We’re in Livingston for a bit, spending time with (full time Livingstonians) Kaitlyn, Jake, and new grandson/fly fisher Brantley, and thought it’d be a good time to share some recommendations on dining when you’re lucky enough to be visiting this special corner of Montana. And between the five (well, ok, the four of us) of us we’ve eaten at each and every one of these fine establishments, so are offering first hand, fork-in-hand suggestions…
Gil’s Goods / Murray Bar
If not the very best, Gil’s breakfast has to be in my personal top three all time best breakfast places I’ve ever had the pleasure of partaking. There are several good choices here, but you have to try their Huevos Rancheros, and their coffee (so often overlooked by breakfast places) is superlative. The pastry assortment is astounding for a sleepy little Montana railroad town, and the burgers and other stuff they run over to the adjacent Murray Bar are primo (best in house: the Green Chile Burger and the GFB Burger). Details.
Neptune’s Brewery
Probably my lovely wife’s favorite place in town, and home of the best fish and chips in the Rockies bar none. We can’t make a run to Livingston without grabbing a meal here along with something nice and cold. Hell, even their Cinco de Mayo fish tacos were some of the best we’ve had in years. Details.
Mark’s In and Out
Quintessential, old-school, burger shack goodness right on Park Avenue, just a few blocks West of the old downtown section. Expect to wait in line if it’s anywhere near peak meal times, and note that Mark’s isn’t open year-round, so (pending the weather) this is a mid-April to Halloween, plus or minus a week or two, enterprise. A visit just wouldn’t count unless a Moose Tracks shake is involved somehow, at least according to my wife.
And their tater tots, pictured to the right before a load and go, are shockingly good. Details.
The Sports Bar & Grill
Downtown location, surprisingly robust menu, with the usual bar far plus a damned impressive array of sandwiches, steaks, and chops – though I’d sure think about either the bison ribeye with fried leeks and huckleberry glaze or the flat iron steak with their whiskey glaze. Damn, my mouth is watering just writing about this. Details.
Follow Yer Nose BBQ / Wildflour Bakery
Growing up in Texas, I’ve been eating real deal ‘que for over 50 years now (I started very, very young at the Annual Doggy Days feed in Dumas), and we have some of the finest ‘que joints on the planet within a two-hour drive of home right now.
That said, it’s always a genuine pleasure to come across a team in the Northern Rockies who get the magic that time, heat, and a bit of smoke can work on proteins. Real, honest-to-god ‘que is as much art as science, and these guys have got it nailed. I’ll put money on them being the best in Montana easily, and probably in the nearby states. You won’t be disappointed. Details.
The Stockman Bar
Those who’ve been smart enough to venture off the interstates and knock around rural Montana and Wyoming will note that just about every community, regardless of size, will have a Stockman, a Mint, a Roundup, the Medicine Lodge or some other simple but classy-as-hell bar and grill downtown (even if downtown is just three or four buildings…).
Livingston’s happens to be The Stockman, right down on Main, and their grill in back is outstanding. Lunch is pretty much a burger (the beef and bison are fresh ground daily) and sandwich affair, but dinner is a steak, prime rib on Friday and Saturday night, seafood, and great burger event. We had prime rib there a year ago in October and had a rootin’ tootin’ time and a great meal. Bring cash, no credit cards accepted. Details.
Chico
No doubt you’ve heard about Chico Hot Springs via one channel or another; it’s a must visit place at some point during your Montana escape, if for nothing other than a burger in the grill, but their upscale restaurant offers some of the finest dining you’ll find for miles and miles.
The hot springs by the way are legendary, and a must visit; they have a variety of accommodation options, but staying in the historic, older hotel is a hoot. The angle below from the hill above is perhaps not her best side, but an interesting view of the venerable and historic pool. Details.
