Missoula restaurants offer an impressive cuisine variety for the discerning palate. Farm to table, Thai, Mexican, gourmet pizza, scrumptious vegan donuts, and huckleberry ice cream will tempt your tastebuds. Read on to discover the best places to eat in Missoula, Montana.
Since I have family who has lived in Missoula for 40+ years, I’ve been privy to the insider scoop on the best food in Missoula during my ten visits, discovering new indulgences each time!
In addition to the fantastic foodie scene, Missoula offers a number of fabulous things to do, including hiking, kayaking, mountain biking and more. If you are heading to Glacier National Park or Whitefish, Montana, you will probably fly into Missoula.
Top Missoula, Montana Restaurants
Best Downtown Missoula MT Restaurants
If you are seeking the best restaurants in Missoula, Montana, for dinner, I’ve got you covered.
1. Scotty’s Table
Address: 131 S. Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT
Located beneath the historic Wilma Theater, sit inside surrounded by floor to ceiling red drapes or outside on the patio and admire Caras Park at this delightful Missoula restaurant. Scotty’s Table serves meats and organic vegetables from local purveyors.
TOP TIP: Order the fried brussels sprouts with cauliflower. The flavorful apple cider reduction imparts the ideal zing.
The roasted beets and warm lentil salad are two other crowd pleasers. My family raves about their cioppino, mussels and scallops dishes. We celebrate all of our special occasions here whenever we visit as we feel they have some of the best food in Missoula.
TOP TIP: If you are visiting on a Saturday or Sunday, do yourself a favor and indulge in brunch.
Craving savory and sweet? Their deep fried buttermilk brined chicken breast enveloped by two thin waffles hits the spot. The maple mustard sauce and house pickles are the perfect accompaniment. If you love bacon (like my husband does), you’ll be delighted to know that comes on the sandwich too.
I also highly recommend the chocolate pecan cinnamon toast drizzled with chocolate.
2. Second Set Bistro
Address: 111 N Higgins Avenue, Missoula, Montana
Second Set Bistro will tempt you with its wide-ranging menu. I relished the textures and flavors of my apple and honeycomb salad accented with pecorino romano, hazelnuts and a tarragon vinaigrette.
We all devoured the brussels sprouts, charred sugar snap peas, and the fried street corn, with its divine aioli sauce.
FUN FACT: Situated in the historic Florence building in downtown Missoula, Montana, it’s worth noticing all the details as you enter this charming Missoula restaurant. The original Florence Hotel, built in 1888, sadly burned in 1913. After being reconstructed, it burnt again in 1936 and was rebuilt a third time in 1941.
3. Plonk
Address: 322 N Higgins Avenue, Missoula, MT
Plonk’s fairy light laden rooftop is an enchanting downtown Missoula restaurant for grabbing a drink, lunch or dinner in the summer. Dining indoors is also an option in the colder months.
TOP TIP: Treat yourself to one of their craft cocktails. Choose from unique offerings like GFC (ginger vodka, basil, fresh lemon-lime, ginger simple) or the Raspberry Beret (citrus vodka, raspberry puree, orange cognac, fresh lemon lime and cranberry).
The zucchini and artichoke cakes are a divine starter. Their chickpea and lentil dal curry with carrots, cauliflower and golden raisin basmati rice is impeccably flavored. My family really enjoyed the beef tenderloin and pork chop too.
4. The Camino
Address: 105 N Pattee Street, Missoula, Montana
Mexican food has enticed me since a young age. My uncle’s world-class salsa, which I refer to as “liquid gold,” my mean tomatillo salsa and my sister’s chile verde pork burritos have resulted in me having an incredibly high bar for Mexican food.
The Camino lives up to that challenge. Portions are tapas-sized, allowing you to indulge in a few flavorful dishes. The Camino is undoubtedly the best Mexican food in Missoula, Montana. Bar and table seating are both available and reservations are definitely recommended on the weekends as this is one of the most popular downtown Missoula restaurants.
Do yourself a favor and start with the Sikil p’ak. Habaneros, pepitas, and guajillo chiles are combined to create a mouth-watering dip with a consistency similar to hummus.
