Where to eat American food in Missoula: The Best Restaurants and Bars

March 18, 2020 Myesha Cogley

Discover Restaurants offering the best American food in Missoula, Montana, United States. Peacefully tucked away in the heart of the northern Rocky Mountains, Missoula is the perfect spot for a weekend of history, culture and outdoor fun. Home to the University of Montana, one of the most architecturally distinguished academic institutions in the country, the city offers a number of intellectually stimulating attractions. Spend a few hours browsing through the exhibits at the Art Museum of Missoula or take a trip back in time at the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula. The city's close proximity to three major rivers and acres of lush forest means visitors can also enjoy a host of recreational activities, from fly fishing and kayaking to hiking and biking. Missoula's historic downtown area has classic early-century buildings and boasts unique shops, galleries, fine dining and a lively nightlife. With kids in tow, don't miss Dragon Hollow, a magical playground that features an extraordinary hand-carved carousel.
Things to do in Missoula

10. Iron Horse Brew Pub

501 N Higgins Ave Missoula, MT, Missoula, MT 59802-4534 American, Bar, Pub, International Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service, Parking Available, Free Wifi +1 406-728-8866 http://www.ironhorsebrewpub.com/
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 410 reviews

Iron Horse Brew Pub

Reviewed By Monpetit

Our usual lunchspot in Missoula.Generally nothing to complain...Nice big salad, good beers, and chicken wings..But this year impossible to finish them...It was more tahn very very very hot...Even in New Mexico they have not such hot wings..So only 3 this year..Try to taste your spicy wings before to give it to the table...

9. The Montana Club Restaurant

4561 N Reserve St Menu, Missoula, MT 59808-1410 Steakhouse, American, Bar Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Brunch Television, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi, Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +1 406-541-8141 http://www.montanaclub.com/
Food
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4 based on 571 reviews

The Montana Club Restaurant

The Montana Club Restaurant has something for everyone. Huge breakfasts, steakhouse steaks, seafood, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, salads and more. While you're here sip on a seasonal microbrew, wine or a perfectly-mixed cocktail and relax in our Montana Cl

Reviewed By culaugh2012

I wanted a good steak so asked at hotel the nearest place to get one. They sent me here, maybe a mile down road. Was seated pretty fast and server was friendly and helpful. Ordered a bacon wrapped filet with baked potato...the steak was excellent...salad was Sammo , sammo but no bread/roll of any kind which I found odd. I looked at dessert list and saw they served fresh huckleberry (3berry) cobbler. I got it to go for later in room. When I opened the cobbler was so upset as was pricey, there was no cobbler to it just runny berries with hair in it. I was sick as had started to eat and not one hair...many hairs...so be cautious if they are busy you may get a dessert thrown together and not even cooked

8. The Shack Restaurant

222 W Main St, Missoula, MT 59802-4310 American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Table Service, Takeout +1 406-549-9903 http://www.theshackcafe.com/
Food
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 214 reviews

The Shack Restaurant

Reviewed By 755davidu

On the last morning of our Missoula visit, my wife, daughter and brother-in-law had breakfast at The Shack. Everything ordered was wonderful including the coffee and fresh-squeezed OJ. I didn’t realize when I ordered the banana bread French toast that I was getting the equivalent of a whole loaf. I couldn’t finish it. Being able to get the best Creme Brûlée I’ve ever had first thing in the morning was a huge plus. Highly recommended.

7. MacKenzie River Pizza Co.

5210 Grant Creek Rd, Missoula, MT 59808-1492 Italian, American, Pizza Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +1 406-721-0099 http://www.mackenzieriverpizza.com/mackenzie-river-pizza-co-missoula-grant-creek/
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4 based on 520 reviews

MacKenzie River Pizza Co.

Transporting you to the very heart of the Northern Rockies, the casual, rustic atmosphere with unique Montana Lodgepole furniture, stunning panoramic canvas and historic photographs sets the tone for distinctive, creatively prepared food served by vibrant

Reviewed By debmink

First, I must say that we are from Chicago so that we have very high expectations for pizza. We ordered eight pizzas for a family reunion and they were all excellent. Some of our favorites were the barbecue chicken and pesto. We did “take out” and the pizzas were piping hot when we picked them up. The only thing I personally didn’t care for was the spinach salad. There was a lot of spinach and not much else. This is definitely not Chicago pizza, but it is very good.

6. Paul's Pancake Parlor

2305 Brooks St, Missoula, MT 59801-7959 American, Diner Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Table Service +1 406-728-9071 http://www.paulspancake.com
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4 based on 204 reviews

Paul's Pancake Parlor

Reviewed By christinefU6387XP

We stopped during lunch, but most of us had breakfast and it did not disappoint! Everythingwe ordered, pancakes, eggs, chicken strips and fires, were so good! The pancakes were incredible and the stack that comes with 4 different pancakes was amazing! Definetly will stop again.

