Riverhouse Big Sky: The Best Spot for Authentic Texas Barbecue in Montana

If you’re craving authentic Texas barbecue with a Montana twist, the Gallatin Riverhouse Grill Big Sky should be at the top of your list. It’s located along the peaceful Gallatin River and offers a mouthwatering dry-rubbed BBQ with stunning views and a laid-back atmosphere.

Whether you’re enjoying a beer on the back porch, savoring their famous Riverhouse BBQ, or hosting special events, there’s something here for everyone. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly why Riverhouse serves as both a local hangout and a destination worth the trip.

What You Should Know About Riverhouse Big Sky

riverhouse big sky bbq
Riverhouse is a sprawling, wide open venue with a massive bar.

Riverhouse Big Sky is a family-friendly restaurant known for its flavorful dishes inspired by Texas Hill Country BBQ. It was founded in 2013 by Kyle Wisniewski and Greg Lisk, who wanted to create a place where locals and visitors alike could enjoy great food in a relaxed setting. Their love for slow-smoked meats led to the creation of a menu that keeps people coming back.

The Riverhouse sits along the peaceful Gallatin River and offers incredible views of the Spanish Peaks. Guests can enjoy meals on the back porch, surrounded by Montana’s natural beauty.

This restaurant is open daily with seasonal hours: 3 PM to 9 PM in the winter (October to May) and 3 PM to 10 PM in the summer (June to October). It’s closed on Thanksgiving, and reservations aren’t accepted, as seating is first-come, first-served. With its casual vibe, Riverhouse Big Sky is perfect for a quick stop or for celebrating with friends and family.

What’s on the Menu at Riverhouse Big Sky

riverhouse bbq big sky
We had more than enough to feed 7 hungry men!

The menu at Riverhouse Big Sky is packed with flavorful options that showcase their passion for authentic Texas-style barbecue. From slow-smoked meats to homemade sides and indulgent desserts, there’s something for everyone.

BBQ Specialties

The heart of the menu is their authentic Texas barbecue. Meats such as brisket, pulled pork, smoked sausage, tri-tip, and baby back ribs are dry-rubbed with a secret blend of spices and smoked over mesquite wood for 12 to 18 hours. Each plate comes with comforting sides such as beans, corn, slaw, and cornbread.

Sides

Homemade sides are a perfect complement to the BBQ. You can choose from coleslaw, BBQ beans, cornbread, fries, onion rings, broccoli, or baked potatoes. These sides add the perfect touch to any meal.

Appetizers and Small Plates

At Riverhouse Big Sky, you can start your meal with crowd favorites such as fried cheese curds, Riverhouse wings, sweet corn nuggets, fried okra, onion rings, or burnt ends. Now, these shareable plates are great for a group or as a starter before diving into the main dishes.

Burgers and Tacos

For something different, try the Big Tex Burger, topped with BBQ sauce, pepper jack cheese, bacon, and jalapeños. If you’re in the mood for tacos, they offer options such as brisket or pulled pork street tacos served with fries and slaw.

Family-Style Meals

Planning to share? The family-style BBQ platters let you sample a little of everything. They include fried chicken, smoked sausage, pork, brisket, and sides, with portions available for groups of two or four.

Desserts

Don’t forget dessert! You can treat yourself to classics like pecan pie to end your meal on a sweet note.

Drinks

Pair your meal with a cold drink from their selection of local and domestic beers, wines, or cocktails. It’s the perfect way to wash down all that delicious BBQ.

Hosting Events at Riverhouse Big Sky

riverhouse interior

Riverhouse Big Sky is a great spot for private and corporate events in Gallatin Gateway. Whether you’re planning a wedding, birthday, anniversary, or company party, this venue offers everything you need to treat your guests to a memorable experience.

The Backyard Venue is a beautiful two-acre outdoor space along the Gallatin River. It features a large tent, a private bar, and yard games, which make it perfect for outdoor celebrations. With enough room for up to 300 guests, there’s plenty of space for everyone to kick back and enjoy.

If you’re looking for indoor options, you can also rent the entire house, including the restaurant and saloon. Full venue rentals are unavailable in July and August, so plan ahead for other months.

There are also several Riverhouse BBQ event options, so you can customize your menu for food and drinks. There’s something for every gathering, from smoked meats to desserts, plus drink packages such as Copper, Silver, and Gold.

What It’s Like to Visit Riverhouse

The location of Riverhouse Big Sky along the Gallatin River is hard to beat. With stunning views of the Spanish Peaks, you can enjoy your meal on the back porch, surrounded by Montana’s natural beauty. It’s the perfect place to relax and take in the peaceful scenery.

Also, the vibe at Riverhouse is laid-back and welcoming. Families, locals, and visitors all feel at home here. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or staying for a long meal, it’s easy to kick up your feet and enjoy some delicious Riverhouse barbecue.

This spot isn’t just about the food – it’s a true community hangout. Many locals and tourists stop by to share a beer, a laugh, and a hearty meal. During winter, you’ll find free live music indoors, while summer brings nightly performances outside on the porch. It’s a fun and lively way to make the most of your visit.

What People Are Saying About Riverhouse Big Sky

People on Tripadvisor have a lot of positive things to say about Riverhouse Big Sky. From the food to the views, here’s what some happy diners shared:

  • Christy C. loved the location and good food but found the mac & cheese underwhelming.
  • Bill G. praised the fried chicken, ribs, and generous portions after a day on the Gallatin River.
  • Jesse O. enjoyed a BBQ cheeseburger and noted the great service and riverfront setting.
  • Hugette C. called the brisket, fried chicken, and cornbread delicious with fast, friendly service.
  • Romanmel raved about the BBQ platter and bar drinks after skiing Big Sky.

Closing Thoughts

Riverhouse Big Sky perfectly combines authentic Texas barbecue with Montana’s laid-back charm. Known for its dry-rubbed, slow-smoked meats, beautiful views, and welcoming vibe, it’s a favorite for locals and visitors. Whether you’re craving the Riverhouse grill, planning an event, or just enjoying the scenery, this spot guarantees amazing memories.

Name: Riverhouse Big Sky

Address: 45130 Gallatin Rd Big Sky, MT 59730

Contact info:

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Tim Schmidt is a 20+ year Entrepreneur and Digital Marketer. A Fort Lauderdale-based "Digital Nomad," he enjoys traveling as much as possible with family and friends. AllWorld is his escape to document all of his adventures, including being a hardcore "foodie." He has property in Costa Rica and visits several times each year and is happy to offer his expert advice for planning your trip. Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.

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