If you are visiting Yellowstone National Park, chances are, you will stop by West Yellowstone, a town on the west entrance of the park. With around 1,000 residents, West Yellowstone might not have much, and one of the most common concerns is where to eat in West Yellowstone.
When my family and I spent some time there, we were happy to find that there were plenty of incredible West Yellowstone restaurants. Not only was the quality of the food top-notch, but it served local delicacies that cannot be had anywhere else.
Bison sirloin steaks, elk burgers, huckleberry pastries, the food in West Yellowstone was just amazing.
But it wasn’t always good, there were some bad apples as well (as well so really expensive apples).
We know how important food is when it comes to travel. That is why we have decided to write this post on the 17 best restaurants in West Yellowstone so you can include them on your Yellowstone itinerary on your next visit!
17 Best West Yellowstone Restaurants
Below we have compiled a list of the best restaurants in West Yellowstone. We divided our restaurants into different categories, so that they are easier to find.
These are the categories we have divided them into:
- Best General Restaurants
- Best BBQ
- Best Fine Dining
- Best Breakfast
1. The Buffalo Bar
The Buffalo Bar is one of West Yellowstone’s most popular restaurants and it is not surprising to see why. This cozy tavern features a rustic western style decor and taxidermy, taking you back to the Wild West the moment you step in.
What is unique about the Buffalo Bar is that it has tons of slot machines to keep patrons entertained while they are waiting for a table or digesting their food.
When it comes to their menu, this West Yellowstone restaurant specializes in burgers, fries, beers, and other finger foods. We recommend upgrading your burger and going for the 1/2 pound Buffalo Burger. It is one of their specialties and bestseller for good reason!
To complement your burger, try one of their wines or specialty cocktails (such as the Huckleberry Margarita). For their sports bar setting, maybe one of their beers is more appropriate!
- Style: Traditional American, Bar
- Address: 335 US-20, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $$
- See Full Menu
2. Bullwinkles
Bullwinkles is a family-owned restaurant that serves made-from-scratch food. From their entrees to sauces to desserts, everything is made in-house by a team of professionals. Its menu is diverse, featuring dishes such as steaks, ribs, rainbow trouts, pasta and more. Visitors can even try some of the local delicacies, such as elk and bison.
One of the most unique features of Bullwinkles is that it is more than just a restaurant. It has an in-house casino where you and dine with entertainment, and a fully-licensed liquor store to purchase alcohol.
It is the place where locals and visitors come to gather to watch a game of college basketball or NFL on their big-screen TV, all while drinking their so-proclaimed best margarita in town.
While that is up to you to decide, what is undeniably amazing at Bullwinkles is their Huckleberry cheesecake.
- Style: Traditional American, Bar, Casino
- Address: 115 N Canyon St, West Yellowstone, MT 59758 United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $$
- See Full Menu
3. Taquería Malverde
For those looking for a different type of cuisine, check out Taqueria Malverde, an authentic Mexican restaurant. Taqueria’s Malverde is one of the newest restaurants in West Yellowstone, and it did not take long for it to receive popularity, partially thanks to its unique design.
This Mexican restaurant is built using a repurposed school bus. The kitchen, dining area, and cashier are all inside this tiny space, which means that there isn’t a lot of indoor seating. However, you’ll find plenty of outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying Yellowstone’s beautiful scenery and fresh air.
Just make sure you include a light jacket on your Yellowstone packing list, it could get quite windy even in nice weather.
Taqueria Malverde is one of the cheapest restaurants in West Yellowstone, ideal if you are visiting Yellowstone on a budget. Their tortillas are also homemade, so it is really good quality food for the price. Our favorites are definitely the tacos.
Make sure you don’t miss this Mexican taco bus in West Yellowstone!
- Style: Mexican food
- Address: 128 Firehole Ranch Rd, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $
- See Full Menu
4. Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon
If you are looking for a laid-back and family-friendly restaurant to munch on some delicious pizzas, then the Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon is ideal for you. This spot is well-known in Yellowstone for having some of the best pizzas and beers in town.
The venue has a rustic decor with wood and paintings from all over the USA during its history. It has a little bit of a sports bar or traditional pub vibe and you will often find live music and DJs on the weekends.
