West End - Old School Meets Trendy
May 16, 2023
Where Old School Meets Trendy
The Westend is where Generation X grew up, cruising the “strip”, buying mixed tapes and hitting the mall. It has since grown to artfully meld the vintage 80s vibe and its classic haunts with the popular trends of today. Enjoy great restaurants that have stood the test of time alongside modern favorites, shops that offer niche products, and things to do that have moved beyond revving up your deuce at the stoplight on 24th.
Where to Stay
There is no shortage of excellent places to stay, and most are within walking distance of good food, shopping and fun things to do for the whole crew. In addition to these West End hotels, a new Marriott Courtyard will open in summer 2024, so check back for more details.
Where to Eat
Breakfast Brews
With so many great places to pick up hot coffee and a breakfast bite, it can be hard to choose. Our recommendation is to try a different spot every day! First, stop by Black Dog Coffee on 24th St. While there are three locations in town, each one has a unique culture, and they all serve Revel and Stumptown coffee and delightful pastries. If you’re looking for something bit more substantial check out BW Blacksmith Coffee & Grill for a thick breakfast burrito and a java chiller, or maybe drop by for some fresh made daily bagels at Great American Bagel. If you’re a doughnut connoisseur, check out Proof Donuts & Coffee, a local company that makes scratch doughnuts daily, with flavors that are off the beaten path with Maple Bacon, The Homer (with cherry icing and sprinkles), and many more delectable creations. Don’t forget City Brew and Mazevo Coffee for some rich coffee blends and sweet pastries.
Micro Brews
Billings boasts some of the best micro-breweries in the region, so don’t miss a single happy hour. Check out By All Means Brewing, with several barrel-aged beers, robust IPA’s like the Phantasm Double or 41 Peaks, and featured brews like the Bamberry Smoothie. With a beautiful taproom, the tasting doesn’t pause with the beer. They offer a full menu with an upscale take on “bar food”, from the Chimichurri Fries with Coconut Jalapeno Sauce to hand-cut Montana steaks and every style of street taco. Canyon Creek Brewing is a local Westend favorite, with happy hour pints and a large selection of brews from Scottish Ale, IPA, Porter, Hefeweizen and more. The best place to stop after work with friends or to relax on the patio. Looking for something a little different? Check out DaKava House, offering the best non-alcoholic, alternative beverages made from the Kava plant from the South Pacific Islands.
Lunch
Living boldly can work up an appetite, and thankfully there are plenty of great lunch spots to satiate your taste buds. You can build your own personalized wood-fired pizza at Blaze Pizza, or visit Mackenzie River Pizza Co., a Montana-born and -raised company with a “Last Best Place” attitude, serving up wood-fired pizzas and pastas all across the state. If you’re not in the mood for pizza then scoot over to Five on Black and create your own authentic flavor-filled Brazilian bowl of goodness. Born out of a local college student’s love for Brazil’s cooking styles, the fare is simple, healthy and delicious. For sandwiches made on scratch-baked bread and with the freshest ingredients, you have several options. Stop by Great Harvest Bread Co. and grab something to go, and make sure you get a complimentary slice of bread to nosh on while you wait. TopZ Sandwich Company, a Montana-made business, makes sandwiches the old-fashioned way, piled high with the best ingredients. Try their chips and queso, they are hands-down the best you’ll ever have. Want something out-of-the-box? How about in a tin can? Check out the Staggering Ox for a unique take on the deli sandwich, with fresh bread baked in a tin can and stuffed full of your choice of meat, cheese, homemade sauces and of course the extras. Go against the grain and try the S.O.B. (Sandwich of Billings).
Dinner
If you hate taking shortcuts, then you’ll love slowing down to enjoy a specialty-crafted cocktail or velvety wine paired with the most excellent cuisines of the neighborhood. CJ’s Bar & Grill founded in 1978, has been a local hot spot known for its apple wood-smoked meat, Texas mesquite wood-fired steaks and stellar seafood. Be sure not to miss local favorite “skin on fries” with their signature BBQ sauce. For a traditional Montana steakhouse experience, visit Jake’s Bar & Grill. With a blend of western and urban design and a legacy of exceptional dining, you’ll experience the west the way it was meant to be, with locally raised food, great friends and a darn good time.
Step outside of your comfort zone and have an authentic Brazilian experience at Carverss Brazilian Steakhouse. Gauchos serve over 15 types of all-you-can-eat table side Churrascaria (artisan carved meats) along with unlimited sides and a salad bar. Enzo Bistro & Wine Bar is one of Billings' best-kept secrets. This award-winning restaurant and wine bar combines a European ambiance with delectable gourmet cuisine. Pro-tip: make your reservation for the Chef’s Table to experience firsthand the sights and smells of the kitchen action, and always order the crème brulé for dessert – it’s the best in town. Thai cuisine is also a fan favorite in Billings and there are several options. Try LemonGrass Thai and savor the Pad Thai or the Thai Red Curry with Chicken to experience all of the main flavors of a typical Thai meal. Siam Thai is a family-owned restaurant serving authentic and delicious Thai food with a full beer and wine selection. Order spring rolls and Tom Kha Kai while you wait for the Kang Keaw Wan (green curry) or Drunken Noodles.
