The well-detailed Russell’s Fireside Dining Room(Lake McDonald Lodge, 406/892-2525, 6:30–10 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m., and 5–9:30 p.m. daily late May–late Sept., dinner $10–23, no reservations accepted) has a faux-hunting-lodge theme that strongly influences the dinner menu (think wild game). Even if you just stop in for a bowl of chili or a salad, the ambience (more than the passably decent food) makes it worth a visit. If the dining room seems to be just too expensive or too much of a production, the lodge’s cozy Stockade Lounge (406/892-2525, 11:30 a.m.–midnight, under $10) is a good bet for a buffalo burger and a beer.
Across from the lodge, Jammer Joe’s Grill and Pizzeria (11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. mid-June–early Sept., $6–12) serves good beer and tolerable food that’s less expensive than the lodge dining room.
Don’t turn up your nose at Eddie’s Cafe (406/888-5361, 7 a.m.–9 p.m. daily early June–mid-Sept., $7–20); it’s a good place to pick up lunch (sack lunches $9) before heading out on a hike. Desserts and ice cream are especially tempting here.