If this was in your hometown, it would be one of those places where you call up your bros to have some beer and pizza and shoot the sh*t.
When it comes to pizzas, there is a huge variety, even for vegetarians. We recommend trying out the Wild West Supreme, especially if you are a meat-lover. Make sure you order the mac and cheese for your sides, it is one of the best dishes from Wild West Pizzeria.
This West Yellowstone restaurant also does delivery and you can order to-go, perfect if you just want to eat in the comfort of your hotel.
- Style: Pizza, pasta, bar bites
- Address: 14 Madison Ave, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $$
- See Full Menu
5. Slippery Otter Pub
The Slippery Otter Pub is one of West Yellowstone’s most famous restaurants. It features traditional American food such as pizzas, burgers, and pub grub. The restaurant has a huge variety of regional beers on tap, perfect if you are a beer-lover and want to try the local flavors.
While the adults are chugging on some unique brews, the kids can enjoy something off the kid’s menu.
With its roomy interior design, there is plenty of space for patrons to feel comfortable. And if that isn’t enough, the heartwarming staff at Slippery Otter Pub will make sure you are well-taken care of.
There are a few dishes that stand out at Slippery Otter Pub. The first one is the Jalapeño wontons which you can have as an appetizer. The second one is the well-balanced french onion soup, and the last one is the juicy bison burger!
- Style: American traditional
- Address: 139 N Canyon St, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $$
- See Full Menu
6. Old Town Cafe
Built in 1950, the Old Town Cafe is one of the oldest establishments in West Yellowstone. It serves traditional American and Western cuisine, the staple dishes for the many years before it. Here guests will find some of the best buffalo burgers in town and delicious hash browns and pancakes for breakfast.
The cabin-like setting of Old Town Cafe is inviting and cozy (but none can compare to that of the Old Faithful Inn dining room), almost as if you are eating at a friend’s place. The moment you step in, you feel immediately at home. If you haven’t loosened up yet, then the wide variety of beer on tap will certainly do the job!
- Style: American traditional
- Address: 128 Madison Ave, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $$
- See Full Menu
7. Petes Rocky Mountain Pizza
If you are in the mood for some delicious Italian food, then head over to Petes Rocky Mountain Pizza. This cute little restaurant in West Yellowstone serves some of the best pizzas and pasta in the whole town.
Though the place is relatively small, there is plenty of seating for both families and couples. For families, they can enjoy the long wooden table that can accommodate up to 10 people. For couples, they will enjoy the intimate and adorable booths.
When visiting, make sure you try their Huckleberry wine or Huckleberry lemonade. Huckleberry is a plant native to the region around Yellowstone National Park.
Vegetarians must not miss out on the veggie pizza. Combine that with a spinach artichoke dip and send those taste buds to heaven!
- Style: Italian
- Address: 112 N Canyon St, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $$
- See Full Menu
8. Las Palmitas
Las Palmitas is another food truck that serves authentic Mexican food, similar to Taqueria Malverde. The style is exactly the same – with a repurposed school bus that is a kitchen, dining area, and cashier.
The food menu is very similar, but Las Palmitas has a little bit more variety. Similar to Taqueria Malverde, Las Palmitas is also very cheap, which makes it a great option for travelers who don’t want to splurge.
With limited indoor seating, outdoor seating is preferred. This might be a problem if the weather in Yellowstone isn’t the best. But if you are visiting Yellowstone in fall, summer, or spring, you will have an amazing time. There is always the option to take away, which we recommend with these food truck restaurants in you are having dinner!
- Style: Mexican food
- Address: 21 N Canyon St, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $
- See Full Menu
Best BBQ Restaurants in West Yellowstone
No meal in Yellowstone National Park embodies the experience more than an American barbecue (BBQ). Luckily, there are several top-notch barbecue restaurants in West Yellowstone for you hungry fiends!
1. Firehole Bar-B-Que Co.
No matter how many days in Yellowstone you are planning on spending, stopping for a meal at Firehole Bar-B-Que Co. is a must. This unassuming BBQ restaurant in West Yellowstone serves staple American BBQ dishes such as brisket, ribs, and a juicy pulled pork sandwich. Along with traditional BBQ sides such as mac & cheese, beans, and coleslaw, your belly is going to thank you.
