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Best Restaurants in Kalispell, Montana

Will Beck
Last Updated: March 4th, 2023

Are you in the Kalispell area and wondering where to get the best burger? Or the best pizza? Or whatever else you are craving?

Check out this list of the best restaurants in Kalispell, Montana, and kick back with friends and family with the best food in the area!

Recommended Breweries & Wine Tasting in Kalispell, Montana

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Watch the sunset fall over the majestic Montana mountains as you sip on your favorite wine or taste test the best brews in the state.

Travel Tips for Eating in Kalispell, Montana

Kalispell, Montana, features menu items not found in most areas of the country. Don’t be surprised if you find exotic meats and wild fruits and vegetables.

  • Kalispel, like most of Montana, is plentiful in wild foods. You can find huckleberries, morel mushrooms, melons, and fresh lavender overflowing in stands at the farmer’s market during the summer months. Should you venture into one of the many excellent restaurants, you will find these local flavors incorporated into the menu.
  • It’s not uncommon to find elk and bison dishes on most Kalispel menus. Locals rave about juicy bison burgers and Rocky Mountain elk stew. If you’re hesitant to try new foods, you will also find standard fare at these restaurants.
  • While many establishments try to offer locally-sourced ingredients, not every option on the menu will be. Ask the staff about seasonal menu items if you prefer to eat fresh, local foods.
  • Montana is known for its cattle country and its delicious burgers and steaks. When visiting Montana, it’s a must to stop by a good steak restaurant, sip on local beer, and take in the mountain scenery and fresh air.
  • Surprisingly, Kalispell offers many vegan and vegetarian options at most restaurants, even with all this beef. You can also find gluten-free, dairy-free, and other restrictive diet options.

The 14 Best Restaurants in Kalispell, Montana

These 14 spots are the best restaurants in Kalispell!

1. The Montana Club Restaurant・1301 S Main St・$$

 

 
 
 
 
 
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This rustic Montana-based chain restaurant offers American fare and cocktails.

Whether you want something simple like a burger or a fine-dining entre like lamb or prime rib, The Montana Club Restaurant has many options to suit your tastes.

Book a table for a fancy birthday dinner or order takeout and stay in your pajamas. Come for happy hour, then order the King crab legs, a juicy steak, or the parmesan garlic halibut.

For dessert, try the huckleberry creme brulee.

2. Moose’s Saloon・173 N Main St・$

 

 
 
 
 
 
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If you’re looking for an authentic Montana dive bar, Moose’s Saloon is it.

It’s dark and dingy, but the service is excellent, and so are the drinks. Have dinner with your family in the evening or hang out with friends at night.

The locals rave about the pizza, salad bar, and cheap cold beer. Enjoy the atmosphere of a proper saloon with sawdust on the floor, peanuts on the bar, and names carved into the booths (you can add yours, too!).

3. Casa Mexico・1600 US 93 S・$$

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Are you looking to be transported south of the border?

Try Casa Mexico, serving authentic Mexican food in Kalispell, Montana! Come hungry because you will find large portions of drinks, apps, combination platters, and dessert.

This family-friendly establishment has outdoor seating in the warmer months, so you can enjoy the fresh air while you sip on a huckleberry margarita!

Try the Menudo and an enchilada platter.

4. Sykes Diner & Market・202 2nd Ave W・$$

sykes diner and market

This Kalispell staple is a family-friendly diner that’s intent on serving homecooked meals for years to come.

Sykes has excellent daily specials, including a 10-cent cup of coffee! Sit down for breakfast and lunch while socializing with friendly locals and staff.

Sykes is serving large portions of chicken fried steak, biscuits and gravy, eggs benedict, and burgers.

This diner also has a quick-stop coffee shop, deli counter, and a pharmacy.

5. Mackenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub・45 Treeline Rd・$$

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Mackenzie River is a pizza chain specializing in creative pies, wings, and sandwiches.

Although pizza is in the name, Mackenzie river has an extensive menu where you can find everything from street tacos to steak. It also serves as a pub with beer and wine selections.

The interior is cozy and rustic, perfect for a casual dinner date.

Start your meal with a cold beer and cobb salad; try Thai pizza or the grizzly burger for your entre. Order the warm chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream if you still have room for dessert.

