The Wasteland

So, in case you were wondering what’s in eastern Montana, it’s nothing. The answer is nothing. Well, actually the answer is “giant fiberglass animals.” They’ve got two or three of those. Just not any food. We better make sure we stock up on snacks/lunch food in Bismarck and get ready to have a picnic, because holy crap, the emptiness.

Billings, MT

The situation improves about five hours from Bismarck, in Billings. If we get out of Bismarck early, this could be a good spot for lunch. If we leave later, it could do for dinner. Regardless, if the tide lands us there, here are the options.

The Burger Dive - The veggie burgers, standard meat burgers, fries, and onion rings are raved about all over Yelp. Also...garlic fries. How can that be anything but awesome?

Harper and Madison - If this place is open when we get there, I’m gonna need some cupcakes. They look amaaaaaaazing.

The Fieldhouse Cafe - All kinds of interesting vegetarian options here, including Veggie Tacos and Fried Brussels Sprouts. Local and organic too, which is cool.

Columbus, MT

Just a little ways past Billings is the slightly-more-than-100 year old New Atlas Bar, home to all kinds of wacky taxidermy. We’ll have a long ways yet to go to get to Butte and probably can’t stop here, but it still looks super neat.

Butte, MT

Our driving day comes to an end in Butte, Montana. Something I did not know: apparently Cornish Pasties are a big deal there. I feel like if that’s the local “thing” we should give it a shot.

Truzzolino Tamales - In addition to their tamales, they do a brisk and competitive pasty business.

Nancy’s Pasty Shop - A tiny place with like 8 chairs that are apparently almost always filled.

Bonanza Freeze - If we’re not feeling the pasty thing, though, this “old-fashioned ice cream shop” serves burgers and fries and all the other classics.

Headframe Spirits - Their cocktails sound delicious. Lavender Lemondrop? Christmas Cookie? I’m all about this.

The Hummingbird Cafe - Might be good for breakfast on our way out in the morning.