We recommend trying the smoked turkey paired with the unique corn salad. The turkey is cooked to perfection which makes it so tender.
Firehole Bar-B-Que Co. is one of our favorite restaurants in West Yellowstone for dinner, simply because nothing is better than a belly full of Texas-level BBQ. But this joint is also open for lunch, perfect if you are in town for the afternoon.
- Style: Texas BBQ
- Address: 120 Firehole Ave, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $$
- See Full Menu
2. Beartooth Barbecue
With its small unassuming facade, Beartooth Barbecue might not look like much at first. But once you step inside, the upbeat atmosphere and smell of mouth-watering BBQ will change your mind. The restaurant is relatively small, and it might be difficult to get a seat on a popular weekend night. But if you decide to wait, we can guarantee you it’ll be worth it.
Beartooth Barbecue has a big lunch and dinner menu, from saucy BBQ ribs to cowboy caviar, there is something for everyone in the family. Besides its tender BBQ, the dishes that keep everyone returning are the cheese grits and green chili creamed corn. Make sure you give it a try when you dine there.
This restaurant also has a huge menu of draft beer and wine, and there is not a pair more perfect than juicy BBQ and a glass of red wine. Whichever drink you decide to get, you are in for a treat!
- Style: Texas BBQ
- Address: 111 N Canyon St, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $$
- See Full Menu
Best Fine Dining in West Yellowstone
As a small gateway town to Yellowstone National Park, there aren’t a lot of fine dining options. Even the most luxurious options will have you sitting in a cabin with rustic furnishings, so don’t have super high expectations when it comes to fine dining in West Yellowstone.
1. Madison Crossing Lounge
Perhaps the nicest restaurant in West Yellowstone is Madison Crossing Lounge, an old schoolhouse that has been converted into a charming restaurant. With carpeted floors and warm subtle lighting, the Madison Crossing Lounge has a cozy and laid-back atmosphere, perfect for having one of their delicious cocktails or microbrews.
This West Yellowstone serves traditional American cuisine, and every night there is a house specialty that utilizes the best locally-sourced ingredients. Our favorite dishes from there are the bison tenderloin, rainbow trout, ribeye steak, and stuffed pork chop! Combine that with one of their drinks and it is easily one of my favorite Montana meals.
Madison Crossing Lounge is only open for dinner, and even so, there is usually a long queue. We recommend arriving earlier so you don’t have to wait that long!
- Style: Traditional American
- Address: 121 Madison Ave, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $$
- See Full Menu
2. Serenity Bistro
On the exterior, the unassuming decor of Serenity Bistro might not turn heads. But once you step inside, the luxurious furnishing and cozy cute space tell a different story. Serenity Bistro is one of the hidden gems in West Yellowstone and it is the only restaurant that calls itself a bistro.
This restaurant focuses on freshly made regional dishes such as trout, elk, and bison, which is often paired with one of its wine to further enhance the flavor. The elk medallions are something to die for here.
Serenity Bistro is a small restaurant, which makes the ambiance more cozy and intimate. This is something that many of the West Yellowstone restaurants lack.
So if you are looking for a quiet place to enjoy spectacular local dishes, then head to Serenity Bistro.
- Style: Traditional American
- Address: 38 N Canyon St, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $$
- See Full Menu
Best Breakfast in West Yellowstone
Breakfast is the most important meal, as many nutritionists would say. However, breakfast is even more important in Yellowstone since you might not be having any dinner inside Yellowstone National Park. Here are some of the best breakfast spots in West Yellowstone:
1. Ernie’s
Established over 30 years, Ernie’s has been time-tested and is one of the local’s favorite West Yellowstone sandwich shops. This family-owned sandwich shop uses some of the freshest ingredients and time-honored recipes to produce its food. The result? A taste that keeps everyone coming back.
Ernie’s one of the best places for breakfast in West Yellowstone. Before entering the park, just stop by for a hot and juicy sandwich. Our favorite is the ultimate breakfast sandwich, which is a sausage, egg, cheese and hash brown on a roll.
