The first impression was one that was perhaps a bit forgettable, as the aesthetic of the restaurant doesn’t exactly share all of its secrets until you enter and enjoy the feast within. The restaurant is a marrying of two kitchens and many styles of cuisine, and is so much more than an all-you-can-eat type joint. The restaurant is two in one, with two separate kitchens. One is open all day and is modeled like a classic diner with breakfast and dinner. The other is dinner only, and specializes in home style cooking. The concept is interesting, and one that I was excited to see work well, because having one large kitchen and one menu can be difficult to master for some, let alone two!
My curiosity was soon sated after arriving, as I enjoyed the brisket, which was amazingly tender and very flavorful and delicious. The gravy was great, but the star for me was among the simple things. The fry bread with honey butter was phenomenal. I would come just for the bread and butter. I’ve had traditional fry bread, and while it wasn’t the same as natives used to make, it was intensely enjoyable. Leah and I also tried out and loved every morsel of the chicken, the sweet tea, and our desert. Although the Nite Owl might appear as a traditional local diner with decent eats, it’s packing all sorts of flavor and culinary goodness inside that I never expected prior to my first visit. We loved everything about our meal and will surely be back!
522 9th Street W
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
(406) 892-3131
https://www.niteowlbackroom.com