TOP TIP: It’s got some kick so be sure to pop some Pepcid before eating if you get heartburn like I do. The heartburn is absolutely worth it!
And, don’t be surprised if you want to drink the flavorful cheese sauce that comes with the sweet potato quesadilla.
The fried delicata squash is a fantastic combination of sweet and savory and the celeriac puree’s mashed potato-like texture is a brilliant complement.
Are you a margarita fan? The passion fruit and prickly pear margaritas don’t disappoint.
My husband loved the Smoke Show, which has tequila, vanilla agave, orange bitters and a mezcal rinse.
Try to save room for churros for dessert!
5. Florabella
Address: 500 Brooks Street, Missoula, MT
Florabella is one of the hottest new restaurants in Missoula. If you’ve visited Missoula before, it’s in the building that previously housed the beloved Caffé Dolce.
I love the owners’ ethos. “Assemble a beautiful marriage of Italian-inspired food and wine for the community and bring together Missoula as a family in our dining room.” This is hands down the best Italian restaurant in Missoula.
Sourcing goods from local farms and rotating the menu seasonally sparks innovative and delectable dishes. Dining options include table service, sitting at the bar or watching the chefs create their magic. Florabella’s impressive wine list pairs marvelously with any of their dishes.
TOP TIP: Be sure to start with their handcrafted bread accompanied by black garlic and lavender butter. Yep, you read that right and it’s divine!
The agnolotti with butternut squash, burnt butter and brussels sprouts combines some of my favorite ingredients. And, the bucatini with broccoli crema, red fresno and pangrattato is unique and not to be missed. I’m now on a mission to recreate the broccoli crema!
My family raved about their roasted half chicken atop burrata and spaghettini with pancetta and prosciutto. Next time, I plan to try their pizzas.
6. Pangea
Address: 223 N Higgins Street, Missoula, Montana
Pangea has one of the most eclectic and expansive Missoula restaurant menus, featuring cuisine from around the world.
Pangea’s cocktail menu is innovative too. Choose from a dragonfruit mojito, a butterwash old fashioned, an apricot paloma or a grapefruit and cucumber tonic.
TOP TIP: Stop by for Pangea’s happy hour every weekday from 4-5:30 PM for 50% off most drinks. Having a girls night out? Wednesdays at 5:30 is Ladies Night with discounts on cocktails, wines and appetizers.
Portions are sizable and ideal for sharing, so come hungry. Not surprisingly, we started with fried brussels sprouts. Have you noticed my affinity for these yet? While I detested brussels sprouts as a kid, I’ve learned to adore them as an adult, especially when accompanied by lemon, garlic and parmesan cheese.
My Laotian yellow curry bowl transported me back to my time in Luang Prubang, Laos. It’s perfectly spiced without being overwhelming.
My husband raved about his bulgogi with homemade kimchee and my aunt and uncle devoured their Italian beef sandwich.
Despite being stuffed, we engaged our “dessert pockets” and ordered the chocolate peanut butter cake. With four of us, we managed to eat every last bite of this gargantuan chocolate cake slice, layered with peanut butter buttercream, ganache and a peanut butter truffle.
7. Zoo Thai
Address: 150 E Front Street, Missoula, MT
Since our favorite family-owned Thai restaurant in San Francisco recently closed after 25 years, I’m always seeking a Thai food fix when I travel.
Pad see ew (egg noodles, broccoli, egg and tofu) is my go-to dish and the bar by which I measure ALL Thai restaurants.
You can’t go wrong with Zoo Thai’s spicy edamame, pad see ew, chicken laab salad, ginger stir fry, or Gang Karee (yellow curry with carrots and potatoes). Do yourself a favor and indulge in a Thai iced tea (iced tea sweetened with condensed milk). I always request no straw to minimize waste and use the steel straws (from my favorite sustainable travel essentials) that I keep in my purse. Zoo Thai is definitely one of the most flavorful Missoula restaurants.
TOP TIP: Thai food can be VERY spicy, so unless you have a steel stomach, opt for mild or medium. When a dish is denoted as three or four chilies, heed this warning as the spice will set your mouth afire.