5. Plonk

322 N Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT 59802-4538 American, Bar, Wine Bar Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks Outdoor Seating, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service +1 406-926-1791 http://plonkwine.com
Food
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 242 reviews

Plonk

Reviewed By JALouie

We stopped here around 10:00 pm to get a glass of wine and a quick bite to eat after business kept us occupied way late into the evening. From the other reviews, we were under the impression that this was primarily a wine cellar that also offered cocktails as well as some food. Unfortunately, it turned out that Plonk was actually a cocktail lounge with a limited selection of wines and food. With three separate seating areas (indoors, on the sidewalk patio, and on the rooftop patio), one would have hoped to find at least one quieter corner to enjoy their meal and wine. Unfortunately, loud hip-hop music was blasting in all three areas, making it very difficult to communicate with both the servers and the members of one's own party. Instead of a relaxing wine cellar atmosphere we encountered a loud, stressful one.The wines offered were good but not exceptional, and while the food tasted very good and offered some unusual flavor combinations, lack of gluten-free options was very much apparent. Overzealous server was a bit of a downer too as, when she asked if we would like another glass of wine and one person in our party didn't take her up on the offer, she took away that person's glass that was not quite empty yet without even asking if she could take it. Not cool. All in all, for the price of the experience, Plonk left us quite underwhelmed.Hi JALouie, wanted to clarify that ours is an evolving environment, with ranging styles of service and ambiance throughout the night. As you stated your visit was later in the evening, during which we had shifted to Happy Hour. The Happy Hour Menu for late night guests offers a select variety of drinks and smaller plates. Full wine and cocktail lists are always available. Our late night environment is also more energetic in music and tone. We'd love for you to try visiting earlier, for our Evening Menu and a more relaxed setting, which may appeal to you more. Warmest wishes and many thanks!

4. Hob Nob

531 S Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT 59801-2735 American, Cafe Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch Takeout, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible +1 406-541-4622 http://www.hobnobonhiggins.com/
Food
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 169 reviews

Hob Nob

Reviewed By L H

Migas ok; too heavy on the tortilla chips, eggs too dry, salsa kind of bland (and not enough of it), breakfast burrito also ok (potatoes are a little overkill), fresh avocado at perfect ripeness, decent house-made lemonade; staff are exceptionally nice.

3. Tamarack Brewing Company

231 W Front St, Missoula, MT 59802-4301 American, Bar, Pub Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Playgrounds [email protected] +1 406-830-3113 http://www.tamarackbrewing.com/missoula
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4 based on 814 reviews

Tamarack Brewing Company

Alehouse and grill.

Reviewed By mtscribe

Larissa took care of our needs well. The fresh rootbeer and Hat Trick pint were cold and tasty. The Alehouse fish and chips ($12) were ample but nothing to write home about. The smoked bacon mac & cheese ($14) was well prepared. Tamarack cheeseburger was large at $12. Low noise where we were seated.

2. Catalyst Cafe

111 N Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT 59802-4437 American, Cafe Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Wheelchair Accessible [email protected] +1 406-542-1337 http://www.thecatalystcafe.com/
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4 based on 326 reviews

Catalyst Cafe

We are a full service restaurant. Opened in 1991 as Montana's first coffee cart, The Catalyst Cafe has grown to become a favorite destination in Missoula for full-plate breakfasts and lunches. Open seven days a week and serving breakfast all day. The Cata

Reviewed By JALouie

Catalyst is a pleasant little cafe downtown with two-level seating indoors and a limited seating outdoors, on the sidewalk in front of the cafe. It offers lots of food options to choose from, both regular and gluten-free, and an interesting concept of "build your (breakfast) plate." All of the options from build your breakfast menu we chose were very tasty, and the portions were good sized, but not overly large. The house made jam was interesting (mixed berry, I think), and gluten-free toast was great (and we have tasted lots of gluten-free breads in our life). Service was friendly and expeditious, and the atmosphere was pleasant, yet you could sense a bit of an edgy vibe. All in all, we were very pleased with our breakfast at Catalyst.

The 10 Best Things to Do in Missoula, United States

1. Pearl Cafe

231 E Front St, Missoula, MT 59802-4403 French, American Dinner Reservations, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service +1 406-541-0231 http://pearlcafe.us
Food
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4 based on 442 reviews

Pearl Cafe

Chef-owned and operated, Pearl Cafe is an aptly named jewel of a restaurant serving regional cuisine with a country French accent. The massive beams and peach toned bricks of the historic warehouse provide a warm and inviting atmosphere. Specialties inclu

Reviewed By Monpetit

The smoked trout is a must here and also the beet soup with horseradish.Excellent bison and lamb.Crabcakes are good but too "smoothy"...some real piece or chunck of crab would be a plus...Good dessert but not enough on the local products...Huckleberries or flatehead cheiires with the creme brule or a declinaison of those fruits in a modernized pie shloud bez niceexcellent bread, good service, nice winelist

Most Popular Restaurants in Missoula

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