No matter where you are out here, we have the answer to the “hangries” – hop on the Southeast Montana Burger Trail and chow down. From the tastiest of small-town burgers to award-winning, finger-lickin’ feasts in Montana’s largest city, you will savor a unique, localized burger at each stop, plus you’ll get to meet the characters who make them.
Grab a paper map or sign up for the digital passport, which you can use to win prizes. This is a foodie experience you don’t want to miss.
8369 HWY 2 North • Acton, MT • 406.208.0770
When you find yourself in Billings, consider driving a few extra miles to neighboring Acton for this small-town fine dining establishment. With several mouthwatering burgers on the menu, we've decided the best burger here is the one you order. For those who love spicy food, the Stuffed Jalapeño Popper Burger is an obvious choice. It is layered with a ⅓ lb. Certified Angus Beef patty, melted pepper jack, bacon, stuffed jalapenos, cream cheese and 3 North sauce, then sprinkled with jalapeño crisps. Get a side of onion rings and add in a finely mixed cocktail to complete your evening.
11 S Main St. • Baker, MT • 406.778.2050
You'll find this burger in their menu under the "Hamburger Heaven" section, and once you bite into the Frisco Burger it'll make sense. What's incredible about this burger is the light, crisp sourdough bread, attentively raised and baked in-house. Though lightweight, the toasted sourdough works well to hold together the ⅓ lb. smash-style patty, garnished with bacon, American and Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind burger, add this one to your list!
139 Northern Ave. • Huntley, MT • 406.348.2400
The Big Ass Blue Cat Burger is exactly what it sounds like—a monstrous number that brings the heat. It's loaded with diced jalapeños, topped with bacon and pepper jack cheese over a freshly ground ½ lb. patty. If you stop for a burger over the weekend, make sure to ask about their wildly popular Loaded Bloody Mary.
114 N 27th St. • Billings, MT • 406.281.8292
The Burger Dive is much more than the local’s favorite burger joint, this place is home to multiple World Food Champion burgers. In fact, it’s the holy grail for any burger aficionado. The I’m Your Huckleberry Burger is arguably the finest burger you’ll find in Montana, toting the 2016 World Food Champion title. This burger is a tremendous ⅓ lb. patty, covered with a cascading layer of homemade huckleberry-hatch chile barbeque sauce, bacon, creamy goat cheese, roasted red pepper mayo and fresh arugula. All that goodness is presented on a soft, locally sourced Grains of Montana bun. Be sure to save room for one of their imaginative classic milkshakes made with local Wilcoxson’s ice cream. It’s a real treat!
304 Elliot St. • Hysham, MT • 406.342.5705
If you are craving a classic burger, this joint won't let you down. The namesake, BW Burger is served with all the essentials on a ⅓ lb. patty, sourced locally from Cowboy Meats. The patty is drizzled in their house-made concoction called BW sauce. We'd be remiss not to mention their popular tater tots, or gems as they're often called out here. Remember to bring a marker with you to add your very own John Hancock to their graffiti board in back.
1 South Main St. • Baker, MT • 406.778.3278
You can find another classic burger on the menu at the Corner Bar. The components of their Cheeseburger are simple; it's a typical ⅓ lb. patty with a slice of melted American cheese, ketchup, mustard, pickle, onion and tomato. The plate is rounded off with crispy fat French fries on the side. Supposedly they have the coldest beer in town, the only way to test their claim is to try it for yourself. We heard they have a pizza burger, part pizza part burger that comes in clutch when you're undecided between ordering a pizza and a burger.
347 US-212 • Crow Agency, MT • 406.638.2270
After touring Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, continue your experience in the heart of Crow Country at Custer Battlefield Trading Post & Café—or as the locals call it "Putt's." Order the Buffalo Burger, made with 100% buffalo meat, grilled and plated with all the classic toppings. The sweet potato waffle fries are the real treat and we'd be happy to return just for them. Be sure to browse through their collection of Native American made goods in the attached trading post or sit back and admire the interior of the café, decorated with a colorful mixture of beadwork and native art. If you find yourself in for another visit, they're locally known best for their authentic Indian fry bread which serves as a base for their immense and tasty Indian taco.
5417 Hawk Creek Ave • Billings, MT • 406.534.4922
Ever since this brewery opened, they've added one masterpiece after another to their menu. The newest creation is the French Onion Burger that quite literally stacks up to the competition. It is a ½ lb. Certified Angus Beef patty heaped with onion rings, caramelized onion, garlic aioli, Swiss and havarti cheeses. It's plated with an au jus dipping bowl and thick-cut parmesan fries. You'll leave with the satisfying feeling of overindulgence, and we can't wait to see what they create for our next visit.
