Best Places to Eat in Missoula, Montana
Welcome to Missoula, Montana, a vibrant city known for its eclectic culture and stunning natural beauty. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Big Sky Country, Missoula offers plenty of culinary options that caters to all tastes and preferences. From cozy cafes and farm-to-table restaurants to international cuisine and bustling food trucks, this guide will take you on a mouthwatering journey through the best places to eat in Missoula. So, get ready to discover the hidden gems and popular favorites that make Missoula one of the best places to fuel up for a nearby adventure.
Breakfast
Market on Front
Market on Front is the best for grab and go breakfast, coffee, or lunch. Market on Front has everything from freshly brewed coffee and espresso to croissants and breakfast burritos. Here you can also find to-go lunch items like deli sandwiches, pasta salads, and more. Located in the historic downtown area, this market offers a delightful fusion of local flavors, artisanal products, and friendly faces. Here, visitors can explore an extensive selection of fresh produce sourced from nearby farms, alongside a diverse array of gourmet foods, specialty items, and handcrafted goods. From farm-fresh eggs to locally roasted coffee, the Market on Front celebrates the best of Montana's culinary offerings while also supporting local producers and artisans. Beyond its shelves stocked with delectable treats, the market features a cozy cafe where patrons can enjoy freshly prepared meals, sandwiches, and baked goods made with ingredients sourced right from the store. With its welcoming ambiance and commitment to quality, the Market on Front has become a beloved destination for food enthusiasts and community members alike.
Le Petite Outre
Just off of the hip strip, lies Le Petite Bakery. An old warehouse turned bakery creates a beautiful and open ambiance inside with tons of charm and cozy couches and books. This charming bakery exudes a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to start your day or enjoy a leisurely afternoon treat. Le Petit Outre takes pride in its commitment to traditional baking methods and high-quality ingredients, resulting in bread that boasts a crispy crust and a soft, flavorful interior. From classic baguettes to hearty sourdough loaves, each creation showcases the bakery's dedication to craftsmanship and attention to detail. In addition to their stellar bread selection, Le Petit Outre also offers a tempting array of pastries, including buttery croissants, flaky pain au chocolat, and decadent fruit tarts, all made with the same care and expertise.
The Old Post
It is no secret that no restaurant takes brunch as seriously as The Old Post. According to the Old Post “breakfast is a meal, but brunch is a culture”. If you want brunch with all the fixings, this is your spot. As an all time Missoula favorite, the Old Post services up classic dishes like eggs benedict, corned beef hash, biscuits and gravy, fried chicken and waffles, stuffed french toast, and many other mouth watering meals.
Pauls Pancake Parlor
You heard that right, this joint is the go to for a sweet breakfast. Serving pancakes of all flavors and ingredients, Pauls is a memorable breakfast spot. Open at 6:00 AM you can fuel up for a day of nearby adventure with pancakes from Pauls. Pauls is an old school diner full of big plates for great prices. This is a mom and pop joint that has been locally owned since 1963! It's got a cozy atmosphere and fast service.
Coffee and Drinks
Clyde Coffee
Clyde Coffee is always full of hustle and bustle because it is just that good. Their brick and mortar is full of natural light and oak colored wood, making the perfect ambiance to enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Word on the street is the barista here have some of the best latte art in town! In addition to coffee, Clyde has an extensive tea list for those looking for a coffee alternative.
If you are a coffee fanatic, consider joining the Cydle coffee team for one of their roasting classes that they offer! It's a unique offering that let’s you in on the best roasting practices in the industry.
Break Espresso Bar
Break Espresso Bar is a cherished local institution renowned for its exceptional coffee, cozy ambiance, and vibrant community atmosphere. Situated in the heart of downtown Missoula, Break Espresso Bar has been serving up expertly crafted espresso drinks, artisanal teas, and delicious pastries since its establishment. The cafe's warm and inviting space, adorned with eclectic decor and comfortable seating, provides the perfect setting for patrons to relax, catch up with friends, or dive into work or study sessions. Beyond its stellar coffee offerings, BreaknEspresso Bar also hosts live music performances, poetry readings, and art exhibitions, further enriching the cultural and creative tapestry of Missoula.
Kettlehouse Brewing
An all time Missoula classic. The brewery that helped put Missoula on the map. Nestled in the heart of this vibrant city, Kettlehouse Brewing offers more than just exceptional craft beers; it encapsulates the spirit of Missoula itself. From their meticulously brewed signature ales to the warm, inviting ambiance of their taproom, every sip at Kettlehouse is a journey through the rich flavors of Montana. Whether you're a beer enthusiast eager to explore innovative brews or simply seeking a welcoming atmosphere to unwind, Kettlehouse Brewing promises an unforgettable experience that embodies the essence of Missoula's thriving craft beer scene.
