Hochatown punches way above its weight when it comes to good food. You can grab craft beer on an outdoor deck, sit down for a wood-fired pizza, or order a thick steak grilled over open flames. Most local spots keep things casual and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Walk-in dining keeps your evening flexible, but popular spots get busy when the dinner rush hits. Use this guide to find the top restaurants in town and simple timing strategies for an easy night out.
Insider Tips for First-Come, First-Served Dining
Use these simple strategies to keep your wait times short:
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The Golden Windows: For minimal waiting, aim for an early dinner between 5:00 PM and 5:45 PM. Alternatively, plan a late-evening bite after 8:15 PM when the initial dinner crowd clears out.
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Explore Patio & Bar Seating: Many top spots offer open, first-come seating at outdoor bars and decks. If you see an open patio table, sit down and order right away.
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Send a Scout: If you arrive during peak dinner hours between 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM, drop one person off to put your name on the list while everyone else finds parking.
Where to Eat: Hochatown Favorites
1. Wood-Fired & Brick-Oven Pizza
Fresh, hand-tossed pizza is always a crowd-pleaser after a day outdoors.
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Grateful Head Pizza Oven & Tap Room -
Pro Tip: If the weather permits, head straight to the multi-level outdoor patio. It has a lively atmosphere with open seating where you can order directly from the bar.
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Mountain Fork Brewery -
Pro Tip: The spacious dining area and patio help tables turn over quickly, making it a great pick for larger groups.
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2. Microbreweries & Casual Decks
Enjoy a relaxed outdoor setting with great drinks.
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Beavers Bend Brewery It features a spacious deck and a laid-back vibe. -
Pro Tip: They partner with local food trucks and offer light taproom bites, offering a low-key alternative to traditional sit-down dining.
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3. High-End Dining & Steaks
Plan a special evening out with wine, cocktails, and top-tier entrees.
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Abendigo’s Grill & Patio -
Pro Tip: Ask for a table on the covered open-air patio to enjoy the full menu in a quiet setting with occasional live music.
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Other Places to Grab a Bite in Hochatown
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Shuck Me Expect Gulf-style oysters, whole fried red snapper, bang bang shrimp, crab cakes, cajun shrimp alfredo, and a full lineup of cantina-style plates. They also host live music and offer happy hour specials. -
Pro Tip: Check their happy hour before you go — it's one of the better drink deals in Hochatown, and the vibe during that window is relaxed and fun before the dinner rush hits.
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Buffalo Grill The menu covers a lot of ground — beef, buffalo, turkey, and black bean burgers, hearty BBQ plates, brisket mac and cheese skillets, and a full lineup of fried appetizers. -
Pro Tip: They're closed on Tuesdays, so plan accordingly.
If you're feeding a big group with picky eaters, this is the move — the menu has something for everyone.
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Fun Local Fact
In the 1960s, the original valley townsite of Hochatown was flooded to form Broken Bow Lake. The vibrant dining strip you visit today sits on the higher ground surrounding the water, placing you right above a hidden piece of local history.
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