The Branch Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in West Yellowstone

Ended up here because it was close to the main drag, and the railroad memorabilia piqued my interests (had a nice rail scene outside that continued into the building with an actual period passenger rail car with historical infographics).

Was quickly met by an awkward transition into some sort of sports bar that had a few big tvs hanging on the walls and some Yellowstone-esque posters in-between (the park, not the Kevin Costner tv show, mind you).

Our server, Myles - was very professional and attentive, and sitting down, we expected the menu prices would probably be a bit high, being the touristy town it is (where something as American as the Big Mac combo at McD's is Snoop-Dogg comparable) - but being it's my wife and I's honeymoon - thought we'd throw caution to the wind and splurge a bit on our entrees. Her - the citrus salmon, me the 12 oz. "blackened bleu" NY strip, ($32 and $36, respectively). Figured it would at least be a memorable last meal before heading home.

Our meals arrived very quickly - which I assumed was because the kitchen just wasn't that busy at the time (in retrospect, a red flag?) - but any excitement we had slowly started to melt away after a few bites.

'Caesar' salad straight-up looked and tasted like your average grade-school salad bar, with that weird imitation ranch dressing, but at least the croutons were pleasantly crunchy (my school had only perfected stale).

The citrus salmon was true to the name - infused with lemons, which also adorned the plate for those wishing to double-down and pucker - but a bit heavy on the oil, which must really be something when your Italian wife mentions it.

The steak is really what we need to discuss though... with cattle farms a plenty in the area - surely they could get better cuts than these (a bit better than Golden Coral, or possibly Applebee's - but no Texas Roadhouse or Longhorns).

Apparently the chef's interpretation of 'blackened' is coarse black pepper flakes, and 'bleu' is in name only (the Rockefeller sauce was COMPLETELY absent). Don't get me wrong - S&P is the life for me - but when I brought this to our server's attention - according to him - it's never been present on any previous servings. That right there is sad enough to bring a tear to a glass eye.

Maybe it was an off night, or maybe the best chef took off to elope with a park ranger - but either way, this stop was a let down to these meat-loving red-blooded/red-voting firecracker-shooting motorbike riding mid-westerners. Bad gas travels fast in a small town, please get...

I usually don't single out employees, especially not in blue collar jobs because I know minimum wage is hard. But the waitress we got, Tamara, needs at the very least a stern talking to. When my order came out wrong (the fist time, which granted might have been the chef's fault, in which case they need reprimanding too) she complained that she "doesn't have time for this" First of all, if you're frustrated, you're not really supposed to outwardly express that to the customers. But the restaurant was empty save for us and one other family; if this is your idea of being under pressure, maybe you're not cut out for this job. That other family, though, is why I decided to write this. She talked to the Asian/Asian-American family a few tables away like they were five. I couldn't hear their side of the conversation very well so MAYBE the parents didn't speak English? But there was still no excuse for the treatment they received. She literally prefaced a response to a follow-up question with "I just told you" We had follow up questions too, and while her behavior was weird, she didn't talk to US like that. She did take 10% off our bill, and that says she was at least aware she was screwing up, so my verdict was downgraded from "she should be fired" to "harsh performance review" but the person who really deserves the apology and discount was the other family! I'd also add that someone should tell her putting your hand on a customer's back can be construed as a friendly sign of reassurance to some, but also an uncomfortable invasion of personal space to others. I gave this place 2 stars because the atmosphere is pretty impressive and the food is tasty (the broccoli was a little raw) once they remember to serve you what you ordered; I get the impression I would be giving a very different review if we had just had a different server. The restaurant is actually pretty good in terms of gluten free options, but they absolutely have to do something about the racial insensitivity and general unprofessionalism of...

I was just going to mark it up to the restaurant hooked to a motel and move on, but the server's stupid laugh got me to post.

There clearly is some type of tension or dynamic going on. My server, the bar tender and "the other server" had an issue.

Dear Manager, tell you people not to work out their problems in front of clients. The "server" says to the bar tender "we need to talk". Bartender, "there is nothing to talk about"!

The service was slow, but the bartender had a lot to cover. I got wings and chill. Bision, elk chill. It was flavorless, absolutely bland. The wings were OK at best. The Pendleton was good as always.

Their menu had peach crisp. Loving peaches i asked for cobbler. The bartender corrected me, and I sad as long as it was peach something I am happy.

Well it comes out, not peach. It is apples, on a skillet, with half a handful of oats on it. Zero seasoning. Bland like everything else. I had three bites and pushed it away. The "server" has the bus boy take the plate. Not thinking to ask if it was OK, because a lot of it was left. This is the same server that reached over my shoulder to get a bottle of ketchup from behind the bar because he couldn't be bothered to walk 6' around the bar.

I make a comment in a sarcastic tone, "someone should explain the difference between peaches and apples to the kitchen". His little laugh, like I am an idiot is what pushed me to post.

Find something else in town. Just because it is West Yellowstone doesn't give them a pass. I figured, dinner and I get point to my hotel app. Not worth the points.

The bartender was good, his kitchen cost him...