If you’re looking for a place that offers great food, drinks, and entertainment, Tips Up Big Sky is the spot you should visit at least once. It’s located in Big Sky’s Town Center and is where locals and travelers gather to relax and watch plenty of football. There’s something for everyone here, whether it’s live music, arcade, or even casino games.
You can pair an amazing fried chicken sandwich with a glass of beer or relax after a great mountain day in a cozy room with tables and friendly vibes. In this guide, you’ll learn more about the menu, events, and why this Big Sky place is the perfect spot for a night out. We ended up watching a college football game here after grabbing a slice of pizza at Pinky G’s Pizzeria, just down the street, and we’re glad we found this venue as we returned twice.
Here’s What You Need to Know about Tips Up
Tips Up is one of the go-to spots in Big Sky’s Town Center and is perfect for relaxing and having fun. It’s easy to find, with a home location map section available online, which makes it simple for both locals and tourists to visit. The exact address is 76 Town Center Ave, Big Sky, MT 59716, and here’s the link to the location map (section image) with coordinates for precise directions.
This sky restaurant and bar is open daily with hours starting at:
- Monday-Friday: 3 PM – Close
- Saturday: 12 PM – Close
- Sunday: 11 AM – Close
Tips Up also serves food from 3 PM to 9 PM every workday and from 12 PM to 9 PM every weekend. You’ll find the schedule flexible if you’re stopping by for lunch, dinner, or a late-night hangout.
The vibe is laid-back and welcoming, which makes it great for families, friends, or anyone coming in after a day on the mountain. Inside, you’ll find a room with tables and chairs for dining, along with a fun side featuring shuffleboard, cornhole, arcade games, and even a casino.
At Tips Up, the lively entertainment schedule keeps things exciting. From local bands like the Lazy Owl String Band to artists like the Robby Hutto Duo, there’s always something happening. Special nights, such as “All-Day Football,” draw sports fans, while games like pool create a relaxed vibe.
Whether you’re enjoying a game or catching up with friends over a cold beer, the atmosphere feels warm and inviting. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike gather to unwind. This is more than just another Big Sky restaurant – it’s a community hangout with something for everyone.
What’s on the Menu at Tips Up?
When it comes to food and drinks, Tips Up offers something for everyone. If you’re hungry for comfort food, grabbing a bite with your family, or just enjoying a drink after a long day, this menu won’t disappoint. From appetizers to desserts and local beers to creative cocktails, there’s plenty to try.
Here’s a closer look at what makes their menu stand out:
Food Highlights
If you’re craving delicious food, Tips Up has a menu full of options to satisfy every appetite. Whether you’re sharing appetizers with friends, digging into a hearty main course, or ordering something simple for the kids, there’s no shortage of tasty choices. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect.
Starters
You can kick off your meal with shareable dishes that are perfect for snacking or splitting with a group:
- Crispy onion rings: These beer-battered onion rings come with a tangy buffalo ranch sauce for dipping.
- Tips Up wings: Choose from Asian, spicy buffalo, or BBQ sauce. They’re served with celery sticks and your choice of blue cheese or ranch dressing.
- Soft pretzel sticks: Warm, butter-toasted pretzels paired with gooey beer cheese fondue.
- Nachos: Piled high with guacamole, charred salsa, jalapeños, green onions, sour cream, and beer cheese on crispy corn chips.
- Crispy avocado bites: Lightly fried and served with buttermilk ranch for a creamy finish.
Main Courses
For a satisfying meal, the mains at Tips Up are packed with bold flavors and hearty portions:
- Fried chicken sandwich: This fan-favorite features crispy fried chicken, cheddar cheese, coleslaw, and pickles on a toasted brioche bun.
- Lone Peak burger stack: Offers two juicy Angus beef patties with crispy bacon, onion rings, melted cheese, and house-made Tips Sauce.
- BBQ bison burger: Aged white cheddar, tangy BBQ sauce, and caramelized onions make this burger a standout.
- Veggie burger: A great vegetarian option topped with caramelized onions, guacamole, and fresh pico de gallo.
- Salad bowls or wraps: Opt for a chopped Caesar or the Asian-inspired sesame salad with crispy wontons and pickled ginger. You can also add grilled or crispy chicken for extra protein.
Kid-Friendly Options
For the younger crowd, Tips Up offers simple, comforting dishes that are sure to please:
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Chicken strip basket
- Kids burger or cheeseburger
Desserts
Now, don’t forget to save room for dessert! Try the apple pie drizzled with caramel, or indulge in a rich chocolate cake paired with vanilla ice cream. This restaurant also offers a kid-friendly treat of vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate sauce and whipped cream.
Drink Selections
Here are some of the drink selections that Tips Up offers:
- Draft beer: Enjoy local brews such as Cold Smoke Scotch Ale or Midas Crush IPA, along with classic options like Coors Light.
- Cocktails: Creative picks such as the spicy Buckshot Margarita or the refreshing Big Sky Mule are worth a sip.
- Non-alcoholic drinks: Options such as Huckleberry Lemonade and Shirley Temple are perfect for those skipping the alcohol.
What People Are Saying
People on Tripadvisor have shared their thoughts about Tips Up Big Sky, and here’s what they had to say:
- Nicole: Loved the atmosphere, fried chicken sandwiches, and shot skis. She called it a “must-visit” in Big Sky and plans to return.
- Gregg D.: Enjoyed the cheese curds, cocktails, and burgers, describing the bar food as satisfying.
- Wendy K.: Praised the strong drinks like the Montana Mule and enjoyed appetizers such as wings, cheese curds, and parmesan fries.
- Shadowhorse01: Found the prices fair and highlighted the amazing fries, though they weren’t impressed with the burger.
- CostcoKelly: Loved the ski-themed décor, friendly service, live music setup, and tasty food such as biscuits and tater tots.
If you are looking for the top rated restaurant on TripAdvisor for the Big Sky area, check out my Riverhouse BBQ review.
The Bottom Line
Tips Up is more than just a place to eat – it’s where fun and good vibes come together. From delicious food and cold drinks to live music and games, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re enjoying a game of shuffleboard, catching a live band, or are a simple person playing pool, it’s a great spot to relax after a long and exciting day on the mountain.
One of our Blue Sky’s Town Center tips for you is to try out the fried chicken sandwich because it’s just amazing. Plus, the location is easy to find using the Tips Up home location map. Check out their menu and lively entertainment schedule, and plan your visit today!
Name: Tips Up
Address: 76 Town Center Ave, Big Sky, MT 59716
Contact info:
- (406) 995-2773
- hello@tipsupbigsky.com
About Peter C.
Peter is a digital nomad who largely writes from Asia, Europe, and South America. Always following the "vibe," he sets up shop in hostels and AirBNB's and continues to entertain us with wild stories from life abroad. Ask him anything in our community forum. Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.
