History

In Montana, there are a few restaurants that can boast the longevity than that of the Windmill and Bar 51. A Billings original that started in the 1930's, the Windmill has continued to serve all guests delicious meals in the spirit of the Montana west.  In the 1930’s, Toots Maybell opened the Windmill Club on 1st Avenue South in downtown Billings. The Windmill Club was primarily a dance club, serving beer and wine. Toots soon sold the business to Ralph Studer who later sold the club to Louis and Muggs Eastman in 1940. Louis and Muggs redesigned the interior and started serving a full service menu in 1947, seating up to 65 customers at any one time.

After over 40 years in business, the Eastman’s sold the supper club to John and Scottie Novasio. John and Scottie continued the Windmill tradition of tasty prawns, big lobsters and wonderful ribs. Well known for the red & white checkered tablecloths, red candles and of course the famous, but not-so-popular ladies room, the Windmill Supper Club continued the Eastman’s tradition of providing great food and service in a very unique atmosphere.

Then in the fall of 2005, John and Scottie announced that they would be closing the Windmill Supper Club and finally retire. With those few words came waiting lists longer than a reservation book could handle. Up until the final day of December 24th, 2005, customers flocked to the Windmill for one last chance at a plate of prawns, a pile of King Crab or a final wearing of the Windmill bib.

However, one of those faithful customers decided that the traditions and recipes of the Windmill Supper Club were just too good to be retired forever. Don Bottrell, a long-time Windmill customer, worked with John and Scottie on re-invigorating the basic principles of The Windmill: great food with great service in a beautiful new setting. Don has since passed away, but the basic principles and commitment is carried on with Jim Bennett and the hard-working staff that keeps The Windmill Bar 51 a continued local favorite. 

​Since its humble beginnings, the Windmill has been through several changes.  Moving from the original location in downtown Billings to the beautiful water-side location in the West End, the Windmill has continued to deliver on tradition as well as successfully shaking hands with a more modern approach.  With tradition in mind and an eye toward the future, the Windmill continues to find new and exciting ways to bring food and drink to the Billings area. Some of those items, including our signature Windmill Prawns, have remained virtually unchanged over decades.  

​Whether it’s a cocktail, dinner for two, or you’re hosting a private event, the Windmill’s open space, private dining rooms, catering capability, and Billing’s best waterside pet friendly patio offers just what you are looking for. Always searching for ways to support local business, the Windmill offers a great craft beer selection from breweries around Montana as well as incredible local beef cuts from the S Ranch in Hardin.
 
Reservations are always recommended but you can join us at our bar or sit by the fire pit on the patio when planning ahead may not have been an option! No matter where you choose to sit, our full menu is available to you.  If you’re joining us for Happy Hour, please enjoy your experience in the bar or on the patio!
 
The Windmill is a Billings tradition.  We are very proud of that tradition and cannot wait to help you experience it when you visit!

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