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Missoula Breweries: The Best Spots for Craft Beer
Of all the things to love about Missoula, Montana, their craft breweries are high on the list. While you might not think of Missoula as a craft beer destination, they have over 15 craft breweries with unique beer and good vibes. There are clear local favorites like Draught Works and Kettlehouse, but with many Missoula Breweries to explore, you’re bound to find your favorite brewery in the area.
This city isn’t just about great beer- it’s about community, creativity, and the joy of coming together over a fresh pint. In this guide, I share Missoula’s must-visit breweries and what you can expect from each one!
Just a heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will earn a small commission. Thanks for your support!
I have been visiting Missoula, MT, since 2016. This city offers something special for everyone who visits, but one thing has changed since my first visit almost ten years ago…the vast number of Missoula Breweries! From local staples like Bayern Brewing to Kettlehouse to new popular spots like GILD and OddPitch Brewery, there is something for everyone.
Let me walk you through the best breweries Missoula has to offer. Let’s get into it!
Travel Guide to Missoula, MT
Before our brewery tour, here are a few highlights for planning your trip to Missoula, MT
- Getting There: Missoula has a great airport that you can fly into! Find affordable flights here!
- Where to Stay: My favorite hotel in Missoula is LOGE Missoula, but you can check out Booking.com for deals on local hotels.
- How to Get Around Town: You’ll want to rent a vehicle to get around! But don’t forget to use a DD or Lyft for your brewery tour!
- How Long to Visit: Missoula is great for a minimum of three days, but you will have plenty of time if you visit for a week.
- Travel Insurance: Travel with confidence by purchasing Travel Insurance!
- What is there to do in Missoula?: The city hosts plenty of events in the summer: go to a Paddleheads game, float the river, hike the “M”, and so much more!
Map of Missoula Breweries
Use this map to plan your Missoula Brewery Tour!
- Blue = Breweries
- Green = Taphouse & Bottle Shops
- Orange = Distilleries & Cideries
Missoula Breweries
Here are the best breweries that Missoula, MT, has to offer!
Draught Works
Draught Works Brewing Co. is a standout in Missoula’s craft beer scene and is one of my favorites! Their menu has everything from hoppy IPAs to smooth Oatmeal Stouts. More recently, they added hard seltzer to their rotation! Their spacious taproom and patio guarantee you a spot to post up with a delicious beer and a deck of cards to pass the time with friends.
With local art around the walls and a long list of community events, Draught Works Co. celebrates Missoula and its residents in everything they do.
Address: 915 Toole Ave., Missoula, MT 59802
Favorites Beer: Clothing Optional Juicy Hazy and Lemon Meringue American Sour
Best Food Options: Rotating Food Truck Schedule, find it here!
NA Beer Available?: Yes, homebrewed Root Beer.
Great Burn Brewing
Great Burn Brewery is a beloved spot in Missoula. Their lineup has some local favorites like Great Burn IPA and Gold Hill Golden Ale. Great Burn Brewing is a hub for community members, offering plenty of seating indoors and outdoors. The space celebrates forest firefighters and smoke jumpers and recognizes their importance in preserving Big Sky country.
Address: 2230 McDonald Ave., Missoula, MT 59801
Favorites Beer: Cold Trail Pale Ale
NA Beer Available?: Yes, Athletic Brewing Co. and various seltzers!
Tamarack brewing Co.
Tamarack Brewing Co. is located in the heart of Downtown Missoula and offers a diverse lineup of craft beers that cater to every beer palate. From their smooth and crisp Hat Trick hop IPA to their rich, malty Yard Sale Amber Ale, there is truly a beer for everyone here. In addition to their delicious beer selection, Tamarack hosts a variety of community events like live music nights, trivia, and celebrated seasonal beer releases.
Known for its laid-back vibe and welcoming atmosphere, you’ll feel like a regular at Tamarack Brewing Co.
Address: 231 W Front St, Missoula, MT 59802
Favorites Beer: No Reservations Summer Pale(Seasonal) and Wakeboard Wit (Flagship)
Best Food Options: Keg Nachos
Highlander Beer - Missoula Brewing Co.
