Evergreen is a community in Kalispell, the county seat of the idyllic Flathead County. A gateway to Glacier National Park, the region is known for its north-western alpine landscape and presents a selection of rural activities, from hiking and mountain-biking in the summer to skiing and snowshoe tours in the winter.
The food scene in Evergreen reflects Montana’s unique heritage, featuring dishes that are common in Big Sky but may be rarely seen anywhere else, from bison burgers to Montana-style sub sandwiches.
But the food scene also reflects a diverse range of restaurants in Evergreen offering dishes from a variety of cuisines. Keep reading for our list of the best restaurants in Evergreen, and a few tips to follow when it comes to dining in the town.
Travel Tips for Eating in Evergreen
Eating in Evergreen reflects the larger food culture in Montana. The American custom of tipping is present in the state, and it’s recommended that diners leave a gratuity of 15-20 percent of the total bill.
Most Americans usually eat dinner between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. and this is also the case in Evergreen, so you can expect dining establishments to be at their busiest during this time.
In summer in Evergreen, the sun often doesn’t fully set until after 9:30 p.m., which may encourage some diners to have later dinners.
Eateries that serve breakfast in Evergreen usually open around 7 a.m., while those that serve lunch and dinner open around 11 a.m. Most dinner restaurants close at 10 p.m., though they may stay open later if they also have a bar.
Most establishments offer broad menus that feature something for every type of diner, with sections including burgers, salads and sandwiches, pasta, steak and barbecue, seafood, and a kids’ menu.
There are also those eateries that focus on one culinary specialty, whether it’s wood-fired pizza or Mexican cuisine.
While in Evergreen, many tourists like to try the unique foods that Montana is famous for.
Huckleberry features as a special flavor in everything from ice cream to pie in northwest Montana. In Kalispell, you can sample a scoop of huckleberry ice cream at Sweet Peaks ice cream shop.
Another culinary rite of passage in Montana is a cinnamon roll from Wheat Montana Farms and Bakery, which you can get in Kalispell, close to Evergreen.
Other delicacies to look out for on the Evergreen restaurant scene include fresh local trout, elk burgers, Rocky Mountain oysters, and of course, a signature Montana steak.
The 6 Best Restaurants in Evergreen
- Cislo’s Family Restaurant
- Nickel Charlie’s Restaurant & Casino
- Waters Edge Winery & Bistro Kalispell
- Los Caporales
- Charlie Wong’s Restaurant
- Pho Lyn Asian Cuisine
There’s no shortage of restaurants in Evergreen or Kalispell, but the big question is which one should you choose when you have a limited time in town?
The good news is there’s a wide range of quality restaurants and casual eateries in the area, whether you want an authentic Montana experience at a local steakhouse or world-class Thai food, and we’ve done the research.
Read below for where to eat in Evergreen!
1. Cislo’s Family Restaurant – Kalispell – $
Cislo’s has been a landmark family restaurant in the Flathead Valley for 35 years. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and homestyle cooking, the restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner and serves up the best of filling comfort food.
The breakfast menu features all the classics, from pancakes to French toast to biscuits and gravy, all of which are served until 1:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and until 2 p.m. on Sundays.
On the dinner menu is an eclectic choice of favorites, from appetizers to light meals to a satisfying dinner selection.
Specialties include a Rueben sandwich, a lightly breaded shrimp basket, and fresh Alaskan Cod Strips served with Texas toast and a choice of side.
If your visit to Evergreen falls on a Monday, you can also stop in for Cislo’s famous Spaghetti Night!
2. Nickel Charlie’s Restaurant & Casino – Kalispell – $$
Nickel Charlie’s offers hearty American comfort food in a casual dining room where every patron is welcome.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant serves Montana-sized portions of national favorites, including steakhouse mac ‘n’ cheese and deluxe bacon cheeseburgers.
Every Saturday, Nickel Charlie’s serves up Charlie’s Fork Tender Country-Style Boneless Ribs, which come with homemade huckleberry barbecue sauce and are served with all the usual trimmings.
Otherwise, patrons love to indulge in appetizers like Hoagieville cheese fries or the specialty Nickel Chef Salad, which comes complete with roasted turkey, crisp greens, cheddar, and mozzarella, Virginia ham, tomatoes, and egg.
Nickel Charlie’s also supplies a full beverage list including wine and beer on tap and a small but delectable selection of desserts. The restaurant is open every day from early until late.
3. Waters Edge Winery & Bistro Kalispell – Kalispell – $$
Previously awarded the title of Best Winery in the Flathead Valley, Waters Edge Winery & Bistro is worth a visit whether you’re a foodie, a wine connoisseur, or both!
The bistro’s menu has been designed specifically to pair with their wines, which have been produced locally from grapes sourced from all over the globe.
All food at Waters Edge is made to order with fresh ingredients. Guests can choose from clean salads, tasty tapas, sandwiches, charcuterie, and sensational desserts.
The winery frequently hosts special events, which add to the lively atmosphere. Enjoy your food and wine against a backdrop of live music, holiday parties, shopping markets, pain nights, and more.
Waters Edge is open for lunch and dinner, opening at 11:30 a.m. every day except Sunday. It closes at 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
4. Los Caporales – Kalispell – $$
If you’re craving traditional Mexican food in the middle of Evergreen, look no further than Los Caporales, a local gem that has been in business for nearly 20 years.
You can visit every day, starting from 11 a.m. (10.30 a.m. on Sundays) and stay until the early hours.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant has an extensive menu featuring every kind of dish a diner would want to see in a Mexican establishment.
Choose from appetizers like flautas and queso dip, five varieties of burritos, and five varieties of enchilada, plus a range of seafood and vegetarian dishes.
Los Caporales offers patrons a fun and friendly atmosphere, often celebrating special events and holidays throughout the year.
Cinco de Mayo is normally celebrated with food and drink specials, games, giveaways, and of course, jello shots!
5. Charlie Wong’s Restaurant – Kalispell – $
Having opened in 1996, Charlie Wong’s has been operating in Kalispell for nearly 30 years.
Locally owned and family-run, the restaurant specializes in Chinese classics for lunch and dinner, including chicken chow mein and Mongolian beef.
The menu features appetizers and combination appetizers, classic mains, and gourmet combination meals. Though primarily a Chinese restaurant focusing on international cuisine, there are also American favorites served up for lunch, including cheeseburgers and chicken sandwiches.
Charlie Wong’s is closed Sundays and Mondays and only open on Saturdays for dinner. It opens every other day at 11 a.m. for lunch.
Diners can dine in at Charlie Wong’s or drop by for takeout. They also run a delivery service if you’re staying in Evergreen!
6. Pho Lyn Asian Cuisine – Kalispell – $
In the mood for Vietnamese? Pho Lyn offers authentic dishes for super affordable prices.
There are several kinds of Pho soup on the menu, in addition to Vietnamese soups made with rice and egg noodles. Aside from Pho, the restaurant also serves rice noodle bowls and other rice dishes.
Pho Lyn offers a selection of classic appetizers, including fried egg rolls and fried wontons, along with beef and chicken noodle soups and jasmine rice plates. You can also pick up a range of hot beverages here, including French-style coffee and a pot of hot tea.
Closed Sundays and Mondays, the restaurant opens every other day at 11 a.m. After the lunch rush, Pho Lyn closes at 3:30 p.m. before opening again for dinner at 5 p.m.