20 Authentic Bars and Breweries in Missoula, MT
I loved heading to these bars and breweries in Missoula, MT when I was younger! Having a lot of friends who lived in the area made it a fun trip for me to take when I wanted to check out the nightlife and Missoula restaurants that were available. I highly recommend spending a day or two in Missoula so you can see everything and so you also have an opportunity to enjoy some time at the local hotspots.
Don’t miss these amazing bars and breweries in Missoula, MT
You’re going to want to add these bars and breweries in Missoula, MT to your Montana road trip itinerary!
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Stave & Hoop Speakeasy
223 N Higgins Ave
+1 406 493 0282
The building that Stave & Hoop now resides in was built in 1896 and was once home to a bottling & liquor company. Its tradition lives on today as a speakeasy where locals and visitors alike can come and enjoy incredibly crafted cocktails, beer, imported wine, and of course, Montana-style comfort food.
If you’re looking for high-end bars in Missoula, MT that have an exclusive vibe, Stave & Hoop Speakeasy is the bar for you. Notably a little difficult to find, though it wouldn’t be an authentic speakeasy for it not being hard to find, the hunt is well worth the effort.
The Rhino
158 Ryman St
+1 406 721 6061
Smack dab in the heart of downtown Missoula, The Rhino is a rustic, old-school hideaway offering cocktails and beer (50 on tap, I might add) all night long. If you’re on the hunt for bars in downtown Missoula, you’d be remiss not to check this one out.
While some less experienced folk may consider this a dive bar, though there’s nothing wrong with dive bars, The Rhino is more of a neighborhood bar. Pop by for a game of pool with friends or stay the night as part of your night-out itinerary. Either way, you’re sure to enjoy yourself.
Big Sky Brewing
5417 Trumpeter Way
+1 406 549 2777
If you’re looking for Missoula breweries to hit during your visit to Montana, Big Sky Brewing is a worthy addition. With a taproom offering a wide variety of their in-house brews, and seltzers for those not adamant about beer, Big Sky Brewing doesn’t disappoint.
While they make several beers ranging across categories, some of the most notable are Moose Drool, Ivan the Terrible, Space Goat, and Big Sky IPA. Support local; visit Big Sky Brewing!
Draught Works Brewery
915 Toole Ave
+1 406 541 1592
Founded on the philosophy of building better beers, Draught Works Brewery does just that. As one of the better Missoula breweries, Draught Works Brewery offers several types of delicious beer, all at excellent prices. Notably, their stouts and porters are their most popular to date.
Its property is especially appreciated by the locals in the area. As a proud part of Missoula’s historic Northside neighborhood, its patio and indoor dining area bring in crowds at the worst of times. For a good time year-round, you’ve gotta check them out!
Thomas Meagher Bar
130 W Pine St
+1 406 540 4402
Located downtown, the Thomas Meagher Bar is a classic Irish bar in Missoula, MT, offering its visitors standardized pub food alongside delicious pints and an abundant list of whiskies.
Upon first arrival, you’ll immediately be greeted with an authentic Irish welcome. Throughout your stay, you’ll soon forget that you’re in Montana, feeling as if you’re in the heart of Ireland itself instead. While it’s a no-frills menu offering, the atmosphere itself is second to none among bars and breweries in Missoula. Enjoy a night out with friends or just stop by for a solo pint. Whatever you choose, you’ll be sure to enjoy it.
CREATE Art Bar
140 E Front St, Missoula
+1 406 830 3941
As far as bars in Missoula, MT go, the Create Art Bar is arguably the most unique and one of the best things to do in Missoula. Doubling as both a crafting studio, DIY workshop, art studio, and bar, it’s the only one of its kind. Located within the new Mercantile Hotel, it’s a popular choice for those who choose to stay there. Nevertheless, a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, whether you want to grab a drink or let your creative juices flow on an art project of choice!
Depending on when you’re visiting, they may have a scheduled event or workshop that you can attend, so keep an eye out!
Highlander Beer
200 International Dr
+1 406 549 8193
Highlander Beer is part of the greater list of Missoula breweries and is located on International Drive. While it serves its own host of craft beers that compete with the rest of the local breweries in the area, it separates itself in one unique way…It offers igloo rentals! Yep, you read that right!
