Missoula doesn’t just pour great craft beer—it spills over with character, flavor, and a personality all its own. Whether you’re in search of riverside ciders, epic patio hangs, or a side of pinball and tacos with your pint, this mountain town has a brew for every thirst and a scene for every vibe. Grab your tasting glass and let’s tap into the very best breweries Missoula has on tap!
Western Cider | Riverside Hang for Cider Lovers
If you’ve ever dreamed of a place where apples earn their keep, this riverside retreat answers the call. Mountain vistas reach out to calm the soul as you settle into a seat on the patio. Inside, a nearly infinite oak bar stretches before you, and the team behind it can tell you the story behind every apple variety they grow.
A dozen thoughtfully curated ciders whirl through the taps, each one waiting to surprise you. Pair them with a rotating seasonal cheese board that could sway even the most steadfast lactose skeptic. Don’t miss the award-winning Whiskey Peach blend—it’s the kind of concoction that turns casual tasters into die-hard regulars.
When hunger strikes, local food trucks rotate through like clockwork, ensuring your post-flight appetite never goes unfulfilled. Families feel right at home here: trivia nights keep the grown-ups entertained while kiddos roam freely. Add in community gatherings and ways to get involved, and you’ve found a spot that feels like it was made to be part of your weekly ritual. See what’s pouring riverside.
Big Sky Brewing Co. | Montana Beer Royalty
Missoula might own the craft beer crown when you spot a Moose Drool pint in every state. Big Sky feels unapologetically straightforward, offering staples like Scape Goat Pale Ale and the ever-popular Shake-A-Day IPA you’ve probably seen inked on someone’s arm. The taproom is vast, with a mezzanine that provides front-row views of the brewing action.
Situated just steps from the airport, it doubles as a perfect “welcome to Montana” pit stop. A rotating roster of food trucks sets up shop daily, so you can chase your flight or snack on tacos before diving back into another round.
Beyond the core lineup, they cater to gluten-free drinkers and zero-proof sippers, plus an array of branded flannel blankets the merch shelves. And when the summer sky is clear, their 2,000-seat amphitheater springs to life with live music under the stars. No wonder this place commands a loyal following. Plan your pilgrimage here.
Draught Works | Missoula’s Crowd-Pleaser Patio
If you crave variety and a place that feels like your living room, head here. The century-old building buzzes with trivia nights, jazz sessions, local art fairs and unscripted cartwheels from neighborhood kids. Dogs lounge by heater vents while misters cool the lingering summer heat, so comfort is never optional.
The beer lineup covers everything from the award-winning Scepter IPA to playful seasonals and a surprisingly smooth house root beer. Food trucks are a near-daily fixture, but feel free to bring your own pizza or chips.
Quiz teams, solo sippers and thirsty toddlers alike all find a spot on the sprawling patio. It has claimed the “Best Brewery” title more times than anyone’s counting, but after one visit you’ll know it’s well deserved. See what’s on tap and start planning your next excuse to “meet for a drink.”
Great Burn Brewing | Hop-Lover’s Hidden Gem
Forget neon-hazy IPAs; this spot champions bold West Coast hops and a comfortable, unpretentious vibe. The taproom feels like your friend’s living room if that friend had rotating specialty taps and a dog-friendly patio complete with balcony seating.
Their flagship Great Burn IPA proves that balance still matters, and adventurous souls will find barrel-aged stouts or a chai-spiced brown ale waiting to surprise them. Saturday morning yoga flows smoothly into a post-practice pint, part of the local wellness ritual.
Live music fills the room, pups lap water from tidy bowls, and Mug Club members enjoy birthday beers and discounts that almost feel too good to share. Born as a tribute to a lost brother, this brewery pairs heartfelt storytelling with professional polish. Go grab a pint and thank me later.
Bayern Brewing, Inc. | For True Lager Nerds
If your beer nerd radar spikes at the mention of Reinheitsgebot, you’ll belong right here. For decades, this spot has honored the time-tested Bavarian lagers that most craft scenes have long forgotten. From the brooding depth of Dragon’s Breath Dark Hefeweizen to a supple, malty Doppelbock, every sip nods to tradition.
Across the way, the Edelweiss Bistro crafts schnitzels and brats so hearty they’d make your Bavarian grandma beam with pride. Plates land on tables with the seriousness of the beers they’re meant to meet.
Recycling bins pepper the floors as a quiet testament to sustainable values. It’s family-friendly without trying to be trendy—kind of like a Montana forest in liquid form. Grab a Maibock, snag a pretzel, and say “prost.” You’ll quickly see why these lagers stand alone in town. Order a liter and thank us later.
Highlander Beer – Missoula Brewing Co | Best Place to Bring the Whole Crew
Family reunions, date nights, dog walks and grown-up evenings out all converge under one roof here. The massive taproom feels alive with chatter while the creekside patio offers a peaceful counterpoint. Inside, an indoor play area ensures your little ones stay entertained.
Seasonal beers steal the spotlight—don’t walk past the Tangerine Squeezer without giving it a whirl. Many people end up carting a growler out the door just to make sure the experience lingers. Then there’s pizza, artfully baked with toppings like roasted garlic and fiery sausage on the fan-favorite Yaak.
Lawn games and weekly live acts keep weekends buzzing, and a generous event space can handle any crowd. Every member of your party—from the labradoodle to the IPA snob—will find a reason to toast to a good time. This is hospitality, Missoula style, at its friendliest. Schedule a family pizza night—or just come for the Red Ale and people-watching—right here.
