A group of us stopped into Thirsty Turtle while passing through Montana. Free parking can be found in the parking lot. Discover is an accepted form of payment. Thirsty Turtle is family friendly. An ATM is onsite for those needing cash. TV's are scattered throughout the establishment. A billiards table is offered for those interested in pool. Due to the pandemic, Thirsty Turtle is just another business effected by it. With that being said, be patient with the staff. Be flexible and understanding with the no-nonsense rules in place. It's not about you, it's about the survival of the staff and business. If you're sensitive, go somewhere else. If you can roll with the punches, enter Thirsty Turtle and have a great time with their friendly staff, tasty food and refreshing beer. Thirsty Turtle offers a full bar, beer and espresso's. During our visit, I drank a couple local brewed Bent Nail IPA's. Nicely done Montana! My wife and I shared the Rustic Grilled Cheese Sandwich for $10: bacon, tomato, guacamole, provolone and Swiss on grilled sourdough bread. Delish! Thirsty Turtle staff were busy; however, their quality of service didn't falter. The staff laughed, joked and were up-front and honest. If we were from Montana, Thirsty Turtle would be a place my wife and I would return to time and time again. read more

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The menu says no substitutions in multiple places. But it does say that they will cater to food allergies. I'm sensitive to gluten and the menu offers a burger salad bowl. (Any burger on the menu as a salad). I got the Tavern Burger as a salad bowl. It was good. It came with croutons but they were on the side and I was able to take them off easily. The burger was cooked jut right not over done but not uncooked either. It was a genius salad and I left full, and I had a good appetite from dirt bike riding in east Boulder. My husband got the jacket up burger he said it was really good but the fries were just ok. We would eat her again. The serves was reasonable and friendly. read more

Thirsty Turtle Burgers & BBQ - Tavern Burger, Salad Bowl - Barbeque Near Me - Big Timber, Montana

a great burger in town - fun, kitchy and good fries. Pool doesnt hurt either! i was there in winter - SO glad there was a little burger bar read more

Used to frequent this place for years. I'm not sure if there is new owners or management but it's not a friendly small time establishment anymore. I walked in and was headed to the restroom before we got seated. I got yelled at by a staff member for passing her sign. We left. read more

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We ended calling this place the Salty Turtle because the atmosphere felt so rude. Everything was like no we can't make your way don't ask: uh aren't I the customer? We are from the South and a place that operated this way would NEVER make it. It wasn't that our server was rude, she just wasn't nice and for a family of 5 to spend over 80 bucks on burgers, I expected more. The signage was rude too--we aren't opposed to having rules but say it nicer. We felt like the motto of this restaurant was "buy food here or not, we don't give a crap" Our food wasn't bad but it wasn't anything to write home about. read more

Thirsty Turtle Burgers & BBQ - To me this sign was rude--and yes, me not getting a meal I AM PAYING FOR just the way I want it, offends me. - Barbeque Near Me - Big Timber, Montana

Absolutely fantastic spot! Food was incredible and the the staff was super nice. Every meal at our table was a delicious success. I believe Amanda was our server (horrible with names) and she crushed it. Will be back for sure! read more

Thirsty Turtle Burgers & BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Big Timber, Montana

Reasonable prices, OK food with big portions, waitstaff will call you "Hun". Stopped in today for lunch with a friend. Waitress arrived in about 5 minutes with the menu and took our drink order. Huge glass of iced tea, and she later brought me a carafe to self-refill. My friend has a burger which he would rate as a B+. Not great, though the fries were pretty good. I had the brisket BLT which came on a big hoagie roll (see photo). The brisket was on the rubbery side, didn't taste fresh to me, and didn't have the smoky flavor I expected. . The coleslaw was outstanding! Fresh and crunchy. Check never arrived so I went over to the spot signed "Pay Here", and they eventually figured out what I owed. Ok place for lunch and a drink, but the BBQ did not impress. read more

