Discovering Big Sky's Hidden Gem: The Rocks Restaurant

I didn’t know what to expect from Big Sky. I’d heard it was a resort town, a private playground for celebrities tucked into the folds of the Yellowstone Club. It’s only an hour and a half from where I’ve been living, so I made a day trip to Little Big Sky. I walked into ACRE Kitchen, drawn by its promise of organic, health-conscious food. But an undelivered shipment had forced them to close early. One of the staff pointed me toward The Rocks, just across from Fire Pit Park.

The Rocks was packed. Not a single seat open, not even for one. I waited, read, and lingered. Eventually, I found a spot at the bar. The menu leaned heavily on flatbreads, which wasn’t what I was craving. But I like to step out of my comfort zone. Sometimes that’s how you change your life.

I ordered Noelle’s Fireweed Old Fashioned—a drink I wouldn’t normally choose. It was good. Maybe I would’ve been happier with a beer, but I wanted to live in the moment. I’d never had Fireweed before. I almost ordered the Margarita Flatbread. I almost always do. But I didn’t. I ordered Taco Flatbread instead.

I waited a while. I didn’t mind. I’d explored what I thought was the town—it wasn’t—and if I’d known that, I might’ve been more anxious. But I was content, sipping my Old Fashioned, sitting on a swivel chair facing Fire Pit Park, watching the wind rustle through the leaves and drift in through the open garage-style door. The summer air filled the room like a quiet guest.

The Taco Flatbread arrived on a thick wooden cutting board—no plate, with no silverware. I liked that. It looked incredible. It tasted better. Cumin chicken, cilantro, queso fresco, green olives, pico de gallo, corn tortillas. Messy, yes. I was picking pieces off the board, off the bar, off my jeans. Not off the floor. But close. It was the best flatbread I’ve ever had.

I’m glad I didn’t order the Margarita. But I can’t stop thinking about how good it might’ve been.

The Rocks is aptly named. A third of the space is filled with more alcohol than I’ve ever seen in a room that size. My disappointment over ACRE faded quickly. The flatbread set me back $17, the Old Fashioned $15. Worth it. Especially since it’s only an hour away.

I’ll be going back. And in the meantime, I’ll be dreaming about the Margarita Flatbread.