This Beloved Montana Take-Out Spot Claims To Have The 'Best Sandwich In The West'

When you think of food in Montana, a few hearty flavors might spring to mind: tart huckleberries, rich bison burgers, and juicy pork chop sandwiches. If you're a big fan of the latter, look no further than Montana favorite, The Pickle Barrel, which claims to serve "the best sandwiches in the West." With almost 50 years of history and an army of fans, they might just be right.

Opened in the 1970s by husband and wife team Ken and Kerry Olsen, The PIckle Barrel has stood the test of time. Currently, this Montana institution has two locations: Bozeman and Livingston, both of which are must-visit spots in Big Sky Country.There's something for everyone at The Pickle Barrel, with zesty pepper steak, the bacon, turkey, and cheddar cheese-filled Big Sky Special, and the classic roast beef with Monterey jack cheese highlights on the menu. But do you know what is really special is that at the Bozeman location? You can get your sandwich served in a pickle. Who needs bread when you can have your sub encased in a crunchy, salty pickle?

The quirky sandwich-in-a-pickle option is more than just a marketing gimmick. One Tripadvisor reviewer wrote, "Don't shy away from getting your sandwich in a pickle. It was so good!" They also wrote that having your sub in a pickle makes it less filling than a regular sandwich. At The Pickle Barrel, this is no bad thing!

The sandwich store is famous for two things: pickles and huge portions. The biggest subs are 17.5 inches — that's just shy of a Subway footlong plus a half-foot put together, so remember to bring your appetite. Don't think you can eat that much? Don't worry; you can order a half, but the size of these subs makes having them in a pickle more appealing.

The Bozeman location is just a stone's throw from Montana State University, making The Pickle Barrel a firm college kid favorite. Need more convincing to stop here? One local on Google calls these the "holy grail of Montana submarine sandwiches," while another recent Google reviewer praises the subs as being "chock full of filling." Customers are nearly unanimous in saying that the subs are very filling, with even the half size being too much for some. And, of course, you get a tasty pickle with every order.

While you might initially head to Bozeman or Livingston to try the best sandwiches in the West, there's much more to savor in these Montana towns. For a start, Bozeman is a great couples' getaway for nature lovers, with easy access to ski resorts and hiking trails from downtown. However, it's not just a city for those who love the outdoors. The buzzing town hosts the annual Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, farmers' markets (in summer and winter), museums, bars, and restaurants to go with its world-beating sandwiches. Be sure to check out the award-winning Montana Ale Works; as well as incredible food, you can get a range of Montana spirits and beers and a spicy pickle martini (in case your experience at The Pickle Barrel left you wanting more).

A visit to Livingston is a chance to discover small-town Montana. Livingston is an artsy place with several galleries, live theater, film, music, and literary events, and its cowboy past shines through in the rodeos and shops selling classic Western clothing. If you come craving a sandwich and The Pickle Barrel is shut (it closes at 2 p.m.), head to Matt's Old Fashioned Butcher Shop and Deli, where the sandwiches and service get outstanding reviews. Livingston is also the starting point for a short but awe-inspiring road trip through Paradise Valley, and it's just an hour's drive north of the entrance to Yellowstone National Park in Gardiner. Fuel up at The Pickle Barrel, and then get outdoors!