Missoula has no shortage of top-notch culinary experiences. It seems that around every corner lies a bakery, bistro, or brewpub serving up delicious eats. However, that many choices can be overwhelming, especially when kids are involved! We get it—traveling with kids is a wonderful experience that bring its own unique challenges, and where to eat is a big one. We put together a list of 10 Missoula eateries that are great for families with little kids to check out on your next visit to Missoula.
With two locations in Missoula, one downtown and one in the Southgate Triangle, Notorious P.I.G. is a beloved barbeque joint that serves up delicious mains and sides all made in house and fresh daily. The atmosphere is casual, the food is served fast, and the menu features items that are 100% kid-proof, including pulled pork and chicken, gouda mac and cheese and homemade applesauce. The downtown location shares a parking lot with Caras Park and is very near A Carousel for Missoula and Dragon Hollow, making it a one-stop-shop for play and food.
Also located next to Caras Park with ample parking and great access Dragon Hollow and A Carousel for Missoula, Tamarack Brewing is a fantastic option for families. With lots of dining space, a casual atmosphere, and a huge menu, you are sure to find something for everyone including a kids menu for lunch, dinner and brunch with kids-sized portions of the brewpub's favorites.
Bridge Pizza is a local favorite in Missoula, and it is easy to see why. With two locations, one on Hip Strip in downtown Missoula and one in Brooks, they serve up delicious pizzas, soups, pastas, and more and have a great selection of beer and wine for dine-in eaters. The Bridge is a great option for families (let's be honest, all kids love pizza). The tables are big, the service is fast, and bonus—there are arcade games!
You really cannot go wrong at Top Hat, located in downtown Missoula. This music venue by night serves up delicious cuisine for lunch and dinner, and does so in a large and welcoming atmosphere that is great for diners of all ages. Adults will enjoy the chef-curated, locally-sourced selection of appetizers, mains and desserts as well as a full bar, and kids will love the choices they get, from mains to sides, on their large kids menu. As a bonus, Top Hat has dinner-time live music regularly, making it a fun atmosphere for children to dance their wiggles out while waiting on their food.
The Good Food Store is a grocery store, but it is so much more than that—it is a one-stop-shop for just about every type of cuisine you may be craving. The Good Food Store, centrally located in town, has its own coffee bar, sources pastries and desserts from local bakeries as well as sells their own and has a great daily soup and salad bar and prepackaged sandwiches. But that is not all—make your own panini or sandwich, custom-order your own wok bowl, pick up a slice or pizza, or browse the grocery store isle for snacks, fruit and more to create your dream family picnic. With dining tables in the store, families can't go wrong!
We dare you to find a kid who doesn't love fried chicken and French fries (an adult too, if we are being honest), and Double Front is the place to go in Missoula for fried chicken. With cozy booths and fast service, Double Front is a perfect fit for families. In addition to chicken, their menu also features a wide selection of appetizers, salads and sandwiches, and their kids menu is on point with generous portions of delicious food that even the pickiest eaters will devour. Located in a historic building in downtown Missoula, chicken has been served at Double Front since 1933—that's how you know it is good!
Nachos, tacos, quesadillas... you will be hard pressed to find something your kids won't love at El Cazador. Serving up authentic Mexican cuisine since 1995, El Cazador is now located on South Avenue after moving from its original location downtown. It's dining room is colorful and spacious, with plenty of room for large parties. They have a ton of options for kids including a kids menu and fun drink specials. The service is fast, the food is good, and the atmosphere is laid back, making it a great pick for families.
Located on the western side of town, The Trough is located at The Olde Dairy close to Fort Missoula and Blue Mountain. This spot is a hidden gem in Missoula and definitely worth a drive out to this beautiful part of town. The dining area is huge, and they also have a great outdoor seating area—perfect for kids! They really have it all: coffee, cocktails, sandwiches, salads, ice cream, daily specials... you get the idea. The Trough is open for breakfast through dinner on weekends and lunch and dinner on weekdays.
For families looking for a beautiful spot to sit outside and let the kids run around while enjoying great beer and delicious food, you've hit the jackpot at Highlander Brewing. Highlander specializes in pizza and apps, and all the options are amazing. Kids will love the food and running around in the lawn (mountain views included), and parents will love the craft beer options on tap. In addition to outdoor seating, there is a large indoor area. In the colder months, igloos are set up so you can enjoy unique outdoor dining all year round.
Last but certainly not least, we simply had to include both of Missoula's ice cream establishments. Big Dipper and Sweat Peaks are both amazing options for ice cream for the whole family! Sweet Peaks is located in the heart of downtown and features classic and specialty seasonal flavors as well as sundaes, milkshakes, floats, and take-home sizes. Big Dipper has two locations in town—one just outside of downtown and the other in the Franklin to the Fort neighborhood, and has been a staple in Missoula since 1995 with its delicious ice cream, floats, and shakes. You may even catch the food truck at local events, too!
