Right in the Rocky Mountains you find Bozeman, Montana, a culinary powerhouse offering a fun and diverse dining scene that caters to different tastes and occasions.
Some of the best spots in Bozeman are cozy brewpubs serving wood-fired pizzas, upscale steakhouses showcasing premium cuts of beef, and your local diners with comfort food for the community. Bozeman’s restaurants celebrate local ingredients and innovative flavors, which reflect a unique blend of Western heritage and contemporary flair.
Going out for a casual night out with friends, a romantic dinner for two, or an elegant meal for a special occasion? There’s a place in Bozeman that’ll show you a good time. In this guide, we’ll explore some of Bozeman’s top dinner spots, uncovering hidden gems and beloved local favorites to make your evening truly memorable.
Blackbird
Quick Glance:
- Address: 140 E Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715
- Overall rating: 4.5/5
- Best for: Italian-inspired cuisine and wood-fired pizzas
- Website: www.blackbirdkitchen.com/
- Must-try dishes: Kale salad, margherita pizza, pork belly
- Price range: $$ – $$$
- Reservation: Accepts reservations
- Local tip: Save room for their noteworthy desserts
Blackbird Kitchen stands out as a consistently top-ranked restaurant in Bozeman, with a delightful Italian-inspired dining experience.
The restaurant specializes in high-quality dishes, with a focus on wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta. Their menu also includes a variety of salads, small plates, and entrees featuring locally sourced ingredients such as chicken, beef, lamb, and pork.
The atmosphere at Blackbird Kitchen is casual and welcoming, encouraging diners to “come as you are.” The restaurant opens for dinner every night at 5 pm, so it’s a great option for both special occasions and relaxed evening meals.
Montana Ale Works
Quick Glance:
- Address: 611 E Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715
- Overall rating: 4.6/5
- Best for: American cuisine and extensive beer selection
- Website: www.montanaaleworks.com
- Must-try dishes: Elk osso buco, montana meatloaf, local pork schnitzel
- Price range: $$ – $$$
- Reservation: Accepted (For large-party reservations call them)
- Local tip: Try their popular tater tots as a side dish
Montana Ale Works is a local favorite and award-winning establishment, known for its American cuisine and extensive beer selection.
The restaurant uses fresh, local veggies, locally-raised meats, sustainably farmed produce, and artisan cheeses. Their dishes are handcrafted from scratch daily, ensuring fresh and flavorful meals.
Located in downtown’s historic Northern Pacific freight building, Montana Ale Works boasts a lively atmosphere. The restaurant features over 40 local and regional artisan beers on tap, as well as a full-service bar serving Montana craft spirits and specialty cocktails.
Revelry
Quick Glance:
- Address: 24 N Tracy Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715
- Overall rating: 4.6/5
- Best for: American-style cuisine with locally sourced ingredients
- Website: www.revelrymt.com/
- Must-try dishes: Japan chicken, salads, frites & fondue
- Price range: $$ – $$$
- Reservation: Accepts reservations
- Local tip: Try their unique vegan options, including cauliflower wings
Revelry has quickly become one of Bozeman’s top dining destinations, offering an American-style restaurant experience with a focus on freshness.
The restaurant prides itself on using fresh ingredients from within the community to create a menu brimming with wholesome and savory delights. Popular dishes include the Japan Chicken, Montana Burger, and Cauliflower Wings.
Revelry’s interior is described as rustic and calming, featuring lots of plants and modern Western wood touches. The restaurant also boasts a vast outdoor patio area, providing options for both indoor and outdoor dining. With its inviting atmosphere and open kitchen where guests can watch chefs prepare pizzas, Revelry offers a unique and enjoyable dining experience.
Tanglewood
Quick Glance:
- Address: 730 Boardwalk Ave, Bozeman, MT 59718
- Overall rating: 4.4/5
- Best for: Casual dining with locally sourced ingredients
- Website: www.tanglewoodmt.com/
- Must-try dishes: Monday meatloaf, fresh oysters, general TSO’s cauliflower
- Price range: $$ – $$$
- Reservation: Accepts reservations
- Local tip: Check out their popular happy hour for great deals on food and drinks
Tanglewood is a casual, neighborhood restaurant that focuses on quality and freshness, offering a thoughtful menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.
The restaurant is known for its exceptional food that’s tasty but unpretentious. They pride themselves on serving straightforward, fresh, and flavorful dishes using recognizable ingredients. This approach makes Tanglewood an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality meal without unnecessary fuss.
Tanglewood’s bar is a highlight, featuring 42 taps serving fresh wine and beer at perfect temperatures. They also offer a crafted cocktail menu with fresh-squeezed juices and house-made mixers. The restaurant aims to provide a great dining experience that is fun and accessible.
J.W. Heist Steakhouse
Quick Glance:
- Address: 27 E Main St STE B, Bozeman, MT 59715
- Overall rating: 4.4/5
- Best for: Fine dining steakhouse experience
- Website: www.jwheist.com
- Must-try dishes: Onion soup, ribeye steak, tartare
- Price range: $$$ – $$$$
- Reservation: Accepts reservations, walk-ins welcome
- Local tip: Try their classic cocktails and award-winning wine list
J.W. Heist Steakhouse offers an elevated fine dining experience in historic downtown Bozeman, specializing in wood-fired cooking and timeless steakhouse fare.
