Chico Hotsprings Dining Room - Pray

I have eaten at Chico many times at Chico over the past 15 years and not even once have I been disappointed. Wine, cocktails, appetizer, steak, halibut, soup, dessert- nothing is every done wrong or less than delightfully.

Did the Tasting Room for our anniversary (twice! and it was hands-down the best food and service we have ever had both times. Chef David is a true master and we feel so lucky to know about this wonderful place.

While everything seemed to be very fresh, across the board we found our meals to be under seasoned. The vegetables are grown on site but we're very boring. We liked the bison short rib appetizer the best and we did were a flaming orange for dessert which was fun.

For years The Dining Room at Chico Hot Sorings was the hands down best restaurant in the Big Sky Country. In the new century it has gained some worthy competitors. But for my money the Dining Room remains the place for a laid back, casual yet completely fulfilling dining experience--and over the course of three nights this summer, I was able to try a range of different options from its well thought out menu. First night I went with old and new items. The old items were the cocktails. If there are better bartenders in Montana I haven't found them yet. Every night the drinks were wonderful. Geez the short rib bison ravioli in a rich cream sauce was almost an entree itself. The halibut was perfectly prepared. Flaky and moist. The second night was what I called Chico old school. Shrimp cocktail--bone cold, great sauce and large serving. Then their new take on Caesar salad--one of the best and freshest I have ever had. Then the prime rib. Chico's early reputation was all tied into their beef--and this throwback dinner was perfect. The last night was centered on the pork chop. Wow, grilled perfectly but so tender. Amazing--maybe my favorite of the three nights especially paired with the Oregon Pinot noir. The wine list is just excellent. Here is the perfect place for the ultimate boozy dinner. Desserts? I stick with two regulars from 40 years ago--the flaming orange and the mud pie. Service? Over the top. Always good, never ever distracted even when short staffed. Again everything is quality, quality and REAL here. If you miss it well you have missed a crucial part of the Montana travel experience

Pleasant staff and cozy atmosphere. I wish I could gush about the food. The sides were bland and uninspired. The entree, beef Wellington for two, was cooked to order but needed more seasonings.