One of the real advantages of staying in a vacation rental cabin in Montana is that you can do a little grocery shopping and prepare your own meals during your stay. But, let’s face it, you’re on vacation. You deserve a little break from the hot stove every now and then and you really should take in a little of the local fare offered by our numerous restaurants in the Bitterroot Valley. Here are some of our favorites.
Breakfast In The Bitterroot
If you are looking to start your day with a delicious Montana style breakfast, give one of these restaurants a try:
The Coffee Cup – Hamilton
Close your eyes and picture what you think an authentic Montana cafe would look like, and you’ve pictured the Coffee Cup Cafe. Watch the orders fly out of the service window as waitresses deliver meals as fast as they can. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, this is one of the institutions in the Bitterroot Valley for delicious comfort food at a reasonable price. No website.
The Kitchen – Hamilton
You almost have to experience a breakfast at The Kitchen during your visit to the Bitterroot Valley just to see the size of the meals they deliver to your table. Ever seen a pancake the size of a frisbee? How about an omelet that takes up your whole plate? But the best part is that every bite is delicious and served by some of the friendliest staff in Hamilton. http://kitchenmt.com/
Memories Cafe – Corvallis
Step back in time and spend a morning having breakfast at the Memories Cafe. This place has been serving local farmers and ranchers, families, and visitors for a long, long time. Located in one of the oldest buildings in the Bitterroot Valley in the historic town of Corvallis, you’ll get a real sense of the history of the area. And a great meal at the same time! No website.
Lunch, Anyone?
If you get hungry while you are exploring our charming small towns, be sure to check out some of our favorite lunch spots in the Bitterroot Valley.
River Rising – Hamilton
This local favorite starts baking their muffins, cookies, quiches and pastries early every morning and everyone knows you have to get there fast to guarantee you’ll get your favorite item. We like to stop by for lunch to enjoy a fresh deli sandwich or a bowl of homemade soup. Make sure you watch Kori in action as she runs her restaurant; she’s one of the hardest working people in the Bitterroot Valley and it shows up in all her food and service. http://www.riverrisingbakery.com/
Bitterroot Brewing – Hamilton
Well, it is vacation after all, so why not grab some lunch at our local brewery? Bitterroot Brewing is famous for several of their hand crafted beers brewed onsite, but they are also well known for their grill menu. Try the fish and chips or tacos and enjoy a cold one with the locals. One of the few places in the area with live music, so check out their website to see who’s playing next. http://www.bitterrootbrewing.com/index.html
Nap’s Grill – Hamilton
If you ask 100 people in the Bitterroot Valley where to get a great burger, get ready for a lot of the same answer, which will be Nap’s Grill. This place is famous for it’s giant 12 oz. burgers and toppings bar where you can customize your own burger to your liking. Be prepared to wait for a table at this local institution, but it’s worth the wait, we promise. http://www.napsgrill.com/
It’s Dinner Time
Whether you are looking for a nice cut of certified Angus beef, or an eclectic bistro meal, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few of our favorite places to grab an authentic Montana meal.
Spice of Life – Hamilton
This quaint bistro has been a favorite of ours for years. This is the place where we expect to know someone in the dining room every time we’re there. Some of the menu items are institutions and the locals have actually boycotted the restaurant when they tried to change the menu! Occasional live background music complement a full menu with beer and wine service. Enjoy! http://www.thespiceinhamilton.com/
The Edge – Hamilton
The large dining room and huge menu make for a great experience for your group or family. A true sports bar feel with lots of games on the TV’s and a huge outdoor patio overlooking a trout filled pond. Offering a wide variety of fare, full bar service, and some of the friendliest servers in the valley, the Edge has something for everyone. http://www.theedgerestaurant.com/
The Broad Axe Lodge – Sula
This family run restaurant has been serving up their delicious prime rib, steaks and seafood for nearly 30 years in a location that you just won’t believe. Located about an hour from Hamilton in the breathtaking Ross Hole area near Sula, MT, most people love to make the drive just for the scenery along the way. Known for binoculars on the tables that you can use to view bighorn sheep, deer, and elk on the nearby hillsides, this is a Montana dining experience you won’t soon forget. http://www.broadaxelodge.com/index.html