Also, steer clear of biting into the tiny red chilies that garnish the dish unless you want to feel as if your head, mouth, ears and stomach have been set ablaze. After making that rookie mistake once and guzzling a Thai iced tea to stamp out the fire in my mouth, I immediately scan for, and discard, any of those innocuous appearing chilies.
8. Mustard Seed
Address: 2901 Brooks Street, Missoula, Montana
A short drive from the Missoula restaurants downtown is Mustard Seed, known for its extensive and innovative pan-Asian menu.
The spicy mustard sauce that accompanies their Osaka bowl is mouth-watering. I wish I could transport a quart of their ginger dressing back to San Francisco with me! It’s the perfect addition for salads, tofu, rice and noodles. The sauce on their spicy green beans has the ideal amount of kick. Their fried noodles with tofu and veggies or chicken and pork are both flavorful.
Next time, I hope to try their huckleberry dessert!
9. 1889 Missoula
Address: 104 N Higgins Avenue, Missoula, MT
Hankering for a steak or bison? 1889 Missoula is your spot for a modern meets rustic experience. If you are a pescaterian, creative salmon and scallop dishes will tempt you. Don’t forget to complement your meal with truffle parmesan frites.
And, not to worry if you are a vegetarian like I am, opt for the roasted golden beets with hazelnuts and apple cider reduction to start. Move on to the roasted cauliflower and black lentils next. Be sure to save room for the seasonal fruit crumble at this downtown Missoula restaurant.
10. Top Hat
Address: 134 W Front St, Missoula, Montana
After discovering (and falling in love with) fried pickles in Oakhurst, California, I’m now officially addicted. So, you can imagine my delight when I spied them on the menu at Top Hat. The cajun dipping sauce accompanying them adds just the right amount of kick. The brussels tacos with spicy coconut srirarcha and curried coconut cashew dust are incredibly flavorful too.
TOP TIP: If you are visiting Missoula in the winter, opt for their heated, outdoor Geo Domes. While it costs $5 extra per person, the cozy and unique experience is worth it.
Best Fast Casual Places to Eat in Missoula, Montana
If you want the best places in Missoula, MT, to grab quick takeout food, below are some delicious options.
11. Five on Black
Address: 325 N Higgins Ave, Missoula, Montana
Seeking fast casual? You can build your own Brazilian street food meal at Five on Black.
TOP TIP: I highly recommend brown rice with roasted tofu, complemented with their highly addictive coconut roasted sweet potato, and mango BBQ sauce. Do yourself a favor and get at least one pao de quiejo (Brazilian cheese bread). You’ll thank me later.
If you are a meat or seafood lover, opt for lemon roasted tilapia, churrasco chicken or beef.
12. Doc’s Sandwich Shop
Address: 214 N Higgins Avenue, Missoula, MT
After discovering Doc’s Sandwich Shop during my Rocky Mountain School of Photography training, it’s my first stop whenever I return to Missoula. Sandwiches are cleverly branded with doctor names you’ll recognize from TV shows and movies.
TOP TIP: If you fancy egg salad sandwiches, feast on the Dr. Ruth. Despite previously abhorring egg salad sandwich consistency, Dr. Ruth’s perfect combination of eggs, mayo, mustard and celery with tomato and lettuce converted me! I ask them to hold the bacon and cream cheese.
If you are a meat eater, you’ll love the Doc Brown (turkey, salami and provolone).
Need something to warm you up on a chilly day? The Hangover Stew with potatoes, corn, green chilies and melted jack cheese will hit the spot.
Their huckleberry lemonade is delicious as well and comes in a paper cup rather than plastic.
TOP TIP: To minimize my environmental footprint, I always ask for my drinks without a lid or straw.
13. Biga Pizza
Address: 241 W Main Street, Missoula, Montana
Biga Pizza serves locally sourced, handcrafted, brick oven pizzas, with a creative menu that morphs seasonally.
FUN FACT: Biga is an unsalted starter taken from the prior day’s dough; a practice that originated in rural Italy.
Two of my family’s favorites are Vesuvio (Italian salami, tomato sauce, cherry peppers, olives, mozzarella) and Caramelized Goat (caramelized onion, goat cheese, fresh thyme, mozzarella).
