Local Life
Our Billings Favorites
We were born and raised in Billings, and after decades of calling it home, we’ve collected quite a few favorite places along the way.
This isn’t meant to be a list of everything Billings has to offer. It’s simply the coffee shops, restaurants, events, local businesses and Montana adventures we actually enjoy—and the places we’d tell a friend to try.
But first, coffee
Where We Grab Coffee in Billings
Coffee shops
From a quick coffee between appointments to somewhere worth slowing down for, these are a few of our go-to coffee stops around Billings.
Plush Coffee
Known for their flavored matcha lattes and homemade horchata—you can’t go wrong. Plus the decor and vibe is so fun!
Maple Moose
Great spot to try something new off their seasonal menu and grab the kids a fun soda.
City Brew
A Billings area staple with comfy seating for those longer coffee sessions or meetings.
Rock Creek Coffee Roasters
A downtown Billings staple you don’t want to miss before an annual St Patrick’s Day parade.
Good morning, Billings
Breakfast + Brunch
Breakfast & brunch
There are plenty of places to start a morning in Billings, but these are the ones we find ourselves recommending—and going back to.
Stellas
A longtime Billings favorite! Be sure to order their fresh squeezed orange juice.
Sophie’s Kitchen
A west end favorite.
- Terri’s Pick
Diamond X
Huge menu that everyone will find something to love—and don’t pass up on their bottomless mimosa bar.
Proof Donuts
Best breakfast burritos in town with an assortment of fun flavored donuts that give Voodoo Doughnut a run for their money.
A night out
Our Favorite Billings Date Nights
Dinner is great. Dinner plus somewhere to go afterward is even better.
These are some of our favorite ways to put together a night out in Billings—from dinner and drinks to concerts, shows and a few combinations we keep coming back to.
Featured date night
Ashley’s Pick
Ciao Mambo
- Stay there and get their Zeppolis (Italian donuts) for dessert
- Have a drink at the Asylum Distillery and then head to a concert at the Pub Station or MetraPark
Italian comfort food downtown—save room and stay for Zeppolis. On concert nights we love pairing dinner with a drink at Asylum Distillery before a show at The Pub Station or MetraPark.
Divide Bar & Grill + Shiloh or AMC
Eat at the Divide Bar & Grill and finish the night with a walk at the Shiloh Conservation Area when the weather is nice—or catch a movie across the street at the AMC theater.
Walkers + Doc Harper’s or the Speakeasy
Walkers for dinner followed by a night cap at Doc Harper’s or the Speakeasy that’s connected.
When someone asks, “Where should we eat?”
Casual Eats + Local Favorites
Restaurants
These aren’t necessarily the fanciest restaurants in town. They’re simply some of the places we genuinely enjoy and recommend when someone asks us where to eat in Billings.
- Terri’s Pick
Santera
Fresh Mediterranean flavors and a menu we never get tired of.
- Ashley’s Pick
Spitz
Mediterranean street food that hits the spot for a quick, flavorful meal.
- Great for lunch
Crisp and Green
Salads and bowls that feel light but still satisfying—great for lunch.
- Our go-to order
Jake’s West End
Classic Billings steakhouse energy on the west end.
- A Billings classic
The Burger Dive
A Billings classic for burgers done right.
Get out + explore
Things to Do in Billings
Attractions & activities
One of our favorite things about Billings is how many completely different ways there are to spend a free afternoon or weekend. These are a few places and activities we personally enjoy around town.
ZooMontana
Northern Rockies wildlife, botanical gardens, and rotating exhibits in a walkable park setting.
Pictograph Cave State Park
Short trails lead to caves with centuries-old rock art and wide views over the valley.
Moss Mansion
Historic home tours plus seasonal events—from murder mysteries and tea parties to Halloween bashes.
Billings Mustangs
Summer evenings at Dehler Park with baseball, skyline views, and a true local crowd.
Yellowstone Art Museum
Contemporary Western art and rotating shows in a downtown gallery worth an unhurried visit.
Swords Park & the Rimrocks
Paved and dirt paths along the rim with big-sky views over Billings and the Yellowstone River.
Mark your calendar
Annual Billings Events We Look Forward To
Annual events
There are certain events that just feel like part of the Billings calendar. Here are a few we look forward to seeing come around each year—check official sites for current dates.
Big Sky Balloon Festival
Hot-air balloons, glow nights, and a festive crowd spread across the Magic City.
Grape Stomp at Yellowstone Cellars
Harvest celebration with live music, food, and stomping grapes the Montana way.
The Nile Rodeo
Rodeo week energy downtown with parades, concerts, and Montana’s rich rodeo tradition.
MontanaFair
Carnival rides, concerts, fair food, and exhibits that bring the whole region together.
Magic City Blues Festival
Blues acts from near and far when Billings needs a little mid-winter warmth.
Parade of Lights
Downtown lit up for the holidays with floats, music, and a cozy small-city feel.
Worth the drive
Our Favorite Day Trips From Billings
Day trips from Billings
Living in Billings also puts some pretty incredible Montana scenery, small towns, and outdoor adventures within road-trip distance. When we have a free day—or a weekend—these are some of the places we’re likely to head.
Chico Hot Springs & Paradise Valley
Soak in the hot springs, dine at the historic resort, and catch live music at The Old Saloon in Emigrant.
Sage Lodge
Mountain-lodge dining and Yellowstone River views—pair with a concert night nearby when you can.
Yellowtail Dam & Bighorn Canyon
Boat launches, canyon overlooks, and water that feels a world away from town.
Red Lodge & Beartooth Highway
Small-town main street and one of the most scenic high-elevation drives in the country.
Cody, Wyoming
An easy cross-state day with western museums and a walkable downtown.
Natural Bridge Falls (Big Timber)
A short walk to a powerful waterfall and picnic spots in Sweet Grass Country.
Bozeman & Museum of the Rockies
Dinosaur exhibits and a college-town downtown—often paired with Bozeman Hot Springs on the way home.
Keep it local
Local Shops + Businesses We Love
Local shops
Some of the best recommendations are the little places you might not discover right away. These are a few Billings businesses we’ve personally enjoyed and love telling people about.
Great Harvest Bread Co.
Fresh-baked bread and treats—the smell alone is worth the stop.
Casual Space
Curated home and gift finds with a relaxed, welcoming shop feel.
SOMETHINGchic
Women’s fashion and accessories with a polished but approachable vibe.
Frae Everyday Goods
Everyday staples and gifts that feel intentional, not fussy.
D. James, Western Hat Co.
Custom hats and Western wear with true Billings craftsmanship.
Thinking about Billings?
There’s More to a Move Than Finding a House.
If you’re considering a move to Billings, we’re happy to help you get acquainted with the city while you figure out what you’re looking for in a home.
Tell us your price range, home and property preferences, commute considerations and other priorities, and we’ll help you explore available homes throughout the Billings area.