by Susie Wall
Big Sky is known as one of the top ski destinations in Montana when you’re looking to spend the day swooshing down the slopes of Lone Peak. Once the day is over and you’ve built up a Montana-sized appetite, a wealth of options awaits to quell your rumbling stomach. Here are some of the best places to visit, both up top in Mountain Village and a short descent down in Town Center.
Mountain Village
Westward Social:
Grab a bite and a view at Westward Social. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors allow you a front row seat to all the action on the mountain. The menu features several shareable items, like cheesy nachos and short rib sliders topped with fried onions and goat cheese, perfect for savoring while swapping tales of the day’s adventures with friends. Family-sized tables are available or grab a seat at the bar and choose from one of their steaming hot cocktails guaranteed to thaw you out. bigskyresort.com/resort-dining/westward-social
Chet’s Bar & Grill:
Located in Huntley Lodge, this tavern offers a range of comfort foods in a cozy setting. Order a bowl of bison chili or go big with a dry-aged ribeye or king salmon filet with all the fixings. The menu also features seafood dishes, such as fish and chips, meal-sized salads, and vegetarian pasta options. Chet’s is one of the few restaurants on the mountain with separate menu items for kids like grilled cheese and grilled salmon. bigskyresort.com/dining/chets
Vista Hall:
If you’re looking for a quick bite before heading out for more adventures, this is the place. Vista Hall is located on the second floor of The Exchange Building and operates as a food court. Six different dining options are available including 3 Forks Deli and Stone Fired Pizza. Street tacos filled with carnitas and roasted vegetables are the specialty at Taqueria. Fresh fish sushi rolls and poke bowls await at Sushi + Bowls. Hours at each location can differ, so be sure to check if your preference is open before visiting. bigskyresort.com/dining/vista-hall
Scissorbills Saloon:
Perched atop the third floor of an unassuming commercial building, Scissorbills Saloon is a dive bar in the best sense of the phrase. The crowd is lively, the bartenders are chatty and attentive and the music is booming. The menu features no-frills yet satisfying selections such as spicy Thai wings and a Philly cheesesteak dripping with onions and melted cheese. Wash it all down with one of their specialty White Russians. Seating is limited to a handful of tables and barstools so be prepared to wait or come back later for a nightcap. Scissorbills.com
Town Center
Lotus Pad:
Lotus Pad was the first Asian restaurant in Big Sky. Thai and Vietnamese dishes are prepared fresh using local and organic ingredients. Lotus Pad doesn’t mess around when it comes to their spice ratings labeling each dish with a ski run-inspired notation. The green circle by the Pad Thai means mild spice. Two black diamonds by the drunken noodles warns you to have a glass a water at the ready. If you prefer your cool drink with a little kick, choose a cocktail made from their house-infused bourbon or vodka. lotuspad.net
