10 Popular Montana Foods & Drinks (You Must Try!)

Get ready for a taste of the wild in Big Sky Country. Montana’s cuisine reflects the varied landscape and love of tradition in the Treasure State. From local ingredients to popular Montana foods served in small‑town cafés and mountain lodges, this list highlights the dishes and drinks that define the taste of Montana. Drawing from my family’s travels through the state, conversations with locals, and plenty of research, here are 10 iconic Montana foods and drinks you must try. I bet a couple of them will surprise you!

This story is brought to you in partnership with Visit Montana and is based on my family’s adventures in the Big Sky State.

This website sometimes receives compensation, hosted travel, or products related to blog posts. This article may include affiliate links at no extra cost to consumers. As an Amazon Associate, I earn money from qualifying purchases.

1. Huckleberries

Huckleberries are one of the most famous Montana foods, and for good reason. These vibrant wild berries are not only a delicious treat but also a symbol of the state’s wild natural beauty. Montana’s indigenous tribes have long revered huckleberries, using them in traditional dishes and for medicinal purposes. Found in mountainous regions and often in areas that have recently burned, huckleberries are a prized find.

Montana’s official state fruit tastes similar to blueberries, but they are a bit bigger and more tangy. You’ll find huckleberries in sweets like huckleberry ice cream, huckleberry pie, or huckleberry bear claws. Huckleberries also add zip to savory items, from meat glazes to salad dressings.

You will see plenty of packaged huckleberry treats in local shops, too. Pick up some huckleberry jam, pancake syrup, candies, or other goodies to bring the flavor of Montana home.

2. Steaks and Burgers

Indulging in a steak in Montana celebrates the state’s rich ranching heritage. Montana is one of the top cattle-producing states in the country, and enjoying locally raised beef creates a memorable farm-to-table experience.

Burgers are also a big deal in Montana. In addition to juicy patties made from ground beef, you will often see bison burgers and elk burgers on local menus. These options highlight the state’s connection to wild game and the hearty meals Montana is known for.

I can’t stop thinking about the Bacon Egger Burger at Bread & Butter Café. This one-third-pound hamburger comes topped with bacon, cheddar cheese, hash browns, and a fried egg. I liked it so much that I tried to recreate this dish at home, but my efforts do not compare to the over-the-top deliciousness served at this Townsend restaurant.

3. Farm Fresh Produce

Montana grows more than huckleberries and cows. With over 58 million acres of farmland, the state is a treasure trove of agricultural delights. Common crops include wheat, lentils, peas, and potatoes.

Find a colorful array of produce at farmers markets throughout Montana. Despite a short growing season, the state’s fertile soil makes it a great place to grow vegetables like tomatoes, squash, peppers, green beans, and leafy greens like lettuce and kale. Locally grown fruits include apples, pears, plums, and apricots. Montana is famous for its delicious cherries, especially Flathead cherries that thrive around the shores of Flathead Lake, the state’s largest lake.

You can also taste Montana’s farm-fresh goodness at local restaurants. Can you believe I ordered the pretty garden salad pictured above from a restaurant attached to a bowling alley? The Alley Bistro in Ennis prides itself on serving family-friendly fine dining.

4. Rainbow Trout

The most common fish in Montana is the rainbow trout. Freshly caught from the state’s pristine rivers and lakes, this popular Montana food is a staple on many restaurant menus. It is cherished for its delicate, flaky texture and mild, slightly nutty flavor. Commonly served with lemon butter, this fish is often grilled, baked, or pan-fried.

I enjoyed a rainbow trout filet seared and topped with seasonings at The Grand Hotel Restaurant in Big Timber. Served with a huge baked potato, vegetables, and salad, unless you’re a big eater, you could definitely split this dish.

5. Picnic Fare

If visiting Montana in summer, then a picnic is an absolute must. With its majestic mountains, serene lakes, and lush meadows, the state of Montana offers the perfect backdrop for a memorable picnic. You can order boxed lunches from cafés and delis near Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, or one of Montana’s many state parks.

My family picked up made-to-order sandwiches from Big Timber’s Earth Wise General Store, where the focus is on sustainable, local foods. We ate our meal at the nearby Lions Club Park with its adorable Montana-themed playground. Even better, you could drive 25 miles south from Big Timber to Natural Bridge Falls in the Gallatin National Forest for a beautiful picnic spot.

There are also convenient dining options within Montana’s state and national parks. For example, we got salads and sandwiches from Caverns Café inside Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park. What a spectacular lunchtime view we were treated to!

6. Craft Beer

Montana offers a bevy of craft brews for beer connoisseurs and casual imbibers. Many of Montana’s breweries welcome kids, and some offer live music. Most also serve non-alcoholic options, such as sodas or juices.

