10 Best Local Hole In The Walls Throughout Billings, MT
You know when you’re vacationing and you wonder… where do the locals go? But without being a local it’s kind of hard to figure that out!
While a chain restaurant can be great and it’s always fun to try the top rated hot spots in any area, there’s just something about a chill, local vibe that makes any trip feel a little extra special.
That’s why I decided it was time to round up some of the BEST local hole in the walls throughout Billings, MT, so that in case you’re in search for something different, you can try your hand at one of these unassuming establishments and truly get a taste of what it’s like to live like a local.
In this blog post, you’ll find some of my personal favorite “hole in the wall” restaurants, bars, and other fun stops throughout Billings.
Whether you’re a local yourself, are moving to Billings, or are just passing through, make sure you add a few of these stops to your “must visit” list!
10 Best Local Hole In The Walls Throughout Billings, MT
1. Crazy Mary’s Fish N Chips 🍤
Like any proper hole in the wall, Crazy Mary’s doesn’t have a website and their Facebook page hasn’t been updated in years! But don’t let that stray you away from stopping in.
From the outside, it’s VERY unassuming and you might even wonder if the place is still in business, but trust me when I say it’s one of the best (and only) places to get fish and chips in town.
2. Edgar Bar 🥩
Montana wouldn’t be Montana without a few steakhouses and while there are PLENTY of popular options to choose from, Edgar Bar often goes unnoticed, especially if you aren’t familiar with the area.
It’s a classic steakhouse style restaurant known for their huge hand-cut steaks and their famous jumbo prawns, located just outside of Billings in Edgar, MT.
If you’re in the area and want to try a classic restaurant that sticks to their Montana roots, Edgar Bar is the place to be!
3. The Burger Dive 🍔
The Burger Dive brings an old school soda fountain and diner vibe with their quirky environment and checkered floors as they serve up inventive burgers and hot dogs plus real milkshakes.
If you’re wanting to stop into a non-traditional fast food joint while you’re in town, The Burger Dive is a great choice!
4. Blue’s BBQ 🐷
If you’ve never had BBQ from a gas station, don’t knock it ‘til you try it! Blues is hands down the BEST BBQ in Billings (in my personal opinion) and has been a crowd favorite since 2004.
If you’re looking for a quick grab and go lunch, Blue’s is a go-to and you won’t be disappointed with anything on the menu.
On the menu you’ll find your traditional barbecue plates and sandwiches paired with the classic down-home sides all amidst a laid back environment that is incredibly welcoming.
Looking for a fun date night or activity while you’re in Billings? You can’t go wrong with a visit to the newly opened Art House Cinema and Pub! This isn’t your typical dinner and show in a theater with fancy reclining seats.
This is a laid back non-profit independent movie theater located in the heart of downtown Billings, MT with one screen that showcases two different films every week.
In addition to the cinema, you can enjoy a pub style meal at their in-house unique eatery, Reels! All menus are welcomed in the theater to enjoy with your movie or you can simply dine in the pub for a fun experience!
6. The Vue and Brew 🎥
Another unique theater and dining experience is located just down the road in Laurel, MT! The Vue and Brew is a local, 3 screen local movie theater that goes above and beyond with their food and drinks.
7. Brockel’s Chocolates 🍫
Craving something sweet? Skip the popular chain spots for a sweet treat and instead pop into Brockel’s Chocolates.
This small family owned business specializes in making handcrafted chocolates and confections to soothe your sweet tooth!
8. Mo Cones 🍦
Another unique stop for when you’re craving a sweet treat, Mo Cones in Laurel, MT is the absolute cutest roadside ice cream shack serving up tasty treats.
It’s a local hit in the summertime and makes for a fun family or friend outing when you’re craving an ice cream!
9. Yesteryears Antique Mall 🛍️
Looking for a non-traditional shopping experience while you’re in town? The antique mall should not be slept on!
Inside you’ll find all sorts of vintage goods provided by various vendors and you truly never know what you’re going to stumble on.
Even if you’re not an antiquer, it still makes for a fun place to stroll through while you’re in Downtown Billings!
10. The Front Porch 🛒
Another unique shopping experience is located just a drive away in Laurel, MT!
The Front Porch is a creative boutique filled with handmade goods from women owned businesses. The boutique also doubles as a venue that you can rent for events or attend fun community workshops like cookie decorating, make your own signs and candle pouring,
CLICK HERE to view their event calendar and schedule something fun the next time you’re in town!
Overall, Billings is FILLED with so many delicious restaurants, fun shops, and cool things to do all throughout town, but sometimes the best places are the ones that are unassuming and maybe even located off the beaten path.
While I’m all for a date night downtown in the popular hot spots and really enjoy the chic boutiques, there’s just something about a local hole in the wall that can’t be beat.
So, whether you're a local seeking a taste of nostalgia or you’re simply paying Billings a visit, I encourage you to add at least one of these to your list to stop into.
What all of these places may lack in glitz and glamor, they make up for with their warmth and character, always inviting you in!
P.S. Want a peek into what all of the communities in Billings, Montana have to offer? Download the Ultimate Community Guide for the full scoop from Northwest to downtown to Huntley and more!