Imagine Nation Brewing | The Community Powerhouse Pint
This place delivers bold brews alongside a mission to do good. With more than eighty new releases a year, you’ll chase everything from Lupujus NEIPA to tangy Berliner Weisse packed with seasonal fruit. The ever-changing tap board turns sampling into a full-time hobby.
The light-filled taproom sits near the river and the airport, so it doubles as a breather for travelers and a playground for opinionated aunts or pint-sized activists. Collaborative food trucks roll in regularly, keeping snack options just as fresh as the lineup.
If you want to feel virtuous with every sip, twenty-five percent of profits back local causes. They even pioneered the city’s non-alcoholic craft beer. Open-mic nights spark impromptu debates, and you might find yourself arguing which fruit sour deserves its own mural. Peek at their ever-changing, community-powered beer menu here.
KettleHouse Brewing Co. | Beer, Bands, and Blackfoot Views
Imagine a pint in hand, toes brushing the Blackfoot River, and the distant thump of top-tier live music floating in. That’s KettleHouse Bonner in a nutshell. Here, Cold Smoke® flows freely as nationally touring bands soundtrack your evening on the outdoor deck.
Long before cans became chic, these folks were pioneering Montana’s portable craft scene. They wanted beer that travels as well as you do—on hiking trails, river floats, you name it. The obsession shows in every detail.
House-made root beer keeps kids and designated drivers happy, while inventive seasonal brews keep aficionados guessing. You’ll notice hints of genuine environmental commitment woven into operations, from sustainable packaging to energy-efficient practices.
Local non-profit partnerships and community events are baked into the brewery’s DNA. By the time you’re ready to leave, you’ll have loaded up on merch, snapped a few photos, and snagged a growler for your next adventure. Start planning your riverside session here.
The Dram Shop Central | Missoula’s Taproom Playground
If your idea of going out means more than ordering a beer, you’re in for a treat. With over forty taps, this spot serves everything from local ales to house-made kombucha, rare hop bombs, and even French reds to suit a sudden craving for something worldly.
Families find a cozy nook for kids to play while grown-ups settle into a lineup of seating options. Traditional bar stools share the floor with high-top tables, lounge chairs, and a genuine ski lift bench that’s bound to spark conversation. Every spot feels intentionally designed, pairing comfort with a bit of whimsy.
Feeling peckish? Pack your favorite snacks or let a nearby restaurant drop off a fresh meal right to your table. No need to interrupt your tasting adventure when dinner can join the party.
Trivia nights and live music turn quiet evenings into community celebrations under gallery-style lighting that highlights rotating local art. Staff greets you with genuine smiles, and if deciding feels impossible, beer flights guide your way through the vast tap list. The Dram Shop Central.
GILD | Best Brewery for Arcade Nostalgia & Unexpected Tacos
Pinball aficionados and beer explorers, welcome home. Tucked into the iconic Butterfly Building, this three-level playground serves up liquid innovation alongside classic arcade thrills. Hit the basement to battle for high scores on Ms. Pac-Man before heading upstairs for a pour of silky, house-made hefeweizen.
Never seen a masa cream ale? Order the Cónico Rojo and discover a corn-forward twist you won’t find anywhere else. Then get serious about tacos: hand-pressed tortillas cradle juicy pork belly or vegan fillings with equal gusto.
On the second floor, awkward work meetings and epic board-game showdowns unfold in a lounge that feels surprisingly comfortable. Outside, a dog-friendly patio hums with conversation and nostalgia for retro arcade days.
Every visit here is a blend of wholesome fun and culinary flair, topped off by elote that hits all the right notes. It’s a hop, skip, and jump from ordinary. Check what they’re pouring before you challenge the pinball machine.
OddPitch Brewing | Award-Winning Pinball Paradise
A game of pinball paired with a trophy-worthy IPA? That’s the thrill here. Since 2021, this brewery’s medal count has grown faster than its fan base, thanks to beers that pack the kind of punch that could spark friendly debates.
From gold-star Kolsch to sour creations earning bronze plaudits, the tap list spins like a carnival ride. For those chasing bold flavor, the Black Fire offers a fruity heat that toes the line between spicy and unruly. Every visit promises a new standout pour.
Weekends revolve around pinball tournaments while Monday nights turn competitive with trivia battles. A rotating food truck parks out front most days, and kids aren’t left out—root beer on tap feels just as special. If you crave a taste of something exotic, slip in a bowl of noodles from Rice Thai down the street.
The vibe here feels like pulling up to a neighborhood hangout where staff greet you like old friends. You might find yourself side by side with a brewer fine-tuning a recipe or a proud parent defending a high score. Flipper machines and board games set the stage for playful rivalry alongside award-winning suds. here’s your next hangout.
The Edelweiss Bistro | Missoula’s Bavarian Hideaway
Tucked inside a stalwart Montana brewery lies a genuine slice of Bavaria. Picture wood-paneled benches built for lingering over house-made bratwurst, tender Wiener Schnitzel and tangy sauerkraut that actually tastes like something. The lager pours stick to Germany’s Reinheitsgebot for purity you can taste in every sip.
Warm lighting and the steady hum of friendly chatter make you feel like you slipped into an authentic bierstube. Sustainability shows up in every detail, from the bottle-return program to support for local fisheries.
Keep an eye out for currywurst specials and polish your polka moves on weekend evenings. It’s the closest you’ll come to Oktoberfest without a plane ticket. See what’s on tap (and on the menu) here.
