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 could not be had anywhere else.
Bison sirloin steaks, elk burgers, huckleberry pastries, the food in West Yellowstone was just amazing.
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
1. The Buffalo Bar
The Buffalo Bar is one of West Yellowstone’s most popular restaurants and it is not surprising to see why. Its rustic decor and taxidermy transport you to the Wild West, while slot machines add a unique twist.
Their menu stars burgers, fries, beers, and more – don’t miss their best-selling 1/2 pound Buffalo Burger. It is one of their specialties and bestsellers for good reason!
Pair it with a wine, specialty cocktail like the Huckleberry Margarita, or a beer for the full experience.
- Style: Traditional American, Bar
- Address: 335 US-20, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $$
- See Full Menu
2. Bullwinkles
Bullwinkles, a family-owned restaurant in West Yellowstone, is known for its homemade dishes, such as steaks, ribs, rainbow trouts, pasta, and local delicacies like elk and bison.
Beyond food, it features an in-house casino and a liquor store. Patrons often gather here to watch games on their big-screen TV and enjoy their acclaimed margaritas.
Don’t miss out on their remarkable Huckleberry cheesecake!
- Style: Traditional American, Bar, Casino
- Address: 115 N Canyon St, West Yellowstone, MT 59758 United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $$
- See Full Menu
3. Taquería Malverde
Taqueria Malverde is a popular, budget-friendly Mexican restaurant in West Yellowstone, uniquely housed in a repurposed school bus.
While indoor seating is limited, there’s ample outdoor space to enjoy the scenic Yellowstone surroundings. Just make sure you include a light jacket on your Yellowstone packing list, it could get quite windy even in nice weather.
Even though it is a very cheap restaurant, the food doesn’t compromise on quality, with homemade tortillas and standout 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
For a relaxed, family-friendly spot with top-notch pizzas and beers, consider Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon in West Yellowstone.
Its rustic decor—filled with American history—and sports bar vibes, complete with live music and DJs on weekends, add to the charm.
Try their diverse pizza menu (vegetarian options included) and don’t miss the meaty Wild West Supreme pizza. Also, their mac and cheese side is a must-try.
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: $$
- See Full Menu
5. Slippery Otter Pub
The Slippery Otter Pub is one of West Yellowstone’s most famous restaurants. It features traditional American food such as pizzas, burgers, and pub grub. The restaurant has a huge variety of regional beers on tap, perfect if you are a beer-lover and want to try the local flavors.
There are a few dishes that stand out at Slippery Otter Pub. The first one is the Jalapeño wontons which you can have as an appetizer.
The second one is the well-balanced french onion soup, and the last one is the juicy bison burger!
- Style: American traditional
- Address: 139 N Canyon St, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $$
- 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.
- Style: American Traditional
- Address: 128 Madison Ave, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $$
- See Full Menu
7. Petes Rocky Mountain Pizza
If you are in the mood for some delicious Italian food, then head over to Petes Rocky Mountain Pizza. This cute little restaurant in West Yellowstone serves some of the best pizzas and pasta in the whole town.
Though the place is relatively small, there is plenty of seating for both families and couples.
When visiting, make sure you try their Huckleberry wine or Huckleberry lemonade. Huckleberry is a plant native to the region around Yellowstone National Park.
Vegetarians must not miss out on the veggie pizza. Combine that with a spinach artichoke dip and send those taste buds to heaven!
- Style: Italian
- Address: 112 N Canyon St, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $$
- 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 has 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.
- Style: Texas BBQ
- Address: 120 Firehole Ave, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $$
- See Full Menu
2. Beartooth Barbecue
With its small unassuming facade, Beartooth Barbecue might not look like much at first. But once you step inside, the upbeat atmosphere and smell of mouth-watering BBQ will change your mind.
The restaurant is relatively small, and it might be difficult to get a seat on a popular weekend night. But if you decide to wait, we can guarantee you it’ll be worth it.