TOP TIP: If you are visiting in the fall/winter, you MUST get the Flathead cherry pizza (house made sausage, cherry chutney, smoked gouda on a sourdough crust). We tried this on our last visit and now understand why the cherry chutney at this Missoula restaurant has a cult-like following. Many feel it’s the best pizza in Missoula.
As a vegetarian, my favorite is the sweet potato, bacon and maple chipotle (without the bacon of course). Toasted hazelnuts also add a nice crunch. The maple chipotle drizzle is the perfect combo of sweet + spicy. I need to figure out how to recreate this so I can put it on EVERYTHING!
PRO TIP: Order a half and half pizza for $1 extra so you can try more pizza flavors.
14. Bridge Pizza
Address: 600 S Higgins Avenue, Missoula, MT
Are you a pizza lover? You’ll relish Bridge Pizza’s hand tossed, brick-oven pizzas. Their mixed cheese topping (mozzarella, Romano, parmesan and provolone) prompted nostalgia for the pizza shop I worked at during high school summers.
This family-owned pizza shop, established in 1995, sources ingredients locally and has two Missoula locations. They even have a drive-through, which is the first I’ve seen at a pizza shop.
TOP TIP: Order your pizza extra crispy. If chicken is your jam, you’ll adore the Diavalo with calabrian chilis. Since I detest olives, I had them hold those.
If you are a meat lover, the Buckhouse with pepperoni, housemade sausage, bell pepper and olives will entice you.
15. Hoagieville
Address: 2901 Brooks Street, Missoula, Montana
If you’ve read my Whitefish, Helena or Great Falls articles, you’ve probably surmised I have a huckleberry addiction. My uncle jokes that I have a keener nose for huckleberries than grizzly bears. So, when I heard about Hoagieville’s huckleberry milkshake, I made a beeline to get one. Loaded with generous huckleberry pieces, this milkshake is worth the hype!
TOP TIP: Hoagieville cheese fries (with their special seasoning) is a popular food in Missoula – an added (though not low calorie) bonus.
I also discovered they have a fiery super chicken sandwich with hot pepper cheese, lettuce and tomato, which hits the spot.
While incredibly tasty, be forewarned the fries and chicken sandwich are very salty; I guzzled copious glasses of water after indulging.
Best Breakfast in Missoula, Montana
Whether you are craving savory or sweet for breakfast in Missoula, Montana, my lineup below will help you find the best breakfast food in Missoula, including indulgent sandwiches, burritos and donuts.
16. The Catalyst Café
Address: 111 N. Higgins Avenue, Missoula, Montana
If you adore huevos rancheros like I do, then you MUST have breakfast at Catalyst Café. Your stomach will be rewarded with their homemade ranchero sauce and cumin black beans. I recommend a London Fog tea (Earl Grey tea + vanilla + steamed milk). They are also famous for their buckwheat waffles, which I can confirm are delish. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available.
TOP TIP: Order their green Chile pepper jack potato casserole as a side. I am excited to recreate this at home as it’s now one of my new favorite dishes.
17. Burns St Bistro
Address: 1500 Burns St, Missoula, MT
Seeking a different take on hash browns? Look no further than Burns St Bistro veggie browns with zucchini, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, potato and four cheeses and an over-easy egg. This is now one of my favorite Missoula brunch places.
TOP TIP: Since the veggie browns are sizable, opt for a half order unless you are starving.
If you biscuits and gravy are your jam, Burns St Bistro makes theirs from scratch each day. Their biscuit sandwich and breakfast burrito (if offered) are both sizable. I love that they offer pepper jack cheese!
18. The Old Post
Address: 103 W Spruce Street, Missoula, Montana
Since avocado toast is one of my favorite brunch meals, I made a special stop at The Old Post to try theirs after a friend raved about it. Complemented by cherry tomatoes, greens and a poached egg, this Missoula breakfast food delivered.
My husband and I also split a blueberry lemon curd pancake, which I highly recommend. I plan to try the cinnamon roll or the peanut butter chocolate chip pancake next time! Old Post serves dinner too; I’ll try it and report back after my next visit.
