Roadhouse Diner — Restaurant in Great Falls

My family and I were visiting Great Falls for several days and prior to arriving, I had researched several restaurants to try for our entire visit. Roadhouse Diner was on the list and we ended up visiting on the evening of 10 Aug 2024 with family who resides in Great Falls. We arrived towards the end of their business hours (had ~52 minutes to spare before closing), so the restaurant wasn't overflowing with customers. Although it wasn't overflowing, the restaurant still had all their tables filled which showcases this business' popularity. The one trend I noticed from online Google reviews were that several people had mentioned how they felt this restaurant's burgers were the "best they ever had" (or the "best in Montana/town"). Being a resident in Las Vegas, Nevada and having traveled to a lot of places in and out of the United States, I've had my fair share of exquisite burgers and I'd say that those statements are very bold statements to make. But to be fair, some folks have never had the privilege of traveling out of state so these statements may hold value. Regardless, I can't say I agree with those claims based on my recent visit...but there were several key elements that were great.

Our table ordered the Sin City Burger w/Mushrooms, Mother Clucker w/Pepper Jack and Chipotle Mayo, Hillbilly Sweet and Spicy Burger, Lowrider Burger, and Old School Burger w/Mushrooms and Bacon. First and foremost, the flavor profile of each burger/chicken sandwich was superb! The shoestring fries were a refreshing change to the conventional fries, waffle fries, curly fries, and steak fries that others serve at their businesses...and they tasted magnificent. This business advertises via Google, "Big burgers with creative toppings..." I can't agree with the "big burgers" wording because I felt the burger size was just moderate; however, I can agree that they have creative toppings, especially for a smaller city like Great Falls. I was a little bummed that they don't offer tomatoes for their burgers, but I won't lose sleep over it either. After I left the restaurant, I realized that the server never asked how I/we wanted our burgers prepared (temperature-wise), which was different for me - not sure if that's standard.

As for the service...I'd say it was adequate. Our primary server (I think her name was Brandi, based on the receipt), did an ok job. She was attentive; however, she could've been a little more friendlier. At one point, she "tossed" our napkins on our table towards someone instead of just placing it on the table. Although, it "may" not have been intentional, it was displeasing to say the least. I would've much enjoyed having the young female who was greeting people at the door and cleaning tables as our server - she was significantly friendlier and smiled a lot more.

Overall, I'd say this restaurant was ok, as depicted in my 3-star rating. If I were to visit this city again sometime down the road, I would be interested in trying some of the other burgers on their menu. But I can't say this place is worth eating routinely if I were staying here for a long duration - I've experienced burger restaurants that have left that lasting impression, resulting in being infamous in that capacity. Nevertheless, I'm still recommending this restaurant to others - definitely worth trying at least once, and the prices...

Phenomenal burger joint we happened across while visiting Great Falls Montana!

So, quick setup...me, my boyfriend, his mom, sister, aunt, and nephews are in town here from Washington state for the Montana Little Shell Chippewa Tribe Powwow. Mom is recently enrolled, and we're meeting new family! This is the first Powwow since being federally recognized (kind of a big deal)!

Anyway, new town, new food, so I'm looking for the best, not anything we can get back home ya know. I love supporting local, so I'm also looking for mom and pop, or stand alone restaurants.

I search for food near me (as I'm sure many do), and get a list and start searching... find "Roadside Diner", click and read, actually I look at the pictures first lol see if it looks good. It does, so I go to the website. Cool website! Intro tells the story... man, these folks are big on supporting local farmers. All beef brought in is local. They grind and form patties all day, so super fresh! Their buns are baked fresh daily! Their potatoes are sourced locally, nothing but Montana potatoes served there, and though they are really little, ya know, like shoe string cut fries, I finished nearly all of them! I need to add that that is a big deal because I'm not usually a fry fan. Oh and use the Roadie fry sauce, the one with Worcestershire! The stuff was banging! My guy and I had the Winchester burger. The bacon on there was no joke! And the bacon grease grilled onions, dude, get out, so good!

Danica was our server. She was awesome! She got with us to check in on us often, but not like too much where it was a nuisance, but just right, where it was pleasant to see her each time. We noticed when she wasn't helping us or helping other patrons coming in she was cleaning, like good! Wiping chair and table legs down, keeping the floors clean, making sure the place was top notch.

The overhead music was old school Metallica, Judas Priest and the like. It was cool. Not too loud, but enough to enjoy and still have a conversation at the table. The art on the wall is created by one of the owners who is/was (not sure if still is) a graphic designer. Very funky posters!

The whole place (which isn't very big) just had a super cool vibe as soon as you walk in! I am so glad we chose to go there! It did not...

I had previously reviewed the Roadhouse Diner a 3/5 from an experience over a year ago. I went back today and my how the experience had changed, and for the better. I entered the restaurant at 11:25AM 04/14/21. It had a smaller (one might call cozy) seating area which was well kept and clean with a low ceiling and interesting themed wall art. I was seated promptly and brought menus. The menu was well organized, simple and to the point while being easy to navigate. Service throughout the meal was excellent. Our server was attentive and upbeat from start to finish. We ordered two sodas, a winchester burger w/fries, and a thai-ger burger w/ fries. We also had two dipping sauces, fry sauce and Chipotle mayo. I ordered my Winchester burger medium, hold the onions and my wife ordered her Thai-ger burger medium rare. Drink and food were brought out in a flash. We each recieved a large portion of shoe string fries. They were salted appropriately but were somewhat inconsistent in shape with some being very crispy, some not as much. The dipping sauces were a hit. I enjoyed the fry sauce and a hit of Chipotle mayo now and then as well. Now on to the main event, the burgers. My Winchester was full of flavor. The bun was fresh and full, the bacon was thick and crispy, and the patty was juicy, tender and well seasoned. The crossroads sauce complimented the flavors well and the cheddar cheese was melted and added just the right amount of sharpness. My burger patty was cooked more on the well side rather than medium but that didn't stop me from enjoying it. The only criticism I had was the grease, there was quite a lot of it which turned the lower bun into a sponge. My wife's burger was a similar story. Hers also came out more on the well side of medium and was a bit greasy but overall the flavor and quality of ingredients won out. Having paid for our meal at 11:55 AM we recieved a couple of complimentary stickers that I'm sure my 4 year old son will enjoy and a wave good by from the staff. Overall a vast improvement from our last visit. I'm sure I'll be back for more in the future. I highly...