09/13/2024
# Taste of the West: A Mom's Guide to Family-Friendly Eats near The Yellowstone West Gate Hotel
Let me tell you, feeding a family while on vacation can be quite the adventure. But here in West Yellowstone? It's a breeze! As a mom of both little ones and teens, I've discovered that staying at The Yellowstone West Gate Hotel is like hitting the jackpot when it comes to keeping everyone happy, well-fed, and well-rested.
First off, can we talk about the rooms? Family rooms are very large! We had the option of a room with two queen beds and a queen sofa bed (perfect for families with younger kids) or one with three queen beds (a godsend for those with teenagers who no longer want to share). There’s even an apartment like room with a kitchenette! After a long day of exploring Yellowstone National Park, having space to spread out is priceless.
Now, let's dish about the food. Our days always start with a short walk to the Running Bear Pancake House. It's so close, even my "I'm too tired to move" teen doesn't complain. Talk about a breakfast that fuels you for a day of adventure! My teenagers can't get enough of their huge stacks of pancakes, while my little one adores their "bear cub" sized portions. And me? I'm all about their hearty omelets packed with delicious ingredients. There’s specialty coffee options, hot chocolate for the kids and pastries as well. It's become our morning ritual, and I swear the smell of coffee and syrup is enough to get everyone out of bed with a smile.
And let's not forget about those crisp Montana mornings when you need a quick, strong cup of coffee to face a day of family activities. Free Heel and Wheel has been my lifesaver. Their coffee selection is hands-down the best in town. Pair it with one of their yummy pastries and you've got the perfect start to your day. It's my little moment of zen before the day's excitement begins or my spot for a quick pickup in the middle of the morning of shopping!.
For other meals, West Yellowstone has some fantastic options. Firehole Barbecue Company is a must-visit. Oh. My. Goodness. This place is a carnivore's dream come true! My husband and teenage son practically drool at the mention of their name. And get this – they're not just locally famous, they're nationally recognized! Firehole Barbecue Company was even featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." My kids thought it was the coolest thing ever to eat at a restaurant that Guy Fieri visited. Their pulled pork is out of this world, and don't even get me started on the brisket. Even my picky eater cleaned her plate!
Other family options include Canyon Street Grill for old fashioned hamburgers, fries and milkshakes served in a fun, fifties environment. Or Timberline Cafe for homemade soups, a salad bar and bison meatloaf!
Now, if you've got a sweet tooth in the family (and let's be honest, who doesn't?), you've got to try the huckleberry ice cream. It's a local specialty that you can find at several spots around town. My youngest has dubbed it "purple heaven," and now it's all she talks about. It's become our special dessert treat, and hunting for the best scoop in town has turned into a fun family activity. We've tried it at so many places, I've lost count! Remember, calories don't count on vacation! (Okay, they do, but with all the exploring you'll be doing in Yellowstone, it all balances out, right? Right???)
But here's the real secret – and fellow moms, listen up – after a busy day of sightseeing and activities, sometimes you just want to relax in your room. That's where the Yellowstone West Gate Hotel really shines. Several places ( like Pete’s Pizza & Wild West Pizza, to name a couple) will deliver to the hotel and you can dine at the lounge area tables or in your spacious room while you watch a movie. Located in a quiet part of town, it's perfect for those evenings when you want to hang out, recharge and just review the sights you’ve seen together. We've had some of our best family moments curled up on the sofa bed, sharing stories about our day's adventures.
What I love most about the food scene here is how it changes with the seasons. In spring, we've enjoyed fresh salads that even got my veggie-averse son to eat something green. Summer brought us amazing berry desserts that had my daughter proclaiming she was going to become a "berry farmer" when she grows up. Fall? Oh, the apple treats! And in winter, there's nothing better than warming up with a hearty bowl of wild game chili or homemade soup after a day of snow adventures.
Staying at The Yellowstone West Gate Hotel has made our family vacations so much easier and more comfortable. There's plenty of space for everyone and being in a quieter part of town means we all get a good night's sleep, ready to tackle another day of Yellowstone adventures. There’s access to great breakfast options at the hotel and you have the flexibility to enjoy quiet “evenings in” when you need them yet you are still close enough to the central part of town to enjoy a good walk to local eateries, shopping and entertainment.
So, come on over to The Yellowstone West Gate Hotel where the rooms are great, the location is peaceful, and making your kids happy is a breeze. Your family's Yellowstone adventure awaits!