9 Main St. • Roundup, MT • 406.323.3104
If you ever find yourself in the friendly cowboy town of Roundup, pull up a stool at The Grand and sit next to the local cattlemen and ranchers for some chow. The Diego is a classic burger with a kick, customized with peppers and pepper jack cheese, loaded with fresh lettuce, onion and pickles. The accompanying brew fries are plenty good, too. One thing is for sure, you will not leave this establishment hungry. When you come back for more, try your best at the real menu centerpiece, aptly named the Big Ass Enchilada. We dare you to finish it.
9 S Main St. • Baker, MT • 406.778.2001
In this historic downtown saloon, they take great care with every detail of their burger. Each features a giant hand-crafted ⅓ lb. burger patty served on a locally-made Grains of Montana bun. If you have a craving for something juicy and spicy, the Sriracha Bacon Pepperjack Burger will knock your socks off with its homemade sriracha sauce. Each burger is plated with all the fixings and more fries than you probably have room for. There are two other burger locations on either side of Heiser's in case you plan to hop around or go back to Baker for another bite.
16551 Iowa Ave. • Broadview, MT • 406.667.2315
Don't let the unadorned exterior deter your mission because this place will surprise you. The Mexi Burger looks nothing like a burger, but we promise it'll be one of the best things you'll try. It is served on open faced buns with a ¼ lb. patty, buried in a homemade green chili (a secret recipe of the owner), sprinkled with tomato and cheese. You're going to need a fork and plenty of napkins.
147 N Ninth St • Forsyth, MT • 406.346.8667
The owner honors Forsyth’s railroad history by naming their menu items with railroad lingo. The Joe Burger—a juicy patty loaded with grilled onions, jalapenos, bacon, and pepper Jack cheese, all topped off with a zesty chipotle mayo and bourbon sauce. And if you’ve got any room left after this tasty journey (trust us, you will), be sure to ask about the weekly homemade dessert special. It’s a sweet finale you won’t want to miss!
153 Hwy 59 North • Miles City , MT • 406.234.9977
June may have moved from the original blue bungalow, but her menu still features the unexpected. We recommend you try the Mango Burger, featuring a healthy helping of homemade mango salsa, guacamole and Havarti cheese. These unique flavors pair together well on a giant patty, with juices oozing out on all sides as you take your first bite. Ask for June’s special fizzy tea—it’s a local fav.
1 Long Drive, Suite B • Colstrip, MT • 406.213.5034
Nestled within the scenic fairways of the Ponderosa Butte Public Golf Course in Colstrip is Mulligan's Restaurant and Bar, a true hidden gem for hungry duffers. The star of their menu is the aptly named "The Buzzy" - a burger that tees off with a mouthwatering combination of pork sausage, bacon, and ground beef, all expertly seasoned in-house for a flavor that's anything but a shank. Just like sinking a well-struck approach shot, each bite of this burger delivers an immensely satisfying experience. And the fries? They're the golf equivalent of a tap-in putt, sprinkled with Mulligan's secret "pixie dust" seasoning for a side that's simply magical. Featured on the prestigious "America's Best Restaurants" program on the Food Network, Mulligan's proves that you don't have to be on the back nine to enjoy a dining experience as rewarding as draining a monster birdie putt. Whether you've just finished your round or are simply passing through Colstrip, this is a dining experience that is akin to a hole-in-one.
2441 Main St. • Worden, MT • 406.967.2769
On The Rocks, a restaurant in the rural town of Worden, Montana, offers an urban-inspired burger that satisfies even the most refined palate, featuring locally-sourced beef from the owners' own cattle operation. Their OTR House Burger features a juicy patty topped with melted gruyere cheese, crisp lettuce, ripe tomato and a zesty house aioli, all served on a pillowy brioche bun. But what truly sets this burger apart is the bacon onion jam — a mouthwatering blend of caramelized onions and crispy bacon that adds a perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness to every bite.
112 E Holt St • Broadus, MT • 406.436.2760
Strike it big in Broadus with the Mother Of All Burgers—the MOAB. Powder River Lanes sought to create a top-of-the-line burger that outdoes all the ones who came before it. The MOAB features a ⅓ lb. patty, assembled between thick sliced Texas toast and filled with grilled onions, jalapeños and smothered in nacho cheese.
205 Spring St. • Terry, MT • 406.635.9913
It would be easy to drive past Terry on Interstate 94, but you'd be missing out. This small town is known for the majestic namesake badlands that span its backdrop. Across the street from the historic Kempton Hotel, you'll find this freshly renovated steakhouse that holds a touch of saloon-era nostalgia. It's your classic cowboy hangout, so you'd expect a likewise rough and tumble burger. Instead, they plate up an impeccable Fried Green Tomato & Bacon Burger that is eloquently drizzled with balsamic glaze. The attention to detail is obvious in this dish. Do yourself a favor and order the sweet potato fries as your side. You can thank us later.
