Quick Bites (Fast Food, Cafés & Local Favorites)
- Colonial Lounge – (Inside Delta Hotels Helena Colonial) – Just steps away from your room or the convention floor. A comfortable, sit-down option with a relaxed atmosphere, serving American-style meals, small plates, and drinks. Perfect if you don’t want to leave the hotel.
- 1889 Coffee House – (1600 11th Ave) – About 3 minutes by car (0.7 miles). A cozy local coffee shop known for specialty drinks, breakfast items, and baked goods.
- McDonald’s – (1901 Prospect Ave) – About 4 minutes by car (1 mile). Classic burgers, fries, and breakfast staples—great for a quick family-friendly meal.
- Wendy’s – (1810 Prospect Ave) – About 4 minutes by car (1 mile). Fast, family-friendly option for burgers, chicken sandwiches, and salads.
- Panera Bread – (1660 Vandelay Ave) – About 5 minutes by car (1.5 miles). Serving soups, salads, sandwiches, and coffee in a casual, café-style setting.
- Slim Chickens – (1450 Prospect Ave) – About 5 minutes by car (1.4 miles). Known for hand-breaded chicken tenders, wings, and sandwiches in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Dinners Done Right – (1105 8th Ave) – About 6 minutes by car (1.7 miles). Home of Helena’s freshest build-your-own Salad Bar, with seasonal fruits, veggies, and proteins that change throughout the year. Priced by the pound, you can make a light snack or a hearty meal just the way you like it. .
- Dairy Queen Grill & Chill – (1700 Prospect Ave) – About 6 minutes by car (2 miles). Offers burgers, chicken, and sweet treats—perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Hardee’s – (320 Euclid Ave) – About 7 minutes by car (2.5 miles). Hearty breakfast biscuits, thick burgers, and a filling fast-food menu.
- El Vaquero Taqueria – (1338 11th Ave) – About 5 minutes by car (1.3 miles). A hidden gem for authentic Mexican street tacos, burritos, and homemade salsas; great portions and highly rated by locals. Outdoor seating available, take-out only.
- Planet Gyros – (1631 11th Ave) – About 5 minutes by car (1.3 miles). Mediterranean eatery serving gyros, falafel, and fresh Greek sides.
- Copperline Smash Burgers – (1433 11th Ave and 1018 W Custer Ave) Specialty smash burgers, fries, and shakes served in a fun, casual local spot.
- Costco Food Court – (2195 E Custer Ave) – About 7 minutes by car (2.5 miles). Known for budget-friendly family meals like hot dogs and pizza in large portions.
Grocery Stores (Perfect for Lunch Supplies or Snacks)
- Safeway – (611 N Montana Ave) – About 5 minutes by car (1.5 miles). Full-service grocery with deli, bakery, Starbucks, prepared meals, and convenient pickup/delivery.
- WinCo Foods – (2995 N Sanders St) – About 7 minutes by car (2.5 miles). A budget-friendly, 24-hour supermarket great for grabbing bulk items or lunch ingredients.
- Real Food Market & Deli – (1096 Helena Ave) – About 7 minutes by car (2.5 miles). Local favorite with organic produce, homemade deli items, sandwiches, and bulk foods.
- Albertsons – (3151 N Montana Ave) – About 8 minutes by car (3 miles). Grocery store offering bakery, deli, pharmacy, and ready-to-go meals.
Sit-Down Restaurants
- The Overland Express – (2250 11th Ave) – About 3 minutes by car (0.8 miles). A Helena classic! Family-friendly restaurant known for hearty breakfasts, Montana beef, and comfort food. Great for larger groups.
- Melaque’s Mexican Restaurant – (1827 Prospect Ave) – About 4 minutes by car (1.2 miles). Popular sit-down spot with authentic Mexican cuisine, generous portions, and friendly service.
- Steve’s Café – (1225 E Custer Ave) – About 10 minutes by car (3.5 miles). Beloved by locals for hearty, homestyle breakfasts and lunches in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.