Don't judge a book by its cover.
After reluctantly "settling" for this place a few years ago, and after several re-visits, must say these folks are killing it. When I first walked in on the first visit, expecting disappointment, I was shocked to see a huge beer list (well over 100 selections, no kidding, many available to go) full of exotics and imports, sours, craft ciders, locals, regionals, and stuff I'd never even heard of. Several Japanese whisky offerings: holy shit, am I still in Montana? And then, a champagne/sparkling wine list with six or seven quality choices? I must be dreaming. I was stunned, and intrigued.
I was not disappointed by the menu, which has all of the usual Montana suspects, but most are made in-house, and with local ingredients. The local lamb burger is fantastic, and ridiculously cheap for the huge portion. This is not a lamb slider, it is a ten-seater lamb toboggan. For only NINE f***ing dollars, and it is so big that it makes me fear a food coma every time, and I am a big guy with a big appetite. Likewise the porkchop sandwich. To blaspheme a bit, the porkchop sandwich is better than Porkchop Johns and Muzz and Stans. Everything is ridiculously cheap in my opinion. House-made curry-pickled eggs with pretzels, pickled peppers, and hot mustard for a only a dollar each, custom local Andouille sausages, etc.
This is honestly my new go-to destination dining spot in Montana, and luckily it is right off the interstate. Even if I have no other reason to go to or stop in Big Timber, and I usually don't, except to fuel up, I think I will start incorporating the Timber Bar into my travel plans, and it is worth a trip just to eat and drink there. We are already planning a fishing/boating/eating/beer and cider tasting/collapsing in a hotel room trip there soon. Uber probably won't be there anytime soon, but Big Timber is small enough that stumbling is a reasonable option, and would be a good way to burn off some of the gluttony.
The service was also great and enthusiastic. One of the owners actually has the bar logo and name tatted on his arm; figuratively that spells "commitment". Everyone was knowledgeable, friendly, and casual, even the regulars at the bar. Our kids were also graciously accommodated, looked after and provided for, including the rare unicorn of a seating option for toddlers that works with high "bar" style tables and stools. read more