Steeped in History: Downtown Billings Steakhouse Closing its Doors

Just weeks after we heard that the famous Grizzly Bar in Roscoe is closing soon, another blow comes for fans of great steaks in south-central Montana. Today (7/29), the owners of Buffalo Block Steakhouse announced that they, too, are shutting down. The last day of operation for Buffalo Block will be August 30. The last day of business for the Grizzly Bar is August 31.

According to a press release and related details on social media, the Buffalo Block said in a statement, "This isn’t goodbye, but a ‘see you again soon’ as we will continue to support the downtown community we love. We want to fill these final weeks with laughter, great food, and the creation of new memories. Come raise a glass with us one more time as we celebrate the legacy of Buffalo Block."

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Buffalo Block took over the space formerly known as The Rex in 2019.

Buffalo Block Prime Steakhouse opened in the historic Rex Hotel building on Montana Avenue in 2019. The ground floor was home to The Rex restaurant for nearly 35 years; it closed somewhat abruptly in 2017, saddening longtime clientele.

Fans and armchair quarterbacks can speculate all day on why the Buffalo Block is closing. Several factors are likely at play: It opened just one year before the COVID pandemic wreaked havoc on many businesses, particularly the restaurant industry. Downtown can be a challenging environment for entrepreneurs. And, for many people, their dining-out dollars are being spread thin by inflation.

The Buffalo Block's reputation as being a spendy place to dine probably didn't help drive traffic to the beloved venue. When it opened, it was very much a "special occasion" place for many people, with a menu that was likely one of the priciest in town. Somewhat recently, they rolled out a revamped menu with easier-to-swallow prices and deals.

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Opinion: I think my wife and I only went to the Buffalo Block one time since it opened. The food was great, the staff was wonderful, and the ambiance was comfortable and stylish. We just never made it back, mainly because (for us anyway) it seemed like Las Vegas steakhouse prices in good old Billings.

That said, it's always sad to see a local restaurant close, especially at a location that has been the home of so many fond memories, either as The Rex or the Buffalo Block. We hope an enterprising restaurateur will take over the space. The building and patio are too beautiful to be turned into offices.

If you are holding a gift card for The Buffalo Block Prime Steakhouse, now is the time to redeem it and soak up that awesome patio one last time.