Written by Lauren Hillestad
Whether you're a local or simply visiting, it's easy to make downtown Missoula your go-to for every meal. Breweries, restaurants, food trucks and more offer convenient dining options around every corner. But if you never venture off the beaten path you will miss out on some of the best eats in Missoula. We took a break from downtown living and explored Missoula to find some of our favorite restaurants off the beaten path—check it out!
We love the buzz of downtown life in Missoula, but it feels great to take a breath and slow things down. Caffe Dolce sits on Brooks Street just minutes from downtown, and offers a relaxed atmosphere nestled among towering trees in a charming neighborhood. When the weather is nice they open up their patio for a morning coffee or casual lunch break in the sun. As the sun starts to set, Caffe Dolce transforms into a date-night destination, complete with candlelight and an impressive dinner menu.
Head to the westside of Missoula to find a hidden gem with true Missoula vibes. You may have seen the Burn Street Bistro's food truck, the "Beastro Food Cart," parked outside of Draught Works Brewing. However, many people don't know about their mainstay restaurant just minutes west of downtown. Burn Street offers breakfast and lunch Monday-Friday, and a killer brunch until 2pm every weekend. Their menus change with the seasons, and they whip up a new brunch special every weekend to keep things fresh. Grab a beer and whatever delicious dish they've concocted that day to live like a true local.
When you find the perfect deli, you go back time and time again. Make your way out past the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula and you'll find The Trough and adjoining market, The Olde Dairy. Locally sourced goods, a great craft beer and wine selection, and a hearty deli menu make for the perfect pre-picnic pitstop.
You don't want to make the mistake of sticking downtown every time you grab a beer, or you'll miss out on some of Missoula's best breweries. Bayern Brewing is an especially unique destination for craft beer enthusiasts, with top quality lagers and ales inspired by Bavaria, Germany, where the owner and masterbrewer was born and raised. If you're looking for a bite to eat with your next pint, Bayern dishes up Bavarian-inspired dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
Tia's Tamales has been a staple in Missoula for quite some time. Their bright teal food truck sparks excitement as it makes it's way through town for events like the Saturday market. Lucky for us, Tia's Big Sky opened just west of downtown Missoula, so we can enjoy Tia's tamales, among other eclectic Mexican dishes, every day of the week.