Missoula Brewing Co. combines history with innovation to offer an outstanding range of craft brews. Their flagship and arguably most well-known beer, the Highlander Scottish Ale, has a smooth caramel flavor. But if you’re interested in IPAs, don’t worry—they also offer crisp IPAs and refreshing Pale Ales. The spacious taproom and large outdoor patio make it a favorite for locals and visitors.
This crowd-favorite brewery hosts live music events, yoga events, and movie nights.
Address: 200 International Dr., Missoula, MT 59808
Favorites Beer: Tangerine Squeezer and Strawberry Wheat
Best Food Options: The MacLay Pizza
Big Sky Brewing
Big Sky Brewing Co. is one of Missoula’s most iconic breweries, known for its popular beers like Moose Drool Brown Ale and the Big Sky IPA. With a wide variety of brews available on tap, from bold stouts to crisp lagers, there is something for every beer enthusiast. Big Sky Brewing Co also stands out for its large-scale events, hosting concerts and community gatherings in its amphitheater.
The selection of delicious beer, lively events, and a commitment to locals make it a must-visit for anyone in Missoula!
Address: 5417 Trumpeter Way, Missoula, MT 59808
Favorites Beer: Moose Drool and Summer Honey (Seasonal)
Kettlehouse
Regardless of whether you know about Kettlehouse Brewing from the Concert Venue onsight or the diverse and flavorful beers, this is a must-go brewery. While technically in Bonner, MT, it is worth the short drive outside of Missoula to get there. From their iconic Cold Smoke Scotch Ale, a rich, malty beer that is a local staple, to their Grapefruit IPA, they have a way of creating unique beers that will have you asking for a second.
From pint nights to live music and brewery tours, this brewery hosts events that will make you happy to be a part of this Missoula craft beer scene.
Kettlehouse also owns Mytle Street Taproom, which used to be Kettlehouse’s original location that opened in 1995. You might hear people refer to it as “The K-Hole,” but this little taproom is a staple on the south side of Missoula.
Address: 605 Cold Smoke Ave, Bonner, MT 59823
Favorites Beer: Cold Smoke Scotch Ale(Flagship) and Hellgate honey Hefeweizen (Seasonal)
Best Food Options: None
Bayern Brewing, Inc.
For German-style beer enthusiasts, Bayern Brewing is the spot for you! Bayern Brewing is the oldest brewery in Missoula, and it has a bevy of award-winning beers like its Pilsener and Dragon’s Breath Brewth Dark Hefeweizen.
This quaint German beer hall is the perfect place to grab a pint or boot with a small group of friends.
Address: 1507 Montana St., Missoula, MT 59801
Favorites Beer: Doppelbock Lager and Citra Dump Truck
Best Food Options: Bavarian Pretzel (Check Ahead for Food Service Hours)
OddPitch Brewing
If you’re looking for some excitement while you sip on your craft beer head to OddPitch Brewing Co. OddPitch is known for its creative and experimental approach to brewing. The unique and adventurous beers offer something different to th. From barrel-aged to tart sours, there is something unique in ever beer that they offer.
So whether you’re there for a craft beer, community events, or the pinball, you’re going to love it. OddPitch does not offer food service but does have a rotating Food Truck schedule.
Address: 1200 W Kent Ave Suite 103, Missoula, MT 59801
Favorites Beer: Love Bug and Best Day Ever
Best Food Options: See what food trucks they have, click this link!
Imagine nations Brewing
Imagine Nation Brewing is known for its unique combination of craft beer and its strong commitment to social change. Their beer selection includes a wide range of thoughtful brews, such as styles like saisons and rich stouts. They regularly tap new kegs, so there is always something fresh to try.
Their commitment to social change makes this brewery stand out. They host art exhibits, panel discussions, and nonprofit fundraisers to bring the community together for important causes. The welcoming atmosphere extends beyond the brightly painted brewery and beautiful patio to the brewers and bartenders themselves. The people who work at Imagine Nation Brewery offer a truly special experience and make you feel at home.
