Guidebook for Missoula

Julie
Guidebook for Missoula

Food Scene

Walkable (~1 mile) neighborhood Italian restaurant - breakfast, coffee, lunch, or high-end dinner. Beautiful atmosphere, close by, parking mostly on street.
55 locals recommend
Caffe Dolce
500 Brooks St
55 locals recommend
Walkable (~1 mile) neighborhood Italian restaurant - breakfast, coffee, lunch, or high-end dinner. Beautiful atmosphere, close by, parking mostly on street.
European-style coffee shop (largest size 12 oz, whole milk only), walkable (6 blocks), charming, awesome staff, owned by Fitz and the Tantrums drummer John Wicks and his wife.
24 locals recommend
DRUM COFFEE
600 South Ave W
24 locals recommend
European-style coffee shop (largest size 12 oz, whole milk only), walkable (6 blocks), charming, awesome staff, owned by Fitz and the Tantrums drummer John Wicks and his wife.
Walkable (9 blocks), local and regionally-sourced menu, open for lunch and dinner, casual, fireplace, friendly.
6 locals recommend
Iron Griz: American Bistro
515 South Ave E
6 locals recommend
Walkable (9 blocks), local and regionally-sourced menu, open for lunch and dinner, casual, fireplace, friendly.
Drive up only, local, great coffee drinks, pastries to go.
6 locals recommend
Loose Caboose
2310 Brooks St
6 locals recommend
Drive up only, local, great coffee drinks, pastries to go.
Great food or nightlife, lunch and dinner, reasonable prices, full bar, great decor, downtown scene.
38 locals recommend
James Bar
127 W Alder St
38 locals recommend
Great food or nightlife, lunch and dinner, reasonable prices, full bar, great decor, downtown scene.
The only Indian food in Missoula, casual (order at counter), delicious.
27 locals recommend
Masala
206 W Main St
27 locals recommend
The only Indian food in Missoula, casual (order at counter), delicious.
Located at the Double Tree hotel, summer dining is a must on their deck. Stick to the bar menu - the regular menu is overpriced.
25 locals recommend
Finn & Porter
100 Madison St
25 locals recommend
Located at the Double Tree hotel, summer dining is a must on their deck. Stick to the bar menu - the regular menu is overpriced.
Great pizza and menu - eat in, take out, or have them deliver.
54 locals recommend
Bridge Pizza
600 S Higgins Ave
54 locals recommend
Great pizza and menu - eat in, take out, or have them deliver.
Usually a line, but it goes fast. Summer fun.
76 locals recommend
Big Dipper Ice Cream
631 S Higgins Ave
76 locals recommend
Usually a line, but it goes fast. Summer fun.
Walkable (6 blocks), open February 14 - Oct 31.
Dairy Queen Brazier
1735 S Higgins Ave
Walkable (6 blocks), open February 14 - Oct 31.
Fine dining with a great view. The bar menu is best views and best value.
19 locals recommend
The Keep Restaurant
102 Ben Hogan Dr
19 locals recommend
Fine dining with a great view. The bar menu is best views and best value.
Italian deli, take-out, local.
37 locals recommend
Tagliare Delicatessen
1433 S Higgins Ave
37 locals recommend
Italian deli, take-out, local.
The Top Hat is a music venue, but they have great food. Lunch is always open, and dinner is open depending on the event schedule.
120 locals recommend
The Top Hat
134 W Front St
120 locals recommend
The Top Hat is a music venue, but they have great food. Lunch is always open, and dinner is open depending on the event schedule.
Casual, local, traditional breakfast, Missoula-famous. Weekend mornings usually have a wait to be seated, but that's for good reason - worth the wait.
28 locals recommend
Paul's Pancake Parlor
2305 Brooks St
28 locals recommend
Casual, local, traditional breakfast, Missoula-famous. Weekend mornings usually have a wait to be seated, but that's for good reason - worth the wait.
Old school drive-up burger place. Also do walk-up or call-in orders. Walkable (5 blocks), Missoula-famous for Hoagie Cheese Fries.
Hoagieville
2405 N Reserve St
Old school drive-up burger place. Also do walk-up or call-in orders. Walkable (5 blocks), Missoula-famous for Hoagie Cheese Fries.
Coffee shop (drip only) and amazing pastries. Great vibe.
75 locals recommend
Bernice's Bakery
190 S 3rd St W
75 locals recommend
Coffee shop (drip only) and amazing pastries. Great vibe.
Great downtown market with food, coffee, and more.
45 locals recommend
Market on Front
201 E Front St
45 locals recommend
Great downtown market with food, coffee, and more.
BBQ lovers find their happy place here.
30 locals recommend
The Notorious P.I.G. BBQ
247 W Front St
30 locals recommend
BBQ lovers find their happy place here.
Fine dining, nice atmosphere, reservations suggested.
40 locals recommend
The Pearl Café
231 E Front St
40 locals recommend
Fine dining, nice atmosphere, reservations suggested.
Sports bar with a Montana connection - Meagher (pronounced Marr) was the first territorial Governor of Montana.
18 locals recommend
Thomas Meagher Bar
130 W Pine St
18 locals recommend
Sports bar with a Montana connection - Meagher (pronounced Marr) was the first territorial Governor of Montana.
Casual (order at counter) Brazillian-fusion bowls, delicious.
50 locals recommend
Five on Black
325 N Higgins Ave
50 locals recommend
Casual (order at counter) Brazillian-fusion bowls, delicious.
Locally owned, locally and regionally sourced ingredients, gourmet pizza and food. Try the Flathead cherry and sausage, or the sweet potato, bacon, and maple chipotle. Likely a wait around prime dinner hours.
84 locals recommend
Biga Pizza
241 W Main St
84 locals recommend
Locally owned, locally and regionally sourced ingredients, gourmet pizza and food. Try the Flathead cherry and sausage, or the sweet potato, bacon, and maple chipotle. Likely a wait around prime dinner hours.
Pan-Asian dishes in a minimalist space. I love their curry. They offer bubble tea, which is a novelty.
13 locals recommend
IZA Restaurant
529 S Higgins Ave
13 locals recommend
Pan-Asian dishes in a minimalist space. I love their curry. They offer bubble tea, which is a novelty.
Cute little cafe downtown with great food. Breakfast and lunch served. Free parking the first hour in Central Park 100 W Main St.
65 locals recommend
The Catalyst Cafe
111 N Higgins Ave
65 locals recommend
Cute little cafe downtown with great food. Breakfast and lunch served. Free parking the first hour in Central Park 100 W Main St.