19. Golden Yolk Griddle
Address: 200 W Pine Street, Missoula, MT
After developing a huge fan base as a food truck at the Missoula Farmers’ Market, Golden Yolk Griddle now has a brick and mortar store for you to enjoy their scrumptious sandwiches. Their Farmer’s Market Sandwich with eggs, cheese, sausage, bacon or chorizo on Le Petit Outre Birdman bread is to die for!
TOP TIP: If you aren’t a meat eater, substitute avocado, spinach or tomato. They also have a roasted poblano salsa and tomatillo avocado salsa that I plan to add next time. Is my spicy addiction apparent yet?
Their breakfast burritos, tacos and wraps are also mouth-watering.
20. Liquid Planet
Address: 121 W Broadway St, Missoula, MT
Need a tea or coffee fix? Liquid Planet serves a delightful Vanilla Mumbai Chai (with the perfect combination of sweetness and spice). If you are a spicy hot chocolate connoisseur like I am, their Aztec spice hot chocolate is on point. I’ve been searching for one with just the right amount of kick for years and they nailed it with this mixture. Since they sell 12 ounce tins of their chai and hot chocolate in store, you can buy some to continue to savor when you get home!
TOP TIP: If they have huckleberry scones in their pastry case when you visit, definitely grab one. Also, be sure to check their cooler and see if they have any Flathead Lake huckleberry soda.
Since this was the ONLY place I found huckleberry soda in Missoula, I bought the three they had!
21. Black Cat Bake Shop
Address: 2000 W Broadway Street, Missoula, Montana
When it comes to huckleberry, I’m your gal! Black Cat Bake Shop offers a scrumptious huckleberry, sour cream coffee cake. My aunt surprised me with an entire cake on my last Missoula visit. Savoring it with my chai tea each morning brought me great joy.
TOP TIP: If you can’t make it out to the bakery, pop into Butterfly Herbs on Higgins Street and see if you can get a slice as they typically buy one from Black Cat each day. Browsing Butterfly Herbs is one of my favorite things to do in Missoula, Montana!
They also have a huckleberry ricotta bear claw. After having my first bear claw in Whitefish, I’m looking forward to trying this soon. If cupcakes are more your speed, be sure to try their lemon chardonnay huckleberry flavor.
22. Veera Donuts
Address: 617 S Higgins Avenue, Missoula, MT
My husband is a donut connoisseur and Veera Donuts are the most delectable donuts we’ve ever tried! Our bar is high as we gobble donuts wherever we travel. They are all vegan (egg and dairy -free). Be forewarned they are large and dense, so only two fit in each box.
Given their popularity, they run out of some flavors as early as 9AM. To maximize selection, stop into this Missoula MT breakfast spot when they open at 7:30AM.
TOP TIP: Top row donuts are rotating specialties. If you see one that strikes your fancy, grab it while you can. Donuts you MUST try include:
- Apple fritter, with a house chai glaze that imparts a unique flavoring, making it our favorite apple fritter EVER! It’s humongous and can easily be shared by four people.
- The Mother Load (chocolate ganache glaze, vegan cookie butter, chocolate chip cookie dough chunks) – I continue to dream about this donut
- Into the Void (Chocolate ganache, peanut butter cream drizzle) – a rotating specialty flavor
- London Fog (Earl grey glaze, Swiss buttercream, and lavender) – a rotating specialty flavor
- Blueberry pancake (maple donut filled with blueberry compote, topped with house whip, biscoff crumble and fresh blueberries) – a rotating specialty flavor
Their breakfast burritos and sandwiches will entice vegans and meat lovers alike. Their Buffalo 666 burrito with spicy roasted cauliflower, spinach, hashbrowns, vegan Italian “sausage”, house ranch, sriracha and Frank’s hot sauce is hands down one of the BEST breakfast burritos I have EVER had.
23. Clyde Coffee
Address: 741 S Higgins Avenue, Missoula, MT
Relax inside Clyde Coffee’s bright and cozy interior with a latte or hot chocolate or sip a Lavender London Fog (Earl Grey tea with lavender, honey and frothy milk) on their stylish outdoor covered patio.
