Buckle up, this is a long one.
We had no idea Missoula, Montana is such a foodie city. In the four short days that we were there, we ate, and ate, and ate, and ate. Oh, and we drank a lot too. Here’s our favorite spots - and there’s a lot of them, because we simply couldn’t narrow it down. And believe it or not, there’s still so many places we’ve yet to try! (Guess we have to go back!)
COFFEE
Black Coffee Roasting :: From the moment we walked into Black Coffee Roasting we were hooked. The warehouse-chic ambiance, the friendly baristas, the bold, smooth coffee and the creative and extensive toast menu, it has everything we’d want in a coffee shop and more. We went back every day!
Clyde Coffee :: We oftentimes judge a coffee shop by their drip coffee, and Clyde Coffee passed our test with flying colors. Beyond their strong drip coffee, the menu is extensive, the breakfast menu is delicious, and the modern ambiance is welcoming and delightfully understated.
Drum Coffee :: This became part of our daily routine, as it was a two minute walk from our hotel. Not only do they have great coffee, but you can tell they have a loyal local following. The owner of Drum is actually the drummer (hence the name) for the band Fitz and the Tantrums. Rock on!
Loved getting our buzz on at Clyde Coffee
Sally loved morning walks to Drum Coffee!
FOOD
Catalyst Cafe and Espresso :: Breakfast lovers, take note. Catalyst Cafe and Espresso is THE place for breakfast in Missoula! Fresh, hearty, made-from-scratch, and affordable, it’s the kind of place where you can’t go wrong. Be sure to try their Traditional Cheddar Potato Casserole for some cheesy, breakfast-y goodness!
Caffe Dolce :: Tucked away in a residential neighborhood just off of Downtown Missoula, Caffe Dolce is a true hidden gem. The building is strikingly gorgeous, with tall ceilings, big windows, and intricate Italian embellishments. But beyond the building, the food, drinks, and baked goods are fantastic. They serve breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with an Italian flair - so come for one, or stay for all!
Scotty’s Table :: Set in the lower level of the Historic Wilma Theatre in downtown Missoula, Scotty’s Table uses local ingredients to create their creative and upscale Mediterranean fare. It’s our go-to spot for brunch, with a picturesque outdoor patio and a fresh and healthy menu filled with delicious options. Try the Granola Extraordinaire!
Green Source Missoula :: Call us basic, but we LOVE a good smoothie and/or green juice. We were ecstatic when we stumbled upon Green Source Missoula, a one stop shop for smoothies, cold pressed juices, energy bowls, and more. Cheers to your health!
The Top Hat :: There’s nothing average about The Top Hat, a music venue meets bar and restaurant that’s just as fun as it sounds! Their locally sourced house-made dishes are fantastic, and their dinner menu is just as extensive and diverse as their musical guests! Some of our favorite dishes are the Fish Tacos and the Spicy Jerk Chicken Wrap - but you truly can’t go wrong with anything on the menu!
Iza Restaurant :: Pan-Asian cuisine at its best, Iza Restaurant has everything from curries to dumplings to zesty bento boxes - all in a casual and cozy environment. Grab a seat in one of their elevated booths, order some boba tea and edamame, and your lunch (or dinner) will be off to an epic start!
Biga Pizza :: Having won countless awards for their made-from-scratch, handcrafted pizzas, Biga Pizza is a MUST when visiting Missoula. Heck, we’ll go as far as saying that it’s a must when you’re visiting Montana! IT’S THAT GOOD. We’d drive back just for a Pompeii pizza and a Chopped Mediterranean Salad. They don’t take reservations, and the wait can be long, but it’s so very worth it.
Plonk Missoula :: With a name like Plonk, we weren’t sure what to expect. It’s a foodie’s paradise, with an innovative dinner menu, experimental cocktail menu, and a surprisingly extensive wine list… and the ambiance is sophisticated and romantic! It’s the perfect spot for a date night, and if the cashew ‘raclette’ is on the menu, make sure you order one to share!
Alli went for a PB&J while Bobby opted for a healthy salad.
We had a yummy first meal at Scotty’s Table
Delicious lunch at the Top Hat
Go to Iza for the bento boxes!
Brick oven goodness from Big
Date night at Plonk
DRINKS
Montgomery Distillery :: This family-run distillery has developed quite the loyal fanbase, and for good reason! Montgomery Distillery’s small-batch spirits are dangerously tasty, and their specialty cocktails are spirit-forward and beautifully presented. Highly recommend their Old Fashioned and Go Gingerly!
Western Cider :: We’re not the types to typically order a cider, but had heard this place was cool… and good golly, it’s really something special! Located a little outside of town, Western Cider is a laid-back, rustic tap room with many unique and traditional ciders on tap. We were pleasantly surprised with how refreshing and crisp their ciders are, and I guess you could say we’re “cider people” now! When you go, make sure you taste the Whiskey Peach and Sour Cherry!
Amazing cocktails at Montgomery Distillery
Give us all the cider!
DESSERT/SWEETS
Veera Donuts :: We can hands down say that Veera Donuts are the best vegan donuts we’ve ever had. They’re so fresh, fluffy, and decadent, we forgot they were vegan! They make everything in-house using local, organic, fair trade, and non GMO ingredients when possible… as if we couldn’t love this place more!
Big Dipper Ice Cream :: You’ll know this ice cream shop is something special just by driving by and seeing the line wrapped around the parking lot. And there is ALWAYS a line. But don’t be dismayed, it moves quick, and Big Dipper Ice Cream is absolutely worth the wait. Their mouthwateringly creamy ice cream has been featured on Good Morning America, USA Today, Yahoo News, and several other media outlets, and we now get the hype. Try the White Mint Oreo and the Vanilla Reeses!
There’s always a long line at Big Dipper, but it’s fast and worth it!
We can’t wait to come back for more food, drinks, and river floating!
Have a favorite Missoula spot that we missed? Leave a comment and let us know!