Sightseeing

You've likely noticed the giant "M" on the mountain named Mount Sentinel. There is a hiking trail up to it that is perfect to quickly get a great view of Missoula. The hike can be strenuous, but if you can only make it up the first section there is still a great view. To get to the trail head, follow Campus Drive around to the base of the mountain, and park in Lot U. If it's Monday - Friday between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM plan to park in an hourly pay lot, or stop at the security office (32 Campus Drive) and purchase a visitor parking permit for $3.50.
53 locals recommend
University of Montana
32 Campus Dr
53 locals recommend
You've likely noticed the giant "M" on the mountain named Mount Sentinel. There is a hiking trail up to it that is perfect to quickly get a great view of Missoula. The hike can be strenuous, but if you can only make it up the first section there is still a great view. To get to the trail head, follow Campus Drive around to the base of the mountain, and park in Lot U. If it's Monday - Friday between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM plan to park in an hourly pay lot, or stop at the security office (32 Campus Drive) and purchase a visitor parking permit for $3.50.
The Smokejumper base is the largest smokejumper base in the country. They offer free tours of the loft, ready room, and memorial. There is a gift shop, museum, and fire lookout tower. During the summer, Smokejumper aircraft are present, and visitors may even see Smokejumpers dispatched to a fire. The tour takes approximately 45 minutes Summer (June-August): Daily: 8:30am - 5:00pm Winter (September-May): Please call 2 days ahead for appointment and reservation. 406-329-4934
12 locals recommend
Smokejumper Visitor Center
5765 W Broadway St
12 locals recommend
The Smokejumper base is the largest smokejumper base in the country. They offer free tours of the loft, ready room, and memorial. There is a gift shop, museum, and fire lookout tower. During the summer, Smokejumper aircraft are present, and visitors may even see Smokejumpers dispatched to a fire. The tour takes approximately 45 minutes Summer (June-August): Daily: 8:30am - 5:00pm Winter (September-May): Please call 2 days ahead for appointment and reservation. 406-329-4934

Drinks & Nightlife

The Dram Shop has beer and wine with a nice casual vibe. You can fill Growlers there with any of the many beers they have on tap.
34 locals recommend
The Dram Shop
229 E Front St
34 locals recommend
The Dram Shop has beer and wine with a nice casual vibe. You can fill Growlers there with any of the many beers they have on tap.
Bavarian-style beer, the only German microbrewery in the Rockies. Tasting room with premium crafted lagers or grab a bite to eat at the Edelweiss Bistro located upstairs. There are sodas and snacks for the kids too. 11 AM - 8 PM
26 locals recommend
Bayern Brewing, Inc.
1507 Montana St
26 locals recommend
Bavarian-style beer, the only German microbrewery in the Rockies. Tasting room with premium crafted lagers or grab a bite to eat at the Edelweiss Bistro located upstairs. There are sodas and snacks for the kids too. 11 AM - 8 PM
The rooftop deck is a must in the summer. This upscale wine bar has beautiful decor and fancy food.
96 locals recommend
Plonk Missoula
322 N Higgins Ave
96 locals recommend
The rooftop deck is a must in the summer. This upscale wine bar has beautiful decor and fancy food.

