Cowboy Up Country Cookin’

Smoked ribs, brisket and wild-game meatloaf from a small mobile kitchen in Somers, 15 minutes south of Kalispell.

When to come

Before 5:30 PM on summer evenings; sandwiches are only served noon–4 PM.

Dining

Dining★ 4.9

Cowboy Up Country Cookin' serves smoked meats and country plates from a mobile kitchen on Somers Road in Somers, the small community beside Lakeside on the north end of Flathead Lake along US 93. Ribs are seasoned with a homemade rub, smoked for six hours and braised for an hour; the menu also runs to buffalo, elk and yak meatloaf, chicken fried steak and chicken katsu. Indoor seating is limited to fifteen people, with outdoor tables looking over the north end of the lake. It sits about 15 minutes south of Kalispell, so it works as a dinner stop for a Flathead Lake day rather than a quick meal on the way to the West Entrance.

Quick facts

Cuisine Type
Barbecue and country comfort food
Meals Served
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Signature Dishes
Rudy's 'Yeeeedogeeee' smoked pork ribs, smoked beef ribs, pulled brisket, pulled pork, smoked pork belly, buffalo/elk/yak meatloaf, chicken fried steak, chicken katsu
Local Specialties
Buffalo, elk and yak meatloaf with brown beef gravy; huckleberry bread pudding

What to order

Cuisine Type
Barbecue and country comfort food
Meals Served
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Signature Dishes
Rudy's 'Yeeeedogeeee' smoked pork ribs, smoked beef ribs, pulled brisket, pulled pork, smoked pork belly, buffalo/elk/yak meatloaf, chicken fried steak, chicken katsu
Local Specialties
Buffalo, elk and yak meatloaf with brown beef gravy; huckleberry bread pudding
Menu Recommendations
Half rack of Rudy's smoked pork ribs with cornbread and cowboy beans; buffalo meatloaf with gravy; huckleberry bread pudding to finish.

Prices & reservations

Reservations Policy
Walk-ins welcome; reservations by phone at (406) 890-0267 with a non-refundable per-seat deposit.

Hours & seating

Operating Hours
Thu–Mon 12 PM–8 PM (website); Google lists daily 12–8 PM, so check before you go
Closed Days
Tuesday and Wednesday (per website)
Outdoor Seating
Yes

Visit strategy

Best For
  • Barbecue after a Flathead Lake day
  • Trying wild-game meatloaf
  • Small groups who can sit at limited tables
Not Ideal For
Large groups, anyone with a peanut allergy, or travelers wanting a fast meal on the way to the park.
Busiest Times
5:30–7:30 PM, especially in summer; the owners suggest arriving earlier for an easier table.
Tips Advice
  • Indoor seating is capped at 15 and outdoor at 25, so arrive before 5:30 PM in summer or call for a reservation.
  • Sandwiches on toasted hoagie buns are only offered noon–4 PM; after that it is full plates.
  • All frying is done in pure peanut oil, which matters for peanut allergies.
  • Takeout is available but carries a 20% service charge.
  • Children are welcome but the house asks that they stay seated and use inside voices.

More details

Takeout Available
Yes
House Made
Secret homemade rib rub and barbecue sauce; cornbread, cowboy beans and macaroni salad sides
Family Friendly
Yes
Unique Factor
A state-of-the-art mobile kitchen serving six-hour smoked ribs and buffalo, elk and yak meatloaf beside Flathead Lake.
Best Time To Visit
Before 5:30 PM on summer evenings; sandwiches are only served noon–4 PM.
The Order Strategy
Smoked meat meals come with a dinner salad, cornbread, cowboy beans and mashed potatoes; the Just The Meat options let you skip sides if you have eaten a big lunch.
Eat Here If Skip If
EAT HERE IF: you want slow-smoked ribs and wild-game meatloaf with a Flathead Lake view. SKIP IF: you need a table for a big group, have a peanut allergy, or are driving straight to West Glacier.
Distance From Park
Somers sits beside Lakeside on US 93 about 15 minutes south of Kalispell; Kalispell is about 33 miles from the West Entrance via US 2, so figure roughly an hour plus to West Glacier.
Review Summary
Google shows a 4.9 rating across 413 reviews, a strong signal for a small, limited-seating operation.

Location

Smoked rib platter with sides at Cowboy Up Country Cookin' in Somers, MontanaMenu board of smoked meat meals at Cowboy Up Country Cookin' in Somers, MontanaWooden building with covered porch and wagon-wheel accents at Cowboy Up Country Cookin' in Somers, MontanaLog-walled dining space with western decor at Cowboy Up Country Cookin' in Somers, Montana

Frequently asked questions

How far is Cowboy Up Country Cookin' from Glacier National Park?

It is in Somers, beside Lakeside about 15 minutes south of Kalispell, and Kalispell is about 33 miles from the West Entrance via US 2. Plan on roughly an hour or more to West Glacier.

Do I need a reservation?

Walk-ins are welcome, and reservations can be made by calling (406) 890-0267 with a non-refundable per-seat deposit. Seating is limited to 15 indoors and 25 outdoors.

Is it good for kids?

Children are welcome, but the restaurant asks that they remain seated and use inside voices, and says this is strictly enforced.

Any allergy notes?

All frying is done in pure peanut oil, so anyone with a peanut allergy should take note. Chicken fried steak, chicken fried chicken and the shrimp are panko-coated and fried.

When is it open and when is it busiest?

The website lists 12–8 PM Thursday through Monday, closed Tuesday and Wednesday, though Google shows daily hours, so check before you go. It is busiest 5:30–7:30 PM, especially in summer.

Beldi

Seasonal Mediterranean plates using local Montana produce; GF options available, but GF environment not guaranteed.

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated September 2026. Report an issue.