Soul of Montana

1. Rose Room

Hwy 89 on Secondary Hwy 221, Pendroy

Ivan Doig country, named for Levi Boots Pendroy who helped survey the area. Also the location for the film Dry Rain, based on a story by Pete Fromm. The Rose Room features a bar and dining room, built in an old bank building.  Owned by Doreen and Bob Scheeler since the 70s. People say, “What a find!, pretty fancy, cloth napkins, best steak and lobster, a state of mind.” Locals come from miles around to partake.  406-469-2205

2. Matt’s Place

2339 Placer St, Butte

Winner of a James Beard Foundation American Classic award in 2016.  A landmark since 1930, it was Montana’s first drive-in. Now run by Mae Waddell’s family, top menu choices include milkshakes, home-made ice cream, and the nut burger with mayo and nuts on top.  Features an old-fashioned soda fountain. Open except between Christmas and March. 406-782-8049

3. 600 Café

600 Main St, Miles City

Operated by the Grentz family since 1946, open from 5 a.m.-2 p.m. except Mondays.  Two large rooms: one called the Hole in the Wall has tables and serves hand-cut steaks.  The other has counter space and booths, often crowded with locals in Wranglers and Carhartt jackets starting their day with a delicious old-fashioned breakfast. 406-234-3860

4. Dutch Henry’s Club

Peerless, near Scobey 

Tiny town, pop. 23, on Main St. sits the handsome Dutch Henry’s Club, named after a notorious horse thief.  Owned by Taryn Hauk, the club has square tables, a huge dance floor, and great western art (42 prints) on the walls.  Two pictures show thieves’ dens; one explains how thieves would enlarge wolf dens as hiding places.  A gentler claim to fame is the town’s brand of potato chips. 406-893-4389

5. Homestead Café

7262 US Hwy 93, Lakeside

Across from Flathead Lake

Serves breakfast (“bad ass breakfast”), lunch until afternoon, homestyle cooking.  Bar and casino, fun summer games, also sells antiques.  Owned by Cindy Hendrick. 406-844-3926