After a day filled with steaming geysers, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife sightings, the gateway towns around Yellowstone offer the perfect evening escape. Whether you’re craving a handcrafted cocktail, a hearty comfort dish, or an elevated dining experience, these local favorites help you unwind and reflect on your adventures.
Gardiner, MT → Wonderland Café & Lodge
Located just steps from the iconic Roosevelt Arch, Wonderland Café & Lodge blends cozy, lodge-style ambiance with thoughtfully sourced ingredients. Enjoy a Montana mule or local craft beer paired with elk meatloaf or huckleberry BBQ ribs while reflecting on the day’s exploration.
West Yellowstone, MT → Madison Crossing Lounge
Housed in a beautifully converted historic schoolhouse, Madison Crossing Lounge offers polished yet relaxed vibes. With seasonal entrées like bison tenderloin, pan-seared trout, fine wines, and craft cocktails, it’s a prime spot to wind down after a long day in the park.
Jackson, WY → Silver Dollar Bar at The Wort Hotel
Step into classic Western charm at the Silver Dollar Bar, located within The Wort Hotel. Sip a Wyoming Whiskey Old Fashioned atop the famed silver-dollar-embedded bar while enjoying live music and watching the sun set behind the Tetons.
Cody, WY → Chamberlin Inn Cocktail Lounge
Located in historic downtown Cody, the Chamberlin Inn Cocktail Lounge offers a refined yet intimate atmosphere. Sample creative cocktails like the cucumber gimlet or local spirits while relaxing in the lush garden patio—an ideal unwind after a day on the trail.
Cooke City, MT → Beartooth Café
For a laid-back, rustic evening, head to Beartooth Café in Cooke City. Built for post-adventure gatherings, it delivers cold local brews, wild-game chili, trout tacos, and a warm sense of camaraderie—perfect for trading stories under the fading light.
Red Lodge, MT → Prerogative Kitchen
This counter-order eatery brings globally inspired, locally sourced comfort food to the forefront in Red Lodge. Whether you choose a warm bowl, bison burger, or cold local soda, Prerogative Kitchen captures the small-town spirit with a fresh twist.
Livingston, MT → Campione
Campione, a standout in Livingston, elevates winding down to an art form. Known for Roman inspired cuisine rooted in Montana’s bounty, this intimate Italian restaurant has been nationally recognized:
• Named one of The New York Times’ 50 Best Restaurants in the U.S. (2023)
• Its chef, Joshua Adams, earned the 2024 and 2025 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Mountain region, marking Campione as a true culinary champion of the West
Finish your day here with crafted pasta, thoughtful small plates, or a glass of wine under the historic tinceiling ambiance—and feel the magic of both Italy and Montana merging on your plate.