Thirsty Turtle Burgers & BBQ - Brisket BLT with coleslaw - Barbeque Near Me - Big Timber, Montana

Cowabunga! This burger joint has some imaginative food, but there isn't any actual turtle meat on the menu. I was hoping for a turtle burger- it's not an option here. Instead, I got a sandwich with ham, pears, and gouda cheese on it, with french fries. Nom! The service was smooth and fast. The owner here seems to have some control issues, and has signs everywhere letting you know how not to do things. "Don't seat yourself!" "This arcade game is NOT a game!" "Dropping cue stick - $20 fine" Everything in this bar has a sign on it warning you what not to do. I can only imagine what it's like to work there. Many of the things should just be fixed instead of putting a sign on it telling you how to not break it again. There's glass cases by the back that have Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle beanies for sale- someone is a talented knitter! The bar has games, pool tables, and slot machines in the back- (NO FOOD AT SLOT MACHINES!) They were showing regular programming on the TVs at the bar, and had some good music going. Parking was a bit challenging- it's a gravel/dirt parking lot with a pretty shoddy ramp to get in. The street entrance has a really small entryway that's not ADA compliant. read more

Outstanding pastrami, and green chicken chili. Local brewery next door. Fun decor! read more

Thirsty Turtle Burgers & BBQ - Menus - Barbeque Near Me - Big Timber, Montana

After escaping Gardiner we stopped here and weren't disappointed. Started with the cheese curds and corn nuggets, both were really good! For the lunch we got brisket BLT and brisket Outlaw. Got the sweet potato Fries and soup as sides. Both sandwiches were delicious and hit the spot. We're getting a little nervous in the small town since everything was closed but this place at 2:30 in the afternoon. But I'm happy we found it and definitely would recommend if you find yourself in the area. read more

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The staff was short but not rude. They are short staffed so this is to be expected. We were immediately sat and the food came out fast. Very reasonable prices. $45 for three meals with 25% tip. You can easily get two meals out of it. We all took home leftovers. The homemade chips would have been better without the Parmesan cheese. read more

Thirsty Turtle Burgers & BBQ - Chicken sandwich and homemade chips. It looks weird because I took the top bun off. - Barbeque Near Me - Big Timber, Montana

Burgers are outstanding. I can't stop with picking the farm burger. Ham, egg and bacon on a big burger. My buddy is doing the renegade with jalapeños. Spinach dip is outstanding. Fresh toasted baguette bites with steaming hot dip. This was a great find. We went back a couple times on our visit and we were not disappointed. read more

From the time we walked in the door to the time we left the staff was friendly and too notch! Our waitress was the best, drinks never went dry, and did everything with the best smile! Very near atmosphere and is a good spot for hanging out or meeting up for grabbing a burger with friends. Wish I lived in the area this would be a go to spot for me. read more

Thirsty Turtle Burgers & BBQ - menu - Barbeque Near Me - Big Timber, Montana

GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY!! Just passing through Big Timber MT with appetite in tow, I placed my order for the Tavern Burger! OMG dude.... SOOOOO delicious!! Beginning with a perfectly cooked burger, bacon, grilled onions, sautéed mushrooms, cheese, lettuce and a tiny bite with a Cajun ranch sauce. OH, and a home made bun that was so soft yet held up to all the warm deliciousness this burger could dole out! And this is a big- a*#s burger so come hungry. I also had the onion rings - did I detect beer batter? My spouse had the sweet potato fries - equally amazing. This is a gourmet burger joint folks and while I highly recommend the Tavern Burg, based on this tasty bugger, I'd feel free to order any one of the burgs on the menu! read more

WOW I'm shocked how good the burger was in a place called the Thirsty Turtle but it was. I had the shroom burger with onion rings and everything was excellent for $13.00. It's right on the main drag of s small town but it's worth a stop. It's a bar atmosphere and everyone was nice read more

Thirsty Turtle Burgers & BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Big Timber, Montana

Good food, good service, awesome atmosphere. The sandwiches were perfectly balanced and interesting.