Outside of their primary passion of beer, they also serve luxury accommodations in the form of heated and furnished “igloos”. Of course, these aren’t the type of igloos made of ice. Instead, these are elegant, one-of-a-kind accommodations intended to be enjoyed and indulged in. Rentals are for 2-hours at a time and can fit up to 6 people.
Conflux Brewing Co
210 N Pattee St
+1 406-926-3589
As a brewpub located centrally in downtown Missoula, Conflux Brewing Co is a casual yet modern establishment that has incredible views, comfortable amenities, not to mention their oversized rooftop balcony open from corner to corner. If you’re visiting in the summer, it’s an ideal place to have a cold one.
Of course, what’s a good beer without some good food to go without?! Unlike other breweries in Missoula, MT, Conflux provides just that. From baby back ribs and burgers to soups, sandwiches, and other delicious pub food, they’ve got you covered here at one of the best Missoula breweries around.
Bodega
221 Ryman St, Missoula
+1 406 549 0435
Offering family hospitality, delicious food, top-notch drinks, and outstanding service for the last 30 years and counting, the Bodega is one of the most reliably great bars in Missoula, MT.
Of course, it’s not going to have the highest reviews because of its somewhat small and standard bar atmosphere, however, that’s not with Bodega shines. Instead, they shine through consistency. Consist service, consistent quality, consistent pricing. If you’re looking for a surefire place to grab a good beer, Bodega’s got you covered. Bottoms up!
Red’s Bar
217 S Ryman St
+1 406 728 9881
Located in the heart of downtown and also near many hotels in Missoula, MT, and often referred to as the heart of the town, Red’s Bar is one of the longest-standing bars in Missoula, MT. While it may not be a “sports bar”, it’s not uncommon to walk into the bar with TVs littered with the hottest nightly sporting event on and fans tuned in with a beer in hand.
Wondering what to expect? While it’s not the most modern of its kind, expect authenticity through and through. If you’re looking to pay homage to Missoula history and take a trip back to memory lane, Red’s bar is for you. Great for a beer or two with friends for Sunday football.
Tamarack Brewing Co
231 W Front St
+1 406 830 3113
As a brewery in Missoula, MT, Tamarack Brewing Co’s mission is to brew adventure-crushing beer and to serve fresh pub food that can be enjoyed with “the homies”. Frankly, it does just that! Not only is their atmosphere extremely modern and welcoming; one that just makes you want to have a celebratory drink. But as a family-owned and operated business, its passion runs through its staff, making for an incredibly enjoyable experience accompanied by great service.
Opened in 2007 and going strong ever since it now brews nearly 4400 barrels of beer annually. That’s a lot of beer! So, if you want to get your hands on one (or seven) of those beers, don’t hesitate to check them out. You’re going to love it!
Imagine Nation Brewing
1151 W Broadway St
+1 406 926 1251
Imagine Nation Brewing is the first microbrewery and center for community transformation in the country! With the mission to bring people together and serve their highest selves, it’s more than just a Missoula brewery.
Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), the current owners are currently in search of new ownership to take over, not only because their passion lies in humanitarian work but because they’re eager to keep the community center open and serving. So, instead of closing the doors, they’ve decided to simply find the next person to place in the driver’s seat!
If you’re in the area, be sure to stop in and support the community, and heck, have a beer or two while you’re at it. It’s the most unique among bars and breweries in Missoula!
Cranky Sam Public House
233 W Main St
+1 406 540 4325
Located on Main Street in the heart of downtown Missoula, MT, Cranky Sam Public House is both a popular bar that serves the freshest of beer on tap and wine in glass. They guarantee that a visit will immediately boost your mood, and while it’s a strong claim, they’re 100% right!
When renovating the space, owners found remnants of what was once the Red Light District of Missoula in the 1800s. After teaming up with the University of Montana to delve more into the history of the venue, the owners changed their plans and changed the name of the bar to Cranky Sam’s in order to pay homage to an infamous man and the history of the era.