Choose from savory lemon pepper avocado toast, a breakfast burrito, or egg sandwich. Alternatively, indulge your sweet tooth with a scone or doughnut puff.
24. Le Petit Outre
Address: 129 S 4th Street W., Missoula, Montana
Locals love this Missoula bakery located in a hip. converted garage space. Sip your coffee in Le Petit Outre’s inviting space while noshing on one of their apple turnovers, lemon danish, chocolate or strawberry twists with cream cheese or a palmier.
Their rosemary focaccia pairs perfectly with pasta. And, their Birdman rolls with honey and grains are ideal for making sandwiches for your road trips to Glacier National Park, Whitefish, or Helena, Montana.
Be sure to peruse their marketplace with lots of sustainable goods, including keep cups, bowl covers, and wooden herb strippers.
25. Great Harvest Bread Co
Address: 1407 S Higgins Avenue, Missoula, MT
Have you sensed a theme with me loving baked goods and seeking out the best bakeries in Missoula? Missoula, Montana, has an ample supply of places to eat with delectable sweet and savory selections.
You will be hard pressed to select from Great Harvest’s myriad offerings. Don’t fret, you can’t go wrong with any of their delish pastries.
It’s rare I find anything pumpkin flavored outside of the fall, so you can imagine my delight when I discovered Great Harvest’s pumpkin chocolate chip muffin. Their brownie with Heath bar crumbled on top is a unique combo that I haven’t seen before and immediately gobbled up. Their cinnamon monkey bread will titillate your taste buds! My family and I noshed on this over a few days.
TOP TIP: If you share my pullaway bread addiction, come early as they do sell out. We luckily snagged the last one at 11AM.
They also have a chipotle breakfast sandwich and lunch sandwiches that you can grab for the road.
26. Morning Birds Bakery
Address: 1300 S Reserve St A, Missoula, Montana
Located only three miles (9 minutes) from downtown Missoula, Morning Birds Bakery is worth the short drive for their cardamom knots, cinnamon twists, and bearclaws. Their blissful raspberry lime danish reminded me of a miniature key lime pie.
If you are in town on a Saturday from mid-May to mid-October, you can catch them at the Clark Fork River Market.
27. Bernice’s Bakery
Address: 190 S 3rd Street W, Street, Missoula, MT
Prepare to salivate as soon as you spy Bernice’s Bakery display case. So many enticing baked goods are offered you will have a hard time choosing what to eat at this Missoula, Montana bakery that opened in 1978!
Whether you are craving savory or sweet, Bernice’s has myriad Missoula breakfast options to satiate you.
TOP TIP: If you need a birthday or special occasion cake, they are well known for their creations.
The caramel roll with pecans and emerald forest brownie with mint buttercream and frosting are both decadent. I’m already game planning for my next visit and have the toffee bar, huckleberry danish or croissant with rhubarb pie filling on my radar!
Best Places to Eat in Missoula Montana: Sweet Treats
By now, you’ve realized I have a SERIOUS sweet tooth. Missoula, Montana, has a plethora of places to eat that offer unique flavors and treats that you won’t find anywhere else.
28. Big Dipper Ice Cream
Address: 631 S Higgins Ave, Missoula, Montana
Big Dipper Ice Cream spawned my huckleberry addiction. After trying my first ever huckleberry ice cream cone here, I covet and seek out the huckleberry flavor wherever I go. Finding elusive huckleberry ice cream in Jackson Hole, Death Valley and Whitefish, Montana delighted me. Big Dipper has a location in Helena, Montana too!
If you are staying in an AirBnB or VRBO with a freezer, you can buy a pint or quart to have a secret stash to enjoy late at night.
TOP TIP: Be forewarned, lines at Big Dipper can be long, but they move fast and the ice cream is worth the wait!
My other favorite flavors include mint Oreo, vanilla Reese’s, and salted caramel.
29. Sweet Peaks Ice Cream
Address: 223 W Front Street, Missoula, MT
After discovering Sweet Peaks ice cream in Whitefish, Montana, I’m delighted they have a shop in Missoula too!
TOP TIP: In addition to their huckleberry flavor, be sure to indulge in one of their seasonal flavors.