Shopping

Over 100 stores, including national department and specialty stores, local boutique stores, regional sporting goods stores, Missoula restaurants and national chains, and kids’ clothing stores
29 locals recommend
Southgate Mall
2901 Brooks St
29 locals recommend
Over 100 stores, including national department and specialty stores, local boutique stores, regional sporting goods stores, Missoula restaurants and national chains, and kids’ clothing stores
Originally primarily a music store, Rockin' Rudy's has become Missoula's go-to experience for everything unique. Cards, jewelry, toys, Montana-inspired shirts and clothing, bumper stickers, novelty items. It's fun to be there, even if you don't buy anything. Be sure to look for the store cat, Saul.
42 locals recommend
Rockin Rudy's
237 Blaine St
42 locals recommend
Originally primarily a music store, Rockin' Rudy's has become Missoula's go-to experience for everything unique. Cards, jewelry, toys, Montana-inspired shirts and clothing, bumper stickers, novelty items. It's fun to be there, even if you don't buy anything. Be sure to look for the store cat, Saul.
Outdoor Farmer's Market - May to October, 8 am - 1 pm
29 locals recommend
Clark Fork Market
101 Carousel Dr
29 locals recommend
Outdoor Farmer's Market - May to October, 8 am - 1 pm
Local and regional crafts sold in an outdoor street market, Saturdays May - September 9 am - 1 pm.
6 locals recommend
Missoula People's Market
501 North Higgins Avenue
6 locals recommend
Local and regional crafts sold in an outdoor street market, Saturdays May - September 9 am - 1 pm.
Outdoor Farmer's Market with local and regional products, Saturdays May - October, 8 AM - 12:30 PM
44 locals recommend
Missoula Farmers' Market
534 N Higgins Ave
44 locals recommend
Outdoor Farmer's Market with local and regional products, Saturdays May - October, 8 AM - 12:30 PM

Essentials

Large full service grocery store
37 locals recommend
Albertsons
1003 E Broadway St
37 locals recommend
Large full service grocery store
Beer, wine, gas, candy, pop.
Zootown Super Stop
2105 S Higgins Ave
Beer, wine, gas, candy, pop.
Laundromat
12 locals recommend
Green Hanger
146 Woodford St
12 locals recommend
Laundromat

Getting Around

Bus service is free, and stops are located two blocks away at South Ave and Higgins St. for Route 6 and Route 12. http://www.mountainline.com/
Mountain Line
1221 Shakespeare St
Bus service is free, and stops are located two blocks away at South Ave and Higgins St. for Route 6 and Route 12. http://www.mountainline.com/
Use the Uber app
74 locals recommend
Uber HQ
1455 Market St
74 locals recommend
Use the Uber app
Use the lyft app
35 locals recommend
Lyft HQ
185 Berry St
35 locals recommend
Use the lyft app
(406) 728-8294
Missoula Green Taxi
1048 Toole Ave
(406) 728-8294
(406) 543-6644
Yellow Cab Inc of Missoula
3790 Holborn St
(406) 543-6644

Arts & Culture

A museum with exhibits showcasing Missoula's history, a former Fort, with a variety of buildings and grounds to explore. Admission ranges from $2.00 - Max. Family - $10.00. Missoula County Residents, members of the Friends of the Historical Museum and children under 6 are free. Call 406.728.3476 for tour price information.
22 locals recommend
The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula
3400 Captain Rawn Way
22 locals recommend
A museum with exhibits showcasing Missoula's history, a former Fort, with a variety of buildings and grounds to explore. Admission ranges from $2.00 - Max. Family - $10.00. Missoula County Residents, members of the Friends of the Historical Museum and children under 6 are free. Call 406.728.3476 for tour price information.
Free admission. Art exhibits featuring contemporary art relevant to the community, state and region. Tuesday - Saturday 10am- 5pm. First Friday of each month open until 8 pm.
67 locals recommend
Missoula Art Museum
335 N Pattee St
67 locals recommend
Free admission. Art exhibits featuring contemporary art relevant to the community, state and region. Tuesday - Saturday 10am- 5pm. First Friday of each month open until 8 pm.
For a week in February, at various locations around town, wonderful documentary film festival. http://www.bigskyfilmfest.org/
Big Sky Documentary Film Festival
216 West Main Street
For a week in February, at various locations around town, wonderful documentary film festival. http://www.bigskyfilmfest.org/
Located on Native American land, the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas was designed in the shape of a Dharma wheel. The purpose of the Garden is to bring about positive transformation within those who visit, in response to the negativity that abounds in the world today. One thousand hand-cast Buddha statues are arrayed around the central figure of Yum Chenmo, and one thousand stupas line the outer circle. Open year round from dawn till dusk to all visitors. There are no signs on the highway, use map or GPS.
28 locals recommend
Ewam and Garden of One Thousand Buddhas
34574 White Coyote Rd
28 locals recommend
Located on Native American land, the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas was designed in the shape of a Dharma wheel. The purpose of the Garden is to bring about positive transformation within those who visit, in response to the negativity that abounds in the world today. One thousand hand-cast Buddha statues are arrayed around the central figure of Yum Chenmo, and one thousand stupas line the outer circle. Open year round from dawn till dusk to all visitors. There are no signs on the highway, use map or GPS.