I was so impressed by the places to eat in Kalispell, Montana, I had to create an article dedicated just to the city’s food scene. Known as the gateway to Glacier National Park, I thought food would take a backseat to the outdoor adventures in this mountain town just a ~1.5 hour flight from Seattle.
However, Kalispell is full of foodie surprises. From casual eateries to special occasion spots, there’s something for everyone in Kalispell. If you first booked your trip thinking you’d mostly just explore nature, you’re about to get hungry as you make your way through this list of where to eat in Kalispell, MT.
15 Places to Eat in Kalispell, Montana
Let me break down not just specific restaurants in Kalispell, but also an overview of the type of food you can expect in Montana at a high level.
What is Kalispell, Montana known for in terms of food?
Montana is a big ranching state, and Kalispell is no exception. Therefore you’ll find a lot of meat in the city, ranging from steakhouses with prime cut beef to places serving bison. Given the city’s prime position in the Flathead Valley, though, Kalispell is also a big agricultural center. So you will also see a lot of farm-to-table dining highlighting freshly grown and harvested produce.
Kalispell is especially known for huckleberries and Flathead cherries. You’ll see these everywhere in the city, particularly huckleberries. And I’m not just talking in desserts or jams, but also in sauces, aiolis, and other savory preparations.
In terms of the type of cuisine you can find at the places to eat in Kalispell, anything you can think of is available. Sushi, Vietnamese, Thai, BBQ…you name it, there’s likely at least a few options. However, I wouldn’t say Kalispell is a bustling metropolis with a rich rolodex of every ethnic cuisine. Rather it does American classic comfort foods really well.
So expect a lot more diners, casual eateries, coffee shops, and bakeries instead, with a few fancier restaurants sprinkled in.
Where to eat in Kalispell, MT
Alright, let’s dive in! Here are the specific restaurants I recommend dining at in Kalispell, Montana. Save this to Pinterest for later, as I’ll add more restaurants to this list as I discover them!
Bonelli’s Bistro
website | 38 1st Ave E (get directions) | cuisine: Italian | best for: sandwiches and cakes
As an Italian American, I’m always looking for places to get classic dishes I grew up with like meatball subs, chicken parmigiana, and tiramisu. Bonelli’s Bistro is the perfect spot to fulfill the craving.
By day, Bonelli’s is a casual cafe with sandwiches, soups, salad, and cakes by the slice. At night, they transform into a more romantic space serving pastas and small plates.
If you go for lunch, don’t miss the meatball sub. It’s a bit crispy and has just the right amount of red sauce so as not to make the bread soggy. For dessert, the tiramisu is a must get. It’s not boozy at all and is served with the most delectable caramel drizzle. Trust me, you aren’t going to want to share!
The Spot
website | 51 Woodland Park Dr (get directions) | cuisine: American | best for: doughnuts
If you love doughnuts, The Spot is a must visit. They offer homemade brioche-style doughnuts in a variety of both classic and seasonal flavors. For example, when I last went they were serving a creme brûlée doughnut that somehow perfectly mimicked the satisfying crack of the sugar topping on the traditional dessert.
Out of the classics, don’t miss the OG vanilla and sprinkles flavor. The icing is more like a glaze that still shows the brioche doughnut through it, which I prefer since it’s less sweet and lets you really appreciate the fluffiness of the dough.
The Spot also makes homemade biscuits that you can get plain or as part of a breakfast sandwich. They’re made to order, so you have to call when you arrive and wait 10-15 minutes before getting into the drive thru line to pick it up. Yes, that’s right, this is a drive thru spot so get ready to eat in the car or at your hotel!
Pro tip: Arrive before 9:30 AM to get your pick of doughnuts. We arrived at 9:15 AM on a Friday and they were already sold out of 4 flavors!
Mercantile Steak
website | 30 2nd St E (get directions) | cuisine: American | best for: special occasions
There isn’t a ton of fine dining in Kalispell, but Mercantile Steak has you covered when you need a special occasion restaurant.
This fancier steakhouse is in a gorgeous historic building that used to indeed be a mercantile. You can see the ladder still attached to a pipe above the bar, which allowed the shopkeepers to access goods on higher shelves. There are antique Tiffany light fixtures, taxidermy, and art throughout the space to make it feel like a fancier tavern from the Wild West.
Food wise they’re known for steak, so definitely make sure you get that as part of your order. But to really amp up your dining experience, I recommend you don’t sleep on the mac and cheese or airplane chicken. Both are really well executed and will give you a nice sampling of Mercantile Steak’s strengths: well-cooked meat and elevated comfort food!
