Firehole Bar-B-Que Co. is a Central Texas–style barbecue restaurant at 120 Firehole Ave, West Yellowstone, Montana 59758, in the town’s compact downtown near Yellowstone National Park’s West Entrance. Travelers come for slow-smoked brisket, pork ribs, turkey, and buffalo sausage rather than an elaborate dining ritual. Its rustic setting suits a post-park dinner, while an appearance on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives has brought this small-town smokehouse a wider audience. The essential planning detail: service ends when the barbecue sells out.
What to Expect at Firehole Bar-B-Que Co.
The kitchen identifies its cooking as Central Texas–style barbecue and emphasizes fresh, never-frozen meats delivered daily. Brisket anchors the menu, available by the pound or half-pound, alongside pork and turkey sold in the same portions. This format makes sharing straightforward: order several cuts for the table rather than committing everyone to the same meat. Pork ribs come by the full or half rack, while buffalo sausage is priced per link—a regional ingredient within an otherwise Texas-focused lineup.
Meats and sandwiches can include pickles, onions, and barbecue sauce on the side, letting you taste the smoke and seasoning before adding sauce. Sandwiches offer a simpler individual order; meat by weight works better for comparing cuts. Classic American comfort sides round out the restaurant’s identity, but meat is the main attraction. Takeout is available for travelers returning to nearby accommodation. Anyone avoiding gluten or animal products should ask specifically about seasonings, sauces, side ingredients, and shared preparation surfaces rather than assuming a suitable option.
- Smoked brisket: $33.50 per pound or $16.75 per half-pound, ideal as the centerpiece of a shared order.
- Pork and turkey: Each costs $27.50 per pound or $13.75 per half-pound, providing alternatives to beef.
- Pork ribs: A full rack costs $34; a half rack costs $17.
- Buffalo sausage: Individual links cost $5.75, making a manageable addition to a mixed-meat meal.
- Customizable accompaniments: Optional pickles, onions, and sauce accompany meats and sandwiches; extra buns cost $0.70.
Firehole Bar-B-Que Co. at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 120 Firehole Ave, West Yellowstone, MT 59758, United States |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown West Yellowstone, near the national park’s West Entrance |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Sunday, 4–10 p.m. or until sold out, during the operating season. The posted season-ending date is September 29. |
| Admission / Price Range | $$; brisket $16.75 per half-pound, half rack of ribs $17, buffalo sausage $5.75 per link. Prices subject to change. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45–75 minutes; allow additional time for ordering during busy periods. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | No urban rail service; walk from downtown accommodation or look for legal street parking nearby, observing posted restrictions. |
| Official Website & Phone | Firehole BBQ Company; +1 406-641-0020 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive close to the 4 p.m. opening if a particular cut matters to you. The advertised 10 p.m. finish is a latest closing time, not a promise that every meat remains available all evening. Treat this as an early-dinner stop rather than the reward for a late return from Old Faithful. Check the official menu before visiting and call about seasonal reopening, holiday changes, group arrangements, or reservation questions. Casual park-travel clothing fits the setting.
Walking is convenient from central West Yellowstone; drivers should check individual street signs rather than assume unrestricted parking or space for an RV. For wheelchair or stroller planning, call ahead about entrance thresholds, dining-space clearance, and restroom access before choosing dine-in. Pair dinner with the historic Union Pacific Depot, home to the Museum of the Yellowstone, roughly a 10-minute walk away. Yellowstone Avenue’s shops are approximately 5–10 minutes away, while the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is around 15 minutes on foot. Check attraction hours before planning a pre-dinner visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours, and when should I arrive?
Seasonal service runs daily from 4–10 p.m., or until sold out. Arrive near opening for the broadest selection; the website posts September 29 as the season’s last day.
How much does dinner cost?
A half-pound of brisket costs $16.75 before sides, drinks, and tax; a half rack of ribs costs $17. Bottled water is $2 and bottled drinks are $3.50, making this a moderate-priced, $$ meal.
How much time should I budget?
Allow 45–75 minutes for ordering and eating, with extra time when busy. Takeout works well when you would rather eat at your accommodation than linger over dinner.
Is it suitable for families and visitors with access needs?
Meat sold by weight makes it easy for families to share different portions. Visitors needing step-free access or an accessible restroom should discuss their requirements directly with staff at +1 406-641-0020 before arrival.
Travelers exploring Yellowstone National Park often pair this stop with nearby highlights including Madison Crossing Lounge (0.1 km away) and Best Western Desert Inn (0.1 km away).