1701 E Main St. • Laurel, MT • 406.628.8946
Sid's East Side is a staple establishment in Laurel and has been for the past 50 years. They proudly serve their food from scratch, that's what makes The Doc Holliday a phenomenal burger. Their homemade huckleberry chipotle barbeque sauce is like nothing you've ever tried before. To complement the barbeque sauce the burger features applewood smoked bacon and pepper jack cheese. If you're craving something juicy and wonderful, you've come to the right place.
2100 Cedar St. • Forsyth, MT • 406.346.1444
Arriving at a modest building, this eatery transformed from a mechanic shop to a restaurant when its retired construction owner grew weary of idleness. Recognizing a need for pizza in the community, he decided to venture into the culinary world. What began as a humble pizza joint with a back-door takeout service has evolved into a dining destination on the outskirts of Forsyth. With the introduction of their Smash Burger, this establishment now boasts a variety of best-selling dishes on its menu. Choose between a ¼ or ½ lb. beef patty sandwiched between homemade buns, and you'll find yourself exclaiming "YUM" with every bite. Their rendition of the smash burger features Pepperjack or American cheese, grilled onions, and their signature secret sauce.
106 N 28th St. • Billings, MT • 406.534.8702
This fine dining establishment in downtown Billings touts its own World Food Championship title. Named for the local zoo, the championed ZooM Burger is sure to leave you with the lingering flavor of perfection. Its patty is smothered with blackberry roasted jalapeño sauce, espresso rub, goat cheese, fried green tomatoes, cheddar cheese and a drizzle of honey. If this isn't one of the best burgers you will ever eat in your life, the truffle fries may just steal the show.
721 S Park St. • Broadus, MT • 406.436.2615
Stockman's Club serves up its legendary A-1 Burger, a culinary masterpiece that keeps patrons coming back for more. This juicy creation features a perfectly grilled beef patty topped with your choice of melted cheese, crispy bacon and caramelized onions. But the star of the show is undoubtedly the signature A-1 sauce — it elevates the burger from delicious to unforgettable. Served alongside crispy fries and enjoyed beneath a longhorn mounted cow head, this local favorite offers a taste experience that embodies the charm and flavor of small-town Montana.
420 Pacific Ave • Miles City, MT • 406.874.8458
If you are a lover of “all things hot,” you’ll hit the jackpot with the Spicy Buckin’ Bronco Burger at Tilt Würks Brewhouse. Start with ½-pound Angus burger and then go full tilt with Cajun spices, fresh jalapeño rings, smoke bacon, Cajun onion straws, ghost pepper cheese, topped with spicy slaw and drizzled with a jalapeño aioli. With all that bouncing around, you’ll need to ping a few games before you head home. This sandwich is more than worth the play.
612 Main St. • Miles City, MT • 406.234.5809
Tubb's is a friendly sports bar attached to the historic Montana Bar in Miles City, combining Old West charm with modern service. They are well-known for their remarkably crafted burgers, but if you're looking for a challenge, go with the Stuffed Burger. It is comprised of two handmade ¼ lb. Certified Angus patties, each famously stuffed with your choice of cheeses and stuffers, served on a brioche bun with beer battered French fries. Cowboy-up and ask your server about their ultimate stuffed burger challenge.
813 Main St. • Miles City, • 406.234.7878
This may be one of the most unique stops you can make on the burger trail because it’s not just a restaurant, it’s like a mini Wall Drug right in downtown Miles City. Vintage & Rustics takes up five original storefronts along Main Street. Alongside the antique booths and home goods, the store front doubles as a retro diner filled with colorful vintage counters and booths, taking you right back to the 1950s. Sink your teeth into the ultimate flavor explosion: The Lumberjack. This mouthwatering masterpiece features a succulent Kobe beef patty topped with crispy bacon, fiery jalapeños, and melty pepper jack cheese, all smothered in their signature homemade mac sauce and drizzled with tantalizing sriracha honey for a perfect balance of heat and sweet. Plan to spend time after your meal to browse through this expansive shop, walking off this authentic goodness..
211 Main St. • Ekalaka • 406.775.6639
This mom-and-pop restaurant is the friendly type of place where you pass around sections from the local weekly newspaper between tables. The name of this burger speaks for itself, Ekalaka's Favorite Cowboy Burger. This ¼ lb. patty is paired with substantial crispy onion rings, thick-cut bacon, jalapeños, Swiss cheese, drenched in locally made honey barbecue chipotle sauce. Favorably, the bun is sturdy enough to capture all the sauce without getting soggy part way through.