One evening in 1985, my grandparents flew into Bozeman from Cleveland. Because they only consumed steak and bourbon, my parents took us all to the Land of Magic Steakhouse in Logan, Montana. The restaurant is child-friendly, and everyone was happy. Somewhere in the 1990s, I went back with my prom date for our requisite fancy dinner before the dance. Fast-forward to today, and the Land of Magic is still attracting everyone from hunters and ranchers to tourists and locals alike, seeking the area’s best steak.
Owned and operated by Jay and Beth McCurry since 2007, the Land of Magic sits in the unincorporated township of Logan, once a busy railroad junction on the Northern Pacific Railway. Logan is now a residential community along the Gallatin River with no zip code. Upon pulling into “town,” the main structures appear to be grain elevators and old trailers. The Land of Magic is hidden in the center of it all, next to an abandoned white church. Its address is technically in Manhattan, Montana, the nearest incorporated town, making Land of Magic one of Gallatin County’s best-kept secrets.
What isn’t a secret is the food, and it’s what keeps customers coming back: a good selection of appetizers, burgers, chicken, duck, fish, seafood, and of course certified angus steaks. All dinners come with a relish tray, mini loaf of bread, choice of shrimp cocktail or salad, regular or twice-baked potato, and Wilcoxson's ice cream. On a recent visit, my husband exclaimed, “No one likes cauliflower!” as he wolfed it enthusiastically from the relish tray. The mango vinaigrette was delightful on the house salad, and the filet mignon was simply true to the flavor it should be – not masked by any sauces or flavors.
Reservations are recommended as this cozy spot fills up fast, especially after MSU Bobcat games. Land of Magic has been affected by the growth in the area, and it’s getting harder to just walk in without calling ahead. The good news is their “come as you are” policy – it’s fine to roll in off the river, or dress to the nines.
If you can’t get into the dining room, try Land of Magic’s adjacent and properly Montana-esque bar, with its lacquered wood, taxidermy, and friendly locals. The entire place has a cozy, rustic feel – Land of Magic is known for its hospitality and warm service. “It's homey and nice; walking in is like getting a warm hug,” says Beth. “There’s definitely a feeling people get when they come in, and that’s the magic.”
Restaurant Info:
HOURS: SUNDAY-THURS: 4-8 PM & FRI - SAT: 4-8:30 PM
LOCATION: 11060 Front Street, Manhattan, MT 59741 - Off Exit 283
WEBSITE: https://landofmagicsteakhouse.com
RESERVATIONS: 406-284-3794