Missoula is a burger lover’s wonderland, where the only thing more impressive than the scenery is the variety between the buns. Whether you crave old-school dive vibes, gourmet grass-fed creations, or wild topping mash-ups, this town’s got a patty to match your mood (and your appetite). Ready to meet your next burger obsession? Let’s dive in.
Five Guys | Chain-Level Customization Overload
Walking into Five Guys feels like stepping into a burger workshop run by someone who discovered obsession. Your journey begins at a counter blanketed in 100 percent fresh ground beef patties that never touch a freezer. Then comes the fun part—choose from a staggering 250,000 topping combos until your taste buds throw a parade. While you wait for your number to appear you can crack open free peanuts and savor the hum of red and white tile under fluorescent lights.
Beside the burger station you’ll find hand-cut fries carved from real Idaho potatoes. Each fry lands on your tray crisp around the edges yet tender within. There’s no hidden freezer stash here just mountains of spuds waiting their turn.
Milkshake options feel endless as well. Pick any flavor and watch staff swirl in mix-ins until you nod in approval. You can even ask for extra grilled onions or jalapeños if that is your jam.
Undeniably fast service with an emphasis on personalization this spot trades fancy ambiance for pure burger craft.
Skip the drive-thru and lean into building a Frankenstein worthy of your appetite. Are you bold enough to try every topping at least once? Your taste buds will thank you. Suit yourself up for burger bedlam here.
Frugals | Retro Diner Done Right
Step inside a retro diner that has watched more burger history unfold than most towns see in a lifetime. Frugals sticks to the classics: fresh, never-frozen beef, hand-cut fries, and milkshakes spun so thick you might need a workout to finish one. The simple menu speaks volumes about confidence in each plate.
Their signature burger arrives with crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, and a swipe of special sauce—no unnecessary frills here. Adventurous eaters can chase monthly specials that shake up the routine, keeping regulars on their toes. Picky kids and vegetarians find options that feel thoughtfully included rather than an afterthought.
Don’t overlook those fries; they come with a tangy house-made fry sauce that might tempt you to dip the burger itself. Fans could write sonnets about this duo.
The crew operates like a family, greeting you by name faster than any coffee shop. Whether you pull up to the drive-thru or claim a counter seat, your wallet stays happy and your cravings stay quelled. Scope the menu and see what all the fuss is about.
Top Hat | Gourmet Burgers With a Side of Live Music
Top Hat feels like a progressive answer to your burger cravings. Every patty is made from Mannix grass-fed beef for a rich beefy bite you can taste. The Wisconsin Cheddar edition arrives dripping with melty white cheddar sauce crowned by crispy bacon and a crunchy halo of fried onions.
One swipe of garlic aioli ties it all together.
Craving something lighter reach for the Caprese Burger. Arugula fresh mozzarella and house-made basil aioli sit beneath a balsamic glaze that lets you pretend you almost ordered a salad. Either way crisp golden tots made in-house outperform any fries.
A roster of local beers and inventive cocktails lines the bar while frequent live music sets the soundtrack. The sleek dining room spills onto a sunny patio in the warmer months. Parents and kids find plenty of options too making it a hub for families downtown.
If you show up hungry you might even catch a seasonal special before someone else beats you to it. Check out the menu that made them a staple.
The Old Post | Smash Burger Nostalgia Trip
When the craving for a smash burger takes hold, this place answers loud and clear. A patty pressed thin enough to get crispy edges, sharp American cheese melting over crunchy iceberg, and just the right hit of house-made smash sauce come together on a pillowy brioche bun.
Fries arrive hand-cut and golden, but the sea salt caramel fries topped with bacon steal the spotlight. They sound wild in theory, yet in practice they’re a late-night revelation.
Inside, reclaimed wood walls and an assortment of quirky artifacts create a laid-back atmosphere that still carries echoes of old saloon charm, despite a 2019 upgrade. The drink list balances local brews, inventive cocktails, and over-the-top adult milkshakes that invite you to question your life choices (in the best way).