6. The Desoto Grill・227 1st St W・$$

 

 
 
 
 
 
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This rockabilly BBQ joint is the life of the party in Kalispell!

Come for the food; stay for the fantastic atmosphere and service. This town favorite features unique decor, delicious BBQ, sandwiches, and beer with an upbeat vibe.

Eat your lunch or dinner inside this historic building. Order the pork belly bites, brisket cheese sandwich, or St. Louis ribs.

For dessert, try the peanut butter pie or the cherry cobbler; both are excellent.

7. Cislo’s Family Restaurant・2046 US HWY 2 E・$

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Cislo’s is a family-owned restaurant that will make you feel welcome as soon as you step through the door.

This quaint, easy-going diner serves classic American food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s the perfect spot for a family dinner out.

Cislo’s serves hearty portions of eggs benedict and crispy hashbrowns for breakfast, creamy tomato soup for lunch, and a hot turkey sandwich for dinner.

If you want dessert, try the chocolate cream pie!

8. Norm’s Soda Fountain・34 S Main St・$

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Open since 1938, Norm’s is the last old-fashioned soda fountain in the Flathead Valley.

You will find smiling faces serving you burgers, sodas, shakes, candy, and fudge-like in the old days!

Norm’s has many sweet treats, including candy that lines the walls. Just grab a bag and fill it until your heart’s content! Sit at the counter and watch all the shakes and treats being made.

Order the bison burger and fries with a chocolate shake!

9. Brannigan’s Pub・101 E Center St・$$

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Are you ready to experience a genuine Irish pub? Check out Brannigan’s!

This pub has authentic Irish beer on tap and premium Irish whiskey. Plus, the bar and restaurant are inside a historic loading dock downtown. Even if you don’t drink, you need to stop by.

The pub is two stories and features casino games and live poker tournaments daily. Enjoy the traditional decor and delicious Irish food.

Order a glass of cold Guinness with corned beef and pasties!

10. Jagz Restaurant・3796 US 2 E・$$$

Step inside this old-school lodge (complete with a stone fireplace) and experience fine dining in Kalispell!

Jagz is a perfect spot for an anniversary or birthday dinner, be sure to make a reservation.

Jagz has excellent food and a great wine selection, plus warm, fresh-baked bread baskets. Try the prime rib, or the seafood saute for your entre and the cheesecake for dessert.

11. Hops Downtown Grill・121 S Main St・$$

hops downtown grill

Hops is all about local food sources, including yak, elk, and bison.

This casual restaurant displays rustic decor and serves hearty signature burgers and fries. You can also find craft beer and artisan wine, including eight local Montana beers on tap.

Order the trio sliders if you want to try the more exotic meats. For another Montana favorite, try the Huckleberry burger.

Order the smoked salmon salad and the honey sriracha duck wings if you’re not in the mood for a burger.

12. Blue Samurai Sushi Bar & Grill・323 S Main St・$$

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Are you looking for something different than the typical fare in Montana?

Try Blue Samurai serving Japanese sushi, rolls, and appetizers in Kalispell. You will find an extensive menu featuring raw fish, yakitori, and tempura.

The seafood is flown in fresh from around the world. Try the heavenly roll or the Buddha roll.

You can also find many vegan options and noodles.

13. Bonelli’s Bistro・38 1st Ave E・$$

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Stop by this counter-serve Italian spot featuring wraps, pasta, and paninis for breakfast and lunch.

Bonelli’s has excellent customer service and provides healthier food choices in the Kalispell area.

Drink an Italian espresso while munching on a crisp salad and a panini with grilled chicken, salami, gorgonzola, basil, and onions. Or take a lasagna home for dinner!

14. The Knead Cafe・21 5th St E・$$

 

 
 
 
 
 
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This cafe is known for its mouthwatering food, but it’s a hidden gem for coffee.

Served in giant glass mugs, Knead coffee is complete with flower art. Come for some of the best breakfast in Kalispell; stay for the fantastic caffeine.

The atmosphere is inviting and comfortable, and the service is friendly. Order the breakfast quiche or sweet cheese crepes.

Try the golden coffee; you will be glad you did!

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About The Author

Will Beck

Will is a true digital nomad, taking his work on the road at every opportunity. His first love is coffee, with travel a close 2nd. He loves nothing more than hitting the road in his self-build campervan and visiting off-the-beaten-path places, away from popular tourist destinations.

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