GREAT FALLS AND THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN FRONT - Montana and Wyoming - page 126

FOOD
In a historic building downtown, Bert & Ernie's Tavern and Grill (300 1st Ave. S., 406/
453-0601, www.bertandernies.com , 11am-10pm Mon.-Sat., $11-25) is something of a Great
Falls institution. The food is simple and hearty with a variety of homemade soups, big
salads, sandwiches, and burgers.
Another iconic restaurant in Great Falls is Borrie's (1800 Smelter Ave., 406/761-0300,
5pm-10pm Mon.-Fri., 4pm-10pm Sat.-Sun., $10-60), an old-school supper club with ex-
cellent steaks, seafood specials (including the $60 lobster tail), and legendary homemade
pasta sauce and ravioli. The atmosphere leaves something to be desired, but this is a classic
Montana dining experience with great specials several nights a week. During the winter,
Borrie's may close earlier than 10pm, so call ahead.
One of Great Falls' most well-known restaurants is a local pizza joint, Howard's Pizza
(713 1st Ave. N., 406/453-1212, www.howardspizzamt.com , 4pm-midnight daily, $12-19),
started in 1959. Much beloved for its signature thin crust, famous sauce, and homemade
ranch dressing, there are now four locations citywide for dining in, takeout, or delivery.
Another Montana success story, Great Harvest Bread Company (515 1st Ave. N.,
406/452-6941, www.greatharvestgreatfalls.com , 6am-6pm Mon.-Fri., 6am-4pm Sat.) is a
national chain that started in Great Falls in 1976. Their motto starts “Be loose and have
fun,” and the food follows suit with wonderful, inventive offerings ranging from cranberry
crunch bread with flax seeds and oat bran to white chocolate cherry bread and the more
savory buttery basil oregano bread. The menu revolves around their wonderful fresh-baked
bread and is filled with delicious hot and cold sandwiches. And their cinnamon rolls,
muffins, and toe-curling brownies will leave you begging for mercy.
For a step back in time, Fifth Street Diner (500 Central Ave., 406/727-1962,
8:30am-2:30pm Mon.-Sat., 9am-2pm Sun., $2-12) is located in a refurbished Woolworth's
and centered around the original F. W. Woolworth stainless steel lunch counter. The menu
offers standard comfort food ranging from steak and eggs to burgers and meatloaf. The
shakes and malts should not be missed. Even for breakfast!
Big Mouth BBQ (1720 10th Ave. S., 406/727-7095, www.bigmouthbbq.us , 11am-8pm
daily, $7-12) is not for the faint of heart. The $20 Big John Challenge entices diners to eat
three chicken-fried steaks with gravy sandwiched between two grilled cheese sandwiches
served with one pound of fries topped with chili and cheese. Those who can finish in 30
minutes or less get the whole shebang (and some serious heartburn) for free. Less maniacal
eaters can enjoy Texas-style pit-smoked meats, po'boys, fried pork tenderloin, ribs, and all
the fixings.