Free parking and outdoor seating make stopping by effortless. Families feel at home here—though if you’d rather keep this all to yourself, we promise not to ask whether you forgot to invite the kids. See what all the burger fuss is about.
Miller Creek Cafe | The Hidden Gem on the Greens
Hidden along the fairway, this cafe feels like a best-kept secret for burger devotees. It might not scream for attention from the road, but if you track it down, the payoff is undeniable. Locals swap stories about their luck stumbling onto this low-key spot.
Their signature peanut butter burger is a delicious dare you won’t regret, marrying salty nut butter with a juicy patty on a pillowy brioche bun. Fries arrive hand-cut, each one a perfect crispy vessel for house-made dipping sauces. Every bite walks the line between familiar and adventurous.
Daily specials rotate through the kitchen, so regulars never run out of reasons to return. A carefully curated beer and wine list makes it easy to pair your meal, while kid-friendly choices keep mini diners happy.
Grab a table on the patio and let the laid-back atmosphere work its magic. Whether you’ve just hit the links or never swung a club, this cafe is worth seeking out. Give the peanut butter burger a chance.
Missoula Club | The Classic Dive Bar Burger
Missoula Club keeps things simple and steadfast. For over a century their hand-pounded patties arrive on paper-lined trays with onions folded into the meat.
The menu consists of just a few choices ensuring every burger receives full attention. Add horseradish cheese to the legendary double if you dare.
The chips come in crinkly bags and beers pour cold with no fuss. Walls decorated in vintage sports memorabilia set the tone and locals cluster at the bar to catch the game.
Head inside if you wander by and be prepared to elbow past regulars trading stadium stories.
Don’t expect artisanal buns or plant-based options. This place runs on classic bar service and time-tested recipes.
Kids won’t find a special menu and there are no linens in sight. If you appreciate honest service and straightforward ordering you’ve found your spot. See the menu that’s charmed generations of regulars.
Flippers Tavern ~ Grill ~ Casino | Best Bar Burger Night Out
Flippers Tavern Grill Casino is the place where burger cravings meet arcade nostalgia. Step inside and you’ll spot flannel-clad regulars at the bar counting cards or grabbing a mic during open mic nights. Burgers come thick juicy and classic no frills no fuss. One crowd favorite stacks bacon on top of a beef patty adds cheese and then piles on even more bacon before closing in with buttery Texas toast.
For spice chasers the Chrondo steps up with jalapeños sriracha and three pain levels that test your limits. The buns might not win awards but they hold up well when you dunk crispy tots into ranch. Wash it all down with Rosco’s Amber Ale brewed exclusively for Flippers.
Whether you’re chasing jackpot thrills at the slots or simply swapping stories over a cold pint this joint lives up to its name.
Don’t overthink it. Come hungry stay late and let the friendly chaos roll. see what all the fuss is about.
Double Front Cafe & Bar | That Old-School Classic-Done-Right
Step inside Double Front Cafe & Bar and you might feel like you’ve slipped into a local legend. For more than sixty years they have been perfecting the DF Burger a solid one third pound beef patty paired with a thick slice of ham and blanketed in gooey Swiss cheese. No frills no secret sauces just a combination so satisfying it silences the table.
Standard bar fries and a no nonsense approach to sides feel right at home alongside a well poured whiskey. The dining room wears retro charm equally well. Wood paneling dim lights and a pulse of friendly chatter create the backdrop.
Head downstairs if you want a taste of the basement bar scene where bartenders know your name and fried chicken earns its own following. Breaded mushrooms or crisp onion rings make fine starters while you wait for your burger to arrive. This place is equal parts comfort joint and neighborhood hangout.
The motto The Best Takes a Little Longer is less hype and more promise. Take the time sit back and savor what sixty years of expertise delivers. Here a burger always tastes like tradition. Check out the menu that made them a staple.
Gary’s Local | Best Smashburger Steal
Gary’s Local welcomes anyone who appreciates a perfectly griddled patty without having to refinance a Subaru. For six bucks, you get a classic Montana beef smashburger crowned with melty American cheese and sweet onions steamed right into a Franz Bakery bun. A drizzle of their truly worthy “secret sauce” makes every bite sing.
