Open Range Restaurant on Gallatin Road in Big Sky occupies one of the most enviable settings of any Montana restaurant — a mountain resort corridor that sees some of the state's highest-spending visitors during both ski season and summer. The kitchen builds its identity around Montana beef and wild game: the bison short rib is slow-braised over several hours until the collagen converts and the meat slides from the bone in glossy, rich sheets, served with a root vegetable reduction that concentrates the cooking liquid. The elk chop is prepared as a rack presentation, cooked medium-rare and accompanied by wild berry accoutrements that play to the regional hunting tradition without becoming overwrought. The huckleberry cheesecake closes the meal with Montana's most iconic wild fruit in a format that delivers both the cheesecake richness and the berry's distinctive tartness. The dining room reflects its mountain setting without veering into the staged rusticity of some resort restaurants: reclaimed wood, exposed stone, and views of the Gallatin Canyon corridor define the space. Service is polished and attentive, calibrated to the expectations of Big Sky's resort visitor demographic. Open Range operates primarily in ski season with daily dinner service and reduces to a Wednesday through Sunday schedule in summer. Reservations are recommended for any visit, and weekend winter tables should be booked in advance through the resort reservation system or directly with the restaurant.
Signature dishes
- Bison short rib
- Elk chop
- Huckleberry cheesecake
Good to know
- Known for
- Montana beef and wild game in a rustic mountain setting
- Hours
- Daily 5pm–9:30pm (ski season); summer Wed–Sun 5pm–9pm
- Reservations
- Recommended; call 406-995-7020
Location
47775 Gallatin Rd, Big Sky, MT 59716
45.2837, -111.3872 View on map
Highlights
- Bison short rib braised until silky and served with concentrated root vegetable reduction
- Elk chop as a rack presentation with wild berry accompaniments, a refined wild game preparation
- Gallatin Canyon mountain setting with reclaimed wood and exposed stone dining room
- Huckleberry cheesecake using Montana's most iconic wild fruit in a refined dessert
Tips for visiting
- Reserve well in advance for ski season weekends — Big Sky fills its restaurants during peak winter operation
- The bison short rib benefits from being ordered without modification; the kitchen's preparation is well-developed
- Summer hours (Wed–Sun) are more limited — confirm the schedule before making a special trip
- The elk chop is best appreciated at medium-rare; the kitchen's temperature recommendations are reliable
Accessibility
Open Range Restaurant is located along Gallatin Road in Big Sky. The dining room is accessible at grade, with parking adjacent to the building. Big Sky's mountain setting means some outdoor pathways may be uneven. Guests with mobility concerns should contact the restaurant to confirm current access conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between bison short rib and beef short rib?
Bison short rib comes from American bison, a leaner protein than domestic cattle with a slightly more minerally flavor. When braised low and slow, it behaves similarly to beef short rib but with a distinctly different fat profile.
Is Open Range Restaurant a resort restaurant, or is it open to the general public?
Open Range Restaurant is open to the general public and does not require a Big Sky Resort stay. Reservations are recommended for all diners regardless of accommodation.
Does the restaurant serve lunch?
Open Range is primarily a dinner restaurant. Lunch service is not typically offered; confirming current hours with the restaurant before visiting is advisable.
What are the seasonal hours?
Open Range operates daily for dinner during ski season (approximately November through April) and reduces to Wednesday through Sunday in summer. Off-season hours may vary; checking directly with the restaurant is recommended.