12 of the best places to eat + drink in Kalispell, Montana
Discover the top restaurants and bars in Kalispell, Montana, with this comprehensive guide to the heartiest breakfasts, coolest craft cocktails, and most decadent desserts.
Kalispell might not be a true “foodie” town, but that doesn’t mean there is any shortage of incredible food to enjoy. In fact, I’m pretty sure I consumed more food on my recent trip to Kalispell than I do regularly in a week. There were just so many delicious spots I had pinned and I didn’t want to miss out where I could help it.
This list is a bit unbalanced because I tend not to eat a full three meals a day. Firmly a breakfast/brunch gal, I tend to skimp on dinners or lunches. However, I was hosted at some fantastic food spots during my evenings in Kalispell that are all highly worth mentioning. Thus, my usual brunch guide became a post for all-around eating and drinking.
breakfast, brunch, + coffee in Kalispell ↴
Montana Coffee Traders
I’m still dreaming of the chai at Montana Coffee Traders. Still. Dreaming. Of. It. I swear I haven’t had coffee or chai that good since my last trip to New Zealand. The Big Sky breakfast {grilled potatoes topped with black beans, avocado, eggs, and salsa on top of multigrain toast} is a plated gift to the world, I tell ya.
Colter Coffee
Another great spot for a morning cup of joe is Colter Coffee. The exposed brick interior is decorated with paintings of Montana scenery. I didn’t have any of the pastries from the case, but I was eyeing up the Cinnamon Cream Danish. Had I not already stuffed myself before I arrived for a coffee, I probably would have inhaled one down.
Ceres Bakery
Sourdough, ciabatta, focaccia— it’s all waiting for you at Ceres Bakery. This small, family-owned bakery has a fresh bread smell that wafts down Kalispell’s Main Street. The pastries are served warm and the flakey outer layer of each croissant I devoured is *chef’s kiss*!
Split Rock Café
The best morning meal I had in Kalispell was brunch at Split Rock Café. I had the biscuits and gravy with eggs and fresh fruit, which was honestly the best balance of savoury and sweet to kick start my day. I also had the largest Chai I could get my two little hands around. The service here was awesome and the giant wooden bar made a gorgeous focal point for the open layout eatery.
The Knead Café
The Knead Café is a favourite amongst locals. The small, yellow eatery is hidden in a red building that is more unassuming than it sounds. Knead has an extensive breakfast menu that includes such indulgences as Pecan French Toast with Berries, a Veggie Breakfast Burrito, and “The Treehugger” {tofu, broccoli, potatoes, and more}.
lunch + dinner in Kalispell ↴
Desoto Grill
While Desoto Grill’s menu doesn’t scream “vegetarian”, the Kalispell establishment went above and beyond to modify menu items to accommodate my dietary preferences. The staff at Shawna, one of the owners of Desoto Grill, came right up to my table to chat with me about the menu items local’s can’t get enough of {including the pulled pork collard greens}.
Moose’s Saloon
Moose’s Saloon is pretty dive-y, which gives it added charm in my book. Sawdust covers the floor and the pizza counter in the corner makes dinner here feel like a hidden gem of sorts. Sports games stream on a number of televisions that hang above the bar, but Moose’s tall booths and dim lightly make it less of a sports bar and
Bonelli’s Bistro
If Italian food is your thing, Bonelli’s Bistro is a great place for salads, antipasti, and paninis. Bonelli’s menu focuses on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to bring through the flavour of the food they serve. Their menu items are all available for takeout and they offer catering services if you’re looking!
drinks + drafts in Kalispell ↴
Kalispell Brewing Company
Just a few blocks from my hotel room sat the beautiful Kalispell Brewing Company, with floor to ceiling windows and hardwood floors. The Icebow Deoppelwiren was recommended to me, so I gave it a try. As odd as it sounds, there is a real banana aftertaste that comes through and it was so. damn. good. What’s more surprising than that? That’s coming from someone who doesn’t like bananas.
First Avenue Taphouse
The outdoor seating at First Avenue Taphouse really sets the mood for a beautiful evening out with its fire tables. If beer isn’t your thing, consider ordering one of their specialty cocktails. If beer IS your thing, then hit up happy hour on the weekdays between 4-6 PM for USD$4 drafts.
SunRift Beer Company
SunRift Beer Company has an array of beers to pick from including two of my favourites: Blonde Bomber and SunRift IPA. One of my favourite things about SunRift Beer Company is that, since there is no on-site kitchen, they encourage patrons to bring their own food from neighbouring restaurants and eateries! A local business supporting other local businesses— is there anything more uplifting?
Sacred Waters Brewing Company
When the founder of Sacred Waters Brewing Company lost her mother to cancer, she opened the taphouse to celebrate her mother’s love of Montana’s “wild”. In their own words:
Our brewery is a celebration of that heritage that has been passed on to us and that we’re passing on to our children. A heritage we can all relate to in Montana. It’s a reflection of everyone’s special place outside…, everyone’s Sacred Waters.
In terms of food and drink, you’ll find sandwiches and soups, burgers and {obviously} beer at Sacred Waters. There is outdoor seating available in their backyard area.
map ↴
Find all the best places to eat and drink in Kalispell, Montana on the map below.
