Montana might be known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures, but locals know it’s also home to some seriously amazing burgers. From juicy smashburgers to classic roadside favorites, the Treasure State serves up burger perfection that rivals anywhere in the country. Whether you’re passing through or call Montana home, these 15 burger joints have earned their reputation as the absolute best in the state according to those who know best – the locals.
1. Copperline Smashburger!, Helena
Locals flock to this Helena hotspot for their signature smashed patties that develop the perfect crispy edge while staying juicy inside. The secret lies in their locally-sourced beef and attention to technique – each burger gets a proper smash on a scorching flat-top grill.
Their house special comes topped with caramelized onions, special sauce, and melty American cheese on a toasted brioche bun. Family-owned and operated, the restaurant maintains a cozy vibe despite its growing popularity.
Pro tip: Try the Copper Classic with bacon and a side of their hand-cut fries for the full experience that keeps Helena residents coming back weekly.
2. Cholms Burger, Bozeman
Hidden away from Bozeman’s main drag, Cholms has built a cult following among college students and locals alike. The unpretentious exterior gives way to burger magic that happens on their decades-old grill, seasoned with years of flavor.
What sets Cholms apart is their commitment to quality – hand-formed patties made from a special blend of chuck and brisket, topped with house-made sauces that elevate each bite. Their signature Cholms Deluxe features double patties, special sauce, and locally-sourced produce.
Founded by former MSU students, this spot maintains its college-town charm while delivering gourmet-level burgers at surprisingly reasonable prices.
3. Gary’s Local Burgers, Missoula
A Missoula institution since 2012, Gary’s embodies the farm-to-table movement with burgers that showcase Montana’s agricultural bounty. Every ingredient has a story – from the grass-fed beef raised just 30 miles away to the seasonal vegetables grown by local farmers.
The restaurant’s rustic interior features reclaimed wood from historic Missoula buildings, creating a warm atmosphere that matches the friendly service. Their Montana Proud burger topped with huckleberry barbecue sauce and Flathead cherry jam offers a truly unique taste of the region.
Gary himself still works the grill most days, chatting with regulars and ensuring every burger meets his exacting standards that have earned this spot its legendary status.
4. The Burger Dive, Billings
Award-winning doesn’t begin to describe The Burger Dive, whose owner brought national recognition to Billings after winning the World Food Championships burger category. This downtown gem balances creative flavor combinations with classic burger execution.
The walls display numerous awards and competition medals, telling the story of a passion project turned national sensation. Their I’m Your Huckleberry burger features huckleberry hatch chili barbecue sauce, goat cheese, and bacon – a combination that earned them fame beyond Montana’s borders.
Despite the accolades, the restaurant maintains its humble roots, serving burgers in a casual setting where locals and tourists alike line up for a taste of burger greatness.
5. MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes, Billings
MOOYAH brings a playful energy to Billings’ burger scene with their build-your-own approach that locals have embraced wholeheartedly. The bright, family-friendly atmosphere makes it a hit with kids while the quality ingredients impress discerning adults.
Fresh-baked potato and multigrain wheat buns elevate their Angus beef patties, which can be customized with dozens of toppings and sauces. Their hand-cut fries, cooked in trans-fat-free oil, provide the perfect accompaniment to any burger creation.
Though part of a small chain, the Billings location has developed its own personality, with staff who remember regulars’ orders and a commitment to community involvement that makes it feel distinctly local.
6. Frugals, Kalispell
A throwback to simpler times, Frugals captures the nostalgic charm of drive-in burger joints while delivering flavors that satisfy modern cravings. This Kalispell landmark has served generations of families from its distinctive green-roofed building.
Speed meets quality here – their efficient system delivers made-to-order burgers in minutes without sacrificing taste. The Bacon Deluxe comes wrapped in paper that barely contains the generous portions, with special sauce that locals attempt to recreate at home (unsuccessfully, they admit).
Founded by a former fast-food executive who wanted to prove quick service could mean quality too, Frugals has become a beloved institution where high schoolers get their first jobs and families create lasting memories.
7. Burgertown Dairy Freeze, Bigfork
Summer evenings in Bigfork aren’t complete without a trip to Burgertown Dairy Freeze, where locals and tourists alike gather for burgers that taste like vacation memories. The seasonal roadside stand has operated since 1962, becoming as much a part of the landscape as the nearby Flathead Lake.
Their quarter-pound Bigfork Burger comes dressed with fresh lettuce, tomato, and their secret sauce that’s remained unchanged for decades. The friendly staff, often multi-generational Bigfork residents themselves, serve up burgers alongside hand-scooped ice cream cones.
Cash-only and proudly old-fashioned, Burgertown embodies Montana summer traditions with picnic tables under pine trees and the unmistakable aroma of grilling patties wafting through the mountain air.
8. Good Grub MT, Polson
What started as a food truck has evolved into Polson’s go-to burger destination, though Good Grub MT still maintains its roots with a mobile kitchen that appears at local events. The permanent location offers a simple, no-frills setting where the food does all the talking.
