Welcome to Missoula! Brian and Tim from MSO and Emily from Destination Missoula have compiled a list of their local favorites for you all to enjoy. It’s a long one so you might just have to plan another trip to visit them all!
Biga Pizza - Carbs and cheese, please! Their pizzas feature inventive pies like the Flathead Cherry or Proscuitto & Fig as well as classic favorites. Biga also offers vegan and gluten free pizzas. (Emily’s Pick)
James Bar – A true Montana bar and restaurant on the north end of Missoula’s downtown featuring 3 dishes with locally raised bison – a burger, slider, and stew. (Tim’s Pick)
Second Set Bistro – Chef Raz and his team pull in culinary inspiration from around the globe. It’s easy to taste the passion behind the dishes and feel the warmth of their hospitality. (Emily’s Pick)
The Depot – A staple of Missoula’s downtown for nearly 50 years. The Depot is a classic western steakhouse and Tim suggests ordering the blackened prime rib. (Tim’s Pick)
Top Hat – A fixture of Front Street, the Top Hat has anchored Missoula’s live music scene for nearly 70 years. Their lunch and dinner feature house-made dishes crafted with local ingredients. (Brian’s Pick)
The Camino – This modern restaurant features honest Mexican cooking, and their cocktail program is all about the agave plant. (Tim’s Pick)
Montgomery Distillery – All of their spirits are distilled here in Missoula and made from Montana grains. They have a hip and funky tasting room downtown with a variety of cocktails. Don’t wait too late though, weird MT laws only allow them to serve until 8 pm. (Emily & Tim’s Pick)
Stave & Hoop – A hidden gem, literally! This speakeasy’s entrance is hidden down the alley in the basement of a historic downtown building. Opening time is 4:06 pm (a nod to Montana’s only area code). (Emily’s Pick)
Black Coffee Roasting – Located just across the street from the Residence Inn and AC Hotels, this is their new downtown location. Enjoy locally roasted coffee and treats from their bakery partner, Grist. (Emily & Tim’s Pick)
Catalyst – Serving café Vita from Seattle, this is one of Missoula’s top breakfast/brunch spots. (Brian’s Pick)
Market on Front – The market features a variety of local coffee roasters and serves one of the best breakfast burritos in town. (Emily’s Pick)
Charlie B’s – Arguably the diviest of the dive bars. You’ll be sure to find Missoula characters at Charlie’s. Be sure to try some creole classics from the Dino Café located in the back of the bar. Cash only. (Brian’s Pick)
Feruqi’s – Famous for their Flaming Lamborghini shot, Feruqi’s has friendly bartenders and features a wildly creative “shot of the day”. (Tim’s Pick)
Flippers – A quick jaunt across the Beartracks Bridge over the Clark Fork River. This laid-back bar/casino serves local craft beers alongside domestics and a variety of burgers and apps. The squeeze bottle of ranch in the condiment caddy is Emily’s favorite touch. (Emily’s Pick)
Silver Dollar Bar – A couple blocks off the main downtown corridor, the Silver Dollar is the longest running family owned & operated bar in the state! Located on Missoula’s only remaining brick-paved street, Railroad Street. Cash only. (Emily’s Pick)
Draught Works Brewery – Located in the “Good Hood” just west of downtown, Draught Works has the perfect outdoor deck to enjoy one of their many beers or spiked seltzers. They also partner with local food truck that rotate daily. (Brian and Tim’s Pick)
GILD – GILD serves their locally brewed beers, alongside ciders & wines, and Mexican-inspired drinking food. GILD also has a basement arcade with classic pinball games and arcade cabinets.
Tamarack – Originating in Lakeside, MT, the brewery’s second location is in the heart of Missoula’s downtown. An order of giant keg nachos is the perfect accompaniment to any of their brews. (Brian’s Pick)
The L – On the face of Mount Jumbo, the L is the least visited of the hillside letters. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the landmark and the hike offers great views of downtown Missoula and the Rattlesnake valley. (Emily’s Pick)
The M – Part of the University of Montana campus, the steep ¾ mile trail takes you to the M and offers panoramic views of the Missoula valley. (Tim’s Pick – as a UM grad, he says you have to start with this one!)
Rattlesnake Recreation Area – One of the three closest rec areas to Missoula, the Rattlesnake offers “choose your own adventure” exploration with hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. (Brian and Emily’s picks)
For Kim Sippola & other Brussels Sprouts connoisseurs
1889 – Brussels with orange-pomegranate molasses, dukkah, Flathead Lake feta.
Basal - Basal mixed greens, little gem lettuce, green kale, shaved Brussels sprouts, roasted broccoli, green onion, Barb’s
croutons, shaved parmesan cheese, vegan Caesar dressing.
Conflux Taphouse – Fried Brussels with Caesar, feta, local sprouts.
Iron Horse Brew Pub – Crispy Brussels sprouts tossed in honey chipotle sauce.
Pangea - Hearty Brussels sprouts tossed with shaved parmesan, lemon & garlic emulsion.
Second Set Bistro – Brussels sprouts with fish sauce caramel, lime, mint, Fresno chili.
Scotty’s Table - Fried Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower | Served with bacon lardons, Dijon crème fraiche and apple cider reduction.
Stave & Hoop – House Style: House: Fried Brussels tossed with shaved parmesan, lemon & garlic emulsion. Street Style: Fried Brussels with cotija cheese, spicy crema, lime & cilantro.
Top Hat – Starter: Sautéed Brussels sprouts with Manchego cheese, shallots, almonds.
Entrée: crispy brussels sprouts, spicy coconut sriracha, purple cabbage, curried coconut cashew dust, & choice of side.
The Camino – Roasted Brussels sprouts with chorizo, caramelized onion, pinto beans, guajillo, sunflower seeds, pickled red onion.
The Old Post – Fried Brussels sprouts tossed in balsamic and topped with bacon honey glaze.
May 15: Joseph at The Wilma – 8 pm
May 16: Trivia at the VFW Post 209 – 8 pm
May 17: Karaoke Night – 9 pm at the Badlander and 9 pm at The Old Post
May 18: Jazz Night at The Old Post – 8 pm
May 19: Kane Brown @ Adams Center – 7 pm & Local show at the Top Hat – 9 pm
If you're giving dry a try this month, Missoula has plenty of spots for mocktails. Check out some of our favorites
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