Flathead Cherry Chocolate (sweet cream ice cream laden with flathead cherries and chocolate chips) and Griz Tracks (cookie dough interspersed in caramel ice cream) are two of my favorite summer flavors.
Winter favorites include White Chocolate Candy Cane (peppermint ice cream with dark chocolate peppermint candy cane bark) and Gingerbread House (gingerbread ice cream with gingerbread pieces and cream cheese frosting).
30. Mary’s Mountain Cookies
Address: 101 S Higgins Avenue, Missoula, Montana
Mary’s Mountain Cookies are some of the largest, most decadent, chewy cookies I’ve ever devoured.
Given their size (and sweetness), I recommend getting a few of these soft cookies and splitting amongst a group of people.
TOP TIP: You can’t go wrong with lemon with lemon curd, Twix, half-baked double Fudge cookie with cookie dough frosting, salted caramel (a half cookie filled with butter cream), and huckleberry lemonade.
They even have edible cookie dough. My husband constantly warns me I’m going to get salmonella from raw cookie dough; you’ll dodge that risk with this option.
31. Dairy Queen Missoula
Address: 1735 S Higgins Avenue, Missoula, MT
As a kid, I would ride my bike to the local Dairy Queen and get a mini Oreo Blizzard. The four Missoula Dairy Queens are the ONLY place to offer a Nut Whip. It’s not on the menu, so you have to know to ask for it.
So what is this delightful treat? An almond blizzard with an ice cream “turret” in the middle. Choose from chocolate, vanilla or twist for your ice cream. Then, add banana, strawberry, fudge, caramel or whatever other mix-ins strike your fancy.
32. Wilcoxson’s Ice Cream
Wilcoxson’s has been crafting ice creams in Livingston, Montana, since 1912! If you are picking up groceries at any of the local Missoula stores and have access to a freezer, pick up some of their black cherry ice cream or huckleberry ice cream sandwiches.
BONUS: Best Cocktails in Missoula, Montana
I’d be remiss if I didn’t share top cocktail spots to stop before or after you dinner at one of the many Missoula places to eat.
33. Stave & Hoop Speakeasy
Address: 223 N Higgins Avenue, Missoula, Montana
Tucked away in an alley behind Pangea, you’ll adore Stave & Hoop’s craft cocktails and vibe. The Princess Peach with vodka, lemon and peach puree and Dr. Bell’s Downstairs Mixup with vodka, lemon, pineapple syrup and muddled raspberries both hit the spot. If beer is more your speed, they serve IPAs, lagers and porters from Kettlehouse, Blackfoot River Brewing and Bells Brewing.
FUN FACT: The building dates from 1896 and served as barrel storage in the past.
Stop by for happy hour and opt for small bites or a full dinner. Fried Brussels sprouts from Pangea (since they own this place too!) are featured. Yes, I have an addiction. Fried green tomato sliders with pimento cheese are a novelty I haven’t had anywhere else. I plan to try the fried chicken sandwich next time!
34. Montgomery Distillery – Cocktails
Address: 129 W Front Street, Missoula, MT
Family-owned and specializing in small batch spirits, Montgomery Distillery is a great place to grab a drink before dinner elsewhere or a performance at the Wilma. They hand-craft rye, vodka, gin and cherry brandy made from Flathead bings.
While brown liquors and I are not friends, my husband loves a good whiskey and their single malt Montgomery whiskey is award-winning.
The Dooley’s Good Time with pear-infused vodka, amaro, lemon and honey and Moscow Mule are more my speed.
I hope my best Missoula restaurants guide has helped you find some tasty places to eat in Missoula, Montana, during your visit. I’d love to hear which places you are most excited to try. If you want to identify the best Missoula activities and attractions, be sure to check out my 31 Fun Things to Do in Missoula, Montana post.
Pin and read later
Ooh you are making me hungry with these amazing photos and descriptions!! And I do think my travel plans are taking me through Missoula this summer, so I am *definitely* bookmarking this page for reference!
I’m delighted to hear you will be in Missoula this summer and have the opportunity to try all these delectable options. So many savory and sweet options to choose from. I just learned that a new Thai restaurant opened, so I’m excited to try that on my next visit and add that to the guide!