A Taste of West Yellowstone There’s more to West Yellowstone than scenic views and outdoor adventures—even the most active explorers need to power up with a fresh breakfast or wind down over a savory meal. Below, we serve up a selection of West Yellowstone’s best restaurants, with a few local recommendations on the side! Breakfast Whether you are grabbing breakfast on the go as you venture into Yellowstone National Park or fueling up for a day of mountain biking, West Yellowstone features breakfast options to suit every morning itinerary. Running Bear Pancake House (538 Madison Avenue) If you want a hearty meal to gear up for a day of exploring, Running Bear Pancake House has you covered. The family-friendly diner features a full menu stocked with traditional breakfast favorites and unique daily specials. The menu features breakfast options to satisfy every member of the family, from a stack of mouthwatering pancakes to a protein-packed, three-egg omelette. For a sweet start to your next adventure, try the chocolate chip pancakes and order a boxed lunch for the road. The Book Peddler (106 Canyon Street) Coffee and baked goods at the Book Peddler, West Yellowstone Montana. The Book Peddler is the perfect spot for visitors in search of coffee or breakfast on the go. The coffee bar features a variety of roasts from Montana Coffee Traders as well as classic espresso drinks and area favorites, such as huckleberry lattes and Montana Mochas. Pair your beverage with a freshly-baked cinnamon roll or a savory breakfast burrito for a quick morning meal that’s easy to tote along on your morning adventure. “I like the medium roast coffee with two espresso shots,” recommended coffee bar regular Oliver Murray. “And a baked good on the side.” If you’re not in a hurry, sip your coffee as you browse through the books and home decor or grab a chair at one of the sidewalk tables. Campfire Lodge (155 Campfire Lane) Take a morning drive along the north shore of Hebgen Lake and venture into Gallatin National Forest for a morning meal at Campfire Lodge. Order a daily breakfast special or dine on traditional morning fare, including eggs, bacon, and enormous pancakes! Don’t rush this meal—take a few extra minutes to savor your coffee on the patio and revel in the sights and sounds of the Madison River. Lunch Switching gears mid-day? Take a break between hiking and horseback riding to grab lunch at one of West Yellowstone’s family-friendly watering holes. The Buffalo Bar (335 Highway 20) Appetizers at the Buffalo Bar in West Yellowstone Montana. The Buffalo Bar is a lunch spot fit for your inner Montana cowboy. Grab a seat beneath the wildlife mounts that line the walls and dig into a tasty selection of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, tacos, salads, and entrees. “I’d say it’s hard to pass up the smothered chicken burrito at the Buffalo Bar,” commented area local Mandy DeTienne. After a long morning in the sun, take a breather with a beer or cocktail from the full bar and check the big screen TVs for live sports and updates. Enjoy a few yard games on the patio and bask in a cool mountain breeze. Ernie’s (406 Highway 20) For the explorer on the run, call ahead and order one of Ernie’s boxed lunches to munch along your tour of Yellowstone National Park or scenic area drive. Boxed lunches are packed with the explorer in mind and include a “build your own sandwich,” chips, fruit, a gourmet cookie, candy, and a drink. If you need to recharge and reboot, grab a table and savor a hot sandwich, a refreshing wrap, or one of the owners’ famous French specials. Slippery Otter Pub & Eatery (139 N. Canyon Street) Families and large groups are welcome at the Slippery Otter Pub & Eatery! The casual restaurant features a pub atmosphere and a menu loaded with burgers, pizzas, and award-winning salads. Sip a glass of wine from the bar or pick from a selection of microbrews on tap. After a long morning of hiking, order up a jalapeño wonton appetizer and a savory elk burger. Gluten free options are available. Dinner As the sun sinks low behind the mountains, wind down from a day of exploration with dinner and drinks at one of West Yellowstone’s popular evening establishments. Madison Crossing Lounge (121 Madison Avenue) Cocktails at the Madison Crossing Lounge in West Yellowstone Montana. Madison Crossing Lounge offers some of the best fine dining in West Yellowstone. The menu features unique appetizers, signature salads, enticing entrees, and exquisite desserts. Sip on one of the Lounge’s signature cocktails or linger awhile over a digest it. West Yellowstone local Molly Moore recommends pairing “a dirty Tito’s martini and the wild mushroom risotto.” And don’t forget the legendary blueberry white chocolate bread pudding! Gluten free options are available. Pete’s Rocky Mountain Pizza (112 Canyon Street) Keeping it casual? Treat the family to pizza night at Pete’s Rocky Mountain Pizza. Choose from a selection of signature pizzas, build your own pie, or order up a pasta entree. The menu also features unique dinner specials, such as elk spaghetti and buffalo ravioli. Area pizza favorites include The Wrangler with BBQ sauce and chicken or Pete’s Favorite with Italian sausage and pepperoni. Wash it all down with your favorite beer, wine, soft drink, or Italian soda. Cafe Madriz (311 Canyon Street) Looking for something out of the ordinary? Enjoy a variety of tapas, traditional Spanish appetizers, at Cafe Madriz! Unwind in the relaxed atmosphere and order an assortment of small dishes featuring imported products, such as Manchego cheese and Serrano ham. The cafe’s signature paella is always a crowd-pleaser. “I start with the warm bacon spinach salad, then meatballs, then shrimp,” recommended area local Brandy Holland. “I love their paella, too, and their potatoes!” Pair your tapas spread with cold beer or a bottle of wine and snag a seat outside to take in the mountain sunset. West Yellowstone has dining options to satisfy casual, adventurous, and traditional travelers alike. With options like elk burgers and bison ravioli, take a cue from the locals and complement your West Yellowstone adventure with delicious regional fare. Click here for our directory with even more options. AUTHOR: Caitlin Styrsky