One of the most popular local beers is Moose Drool, a brown ale brewed by Big Sky Brewing Company in Missoula. Look for it at eating and drinking establishments throughout the state.

Order a beer flight to sample multiple hoppy options from beloved spots like the cozy Burnt Tree Brewing in Ennis, Philipsburg Brewing Company in a historic 1888 bank building in Philipsburg, or Blackfoot River Brewing Company‘s taproom in Helena, which serves free popcorn to accompany their handcrafted beers.

7. Barbecue

You might be surprised to learn that barbecue is one of the most popular foods in the Big Sky State. In fact, Montana ranks as the U.S. state that loves BBQ best, based on the number of barbecue restaurants per capita and high search volume for terms like brisket, ribs, and BBQ sauce.

In Belgrade, Bar 3 BBQ combines two local favorites — barbecue and beer. I found their smoked half chicken with white barbecue sauce to be particularly tender and tasty. There are a bunch of sides to choose from, like fried okra, mac and cheese, or coleslaw. Best of all are their green chili cheese grits. The onsite One Pride Brewing serves all sorts of suds on tap, too.

For a Big Sky Country twist, Montana City Grill & Saloon is renowned for its chicken or pork ribs slathered with huckleberry BBQ sauce. It’s located just three miles outside Helena in Montana City.

8. Hearty Breakfast

In a state known for its farming, cattle ranching, and outdoor activities, it makes sense that its residents fuel up with a hearty breakfast for an active day. At diners frequented by a loyal local clientele, you’ll find stick-to-your-ribs favorites, like chicken fried steak, potato hashes, cheesy egg dishes, and pancakes with huckleberry syrup.

Step back in time at Yesterday’s Soda Fountain in Ennis, where photos of local legends adorn the cheery yellow walls. Their signature breakfast dish is biscuits and sausage gravy. Another customer favorite is their Indian fry bread served with honey butter. Yum!

Faye’s Café in Livingston receives 5 stars on TripAdvisor for its welcoming vibe, scratch-made food, and vegetarian options. You’ll find plenty of American standards like scrambles and cheesy grits, plus muchos Mexican dishes like huevos rancheros, breakfast tacos, and pulled pork enchiladas.

9. Coffee

Whether you want a great cup of Joe to help wash down your big morning meal, or you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, you’re in luck. Montana boasts a thriving coffee culture, with numerous coffee shops and roasters spread across the state.

Look for locally roasted coffees in Montana restaurants and cafés. Montana Coffee Traders is one of the most widely offered local brands in the state. They have their own coffeehouses in Whitefish, where the company launched in 1981. You can buy their beans online, too, like their Montana Blend and Grizzly Bend.

My family was fond of The Coffee Stop in Big Timber for its extensive menu featuring coffees, teas, smoothies, and “Foo Foo Drinks” like the Sweet Kiss made with white chocolate and strawberry. Pull through the drive-through or head indoors for a breakfast sandwich or burrito to enjoy with your drinks.

10. Pizza

Pizza is one of the most beloved foods in Montana, and you’ll find excellent pies in towns big and small across the state. According to Zippia, Montanans favor classic pepperoni above all other toppings.

Biga Pizza in Missoula, known for its handmade sourdough crust, consistently shows up on lists of the best pizza in Montana. A favorite is the Salsiccia Pizza, featuring Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, and mozzarella and mascarpone cheeses.

Best known for their homemade cinnamon rolls and other baked goods, Big Timber Bakery in Big Timber also makes one heckuva pizza dough. The puffy crust is a delightful combination of lightness and chewiness, baked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. What’s more, the bakery’s own gluten-free crust was just as delicious.

Treat your taste buds to another tempting option at Deep Creek Pizza Co in Townsend. Their crispy thin crust is made with Kamut Khorasan Flour, made from ancient grains grown in Montana and praised for its ease of digestibility even by gluten-sensitive folks like me. (A gluten-free crust is available, too.) Their pies reminded me of the authentic pizzas you’ll find in Italy — not at all what I was expecting. Then again, maybe that’s exactly the caliber of cuisine I should have expected to find in a small town in Montana.

Taste More Delicious Foods

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Save These Popular Montana Foods

For future reference, save this list of what to eat in Montana. Simply pin the image above or below to Pinterest. I hope you’ll follow Colleen Travels Between on Pinterest while you’re at it!

When you think of Montana food, what dish do you think of? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!

A Note from Colleen: Visit Montana sponsored this blog post about Montana foods and drinks. Follow @visitmontana on Instagram for more inspiration. All opinions are mine, as always.

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