Western Cider
If beer is not your thing, consider trying Western Cider. Located on a gorgeous property with a large outdoor patio, Western Ciders feels like an oasis located just off of downtown and right on the Clark Fork River. Former tire shop turned cider tasting room makes for an open ambiance with tall ceilings, and space to accommodate large groups of people. Western Ciders brews their cider with over 50 varieties of locally grown apples from the Montana Bitterroot Valley. They often have live music and allow guests to bring take out food from other local business to enjoy on their patio alongside a nice sunset and glass of cider.
Stoop and Hoop
Stoop and Hoop Speakeasy stands out as a hidden gem, offering a unique and unforgettable drink and dining experience. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, this clandestine establishment exudes an aura of mystery and intrigue, reminiscent of the Prohibition era. Step through its unassuming brick entrance and be transported to a secret escape full of unique libations. The Stoop and Hoop's meticulously crafted cocktails, each a masterpiece of mixology, tantalize the senses and ignite the imagination. From classic concoctions to innovative creations, every drink is a work of art, expertly crafted to perfection. Combined with an intimate and cozy ambiance, complete with dim lighting and vintage decor, dining at the Stoop and Hoop Speakeasy is an experience not to be missed for any culinary enthusiast exploring the vibrant flavors of Missoula.
The Dram Shop
The Dram Shop, located on Front Street in Missoula, is a beloved destination for craft beer enthusiasts and socializers alike. As a unique taproom and growler fill station, it offers a curated selection of the finest local and regional brews, showcasing the diversity and quality of Montana's craft beer scene. The ambiance of the Dram Shop is laid-back and inviting, making it an ideal spot to unwind with friends or strike up conversations with fellow beer aficionados. With a rotating selection of beers on tap, including IPAs, stouts, sours, and more, there's always
something new and exciting to try. Beyond its impressive beer offerings, the Dram Shop also hosts community events, beer tastings, and live music, fostering a sense of camaraderie among patrons. Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or just looking to explore the world of craft beer, the Dram Shop provides a welcoming environment where you can sip, socialize, and savor the flavors of Missoula.
Lunch and Dinner
Top Hat
Top hat is a classic gastropub with typical pub fare and a large outdoor patio for those warm summer afternoons. Top Hat serves up great cocktails and a plethora of great local beers in addition to their savory delights. Top Hat has a large menu full of sandwiches, wraps, burgers, salads, and more. They also have an extensive kids menu, for families traveling with kiddos.
Basal
Basal is a great healthy alternative for breakfast and lunch in the area. Basal has a full service salad bar full of local fresh ingredients to build your own salad. They also serve up stir frys, soups, salads, wraps, and more. To accompany your salad or lunch of choice, you can pair it with one of their unique fresh juices. Basal also has a vast smoothie menu with items like their strawberry rhubarb smoothie or their mano matcha smoothie, with plenty of add-ons on protein powder or bee pollen available. Basal is a fantastic spot to accommodate vegetarian or vegan diets.
Five on Black
Five on Black is a Brazilian restaurant with healthy and flavorful options. It’s a ‘build your own’ grab and go style spot where you put together your own rice bowl with all your favorite fixings. They have tasty sauces to spice up your bowls like their mango barbeque or spicy coconut. Five on Black has a few locations across Montana and is an absolute favorite amongst locals. If you go, make sure to try the brazilian cheese bread - it’s to die for!
Michi Ramen Bar
Known as the best ramen in town, Michi Ramen Bar offers a unique dining ambiance full of mouth-watering smells and colorful interiors. Serving classic and unique ramen combinations, everyone is sure to find something delicious here. On Michi’s menu, you will even find a full breakdown of Japanese ingredients and terminology as it relates to ramen. This ensures you’ll order something you like and adds to the wonderful dining experience. You can also enjoy a full cocktail list and even a sake flight to try alongside your ramen. The bartenders are very knowledgeable and eager to share about the drinks on the menu.
Iron Horse Bar and Grille
Nestled in a historic building with a rustic charm, this beloved establishment seamlessly blends Montana's rugged spirit with a contemporary twist. The menu, a celebration of locally sourced ingredients and culinary craftsmanship, offers something to tantalize every palate. From mouthwatering burgers crafted with hand-formed patties to succulent steaks grilled to perfection, each dish at the Iron Horse is a testament to their commitment to quality and flavor. Whether you're seeking a hearty meal after a day of exploring Missoula or a cozy spot to unwind with friends, the Iron Horse Bar and Grill promises a delectable dining experience.
FINN
If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, consider trying FINN. Within walking distance from downtown Missoula, FINN is located along the scenic banks of the Clark Fork River. Its location serves as a wonderful place to dine and watch the sunset with the river flowing as your soundtrack. Accompanying the views are deliciously hand crafted meals full of local ingredients. Some popular dinner items consist of the ribeye steak, seared salmon or halibut, or any of their freshly made pizzas. They have a worthwhile happy hour menu from 4:00 - 6:00 PM daily that includes great deals on drinks and small plates like oysters and other fresh seafood. If you can’t make it to FINN’s for dinner, they also serve brunch and lunch depending on the day.
