The Gravel Bar and Banditos are usually my first choices for dining. Both are filled with fishing enthusiasts who share tall stories, cold beer, and lots of different menu options. You can belly up to the Bar for a thick, juicy burger and a brew, or head back to Banditos and enjoy flavorful Southwestern cuisine and an exhaustive wine list.
On the south end of town, I recommend the Alley Bistro. The food’s excellent and well priced, the wine selection is tempting and there are local brews on tap. Adjacent to the Bistro is Pit Stop Pizza, perfect for those nights when you just want a bite before turning in. That said, they do make a fine pizza!
At the other end of town, I like the Continental Divide, our only local, 4-star restaurant. The Divide is without peers if you are seeking elegant cuisine and highly rated wines. Eric Trap, both owner and chef, is not only an excellent cook, but a devoted fly fisherman as well. So don’t be surprised if at some point during your meal, he stops by to inquire about the food and hits you up for a fishing report.
Read More Top Fly Fishing Bars in Ennis
I’m thrilled to report that after two years of remodeling, the McAllister Inn, located 10 miles north of Ennis, is once again open. This wonderful restaurant and bar have been beautifully restored. Owner Kevin Kreig, part rancher and part restaurateur, raises his own beef for his restaurant so you know it’s going to be delicious! While there, order the aged-to-perfection Scottish Highlanders, a true carnivore’s delight.
Well worth mentioning is the Sportsman’s Hotel that offers a nicely prepared dinner or a hearty breakfast in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. I also recommend this as a fine place to rent a cabin for a few days of R && R.
Just Outside Ennis
Up river, about 35 miles south of Ennis check out the Grizzly Bar. This is an awesome place for “après fish” on the Upper Madison. You can order just about anything here, from a juicy burger to a sweet T-bone steak. Another bonus - spirited wade fishing in Quake Lake.
Another great choice is the Campfire Lodge, about 45 miles south of Ennis. This rustic breakfast-nook overlooks the Madison, just downstream from Hebgan Dam. To me, there’s nothing better than a Sunday morning breakfast followed by a little nymph fishing in the afternoon - and you won’t find a prettier place to do just that!
To sum it up, the Madison offers more than some of the world’s best fly fishing. Here anglers can also enjoy a wide selection of restaurants, bars and wonderful places to stay.