Nice, laid-back atmosphere. Service was great, and they had very reasonable requests, considering staffing issues, all across the country, and perhaps, especially in small towns. Food was very good, nice, touch of an alternative for a side of sweet potato fries! As residents of a city in Montana, it's refreshing to see cool places like this in small town read more

If Hollywood needed a place to film the inside of a real Montana bar/grill/pool room this is the real deal. Complete with a life-sized cardboard cutout of the Duck Dynasty crew. Don't let the outside fool you - it may have been a prison from the 1800's. This book definitely has a story to tell - so don't judge it by the cover. We stumbled on this gem after unsuccessfully trying to find The Greycliff Mill. We've come back since then and the food is amazing! A quick look at the Yelp photos tells the unapologetic truth. The tone is set quickly as you walk in to see huge signs with handwritten warnings just in case you were wondering if you could 'seat yourself'. Don't do it. The warnings continue; no substitutions, no moving the tables or staying longer than 1 1/2 hours. All small requests for such a great payoff. (Look... if any restaurant manages to crawl out of the last 2 years still standing - I'll jump through hoops to keep them going.) Once seated - hang on. The service is razor sharp precise. You're not at a place like this for the chit-chat. The drinks are at your table almost as soon as you order them. The menu is vast with some really imaginative combinations so do your homework. The rest of our table picked their lunch so it was up to me to finish the order. I saw 'blue cheese crumbles' on the Lumberjack and blurted it out. Best decision under fire ever! The sandwich bread is fresh and just enough to envelope the most amazing contents. The fries are hot, crispy and yummy. And they come with a light orange-pinkish sauce from the Gods! We had fun trying to figure out what was in it - whatever it is, please bottle it and sell it! Everyone at our table really liked whatever they picked. Then the server returned with possibly the quickest, no-nonsense card machine I've ever used. Super simple, fast and we were on our way. It's a small detail but if you've ever been caught in the shibal of some card readers, well its just enough to ruin your lunch. Hands down, the Thirsty Turtle is a great afternoon drive lunch stop. Relax... follow the rules and no one gets hurt. Then walk around to some of the shops in Big Timber. Shopper Tip: Thistle Creek has a great selection of Montana gifts. read more

Great spot tucked away at the end of the main drag in Big Timber. The Leonardo Burger is the best burger in the state of Montana, no debate. Service is great and the outdoor patio has sweeping views of the Crazy Mountain front. Cajun onion rings are killer also. Check it out! read more

The absolute best coleslaw I've had in my life! I'm crazy picky about coleslaw...it was creamy, but no too creamy, with a slight sweetness, not overboard. The wicked chicken was absolutely amazing...bacon had a real smokey flavor. We've driven 1400 miles on our road trip, this was the best meal we've had so far! Although they are currently understaffed, the food came quickly. read more

While the food is authentic American and the burgers are to die for the service is horrible. The owner has to be one of the rudest human beings to exist. I have given this place millions of chances just because of how much I crave their burgers. As soon as you enter the restaurant you're greeted by neon posters in sharpie demanding you not leave the designated roped off area, they have more diy signs at the tables saying don't ask for changes. If you ask for lettuce no tomatoes on your burger they say all or nothing. The costumer is never right at the thirsty turtle. While the owner may be a rude woman the other waitresses are often very kind. I wish someone would give that woman a hug or something and maybe she would find it in her heart to be kind or smile. read more

I had the porky's delight and it was delicious. Attentive staff, good food, and fair prices. A good choice if passing through Big Timber.