Their Montana Monster burger lives up to its name with a half-pound patty topped with bacon, pulled pork, and onion rings – a challenge even for the hungriest customers. Using beef from nearby ranches, each burger tastes distinctly of Montana terroir.
Owner Mike, a former ranch hand, greets regulars by name and often steps out from the kitchen to check on tables, embodying the warm hospitality that makes this spot special to Polson residents.
9. Roadhouse Diner, Great Falls
Husband-and-wife team Jason and Tara have created more than just great burgers at Roadhouse Diner – they’ve built a community gathering place that celebrates Great Falls’ spirit. Their creative approach to classic Americana has earned them both loyal customers and Food Network recognition.
The Roadhouse sources beef from local ranchers, grinding it fresh daily for burgers like their famous ‘Dude Ranch’ topped with bacon, barbecue sauce, and an onion ring. The walls feature local art and memorabilia, creating an atmosphere that feels uniquely Montanan.
Monthly burger specials with punny names keep regulars coming back to see what wild creation might appear next, from huckleberry-infused sauces to unexpected toppings that somehow work perfectly.
10. The Burger Bunker, Great Falls
Military families stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base discovered this underground gem first, but word quickly spread throughout Great Falls about The Burger Bunker’s exceptional offerings. Located in a below-street-level space with military-themed décor, the restaurant honors Montana’s service members.
Their signature Bunker Burger features a blend of chuck, brisket, and short rib topped with aged cheddar and applewood-smoked bacon. Hand-cut fries arrive perfectly crisp alongside housemade dipping sauces that regulars rave about.
Founded by a veteran who wanted to create both great food and job opportunities for former service members, The Burger Bunker maintains a mission beyond just feeding people – though they certainly excel at that too.
11. Royse’s Hamburgers, Shakes & More, Butte
A fixture in Butte since 1953, Royse’s connects generations through consistently excellent burgers served in a classic diner setting. The vintage neon sign outside has guided hungry miners, college students, and families to this unpretentious spot for nearly seven decades.
Their traditional flat-top cooking method creates the distinctive crust that burger aficionados seek, while toppings remain delightfully simple – fresh vegetables, American cheese, and special sauce on a soft bun. The hand-spun milkshakes, made with local dairy, provide the perfect complement.
Current owner Margaret learned the business from original founder Roy himself, maintaining traditions while subtly updating recipes to ensure Royse’s remains relevant to new generations of Butte residents.
12. Nap’s Grill, Hamilton
Bitterroot Valley residents make regular pilgrimages to Nap’s Grill, where third-generation owner Trina continues her grandfather’s legacy of serving Montana’s most satisfying burgers. The cozy corner restaurant in downtown Hamilton feels like stepping into a friend’s kitchen.
Their half-pound Bitterroot Burger comes topped with huckleberry barbecue sauce, Tillamook cheddar, and thick-cut bacon on a locally-baked bun. Potatoes from nearby farms transform into golden fries that regulars insist are the perfect burger companion.
Black and white photos on the walls tell the story of Nap’s evolution from a 1950s counter service to today’s beloved institution, where Trina still uses her grandfather’s original seasoning blend on every hand-formed patty.
13. Bonanza Freeze, Butte
Summer evenings in Butte belong to Bonanza Freeze, where locals line up regardless of weather for burgers that taste exactly as they did decades ago. This seasonal walk-up stand represents tradition for multiple generations of Mining City families.
The no-frills Bonanza Burger features a thin but flavorful patty with crisp edges, topped simply with ketchup, mustard, pickles and onions on a steamed bun. Paired with their famous frosty shakes, it creates a combination that has remained unchanged since 1950.
Cash-only and proudly old-school, Bonanza opens from May to September, creating an annual reunion as residents welcome back their favorite summer tradition and introduce newcomers to this essential Butte experience.
14. Backcountry Burger Bar, Bozeman
College students introduced to Backcountry Burger Bar during their MSU days often make special trips back to Bozeman just for another taste. This modern take on a burger joint pairs wild game options with craft beers in a rustic-meets-industrial space downtown.
Their signature Yellowstone Burger features bison meat topped with huckleberry jam, goat cheese, and arugula – ingredients that tell Montana’s culinary story. Vegetarians praise their house-made black bean burger that even carnivores admit is exceptional.
Founded by a husband-wife team who met while working in Yellowstone National Park’s kitchens, Backcountry brings wilderness-inspired flavors to urban Bozeman, creating a unique dining experience that captures Montana’s diverse food landscape.
15. Mark’s In & Out, Livingston
Wind-swept Livingston’s favorite burger joint has weathered literal storms and changing times while maintaining its position as the town’s beloved institution. Mark’s In & Out, with its distinctive yellow sign, has served generations of locals and passing travelers on their way to Yellowstone.
Their double cheeseburger – two thin patties with perfectly melted American cheese, shredded lettuce, and special sauce – represents fast food as it should be: made fresh to order by people who care. Onion rings, hand-battered daily, have their own dedicated fan base.
Current owner Dan still uses the recipes developed by Mark himself in 1954, honoring traditions while ensuring this Livingston landmark remains relevant to new generations discovering its simple pleasures.
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