Tamarack Brewing Company — Restaurant in Kalispell

If it wasn't for my most recent experience on my last visit, this review would have nothing but praise and props for the Tamarack. Their excellent service, diverse menu, delicious brews, and most of all the atmosphere were all things I would have highlighted. The last time me and the family went to enjoy our favorite restaurant however, it was an experience that left a bitter taste in my mouth that will likely end our patronage for good. It was a weekday evening. My family and I decided to make the long trek from Whitefish to Lakeside, to enjoy our (my) favorite eatery in and around the Flathead Valley. We checked online for their hours of operation that day and seen we had plenty of time to get there before closing. We arrived at the Tamarack and made it in the door at 9:34 PM. We don't normally stroll into an establishment with less than 30 min before closing out of respect for the staff as I know how frustrating that can be, having worked in the service industry the better part of my adult life. We had every intention on compensating our service staff for the inconvenience. There were probably 3-4 varying parties of people already in the dining room. I noticed 2 employees making their rounds in the dining room and a bartender, concluding they were not "in the weeds" and had the staff on hand to handle my family consisting of me, my lady, and our 3 year old son. I happened to look at the seating chart to see how many servers were on hand and their were two names written in. Jayson and Charlee. We continued to wait patiently at the host stand for someone to seat us, and I had made eye contact with both servers a handful of times. No one came to greet us or inform us there would be a bit of a wait. I witnessed an exchanging of words between the 2 servers which I could clearly see they were discussing which of the 2 would be willing to seat my family and I in their section. After their little pow-wow, the girl approached us to inform us that the kitchen was closed for the evening. I then informed her of the hour long drive we made to dine there, and that online it stated they were still open. She just dismissed my argument and walked away. We initially arrived with just under an hour before closing and still had about a half an hour by the time we were told they had closed the kitchen. We even witnessed a table recieve some food items after being told the kitchen was already closed. We left and ended up making the best of it by visiting another local restaurant that was still serving food. Shout out to Maverick's (specifically Tonna) for being so hospitable and displaying what it is to be a professional in the service industry. Thank you Jayson and Charlee. Your obvious need to get off work early superseded your desire to be professionals and take our business. Which ultimately destroyed my desire to visit your establishment, changed my public opinion of the Tamarack, and led to this lengthy review, of which I hope you and your managers find the time to...

Tamarack Brewing Company was part of that rebirth of Lakeside that happened several years ago. In a sense, they led the way. I used to spend quite a few summers in the area (as a person who used to live in the area and now visits family in the summer and winter months). I have been here on several occasions and can easily understand why my ex-father-in-law loved it. I also like it. At one point, it stood out. Now it is more a part of the place that Lakeside has become and is becoming (which is good or bad, depending on your perspective and the tilt of your hat).

Relative to similar places on or around the lake, it is a touch pricey considering what you get. Granted, prices have gone up everywhere. But it is aiming for a price point that wouldn’t be out of place in other, more urban, settings (setting aside the fact that it caters to locals in the off-seasons). So, I think some of the reviews are right to point this out.

Thing is, for the most part, they justify their prices with what they serve. The beers (and I am not a big beer drinker) are fine. Plating is usually on point (if you care about that ). I think their burgers stand out. Other items (like the railroad ties, which are a mushy mess, or the brewery bites, which are under-cooked and lacking in flavor) are so-so. The side salads are quite small and feel like they are prepared as an afterthought, while the main salads are generously portioned. The rib eye is way overpriced. On the other hand, the pork burrito is large and has a nice amount of spice and flavor.

Others note that there is plenty of parking. And that counts during the summer. Wait time can be an issue. But, again, if you are here in the summer, that is obvious given the other options in the area. The aesthetic is what I guess I would call Western-Industrial, a sort of homage to the lumber-sexual vibe of decades past. I have no issue with it. And one reviewer is right: having the creek in the back by the outside tables is a great thing, as watching kids wander around and wade in it is a nice touch. I also think their website’s wording is occasionally precious. You aren’t really “nestled” anywhere and to call your location a “habitat” is fun word stuff. But I get it. You are leaning into your vibe and trying to sell it.

Overall, I am never unhappy after coming here (notice my wording). But I know what to expect. And I guess that is mostly on me and...

Really sad, we are native Montana, when they opened the restaurant we were so excited, the food was awesome, the service awesome and the prices where awesome. Yes it cost more than other places, but we didn't mind because it was so good on every level. Last night our family decided to eat out, we decided to go to the tamarack, because everyone remembered how good it was, we all ordered drinks, first shock, wine and mixed drinks, four in total, $ 48.00. We were seated and moved on to dinner and yes the prices were higher, but given the climate we were not shocked, we ordered two steaks a salad and the fish. The steaks weren't cooked as ordered, the salad looked as if someone grabbed a hand full of lettuce and put it in a bowl with chicken, the fish was really cooked (I guess that's good) we were very disappointed in all our meals. I don't mind paying for a good experience and good food, this was definitely not the case last night. We made a comment to our waiter, on the cost of drinks and the food quality, his reply was simply "this is cheap compared to other places" again not opposed to paying for an awesome experience and awesome food. We all made the same comment, we wouldn't go back, which is disappointing because we really liked the restaurant. I have never posted on anything in my life , I hope the owners read this....