You know when you go into an old greasy spoon and between the upholstery, paint, and linoleum it practically screams it was built in the 50s or 60s and never updated? That will be this place in 50 years. A 2010s diner/bar that seems on its way to dive status. I would have rated it higher, but the brisket was pretty disappointing. It was much more like a prime rib except pretty bland. If you go that route, get the one with horseradish. read more

If I could leave less than one star I would. We stopped in Big Timber for the night and went to several different establishments, all with great food, drinks and customer service EXCEPT this place! The women working here had the worst attitudes I have encountered in a long time. Food: terrible! We had the "chicken fingers" they were gooey and not good. Drinks: 4 beers on tap? At a tavern?!? Please. Service: see above. They were rude! I accidentally spilled my drink and they accused me of "getting carried away"... Um nope. If you are in town, skip this place and go to the pizza place or the grand saloon. read more

Amazing food! Affordable! Locally- brewed beer! Staff was exceptional! Thank you for the wonderful experience on our road trip!

I love the atmosphere nice customer service! Food is awesome! Killer jukebox and its a photo booth read more

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Such great food! Loved their pulled pork! Highly recommend the onion rings as well! Multiple choices for a kids menu as well. read more

Thirsty Turtle Burgers & BBQ - Onion rings were perfect! - Barbeque Near Me - Big Timber, Montana

Wow!!! The burgers are off the charts!!! Service is excellent. Environment is so fun. Highly recommend.

Food is amazing! Beer is nice and cold! My parents go here frequently when they are there (we are from Billings) and they insisted we go! Service was wonderful! They truly are doing the best they can with staffing issues and we will suggest this place to anyone looking for a new place when traveling through! read more

I have been traveling the route between Lewistown and Bozeman since attending MSU in the 2000s. When I would think of Big Timber, I would always equate that small town with a gas and pee break at Town Pump. I recently traveled that route again and happened to notice this new restaurant. Boy am I glad I stopped to have lunch! What a neat comfort food option for Big Timber and the surrounding area, not to mention an adventurous menu. It is obvious the chef loves to cook and experiment with his dishes. I played it safe and stuck to a bbq burger, it was superb! It is by far the best food between Lewistown and Livingston. Definitely worth the stop and now makes Big Timber more than just a pee/gas break read more

Food was not good! Burger was so Raw . Service is Ok but the food is not worth the money.

Owner was just plain rude. Her signs walking in were tacky and also rude. She talked down to us as well as others. The place was busy but that should encourage her to still be nice. Can see why she is short handed...don't blame Covid for lack of employees...she must be tough to take as a boss if she's so terrible to customers. Even if you have to wait...go anyplace but the Thirsty Turtle. The food was nothing great after it was slid across the table to you....even tackier. read more

Good food and the staff works so hard. Two women, one cook, and a dishwasher ran this place on a busy Sunday afternoon. We have never seen a wait staff work so hard. Please tip very well! They deserve it. read more

Bring a big appetite because the portions are very generous.The barbecue was excellent. And although their sing warned it was a small kitchen and short staffed, we had very good service and our food was delivered pretty quickly. A rustic feel with lots of tables. read more

LORDY, LORDY,LORDY where do I start ? I'm keeping it simple food great, server terrible and rude....

One of, if not the BEST..."burger/beer" joints around! The food is FANTASTIC, the Beer is cold and the "girls" keep them full. As-great-as the menu is, the best part is the STAFF! read more

Stopped into this place, on a recommendation from a local at a gas station. Nice place. People were friendly, great selection of burgers and sandwiches. They serve a full bar, a few beers on tap, and a lot of bottled beer. Service was great, and with a smile. Food was served promptly, and as ordered. A few tv's for sports viewing. Food was good, beer was cold, and the price was right. read more

Food was good. Service was good. Short staffed, but they did their best to get you everything you needed. Our server was very nice.

Wow this restaurant is amazing. The food, staff super clean and won $206.00 on the slot. Our waitress was incredible and the food came out AMAZING!!!! read more

Delicious creative food. If you're on the road and you want a burger, bbq or beer this is the place to stop.