Ennis, Montana, sits on the threshold of Yellowstone National Park and the gateway to ghost towns, an unexpected byway as you make your way between Virginia City, Bozeman, and West Yellowstone. But whether you’re hiking, biking, recreating on scenic waterways or all-around adventuring, everyone’s gotta eat. And Ennis makes a great place to stop. Here are a few of the local food spots worth a bite in Ennis.
Open seasonally, Ennis Sugar High is that classic burger joint with unbeatable milkshakes, malts and ice cream. With beef sourced locally, hand-cut potatoes and all the fixings, this is the ideal hearty meal after a day spent adventuring or on your way to the next. If you’re visiting in the shoulder season, just be sure to check that this seasonal spot is open before you roll up.
We challenge you to find better carnitas in Montana than the ones at Nacho Mama’s. A locally owned, small business, Nacho Mama’s has locations in both Ennis and Virginia City, so you can chase your cravings for Mexican food across Southwest Montana. They have burritos on the sign, but you can also order up other favorites like fried tacos, homemade queso, and carnitas. Grab lunch on the patio, or get takeout to take with you while you explore.
If fresh homemade chocolate chip cookies don’t draw you in, you might be interested in a hot panini or a steaming cup of wildcrafted tea from Kalena’s. The welcoming outdoor space invites you to sip some lemonade in the warm summer sun, and the atmosphere inside is just as comforting. Kalena herself may be the one whipping up your build-your-own sandwich.
Breakfast or lunch from the Pic-a-Nic Basket comes with fresh flavors and fun ingredient combinations that shift with the seasons. Keep an eye out on their socials for the evening Pick-a-Wok Chinese cuisine offerings. The comfortable cafe feeling makes dining in a fun wayside stop, or you can place your order for an excursion lunch and take it with you wherever your day goes.
Self-billed as “The place you’re always hoping you’re gonna stumble across,” the Gravel Bar really is an oasis in Ennis. Their menu holds all the pub fare staples, with local craft brews and wine by the glass, with house cocktails thrown in there too. Check out their live music lineup, and shoot the breeze with your neighbors at the bar while you enjoy.
Sometimes you’re settling in for some storytelling and delicious grub, and sometimes you’re in grab-and-go mode. Alley Bistro gives you the best of both, with the most convenient takeout setup you’ll see in town, alongside a casual family atmosphere inside.
Craft brews made locally meet a tasty pizza menu at Burnt Tree Brewing. If you don’t imbibe in alcoholic beverages, tasty desserts and live music are just as sweet.
When your day’s adventures are done and you’ve eaten your fill, Ennis RV Park by Starry Night Lodging is the place to connect your rig (no matter how big), connect to WiFi, and connect with your travel companions under that famous Big Sky. Book your stay to explore Ennis and beyond.