About
When setting foot in the picturesque town of Whitefish, there's an iconic spot known for decades to serve hearty fare: Buffalo Cafe.
The heart and soul behind Buffalo Cafe is the Maetzold family. Charlie and wife Linda opened the cafe in the late 70s. At the time, they were heralded as one of the best scratch-made breakfast and lunch restaurants in the Flathead Valley.
In 2008, with the help of their two sons, the Maetzolds met the growing demand from Whitefish by expanding the menu and renovating the restaurant. The result was a huge success, making Buffalo Cafe one of the top casual dining spots.
Known by locals as "the Buffalo," the restaurant offers a full-service menu serving the essence of Montana's rich culinary heritage.
The Buffalo Cafe embodies the spirit of Whitefish – a perfect blend of tradition and contemporary tastes. But Buffalo Cafe stands out with its 40-year longevity and unwavering commitment to quality.
They use locally sourced ingredients to assist Montana's abundant farms and ranches and, by doing so, create delicious meals with an authentic taste of Whitefish.
Many travelers have made Buffalo Cafe a regular haunt, undoubtedly drawn to its promise of fresh, delicious food cooked with Montana pride.
Vibe
Walking up to the Buffalo Cafe, you'll be greeted by its rustic exterior and iconic buffalo sign and know you're entering an authentic Montana establishment. Large windows reveal its buzzing interior, where wooden tables and vintage decor whisper tales of yesteryears.
The restaurant is always packed, so seating can take a while, but the food is worth the wait!
Buffalo Cafe is as laid-back as it gets and caters to travelers in hiking gear to families celebrating milestones. This eclectic mix of diners mirrors the vibe known as Whitefish, Montana.
Buffalo Cafe: Menu & Drinks
Buffalo Cafe's menu features hearty breakfast fare until 2 PM and lunch items. You'll pursue The Buffalo menu for dinner, but for now, let's zero in on breakfast.
One popular choice is the Big Sky Benedicts which features scratch-made Hollandaise sauce and is served on a toasted English muffin. Diners may choose the Traditional that includes locally sourced thick-cut ham or the bacon and avocado Benedict. Both are scrumptious!
For lunch, you can't beat any of their craft burgers. Made from local beef and cooked perfectly, these mouth-watering burgers come on a locally made bun from Ceres Bakery. Diners may choose either fries, salad, coleslaw, or cottage cheese as a side.
When you're ready for dinner, try their Bison Meatloaf, a hit with locals and tourists. This isn't the bland, dry variety you had as a kid, but it is a tasty culinary marvel. The meatloaf is covered with a black cherry glaze that adds the perfect balance of tart with the juicy bison. This Montana-size meal comes with roasted carrots & mashed potatoes.
The Buffalo Cafe serves various mimosas, craft Montana beers, and wines. Kids will want to try the locally made draft root beer or any made-to-order milkshakes using Peaks Ice Cream!
Whether on a Montana vacation or looking for authentic Whitefish dining, Buffalo Cafe promises hearty, palate-pleasing meals.
Local Tips
- Arrive early, especially during weekends. Buffalo Cafe fills up quickly!
- The root beer is divine, but refills aren't free.
- Ask for locally sourced jams to accompany your toast.
- Locals love the huckleberry pancakes; give them a whirl if they're available!
- Buffalo Cafe's coffee is a blend of Montana's finest beans.