes away by car. (Trust us! It's worth the 5 minute drive!) As Bozeman is expanding, so is its food culture! We want to keep you in the loop about our favorite places, always updating our blog with new restaurants!
Blackbird
ITALIAN
140 E MAIN STREET
DOWNTOWN
Blackbird isn't just a restaurant, it's an experience. Their attention to detail goes beyond their homemade pasta dishes and wood fired pizzas—it's in the rustic ambiance, the impeccable service, the divine wine selection. Not to mention the incredibly addictive bread. (Don't be surprised if you find yourself laughing uncontrollably with happiness while you're there.) Blackbird is the place to go when you're celebrating an anniversary, a trip to Montana, or a good friend's birthday. But there’s no need to wait for a special event to go to Blackbird, right? Just make an excuse to celebrate anything! The experience of dining at Blackbird is so ideal, it will make you feel like you're a protagonist in a romantic comedy. Oh, and Blackbird is a super popular restaurant in town—so make a reservation!
Whistle Pig
KOREAN
25 N WILSON AVE
DOWNTOWN
$$
Whistle Pig has a super cute ambience and the best bibimbap in the West! For appetizers, we love the Spicy Fried Tofu and for entrees we suggest the Bulgogi Bibimbap or the Vegetarian High Protein Bibimbap. Oh, and don't forget to order their amazing Korean donuts! It's incredible!
Pakeezah
INDIAN
14 N CHURCH AVE
DOWNTOWN
Indian food in Bozeman? Yes. Amazing authentic Indian food in Bozeman that can be compared to California levels of goodness? You bet! Try their samosa chaat, lamb masala and their garlic naan! There are lots of vegetarian options too! And don't worry about being too spicy, you can choose the spice level with every dish.
Follow Yer' Nose BBQ
SOUTHERN
4 OVERLOOK ROAD
EMIGRANT & GARDINER, MT (Way to Yellowstone - North Entrance)
It's summer and you floated the Yellowstone River all day and now you're absolutely starving. Or, it's winter, and you need some extra warmth in your belly. We get it, and recommend Follow Yer' Nose BBQ! The tri tip steak and the burned beans are to die for. Heck, everything is good! Follow Yer' Nose has a shack in Gardiner on the North Entrance of the Yellowstone National Park and a location in Emigrant, right on the way to Yellowstone National Park and Chico Hot Springs. In the summer, there is often live music at their Emigrant location and things get pretty groovy down there.
Little Star Diner
AMERICAN
548 E BABCOCK ST
DOWNTOWN
Just a block off Main Street in Bozeman sits Little Star Diner, this intimate and charming diner serves incredible dishes, all made with locally sourced ingredients. It's a hidden gem! We think it's one of the best restaurants in town! Dine indoors in the cold weather months or head up to their rooftop patio (ringed with herbs growing in planters) when it’s warm for delightful food in a unique urban setting.
But if you're going to eat like a local, dress like a local!
Intrigue Ink
THE BEST APPAREL STORE IN BOZEMAN
12 E MAIN ST
DOWNTOWN
We're true Montana fashion––we create our Montana and Western-inspired artworks and handprint on the softest clothes in the back of the store here in Bozeman. Plus, we also feature the work of 75+ local artists. Come say hello and we'll share all our Montana secrets!
*** Read "Where do Locals Lunch in Bozeman?" for more tips from locals!