"Grub in an Old Garage On Main Street in downtown Bozeman, the Garage is a funky place for a casual meal. Car parts hung on the walls and license-plate-frame menus (not to mention the name of the place) reveal the eatery’s former life as a fix-it shop. Now the space serves suped up diner fare such as bison burgers with grilled mushrooms and Swiss cheese. Be sure to visit the self-serve “soup shack” where the cooks’ latest creations might include sausage and mustard, green chili pork, or Thai coconut soup. Save room for a huckleberry ice cream dessert."

"Dinner under the Eye of the Moose For a thick, juicy steak; a casual, upmarket atmosphere; and one of the best cocktail lists in Red Lodge, book a table at the Carbon County Steakhouse, a trendy joint with a bit of rustic, Western pizzazz. The patio is open during those precious warmer months and makes for a sensational sundowner spot, or sit under the watchful eye of the ever-present moose at the bar, where you can toss back a few oysters as you work your way through the carefully-curated wine list."

"Polish Your Dancing Boots The Chico Hot Springs resort isn't just a place to stay and soak on your way to and from Yellowstone; the property is also a fantastic destination for weddings and big events, with ball and board rooms large enough to accommodate your cousin Eddy and his brother's second sister wife twice removed. Each of these big spaces is worth a moment of your time, if for no other reason than to sneak a pretty picture or two of one of Montana's great vacation destinations."

"A Fresh Look at Helena's Favorite Steak Helena's favorite steakhouse - perhaps every bit as notable for the famed wine menu - Silver Star Steak has built a reputation for cooking up some of the finest steaks and burgers in Montana , while also dishing tremendous seafood, salads, tapas, and more."

"Take the Thunderbolt Challenge For cowboy cuisine all wrapped up in a tidy white package—and ready to go at a moment's notice—pop into the Burger Dive in Billings, a diner-style restaurant known for the Thunderbolt Burger Challenge. Finish a 1/3 pound all-beef burger piled high with ghost peppers in 10 minutes or less while the Carpenters ring in your ears, and you earn a T-shirt and enduring fame with a photo on the wall."

"For Extreme Cowboy Specials Hop's Downtown Grill does fine cowboy cuisine with a twist, spinning everything from wild boar, yak, and mountain buffalo burgers to crispy duck wings, and a black bean burger for those looking for something on the lighter side. Hop's craft draft list is one of the best in the city, while the service is friendly and the atmosphere casual. Another great Montana hidden gem, Hop's alone is worth the drive to scenic Kalispell."

"Tip the Staggering Ox The Staggering Ox is a unique beast. This sandwich shop – with locations in Billings, Helena, and Missoula – serves up their creative fare in vertical tubes known as Clubfoots. The idea here is that your delicious sandwich meat won’t spill out the bottom, and the clubfoot is easier to hold than traditional starchy vessels. Hey, whatever works. Gimmicky presentation aside, the sandwiches at the Staggering Ox truly are delicious. My favorites include the Blackfoot (black beans, cheddar, Monterey jack, salsa, and more) and the vertical taco (ground beef, cheddar, black beans, jalapenos, Monterey jack). I’m also a bit of a sucker for their green moon juice that comes spills forth from the futuristic beverage dispenser."