Norm’s Soda Fountain
website | 34 S Main St (get directions) | cuisine: American | best for: huckleberry shake
I couldn’t help but smile the first time I walked into Norm’s Soda Fountain, or Norm’s News as it says on the signage. This old-school ice cream parlor has a stunning wood-carved back bar and raised stools just like in the movies. There’s also a whole corner of a long wall covered with every single candy you can think of, so it’s the perfect spot to pick up goodies for the road.
Like all old school soda fountain shops, you can order hot food like burgers, sandwiches, and other diner delicacies if you’re craving lunch. But the must-get here is the ice cream. You’ll find nostalgic goodies like malts, egg creams, root beer floats, and of course shakes.
The huckleberry shake is the pro order. You’ll notice that huckleberry is advertised everywhere in Kalispell, and Norm’s makes the best huckleberry shake in town. It has chunks of berries in it so you know it’s made with the real stuff, not artificial syrup. Get it topped with whipped cream and a cherry for an extra retro feel!
Moose’s Saloon
website | 173 N Main St (get directions) | cuisine: American | best for: pizza and beer
Moose’s Saloon is a total vibe and a must visit among the places to eat in Kalispell. As the name suggests, it’s an old-time saloon full of dark woodwork and floors covered with sawdust and peanut shells (yup, just throw them on the floor!). Families come here in droves for the sports, arcade games, ice cold beer, and unique pizza that’s like a mash between Detroit and tavern style.
The crust is relatively thin like a traditional tavern style, but not so thin that it’s almost a cracker. The Detroit-style influence is evident with the crispy cheese edges and thick layer of cheese. It’s like the way you wish frozen pizza tasted, but never does. While a true Italian may stick their nose up at it, there’s no denying this pizza is comfort food at its finest.
Pro tip: Pizza wait times can be long on weekends, especially during game days. Call ahead to get your order started.
Sykes Diner
website | 202 2nd Ave W (get directions) | cuisine: American | best for: chicken fried steak
Sykes Diner has been serving the best breakfast in Kalispell for over 100 years. You can expect all the classics like eggs Benedict, omelets, French toasts, and pancakes. Plus they bake a bunch of pies and cakes in house that they display in cases near the back bar.
I highly recommend getting the chicken fried steak. It’s HUGE, taking up just about the whole oval plate. It’s crisp and well-seasoned enough to stand up to the equally flavorful sausage gravy that you’re going to want to sop up with a spoon.
Pro tip: Add mushrooms onto your chicken fried steak for an even more homey version!
Bonjour Bakery & Bistro
website | 45 Heritage Way (get directions) | cuisine: French | best for: pastries and Croque Monsieur
Bonjour is a great little bakery about 5 minutes north of downtown Kalispell. It’s tucked in a shopping center, so chances are you’ll blow right past it while driving. But it’s worth stopping in for some of their delectable pastries.
If you go for breakfast, start with a quiche. The pastry is flaky and the egg center has that just-right creamy texture flecked with cheesy burnt bits near the crust. After that, finish your savory course with their Croque Monsieur sandwich. It looks plain, but the concoction of ham, cheese, and mustard they use is full of both umami and zing.
For something sweet, end your meal with one of Bonjour’s signature danishes. They somehow balance both a fluffy and flaky texture perfectly. If available, my favorite was the peaches and cream flavor!
Hungry Hun
website | 20 N Main St (get directions) | cuisine: Kazakhstani | best for: gyros
I was not expecting one of the places to eat in Kalispell, Montana to focus on Kazakhstani cuisine, but that’s exactly what Hungry Hun offers. This hole-in-the-wall is tucked inside the mall not far from downtown Kalispell. You’ll find kebabs, dumplings, and other specialties that show this landlocked country in Central Asia has a ton of Middle Eastern cuisine influences.
While there’s a lot to love on the menu, don’t miss the beef and lamb gyro meat either as a plate or a wrap. The meat is super juicy and goes well with the pickles and creamy sauce served with it.
Wheat Montana Bakery & Deli
website | 405 S Main St (get directions) | cuisine: American | best for: cinnamon rolls
Kalispell loves bakeries, and Wheat Montana is no exception. They sustainably grow their own grain and mill it in Montana. So you know that each baked good you’re eating is truly from farm to table.
