Note about West Yellowstone Place to Eat: West Yellowstone is busy in the morning, noon, and evening. There are lots of people and traffic, so please be careful when crossing streets and with youngsters. There are lots of shops to visit and it’s fun to walk around. The restaurants are busy as well and most do not take reservations. Below are some of our favorite places. Information shared with permission by Sandy Briggs.

Running Bear Pancake House,
538 Madison Avenue
(406) 646-7703

A great place to have breakfast. If you are hungry, the chicken fried steak is a favorite. They have good lunches, but most people go there for breakfast. They do not take reservations, but they usually move people through fast. The best way to avoid the crowds is to show up when they open at 6:00 am.

Wild West Pizza, 14 Madison Avenue
(406) 646-4400
This is a favorite place to stop and pick up a pizza to take home when exiting the park through the West Entrance. You can get cell service at the overlook of the Madison River, stop, and place your pickup order. If they aren’t too busy, the timing is good. They have the world’s best baked macaroni and cheese, too. Eating in is nice, too, but some of the longest lines in town are for this establishment. They do not take reservations.

McDonald’s, 100 South Canyon St.
(406) 646-4592

Hold on to your pocketbooks for this McDonald’s. It is literally the most expensive McDonald’s I have ever been to. When your troop is in the mood for fast food they know and love, what can you do? I am only adding this restaurant for those who have young kids (wink, wink). They may need a Happy Meal to keep them in their seats on the long day ahead or as a reward for staying in their seats all day. Just throwing it out there, it is an American favorite. You can order online which may save you some time

Bullwinkle’s, 115 North Canyon St.
(406) 380-4011
Bullwinkle’s has been a local favorite for a long time. Probably the most consistent food in West Yellowstone. They have American fare, fish, and game, in a comfy Western-themed atmosphere. They do not take reservations, but if you wait outside, they will add you to their list. It is close enough to local shops you can take turns sightseeing while someone in your party waits to be called.

Las Palmitas Taco Bus, 21 North Canyon St.
(406) 760-8174

This is one of our favorite places to get Mexican food in West Yellowstone. We usually call ahead and order it to go as the wait can sometimes be long. The tables are nice to sit, and people watch in and it’s nice to take a walk after dinner and check out the stores.

Mountain Mama’s Coffee House & Bakery
17 Madison Avenue
(406) 641-0089

This is the only place in miles to get a Starbuck’s drink. They don’t have all the drinks, but enough to make you feel less like you aren’t roughing it. They are famous for their huckleberry bear claws but get there early because they have been known to sell out. It is also a great place to get a custom sandwich if you are picnicking in the park. They also have some different specialty food items like elk meat pot pie. It’s a fun store to check out.

Ernie’s Bakery and Deli, 406 US-20
(406) 646-9467

Ernie’s is only open during the summer, and they do a booming business. They will make custom sandwiches. Call when you leave the cabin and pick them up on the way into town. They also have the best breakfast sandwiches in town. My daughter’s favorite is hashbrown, eggs, cheese, and sausage on a croissant. They aren’t cheap, but the result is worth it. Note: If they don’t answer the phone, it is because they are busy. If you want something, just stop in, and wait your turn.

Firehole BBQ Company, 120 Firehole Avenue
(406) 641-0020
A menu featuring an array of smoked meats and classic American comfort sides. This place always has a line, which is because if you want BBQ, this is the place to go. You can call ahead with orders if they aren’t too busy with walk-up customers. It’s worth the wait if you are craving BBQ.

The Buffalo Bar, 335 US-20
(406) 646-1176
Homey tavern with rustic, western décor, and video slot machines. They serve bison burgers, beer, and bar bites. They have buffalo in case you were hankering to try some. This place can get crowded on weekends and is a local favorite. They do not take reservations.

Rustic Candy Shop, 33 N. Canyon Street
(406) 646-7538
The Rustic Candy Shop is a local favorite. They make candy right in the store. They have fudge, chocolates, taffy, caramel apples, and other fun things to give you a sugar boost so you can make it through the day.

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