The Fall Harvest
When the leaves begin to change color it’s time to enjoy the dishes of autumn. Visitors looking for a mouth-watering meal can enjoy the full fall bounty in Montana. With a wealth of locally grown ingredients and first-class dining options, Montana is the perfect place for a fall feast. For an unforgettable food tour in Big Sky Country, these five charming restaurants serve up a number of delicious dishes that visitors can’t find anywhere else.
CAFÉ KANDAHAR IN WHITEFISH
Café Kandahar is one of the best dining experiences in the west. This destination worthy restaurant has racked up a collection of national awards and recognition for its innovative menu, first-class staff, and excellent wine list. Executive chef Andy Blanton, a four time James Beard award semifinalist, carefully crafts his menu to complement the season and local flavors of Montana. One of the restaurant’s most desired offerings is the Chef’s Tasting Menu, which consists of five small plates that highlight Montana’s seasonal bounty and perfectly paired wines, with each course carefully planned to flow together seamlessly. Because the menu is tailored to showcase the finest ingredients harvested at the peak of freshness, every visit is sure to be a unique treat. Café Kandahar is closed from September 24 to mid-December, so make sure to make a reservation early, because this is one meal visitors won’t want to miss.
CARBON COUNTY STEAKHOUSE IN RED LODGE
For those looking for a classic steakhouse experience, Carbon County Steakhouse in Red Lodge is a great option. This widely acclaimed restaurant serves up a mouth-watering feast from appetizers to dessert, including sautéed wild mushrooms, pan-seared mussels, and bison meatloaf. But no steakhouse dinner is complete without the perfect cut of meat, and there’s no better choice than the Cowboy Coffee Ribeye, a classic dish with a Big Sky twist. This locally raised “Montana Legend” natural Angus beef ribeye is rubbed with a spicy blend of seasonings and topped with a sweet-spiced coffee sauce. Carbon County Steakhouse also has a Wine Spectator award winning wine list, so it’s easy to pair this memorable meal with its perfect drink. Located in the southern town of Red Lodge, which offers easy access to Yellowstone National Park and beautiful views of the sweeping Beartooth Mountains and Custer Gallatin National Forest, visitors can work up an appetite exploring the outdoors before enjoying a delicious dinner at the Carbon County Steakhouse.
ALLENTOWN RESTAURANT IN CHARLO
Montana is home to a variety of wild game, and one of the best places to try them is at the Allentown Restaurant. With a large menu that includes both classics and unique creations, the entire family is sure to find a dish that awakens their taste buds. One great option is the Wild Game Meatloaf, a delicious blend of bison, beef, elk, venison, and antelope, topped with mozzarella cheese and roasted beef gravy. This autumn entrée is a true taste of Montana. In addition to this fine dish, visitors will be treated to a tableside view of Mount Harding.
The Allentown Restaurant is located in the Ninepipes Lodge in the northwestern town of Charlo. This charming and rustic lodge is located at the foot of the snow-peaked Mission Mountains. With Flathead Lake, the National Bison Range, and Glacier National Park only a short drive away, nature lovers can enjoy a remote getaway among miles of unspoiled beauty.
ROUND TOWNE TAVERN IN CIRCLE
Located in the eastern town of Circle is the Round Towne Tavern, a local hotspot for live entertainment and memorable meals. This family-owned restaurant makes the most of Montana’s rich ranching tradition by offering a collection of locally raised Angus beef burgers. Meat lovers are sure to want seconds of the Round Towne Burger, which is covered in a homemade spicy cream sauce and topped with caramelized onions. This is the perfect meal for an afternoon football game or a filling dinner. These juicy delights are some of the best in the state and a must for travelers looking to chow down on a burger this fall.
STEVE'S CAFE IN HELENA
Everyone needs a go-to breakfast place, and one of the best options is right in the state’s capital. Steve’s Café is a charming family-owned restaurant in the heart of Helena. Rated best breakfast in Helena for five years in a row and noted as one of the best diners in America by Business Insider, Steve’s Café is a breakfast must. One sweet option to choose from is the Huckleberry or Marionberry Pancakes. Drizzled in marionberry syrup, the taste of the west is served on the breakfast table in Helena.