You’ll find a lot of different baked goods in the case at Wheat Montana, including gluten-free options, but the must-get is the cinnamon rolls. You can get the classic flavor if that’s your preference, but I recommend trying the huckleberry one instead. It’s a vibrant purple-pink color and adds a nice sweet berry note to their otherwise beautifully spiced, pillowy cinnamon roll dough. They’re quite big, so prepare to share!
Pro tip: Wheat Montana also has a lot of pantry items perfect for taking home as foodie gifts!
Big Mountain Ciderworks
website | 1051 Old Reserve Rd (get directions) | cuisine: Italian | best for: elevated pub grub
I wasn’t expecting one of the best places to eat in Kalispell, Montana to be at a taproom, but Big Mountain Ciderworks is serving some of the yummiest food in town. You’ll find menu mainstays like flatbreads, burgers, and sandwiches alongside some seasonal specials. Plus you can get glasses or flights of their delectable cider that they make using apples and pears grown right on the property.
Definitely get one of their burgers as part of your meal, but to start, don’t pass over the queso if it’s on the menu. It’s super gooey and often stuffed with goodies like corn and roast poblano to give it great depth.
Sweet Peaks Ice Cream
website | 343 S Main St (get directions) | cuisine: dessert | best for: ice cream
There’s nothing I love more than creamy ice cream, and Sweet Peaks is producing some of the creamiest in town. They use Montana dairy and local ingredients to create both classic and chef-y flavors. For example, you’ll find excellent espresso ice cream alongside seasonals like a “Montana Christmas” with pine and huckleberries. Try a few samples and get whatever is calling to you during your visit!
The DeSoto Grill
website | 227 1st St W (get directions) | cuisine: BBQ | best for: comfort food
Ask any local about the best places to eat in Kalispell, Montana and I’d be surprised if DeSoto isn’t on the list. This barbecue restaurant is in a cool space that was once a blacksmith shop, so today it looks like a cross between a vintage garage and saloon. You’ll find a ton of car paraphernalia and dim, cozy lighting that matches the buzz of conversation perfectly.
Get ready to be greeted by some of the warmest staff I’ve ever encountered and some of the most comforting southern barbecue classics. I recommend getting a combo plate so you can try a bunch of their meats and sides. Some of my favorites include their brisket, coleslaw, and mac and cheese. Oh, and their biscuits with honey butter that you get for free to start your meal are next level!
Ceres Bakery
website | 318 S Main St (get directions) | cuisine: American | best for: bread and pastries
Ceres Bakery only has one small bakeshop in downtown Kalispell, but you’ll likely see their name all over town. That’s because they provide their delicious handmade breads to many of the area restaurants. In fact, Bonelli Bistro’s sandwiches start with Ceres bread!
You’ll often see a line out the door on weekends as locals swarm Ceres Bakery for loaves, scones, danishes, and croissants. I read that they’re most famous for their orange roll, but it’s not always on the menu. If that’s the case when you visit, grab one of their morning glory or cardamom buns to start your day instead.
Harbor Grille
website | 7135 US 93 S (get directions) | cuisine: American | best for: cocktails and small plates
If you’re looking for a place to eat a few minutes from Kalispell, Montana with views, Harbor Grille is the spot. It sits right on Flathead Lake and offers stunning views of the Swan Mountain Range in the distance.
In summer you’ll see a ton of boats docked in front of the restaurant, all vying to grab a spot at their outdoor bar. That bar is closed in winter, but the restaurant is open year round and still offering excellent cocktails. If it’s available, get the smoked Manhattan that’s served with a dome or the Painkiller, which is like a piña colada!
Food wise, you’ll find a lot of seafood to make you feel like you’re basking in the sun. Don’t miss their super creamy clam chowder that you can get in a cup, bowl, or bread bowl. If seafood isn’t your bag, they also offer wings, salads, pastas, and steaks. No matter what you order, be ready to linger over the epic views from their floor-to-ceiling windows!
Park Provisions
website | 10126 Hwy 2 E (get directions) | cuisine: American | best for: sandwiches and snacks
While not technically in Kalispell, Park Provisions deserves a worthy mention because chances are you’ll go to Glacier National Park during your visit. On your way, stop by this roadside spot that’s like a cross between a convenience store, deli, and cafe. They’re making excellent grab-and-go food, including sandwiches that would be perfect for a picnic in the park. If available, get the pesto turkey!
Pro tip: Park Provisions is owned by the same couple that owns Stonefly Lounge, a bar a few doors down.
More to explore around Montana
And there you have it, the best places to eat in Kalispell, Montana! After you’re done plotting which restaurants you’ll eat at during your trip, check out my other guides to nearby destinations.
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