Sometimes it’s just the night for pizza, and not just any ordinary pie. Village Inn Pizza Parlor has been an iconic landmark in Billings since the 1960s, serving up the same delicious pizzas for locals every day for over 50 years. It’s a blast from the past, and you’ll feel nostalgic sitting amidst the retro decor and playing the Pac-Man machine. Or order to go at Pie Guys Pizzeria and nab a signature pie with a side of their famous wings.
Shopping
Authentic Montana
The shopping scene is truly where old school meets the next generation. Take home some quality boots, from Stetson to Ariat and everything in between - you’ll find the perfect pair at the Boot Barn. Or stop by Shipton’s Big R for the largest selection of farm and ranch supplies, sporting goods for the outdoor enthusiast, and all you need to groom, feed and play with your pet. Buffalo Chips Indian Arts & Crafts has the finest American Indian craft materials and finished goods, with thousands of beads, crafting materials, one-of-a-kind items and jewelry. Just adjacent you’ll find one of the best kept secrets in Billings, DMeyers Custom Jewelers, with beautiful custom designs including unique Yogo and Montana sapphire settings.
Hobbies
Whether its playing sports, creating art, enjoying music or playing games, everyone has a hobby of some sort. Hansen Music is your musical outfitter, locally owned since 1947, their showroom carries the largest amount of stock in the region, from guitars, amps and drum kits to woodwind, string and brass instruments. Looking for your next game for family night? Dragon Egg Games has games from floor to ceiling, including trading cards, dice, and table top game gatherings and events. For the crafters out there, stop by Fiberworks Quilt Shop or Four Winds Quilting and find all the inspiration and materials for your next project. Love to golf? Check out The Tee Box for the latest and best gear for your next 18 holes, or try out the simulator if it’s just too cold to get out on the course. And for all your other sporting needs, stop by Universal Athletic, born from a college student’s idea out of Broadus, Montana in 70’s, they offer the best equipment, apparel, and footwear for any athletic enthusiast. You’ll also find all your Montana State Bobcat or University of Montana Grizzly gear.
Specialty Markets
Sometimes the right foods can only be found at a local food market. Chalet Market has been offering specialty products and gifts since 1977. They create the perfect gift boxes with Montana made meats, cheeses, jams, condiments and huckleberry items, along with so much more. They also have a delicious deli and offer catering. You should also stop by Ranch House Meat Co & Sausage Co and consider the large variety of Montana sourced beef jerky, snack sticks, and summer sausage for your next adventure. Their fan favorites are the Philly Cheesesteak and Cheddar Jalapeno summer sausages. There is also the fabulous Isabela Asian Market, a local hot spot for fresh Asian fruits and vegetables, dry goods, freezer foods and snacks.
Trending
For inspired gifts that are fun and unique, head to Joy of Living, a family-owned favorite with items that are inspiring, funny and beautiful for either a friend or yourself! When you’re done shopping, scoot next door and treat yourself to some well-earned pampering at Sanctuary Spa & Salon.
The Banyan Tree Boutique is a locally owned clothing boutique with the best trending styles for women in any season of life, and all their products are thoughtfully handpicked by the owner to compliment any wardrobe. Rimrock Mall is the stomping ground of many, from Gen X to Alpha, and has served as a gathering place and shopping mecca for over 40 years. Find unique shops and all your favorite brands, along with a diverse food court and activities to boot. There are also plenty of big box stores, from Hobby Lobby, Home Goods, and World Market to Sierra Trading Post, Target, TJ Maxx and more.
Things to Do
There are so many options for fun and relaxation in Westend Billings. For a good flick and a bucket of popcorn, look no further than AMC Classic Theater. Or head over to the front entrance of the local mall where you’ll find Ka-Ko Jo’s, with over 50 arcade games, a virtual reality Rilix Roller Coaster, and pizza and snacks to keep you going. For some baseball fun try Strikezone Batting Cages, an outdoor option for getting some hitting practice, or head to D-BAT Billings, an indoor facility offering baseball and softball batting cages and training camps. Hit the links at Yegen Golf Club, a great public course right in the heart of the neighborhood, and then let your dog run off some energy at Centennial Dog Park, with fenced-in areas, plenty of trails and doggie water fountains.
For the kiddos, let them bounce off the walls at Get Air Trampoline Park playing on the trampolines or in the foam pit, or get your old school groove back and show the youngsters how it’s done at Skate World Billings. Looking for a spot for your little guys? Take them to Monkey Around Play Café, with indoor play equipment and interactive play for kids aged 10 and under. Don’t forget to stop by Softies for a fun treat to the end the day, it’s the best little walk-up ice cream shop, with cones, shakes, slushies, and plenty of mix-ins. They usually open in early April and run all the way through October.