Its portions are generous, especially for its affordable prices. Though it might look like a lot of food, you will need all the energy you can get exploring all of Yellowstone’s attractions!
Ernie’s also offers packed lunches, so you can take them with you into the park. Restaurants in Yellowstone National Park are hard to come by and expensive. Doing this will save you tons of time and money. Plus, their boxed lunches are well packaged and surprisingly very good!
- Style: Sandwiches, pastries
- Address: 406 US-20, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $$
- See Full Menu
2. Running Bear Pancake House
If you are not in a rush to enter Yellowstone Park early in the morning, then go grab some breakfast at Running Bear Pancake House. This family-friendly restaurant is home to some of the best pancakes in West Yellowstone, and visitors have a few varieties to pick from such as the cinnamon roll pancakes and buckwheat pancakes.
Besides pancakes, the Running Bear Pancake House serves a typical breakfast menu – eggs, sausages, bacon, and all the American classic goodies. We highly recommend the hash browns and french toast!
With a dedicated kids menu, Running Bear Pancake House is the perfect place to go when you are in Yellowstone with kids. Combined with their friendly service, there is no reason to not stop by Running Bear Pancake House.
Just keep in mind that there is usually a wait here. If you are entering the park after breakfast, you can also get some packed lunches from here.
- Style: Traditional American, pancakes
- Address: 538 Madison Ave, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $$
- See Full Menu
3. Mountain Mama’s Coffee House & Bakery
If you are looking for some yummy pastries for breakfast, then the Mountain Mama’s Coffee House & Bakery is perfect for you. This stone-clad outpost offers amazing pastries for you to take on the go, sandwiches, pies, and huge wild game breakfast burritos that are perfect to prepare you for a strenuous day.
While you are waiting for your coffee or pot pie to be prepared, this West Yellowstone restaurant has a small gift shop for you to purchase some souvenirs. It also has a few tables for you to sit and enjoy your food if you don’t want to eat while you are driving into the park!
One thing we cannot recommend enough is their huckleberry scones and turnovers. Just these two pastries are worth stopping by Mountain Mama’s Coffee House & Bakery!
- Style: Sandwiches, burritos, pies, pastries, coffee
- Address: 17 Madison Ave, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $$
- See Full Menu
4. Book Peddler & Coffee Cafe @ Book Peddler
If you are looking for a friendly spot to grab a quick meal and a nice refreshing drink, then the Book Peddler & Coffee Cafe is perfect for you. This spot is known for its freshly made sandwiches with locally sourced ingredients, yummy drinks, and superb baked goods.
But what separates the Book Peddler & Coffee Cafe from any other coffee shop in West Yellowstone is the environment. This establishment is part cafe, part bookstore, and part souvenir store.
If visitors are looking for something relaxing to do in West Yellowstone, perhaps for a rainy day, they are more than welcome to browse their books here and learn more about the history of Yellowstone National Park.
If you are visiting Yellowstone in the winter, then their heartwarming soups here are a must-try.
This is a great place to relax after a long day in Yellowstone.
- Style: Sandwiches, pastries, coffee
- Address: 106 N Canyon St, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $$
- See Full Menu
5. Euro Cafe
The Euro Cafe is run by a family from Romania (one of my favorite countries), so you know you are getting some amazing hospitality and quality food. This lowkey and cozy West Yellowstone restaurant serves the typical breakfast menu, such as sandwiches, eggs, crepes, pancakes, and more.
It is one of the few restaurants in West Yellowstone that offers both a breakfast and lunch menu, perfect if you have a lazy morning and want a brunch.
Make sure you try the skillets and crepes when you are here!
- Style: Standard American breakfast and lunch fare
- Address: 237 Firehole Ave, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $$
- See Full Menu
Best Restaurants In West Yellowstone Map
Above is an interactive featuring all of the eateries we’ve talked about. Click on the star next to the name of the map to save it onto your personal device. This way you can use it to help you navigate when you are in West Yellowstone!
This concludes our guide on the 17 best West Yellowstone restaurants. Hopefully, you have found the perfect place to indulge in some of the amazing cuisine West Yellowstone has to offer!
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