RED LODGE POST
Popular wisdom says, if you want to eat at good cafes with best prices go where the locals go. Even while travelers and tourists occasionally want to seek out fine dining in new cities, at times just a great meal is all that’s wanted. A few good cafes in Montana come to mind: In Helena, Steve’s Cafe; in Bozeman, Western Cafe; in Missoula, Burns Street Bistro; and in Billings, Stella’s Kitchen & Bakery
Price comparisons are interesting. For example bacon, eggs, and biscuit/toast cost:
Steve’s Cafe, Helena: $7.95
Western Cafe, Bozeman: $6.50
Burns Street Bistro, Missoula: $9.00
Stella’s Kitchen & Bakery, Billings: $9.65
Tourists are usually unfamiliar with local communities, so finding the best cafes can be elusive. Hey you can always pay more. The Shack Restaurant in Missoula quoted $13.00. Asking a local on the street corner or a clerk in a store often points the way. Another clue is to watch where local policemen dine. As a tourist, you don’t want to turn this search into a science. But money saved on dining can leave more cash for other fun things.
*data from phone interviews March, 2, 2019 or from online menu
Absaroka Mountain, Mont.
© 2021 John Sandy