Beartooth Barbecue has a big lunch and dinner menu, from saucy BBQ ribs to cowboy caviar, there is something for everyone in the family. Besides its tender BBQ, the dishes that keep everyone returning are the cheese grits and green chili creamed corn.
This restaurant also has a huge menu of draft beer and wine, and there is not a pair more perfect than juicy BBQ and a glass of red wine.
- Style: Texas BBQ
- Address: 111 N Canyon St, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $$
- 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
Madison Crossing Lounge stands out as the finest dining spot in West Yellowstone.
Housed in a converted old schoolhouse, it exudes a cozy ambience with carpeted floors and soft lighting—ideal for savoring their cocktails or microbrews.
Serving traditional American fare, they offer nightly specials featuring locally-sourced ingredients. Highlights include bison tenderloin, rainbow trout, ribeye steak, and stuffed pork chop.
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: $$
- See Full Menu
2. Serenity Bistro
On the exterior, the unassuming decor of Serenity Bistro might not turn heads. But once you step inside, the luxurious furnishing and cozy cute space tell a different story. Serenity Bistro is one of the hidden gems in West Yellowstone and it is the only restaurant that calls itself a bistro.
This restaurant focuses on freshly made regional dishes such as trout, elk, and bison, which are often paired with one of its wines to further enhance the flavor. The elk medallions are something to die for here.
If you are looking for a quiet place to enjoy spectacular local dishes, then head to Serenity Bistro.
- Style: Traditional American
- Address: 38 N Canyon St, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $$
- See Full Menu
Best Breakfast in West Yellowstone
Breakfast is important when visiting Yellowstone since you might not be having any lunch inside the park because the restaurants are usually quite far from the Yellowstone attractions.
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. Ernie’s also offers packed lunches, so you don’t have to eat in the expensive restaurants inside Yellowstone. Doing this can also save you time!
- Style: Sandwiches, pastries
- Address: 406 US-20, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $$
- See Full Menu
2. Running Bear Pancake House
Running Bear Pancake House in West Yellowstone is an excellent breakfast spot, especially if you’re not in a rush to visit Yellowstone Park.
Known for their exceptional pancakes—with varieties like cinnamon roll and buckwheat—it’s a family-friendly restaurant serving classic American breakfast staples like eggs, sausages, and bacon. We highly recommend their hash browns and French toast.
Besides pancakes, the Running Bear Pancake House serves a typical breakfast menu – eggs, sausages, bacon, and all the American classic goodies. We highly recommend the hash browns and french toast!
Catering to families, they even have a dedicated kids’ menu. Be prepared for a wait, given its popularity. However, if you plan on entering the park post-breakfast, this place also offers packed lunches.
- Style: Traditional American, pancakes
- Address: 538 Madison Ave, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $$
- 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.
- Style: Sandwiches, burritos, pies, pastries, coffee
- Address: 17 Madison Ave, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $$
- See Full Menu
4. Book Peddler & Coffee Cafe @ Book Peddler
If you are looking for a friendly spot to grab a quick meal and a nice refreshing drink, then the Book Peddler & Coffee Cafe is perfect for you. This spot is known for its freshly made sandwiches with locally sourced ingredients, yummy drinks, and superb baked goods.
But what separates the Book Peddler & Coffee Cafe from any other coffee shop in West Yellowstone is the environment. This establishment is part cafe, part bookstore, and part souvenir store.
If visitors are looking for something relaxing to do in West Yellowstone, perhaps for a rainy day, they are more than welcome to browse their books here and learn more about the history of Yellowstone National Park.
If you are visiting Yellowstone in the winter, then their heartwarming soups here are a must-try.
- Style: Sandwiches, pastries, coffee
- Address: 106 N Canyon St, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States (Google Maps)
- Price: $$
- 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!
Final Thoughts: Best West Yellowstone Restaurants
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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