Must-see nightlife in Montana

  • Flathead Lake Brewing Co

    Montana

    Sample Flathead Lake Brewing's legendary beer – including their unique sour-series inoculated with yogurt cultures (it works, mostly) – at their sharp…

  • Top Hat Lounge

    Montana

    Where Missoula goes to get its groove on. This dark venue features live music most weekends in a space large enough to cut a rug, but small enough to feel…

  • General Mercantile

    Montana

    You'll have to weave through all sorts of Montana eclectica for sale – hummingbird feeders, postcards and homemade jam – to get what is widely regarded as…

  • Red Lodge Ales

    Montana

    From the makers of the regional-favorite Bent Nail IPA come many other well-crafted brews and ciders served in the roomy, family-friendly warehouse of Sam…

  • Liquid Planet

    Montana

    Considering how much Missoula loves its beverages, it's no surprise Liquid Planet was born here. Opened by a university professor in 2003, it's a…

  • Überbrew

    Montana

    The most polished of Billings' half-dozen downtown brewpubs also happens to create award-winning beers that are a noticeable step above the rest. The food…

  • Montana Ale Works

    Bozeman & Gallatin Valley

    Bozeman’s former Northern Pacific freight warehouse brings industrial chic to this ever-reliable bar-restaurant, with excellent food (mains $11 to $26),…

  • Rockford Coffee Roasters

    Bozeman & Gallatin Valley

    Bozeman's best and coolest coffee cafe, Rockford's is where local artists and creative types hang out. The coffee is outstanding, and the high ceilings…

  • Spotted Bear Spirits

    Montana

    Award-winning spirits (vodka, gin, and agave) are paired with secret blends of herbs and spices to create unique, award-winning cocktails you won't find…

  • Katabatic Brewing

    Montana

    Suitably named in incessantly windy Livingston, this dog- and family-friendly brewpub has stylishly exposed brick walls and live music on Saturday and…

  • Bonsai Brewing Project

    Montana

    This husband-and-wife-owned place just north of the center of town has a homey and welcoming vibe and is especially popular with locals and their dogs…

  • Montana Coffee Traders

    Montana

    Whitefish’s homegrown microroaster runs this always-busy cafe and gift shop in the old Skyles building in the center of town. The organic, fair-trade…

  • Freda's

    Glacier National Park

    The West Glacier nighttime hangout spot for rafting guides and park employees (the pickings are decidedly slim) is this basic bar attached to the West…

  • Bridger Brewing

    Bozeman & Gallatin Valley

    This well-run, friendly brewpub with central horseshoe bar draws a loyal combination of beer hounds and local MSU students. The Lee Metcalfe Pale Ale is a…

  • Iron Horse Bar & Grill

    Montana

    The interior here isn't much to look at (is that a cougar skin on the wall?!), but the real draw is the great sundeck overlooking the Yellowstone River…

  • Casey's

    Montana

    Each of Casey's three floors has a different identity. The first is a restaurant with an upscale menu; the second is a large performance space with live…

  • Blackfoot River Brewing

    Montana

    Try the excellent beer at this local brewery which serves as the de facto gathering place for locals to share post-hike or ride kudos and gossip. There's…

  • Great Northern Bar & Grille

    Montana

    The hipsters have taken over the biker bar! Not to be confused with the brewery of the same name down the street, this classic saloon sees a generally…

  • Bozeman Taproom & Fill Station

    Bozeman & Gallatin Valley

    One of Bozeman's coolest places to grab a pint and fill a growler has an open-air rooftop beer garden. Its 44 draft brews served from 75 taps can be…

  • Doc Harper's

    Montana

    This long, narrow, pretty martini bar was opened by a lawyer who won a (hard-to-get) liquor license in a state lottery and named the place after his dad,…

  • Draught Works

    Montana

    This cool brewery in a rehabbed industrial-chic building serves great pints with saucy names (try a 'That's What She Said' cream ale) and free pretzel…

  • Wild Joe's Coffee Spot

    Bozeman & Gallatin Valley

    Everything a coffeehouse should be: pressed-tin ceilings and comfy sofas in a century-old building, live music on the weekends, pizza by the slice and a…

  • Iron Horse Brewpub

    Montana

    Rather swanky for a brewpub, the Iron Horse includes a plush upstairs bar complete with a saltwater aquarium. It's popular with students for its…

  • Angry Hanks

    Montana

    For $3 a pint you can enjoy an Anger Management Belgian Wheat, Street Fight Imperial Red or Head Trauma IPA on the patio. It's worth trying the brown ale…

  • Ten Mile Creek Brewery

    Montana

    This lively brewpub in the heart of town produces more than two dozens beers. It's full most nights and is one of downtown Helena's real night-time hubs…

  • Yellowstone Valley Brewing Company

    Montana

    Referred to locally as the Garage, this place has a range of beers named after fishing flies. You'll often find good live music here.

  • Great Northern Brewing Co

    Montana

    Stop at this high-ceilinged brewpub and tasting room for a pint or sampler anytime, or join a tour to up your beer-nerd game.

  • Chadz

    Montana

    Lose yourself in the comfy sofas for a light lunchtime panini and reviving espresso at this cool coffeehouse.

  • Zebra Cocktail Lounge

    Bozeman & Gallatin Valley

    This basement-level nightclub is the epicenter of the local live-music scene, strong on club and hip-hop.

  • The Old Post

    Montana

    Great beer on tap, friendly servers, decent pub food, and a sombrero-wearing moose – this fun American Legion Forgotten Warriors Post is open to all. It's…

  • Packer's Roost

    Glacier National Park

    One local summed up the experience at this classic Western roadside bar as 'it looks like crazy bikers are going to stab you, but they are in fact really…

  • Lone Peak Brewery

    Bozeman & Gallatin Valley

    A kid-friendly brewpub equipped with a fine shuffleboard and light-food menu. The Lone Peak IPA and Nordic Blonde are the most popular, or try the Brewski…

  • Montana Brewing Company

    Montana

    Toast your visit to the Little Bighorn Battlefield with a pint of Custer's Last Stout at this restaurant-style brewery. The craft beers here have won…

  • Natali’s Front Bar

    Montana

    Grab a pail of peanuts and choose from the many local microbrews on tap at this cool wooden bar. You can order in pizza from Red Lodge Pizza next door.

  • 406 Brewing

    Bozeman & Gallatin Valley

    A relaxed place in Bozeman with cool wooden bar benches, a hoppy Hop Punch IPA and darker English-style EKG bitter, plus house-distilled spirits.

  • Molly Brown

    Bozeman & Gallatin Valley

    Popular with MSU students, this noisy dive bar offers 20 beers on tap and eight pool tables for getting your game on.

  • Carter's Brewing

    Montana

    A gritty option next to the railway tracks. Try a De-Railed IPA, or a four-taster flight decorated with a rail spike.

  • Bozeman Brewing Company

    Bozeman & Gallatin Valley

    Drink Bozone brews at the source at this bustling taproom. The four-glass sampler is served on a downhill ski.

  • Haufbrau

    Bozeman & Gallatin Valley

    The pumping Haufbrau is a rowdy college dive hangout, with frequent live music.