Now, the brewery itself is run by an award-winning brewer, Timmy Evon. With that said, not only can you expect the highest quality of brew, but their staff is downright incredible as well. Stay for a good time, not a long time. As a caveat, however, be sure to return for yet another good time the next day!
Al’s and Vic’s Bar
119 W Alder St
+1 406 728 4804
Noted as one of the oldest bars in Missoula, MT, Als’ and Vic’s bar is a popular spot for its historical significance alone. Opened back in 1936 and it’s been offering quality service ever since.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a regular, the daily drink specials are a must to take advantage of. With that said, as the saying goes, visit for the great beer, stay for the better company. With a laid-back atmosphere, it may just become your new favorite among bars and breweries in Missoula!
KettleHouse Brewing Co
602 Myrtle St
+1 406 830 3163
As a craft Missoula brewery, KettleHouse Brewing Co has the mission to match the quality of their beer to the quality of the great outdoors of beautiful Montana itself. While that may sound like quite the challenge, I’d say that they’ve nailed it!
With two locations, one, a garage turned brewery, and the other their outdoor venue in Bonner, located between two mountains, KettleHouse is a Missoula staple. With that said, while you might come for the scenery, you’ll be sure to stay for the beer. Open seven days a week, you’ve got no excuse not to pay them a visit. Try their Coldsmoke Scotch Ale; it’s the locals’ favorite.
Great Burn Brewing
2230 McDonald Ave
+1 406 317 1557
Great Burn Brewing is a local Missoula brewery located on the south side, offering several types of beer styles. Their four flagships, however, are the Church Picnic Cream Ale, the Cold Trail Pale Ale, The Great Burn IPA, and the Smoke Chaser Porter; all incredible options in their own right. Only established in April of 2013, they’re still a relatively new brewery, all things considered.
That doesn’t mean, however, that they’re not experienced in what they do. Quite the opposite in fact. With master brewers at the helm, there’s a reason it’s everyone’s favorite of bars and breweries in Missoula.
Iron Horse Bar & Grill
501 N Higgins Ave
+1 406 728 8866
This full-service bar and grill located in the heart of vibrant downtown Missoula, MT is a popular spot to go for a cold beer and some saucy wings. With four different sections to post up and enjoy the atmosphere outdoors and endless indoor seating options, it’s a great place to come on your own or with a large group.
Priding themselves in servicing and socializing the city for nearly 30 years, there’s a reason Iron Horse Bar & Grill are well-known in the area, and it’s not because of their age! Delicious food, refreshing drinks, and great service. It’s what you get when visiting this Missoula bar.
Monk’s Bar
221 Ryman St
Founded in 2011, Monk’s Bar has been serving the public through booze and music. Known for booking up and coming, local artists and bringing in unique sounds for guests to enjoy, it’s an eclectic yet popular joint to hang out. It’s important to note that this is certainly an alternative bar, likely not preferential to the general public.
Nevertheless, a great bar in their own right. It just tends to favor their primary target market, making for a popular niche following!
Bayern Brewing
1507 Montana St
+1 406 721 1482
Notably the only German brewery in the Rocky Mountains, Bayern Brewing, popular amongst Missoula breweries, specializes in brewing authentic Bavarian beer. Not only do they use the most state-of-the-art brewing equipment but they’ve also decorated their facilities to the highest degree.
Unsurpassed by other bars and breweries in Missoula, Bayern Brewing is a top-notch brewery not to be dismissed. If you’re looking for a unique and fashionable experience, international to the taste but local to the eyes, Bayern Brewing is the spot for you!
Gild Brewing
515 S Higgins Ave
+1 406 926 3258
Finally, Gild Brewing is a local brewpub located in Missoula, Montana. Born in the historic butterfly building, each of the three floors has its own bar! Pretty cool, huh?! From the taproom, to the lounge, to the arcade, you’ll feel like you are in adult heaven for the entire duration of your visit. Heck, you may not ever want to leave!
Even more, they release new beer every single week. So, while it’s sure to be a new experience for that first visit, it’s even quite new for the regulars! Open seven days a week from 11 am to 10 pm, do yourself a favor and make it a priority to pay a visit to this incredible Missoula brewery.
Have you visited any of these bars and breweries in Missoula, MT? Let me know your favorite in the comments!
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