Mal's Menu: What I Order Every Single Time

October 2026

Article by Maloree Murphy

Photo by Jessica Plance

I have a passion for food, and the Simply Local team has heard about it more than a few times in meetings (sorry, not sorry). Enough people finally asked, "Mal, what are some of your favorites?" that I figured I'd just write it down. What makes me an expert, you ask? Absolutely nothing. These are just my opinions, backed by an unreasonable number of repeat visits. Here's a small list of my favorites in Billings:

Breakfast

Black Dog Coffee House (1528 24th St W, Billings, MT 59102)

Forget the coffee menu for a second: the real headliner here is a breakfast burrito stuffed with pulled pork and beans, with the option of drenching it in a chipotle cream salsa that will absolutely wreck your napkin supply.

Stella's Kitchen & Bakery (2525 1st Ave N, Billings, MT 59101)

I am a sucker for a true diner vibe, and Stella's does not disappoint. The traditional ham Benedict here is proof you don't need to reinvent breakfast to make it unforgettable.

Appetizers

Burrata, Bistro Enzo (1502 Rehberg Ln, Billings, MT 59102)

This burrata doesn't know it's supposed to be an appetizer. Piled with arugula, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette, then served with grilled bread for scooping, it's big enough to be its own meal.

Crab Cakes, Cajun Phatty's (2564 King Ave W, Ste F, Billings, MT 59102)

Crispy on the outside, packed with actual lump crab on the inside, and finished with a dill sauce that does most of the heavy lifting. It is always about the sauces for me.

Lunch

Sophie's Kitchen (149 Shiloh Rd, Ste 3, Billings, MT 59102)

I've had years to branch out on this menu and I simply refuse. The chicken sandwich, perfectly cooked, piled with avocado, cheese and chipotle mayo, is a repeat offender in the best way, especially alongside the house salad or the truffle tots (yes, get both if you can't decide).

Caramel Cookie Waffles Co. (1707 17th St W, Billings, MT 59102)

Don't let the name fool you into thinking it's dessert-only. Their curry chicken salad, loaded with celery, apple, and walnuts, piled onto homemade sunflower bread (my favorite choice of bread here), is a lunch winner.

Dinner

The Marble Table (2515 Montana Ave, Billings, MT 59101)

The beef stroganoff is creamy and has the perfect amount of chive flavor. It is genuinely the best I've ever had, a bold claim I stand fully behind.

Walkers (2700 1st Ave N, Billings, MT 59101)

The meatloaf here is what happens when comfort food gets a serious upgrade. It's hearty enough to make you forget every underwhelming meatloaf of your childhood (sorry, Mom).

Dessert

Walkers (2700 1st Ave N, Billings, MT 59101)

The carrot cake here has crunchy carrot flakes on top and a cheesecake-style icing underneath, creating a creamy-crunchy combo so good it should honestly come with a warning label. Best carrot cake of my life, full stop.

Spinners (3031 Grand Ave, Ste 200, Billings, MT 59102)

The watermelon sorbet here is perfection. I had it every day of my pregnancy, and I refuse to believe it's the reason I gained 70 pounds with my daughter.

That's my list, for now anyway. Billings has a way of surprising you with new favorites just when you think you've found them all, so don't be shocked if this roundup gets a sequel. Until then, happy eating.

Originally printed in the October 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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Maloree Murphy

With a background in nonprofit leadership and communications, she’s passionate about storytelling that connects people and strengthens community. When she's not chasing her toddler, she thrives on coffee and conversation.

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