Grille 459 - BIGFORK

We used to be regular customers of this restaurant until we had a terrible dinner experience. We informed our server about how overcooked our food was (the chicken piccata was dry and tough, we couldn't even eat it), but all we received was an apology. There was no offer to make things right. When I posted my honest review on Facebook, the owner criticized me for not telling her directly. I was surprised that I had to chase down the owner instead of speaking to a proper manager. This conversation quickly went downhill and as a result, my partner and I decided never to eat there again. We also warned our friends to do the same. The silver lining is that the restaurant has now closed down.

When my husband arrived about 10 minutes later, the bartender seemed preoccupied with another couple at the other end of the bar and didn't acknowledge us. Finally, my husband spoke up and said we were ready to order. The bartender seemed annoyed and told us to leave, suggesting that we should make reservations next time. We explained that we had been eating at 459 once a week for years and had been living in Montana for over 20 years, so we were not tourists. We were simply trying to place our order quickly as we had plans to attend the game at 8. We understand that the bartender was busy, but we felt disrespected by the way he treated us compared to the other customers. We have always enjoyed our meals at 459 and had even made reservations for a future visit with friends. However, after this experience, we have decided not to return. We will take our weekly business elsewhere.

We entered the restaurant through a rickety elevator with signs warning us it would take 35 seconds to reach the top and not to press the "help" button for emergency services. Upon entering the restaurant, we were asked twice if we had reservations. The restaurant was completely empty except for a table in the corner. We thought we might be turned away due to our lack of pre-planning. However, we were told we could sit anywhere except at a table with menus on it as they were "doing something with that table". We found an alternative table and ordered drinks. There were two waiters for two tables, but the service seemed slow. We placed our order and had a moment to observe our surroundings, which only became increasingly strange. The walls were a muddy beige with random decorations including hand-painted grapes and vines, a sepia-toned photo of a rodeo, and various other eclectic art pieces. Our appetizer, calamari, was okay but not great. The service continued to be slow, as the other table sent their food back for being cooked incorrectly. At one point, our waiter removed the menus from the table he had previously told us he was "doing something with", and it remained empty throughout our meal. Our main courses arrived beautifully presented, with creative garnishes. The contrast between our dishes and the odd environment was noticeable. My stroganoff was a bit sour and lacking in flavor, while my partner's tuna was delicious and fresh. My friend had the pork chop, which was well-cooked with a creamy risotto. Overall, the food was decent, but the service was slow considering the waiter-to-customer ratio. Our waiter was pleasant enough, but the entire experience can only be described as bizarre. As we left, we passed by another restaurant bustling with patrons, which was a stark contrast to the dark and empty atmosphere at 459.

Amazing restaurant alert! Great food, incredible staff and located in an awesome little hideaway by the lake! You can't go wrong with this place! Ask for Brandon! He'll make your meal one to remember! Make sure you start with the Mac and Cheese bites! They are awesome! Steak was perfect, Ahi was incredible! And don't forget dessert! Highly recommended!

If you don't stop at this place you are seriously missing out on the best place in Bigfork, MT. So delicious and perfect!