The restaurant is dedicated to providing a memorable experience of the highest caliber. Their menu features prime beef and fresh seafood, catering to those seeking a classic steakhouse dining experience.
With attention to detail and a welcoming environment, J.W. Heist Steakhouse creates an atmosphere perfect for special occasions. In addition to their excellent food selection, they also serve classic cocktails and boast an award-winning wine list, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Open Range
Quick Glance:
- Address: 241 E Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715
- Overall rating: 4.1/5
- Best for: Upscale American cuisine and steaks
- Website: https://openrangemt.com/
- Must-try dishes: Salmon, bison tenderloin, mashed potatoes, french onion soup
- Price range: $$$$
- Reservation: Accepts reservations
- Local tip: Try their unique dishes that blend traditional and innovative flavors
Open Range is known for its excellent steaks and upscale American cuisine.
The restaurant is committed to offering an experience in the best traditions of Montana hospitality. They strive to provide the highest quality and freshest ingredients, locally sourced whenever available.
Open Range’s menu features a blend of traditional and innovative dishes, such as beef cheeks with mashed potatoes and blue cheese Brussels sprouts.
The atmosphere at Open Range is described as unpretentious, comfortable, and friendly. They aim to combine great culinary traditions of the past with innovative and creative contemporary ideas in food and drink. This approach creates a unique and satisfying dining experience for guests seeking both familiar and novel flavors.
Shan
Quick Glance:
- Address: 109 E Oak St #1J, Bozeman, MT 59715
- Overall rating: 4.7/5
- Best for: Thai and Chinese fusion cuisine
- Website: https://shanrestaurants.com
- Must-try dishes: Lamb dumplings, chicken khao soi, chicken wings, pork belly
- Price range: $$$
- Reservation: Accepts reservations
- Local tip: Make reservations in advance, especially for their popular dumplings
Shan is a relatively new addition to Bozeman’s food scene, offering a unique dining experience that blends Thai and Chinese cuisines.
The restaurant specializes in Thai and Chinese dishes, with a focus on using local meats and ingredients. Shan’s menu is designed for sharing, featuring small plates that allow diners to sample a variety of flavors. Their dumplings are highly recommended but tend to sell out quickly, so arriving early or making reservations is advised.
Described as a “little mountain tavern,” Shan creates a cozy and intimate dining atmosphere. The restaurant also offers interesting wines and craft beers to complement their dishes. As a 2024 James Beard Best New Restaurant Finalist, Shan has quickly established itself as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts in Bozeman.
Mountains Walking Brewery
Quick Glance:
- Address: 422 Plum Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715
- Overall rating: 4.6/5
- Best for: Craft beer and wood-fired pizza
- Website: www.mountainswalking.com/
- Must-try dishes: Wood fired pizza, sandwiches
- Price range: $$ – $$$
- Reservation: Not specified
- Local tip: Try their unique craft beers, especially their root beer
Mountains Walking Brewery is a great spot for dinner if you enjoy microbrews or hard seltzers alongside savory food.
The brewery offers a range of craft beers, including a highly praised root beer that’s considered exceptionally good. Their food menu complements the beer selection, featuring wood-fired pizzas and sandwiches that pair well with their drinks.
Mountains Walking Brewery provides a casual and relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal place for a laid-back dinner or gathering with friends. The combination of quality craft beers and tasty food creates a unique dining experience that showcases Bozeman’s local brewing culture.
Copper | Whiskey Bar and Grill
Quick Glance:
- Address: 101 E Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715
- Overall rating: 4.6/5
- Best for: American cuisine and whiskey selection
- Website: https://coppermontana.com/
- Must-try dishes: Bison meatloaf, trout, fried pickles, cornbread, bison short ribs
- Price range: $$ – $$$
- Reservation: Accepts reservations
- Local tip: Take advantage of their $5 Happy Hour specials
Copper Whiskey Bar & Grill offers a unique dining experience that combines American cuisine with an extensive whiskey selection.
The restaurant serves a variety of American dishes, with a popular item being their Bison Ragu. Their menu is designed to complement their impressive collection of whiskeys from around the world, offering both classic and innovative flavor combinations.
Copper Whiskey Bar & Grill provides a casual dining atmosphere with a touch of sophistication. The restaurant features a beautiful wood and copper bar top, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. They offer a popular $5 Happy Hour from 3-5 PM Monday through Friday and all day Sunday, making it an excellent spot for both casual dinners and after-work drinks.
Final Words
Bozeman’s dining scene has every type of culinary experience that you desire. The eateries on our list go above and beyond what you would expect from a restaurant. These restaurants not only serve delicious food but also embody the spirit of Bozeman, emphasizing local ingredients and creating welcoming atmospheres that reflect the city’s charm.
As you explore these dining establishments, you’ll discover why Bozeman has become a noteworthy destination for food lovers, offering memorable meals that showcase the best of Montana’s Ridgewood signature meals.
Ready to taste Bozeman’s best? Make a reservation at one of these top restaurants and embark on your culinary adventure today!