Three Forks Grille

Delicious food, friendly staff. Nice atmosphere. I'd say this is one of the best places to eat in Columbia Falls! My lake trout was amazing! My wife's chicken risotto was delicious. And the lamb skewer was a delicious appetizer! Highly recommend!

Three Forks Grille comes highly recommended around Columbia Falls, usually described as the kind of place that serves good, honest food in generous portions without an ounce of pretense. Based on reputation alone, expectations were rightly set, so I stopped in solo during a recent visit to see what all the local word-of-mouth buzz was about. That buzz, it turns out, isn’t wrong, but this particular visit came with some real bumps.Let’s start with what Three Forks does well. The staff was genuinely friendly and attentive from start to finish, the kind of hospitality that immediately puts you at ease. The dining room was clean, comfortable, and welcoming, with an atmosphere that felt relaxed rather than showy.The meal began with the pork belly and burrata, a dish that sounded like a safe bet but quickly faltered. The pork belly arrived in thin strips cooked to a chewy crisp, missing that tender, luscious texture you hope for. The salad itself wasn’t actually dressed, the “vinaigrette” was drizzled more around the plate than through the greens and leaned heavier toward an aioli than anything bright or acidic or peach as the menu describes. The burrata felt like an afterthought, dropped on top rather than integrated into the dish.The grilled pork chop showed flashes of what the kitchen is capable of. The chop itself was cooked beautifully, juicy and well-handled, but the supporting cast let it down. The bacon jam and reduction carried a burnt edge that overwhelmed the plate, while the vegetables and potatoes were pushed past their prime. Dessert followed a similar pattern. The crème brûlée arrived scorched, tipping past caramelized into bitter.Despite the missteps, it was hard not to sense effort and care behind the scenes. The fundamentals appear to be there, and the reputation suggests this meal doesn’t reflect their usual form. I’m inclined to think this was simply an off night rather than a true measure of the restaurant.Three Forks Grille still feels like a place worth rooting for. With tighter execution, it could easily live up to the honest, hearty praise it’s known for.

Every dish we had throughout our meal experience was unique and made of high quality, fresh, ingredients. The bison fettuccine is a large serving! Our server, Melissa, was highly attentive and kind despite navigating the dinner rush hour. My group of friends and I could not get over how delicious our respective meals were! Highly recommend if you’re in the area.