Where to Eat in Kalispell, Bigfork and Lakeside, Montana

Kalispell, Bigfork and Lakeside, Montana, are all three together known as an outdoor adventure hub and, when you spend all day adventuring here, whether on the lake or at the nearby national park, there’s one thing you’re going to need: a lot of rib-sticking fuel to get you from Point A to Point B. If you find yourself in this area of the world and hungry, here’s where to go.

Photo Courtesy of Desoto Grill

1. Desoto Grill

Named after a beloved hot rod, this restaurant is a fun, laid-back spot known for its barbecue. However, even if you don’t have a hankering for pulled pork or beef brisket, you’ll likely still find something to love on the menu. Try the Frito pie (aka, Fritos topped with homemade chili, cheese and sour cream), or the Desoto burger.

Photo Courtesy of Moose’s Saloon

2. Moose’s Saloon

A Kalispell institution, Moose’s Saloon is as rustic and casual as it gets, with an Old West vibe and fan-favorite pizza. Make sure to buy a souvenir or two when you stop in for the basic, can’t-go-wrong menu that’s limited to pizzas, soup, salad and sandwiches.

Photo Courtesy of Brannigan’s Irish Pub

3. Brannigan’s Irish Pub

Irish eats? In Montana? It’s not as unlikely as you think, thanks to the family-owned Brannigan’s, specializing in authentic Irish dining. The specialties range from braised corn beef and cabbage to corned beef hash, bangers and mash to shepherd’s pie.

4. Sykes

Part of the Flathead Valley dining scene for more than a century, Sykes offers a marketplace, coffee shop and a restaurant. The restaurant is your place to go for fueling up before a day spent out on the trails or on the water, with a broad range of breakfast favorites served all day long (so you can still get your waffle or omelet fix even if you sleep in!).

Photo Courtesy of Mercantile Steak

5. Mercantile Steak

For something that’s a little more upscale, with a classic steakhouse vibe, try Mercantile Steak, which will instantly win you over with its old-school interior. The small menu focuses on steak, of course, but also offers a few alternative options, such as a seafood pasta dish and a vegan-friendly mushroom “steak.” Come thirsty, because the cocktail list is impressive.

Photo Courtesy of Mudman Burgers

6. Mudman Burgers

For mammoth burgers, shakes and two regional locations, try Mudman Burgers. The small menu features a handful of burgers of various sizes, a chicken option and a few other sandwiches, as well as breakfast for a few hours each morning.

Photo Courtesy of Stone Hill

7. Stone Hill

For fine dining and a culinary experience that’s just that — an experience — look to Stone Hill in Bigfork. The menu changes seasonally, but you can expect entrees like a farm-to-market pork loin chop served with roasted sweet potatoes and a parmesan polenta cake, or a ginger-glazed black cod with prawns, sticky rice and baby broccoli.

Need More?

Still building out your itinerary for your explorations of Kalispell, Bigfork and Lakeside, Montana? This expansive, triangular region offers even more spots to dine and drink, plus great options for shopping and adventures. You can find information on all this and more in the Kalispell, Bigfork and Lakeside, Montana Discovery Map guide. Check it out, here.