EXPLORE WEST END
The West End 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.
The West End 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.
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 a bit more substantial check out BW Blacksmith Coffee & Grill for a thick breakfast burrito and a java chiller.
If you’re a doughnut connoisseur, don’t miss 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.
Mighty exploration can work up a mighty appetite, and thankfully there are plenty of great spots in The West End to fill you up. Visit Mackenzie River Pizza Co., a Montana-born company serving up wood-fired pizzas and pastas all across the state. Five on Black allows you to create your own authentic flavor-filled Brazilian bowl of goodness.
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. Or check out Cajun Phatty’s for gumbo, jambalaya and other authentic Cajun dishes. For sandwiches made on scratch-baked bread and with the freshest ingredients, you have a few amazing options: Great Harvest Bread Co., TopZ Sandwich Company or Staggering Ox. CJ’s Bar & Grill has been a local hot spot known for its apple wood-smoked meat, Texas mesquite wood-fired steaks and stellar seafood.
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. 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. Pakayor is another can’t-miss Thai restaurant downtown.
The West End is Billings’ premier shopping district with big retail and small boutiques to suit everyone’s taste. Set yourself up to dress to the nines at Runway Fashion Exchange or Boot Barn. Or shop for Montana-made gifts and creations at Joy of Living. The Basement adds an eclectic twist to a day of shopping with its mix of vintage finds, home goods and one-of-a-kind gifts.
Animal enthusiasts will love Exotic Pets, a specialty shop where you can observe (or maybe even take home) unique reptiles, amphibians and other fascinating companions. Finally, Rimrock Mall is the stomping ground of many, from Gen X to Alpha, and has served as a gathering place and shopping hotspot for over 40 years.
There are so many options for fun and relaxation in The West End. For a good flick and a bucket of popcorn, look no further than AMC Classic Theater. Or head to Ka-Ko Jo’s, with over 50 arcade games and a virtual reality RiLix Roller Coaster. For some baseball fun try Strikezone Batting Cages. Or head to D-BAT Billings, an indoor facility offering baseball and softball batting cages and training camps.
If you’re traveling with pets, let your dog run off some energy at Centennial Dog Park, with fenced-in areas, plenty of trails and doggie water fountains. Kids can 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.