Montana’s Most Charming Restaurant Has a Nostalgic Twist

I think theme restaurants are making a comeback.

Take a look at Casa Bonita just outside of Denver, Colorado. With a little celebrity influence and a hefty renovation, the restaurant is so popular now they're announcing January reservations in November.

Sure, some theme restaurants have lost their appeal, but it's a magical experience when it's done right. You don't have to be a kid to enjoy them either.

Part of my claim that theme restaurants are making a comeback is because a theme restaurant in Montana has been named the most charming restaurant in Montana, and its theme is what gives it charm.

Montana's Most Charming Restaurant

Lovefood.com compiled a list of the most charming restaurants in every state with rankings. Montana's restaurant may have only ranked #33 on the list, but they still have a solid pick for Montana's most charming restaurant.

Have you ever eaten at Sparky's Garage? 

I appreciate that lovefood.com featured the Dillon location, a Montana town that deserves more love IMO. Sparky's Garage has two locations: one in Dillon and one in Butte. I've eaten at the one in Butte and I agree, the restaurant is delightfully charming, especially if you like vintage cars, nostalgia, or that legacy Montana bar vibe.

What really sells the experience is the memorabilia and authenticity. You can actually sit at a table converted from a 1950 Chevy pickup. On top of the ambiance, the food is excellent.

A fun feature of their menu is that you can "like" the menu items. You'll see hearts with numbers next to the food descriptions. Using this system as a guide, people really like the "Lugnutz" and the Mac N'Cheese.

If you're looking for more great places to eat in Montana's small towns, check out our guide, Unlikely Places in Montana to Get a Good Meal, or keep scrolling if you're looking for the best steak in Montana.