Don’t expect fries—here you’re handed a bag of addictive Idaho-made artisan potato chips that you’ll finish in record time. Their shake program is equally serious: Big Dipper ice cream blended with Flathead cherries or cacao nibs demands your full attention. Service is swift, the truck hums with late-night energy, and it never feels overrun.
Owner Tom, yes the former legislator, often pops up behind the counter, ensuring your order hits that perfect nostalgia note. Between punk rock at the picnic tables and starlit burger runs, this spot covers your late-night hunger and your budget. If someone ever questions why you’d pick a food truck over a fancy plate, just hand them a chip.
Then watch their eyes widen when the sweet onion steam hits home. Budget-friendly, straightforward, and unbeatable at six bucks. Order a $6 burger and taste Missoula’s community spirit.
River City Grill | Local Favorite for Big Appetite
Bite into a half-pound of beef topped with a fried egg and crispy bacon, all piled high on a sturdy bun. The legendary Barnyard Burger demands both hands and zero regrets with its house-made sauces and gooey cheddar that stretches with every pull. Whether you choose hand-cut fries or rebel with tater tots, this smash shows serious ambition.
A rotating tap of Montana microbrews—from Moose Drool to seasonal small-batch pours—stands ready to wash it all down. The vibe feels like a backyard Sunday barbecue—easygoing, family-friendly, and loud enough to fit your crew. Prices won’t shock your wallet, and the staff keeps orders moving.
Seasonal specials pop up too, keeping things fresh even if you’re a regular. Kids will delight in their own mini masterpieces, but don’t assume those tots are just for the little ones. And when word gets out, free parking ensures you won’t wage a feud for a curb spot.
Staff are lightning quick, greeting you like an old friend. River City’s Barnyard Burger is proof that you can go big without going broke. Scope out the burgers that make locals return for “just one more.”
Thomas Meagher Bar | Gourmet Burgers & Whiskey Wonderland
If your version of a perfect burger involves a half-pound Angus patty piled high with toppings you can actually pronounce, this spot delivers. The vibe blends modern meet-up and cozy clubhouse, with lively chatter that amps up when the game flickers on or someone orders another round of whiskey.
The menu shines brightest on three stars: an avocado-packed DB Lit burger that marries creaminess and crunch, an Irish Pub patty dressed in Tullamore Dew mustard for a tangy twist, and El Diablo, where red chili sauce brings a steady kick.
Homemade chips arrive hot and crisp, while daily curry specials sneak in an unexpected flavor detour. A fully stocked gluten-free section ensures nobody at the table is left leafing through sad lettuce. When the sun’s out, grab a seat on the patio, and count on the staff to make you feel like you’ve been coming here for years, whether you’re with the whole crew or flying solo. See what’s sizzling now.
Wally and Buck | For the Smash Burger Purist
What began as a humble food truck has transformed into a downtown institution without losing an ounce of soul. Here, grass-fed beef from Oxbow Cattle Co. gets smashed thin and seared for maximum juiciness. Each patty nests in a toasted brioche bun, drenched in house-made Wally sauce and sticky bacon jam.
Families appreciate the cleverly named Juvenile burger for little appetites, though most parents are too preoccupied wrestling hefty adult versions to mind. Every element feels dialed in, from the slightly charred edges to the pillowy bun that soaks up each drip. This place doesn’t dial back ambition for anyone.
On the side, Salt-N-Pepa fries arrive dusted with seasoning and paired with curry mayo that demands exploration. Dessert comes via ice cream sandwiches courtesy of Big Dipper, and local brewery drafts keep glasses full. It’s a lineup that flexes creativity with no apologies.
Choose a sunlit patio table or cozy booth—either way, expect a retro splash of color with zero attitude beyond flawless burgers. Wally and Buck proves that devotion to craft never goes out of style. See what the fuss (and bacon jam) is about.