Address: 1151 W Broadway St., Missoula, MT 59802
Favorites Beer: Hyperspace Mango Milkshake NEIPA and Freedom Fighter West Coast IPA
Best Food Options: Food Truck Available
NA Beer Available?: Yes, they offer their own homebrewed NA Beers!
GILD
GILD is a favorite brewery in Missoula for its atmosphere, excellent beer, and delicious tacos. They have an artistic approach to both their beer and shop offering an old-timey Great Gatsby vibe! With a cute outdoor patio and multiple floors to choose from, you can mix up your stay each time. Sit at the large oak bar top or grab a pint before hitting up the pinball machines downstairs.
They also host unique community events, from comedy nights to beer-pairing dinners and a silent book club!
With its stylish decor, friendly vibe, and dedication to crafting creative brew, GILD will be one of your new favorites!
Address: 515 S Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT 59801
Favorites Beer: The Warp Riders and Bitte Pils
Best Food Options: Guacamole & Chips and Fish Tacos (Though I hear they have the best burritos in Missoula!)
Missoula Taphouse and Bottleshops
Want to go somewhere with a few more options? Check out some of these phenomenal taphouses and bottleshops in Missoula!
Cranky Sam's Public House
Cranky Sam’s Public House is a dynamic and electric spot in Missoula known for its wide selection of house-made beers and “The Naked Lady”. Cranky Sam’s Public House has embraced the historic naked lady mural in its shop and made it part of its branding. It offers seasonal and rotating taps, ensuring there is always something new and exciting for visitors to try.
In addition to always having a fresh list of taps, they also have added food to their repertoire! This new menu complements their beer perfectly.
Whether you’re sitting in their comfortable outdoor patio in the heart of Missoula or enjoying the air conditioning, looking up at the Naked Lady Mural, you will have a fantastic time at Cranky Sam’s Public House!
Address: 233 W Main St., Missoula, MT 59802
Favorites Beer: Raspberry Beret and El Vaquero Mexican Lager
Best Food Options: Braised Short Rib Sandwich and Mt. Jumbo Nachos
NA Beer Available?: Kind of, CBA Inflused Seltzer Water and Kombucha
The Dram Shop
The Dram Shop is a unique fixture in Missoula’s craft beer scene as it offers an extensive selection of local beers and beyond. With over 30 rotating taps, you can enjoy something different each time you visit! This is the perfect place to try beers from other cities without visiting, like Cabinet Mountain Brewing Co. in Libby, MT, and By All Means Brewlab in Billings, MT. Their menu is broken up by brew types, so you can find your IPAs, rich stouts, brown Ales, and refreshing ciders. For your picky friend group, this is the perfect casual setting for everyone to find something they enjoy!
While The Dram Shop does not have food, but they do allow you to bring in your own food! I highly recommend Wally and Buck Burgers.
Address: 229 E. Front St., Missoula, MT 59802
Favorites Beer: There are too many to choose from!
Best Food Options: Wally and Buck Burgers, next store!
Conflux Taphouse
Conflux Taphouse stands out in Missoula as a place with great craft brews and an excellent food menu. Conflux Taphouse presents itself more as a restaurant than a brewery, but its handcrafted hazy IPAs and tangy sours are some of the best beers you can get in Missoula.
Conflux is known for its community events, from brewery tours to live music and beer-pairing dinners that highlight local unique food.
I can’t recommend Conflux Taphouse enough if you’re looking for food and beer in Downtown Missoula! This New Orleans-styled taphouse is a great time every time.
Address: 210 N Pattee St., Missoula, MT 59802
Favorites Beer: Mountain Thunder IPA (Flagship) and Mega Desk Hefeweizen (Seasonal)
Best Food Options: Conflux Mac & Cheese and Fried Chicken Sandwich
NA Beer Available?: Yes, by Athletic Brewing
Cideries & Distilleries
Is beer not up your alley? Here are two fantastic options!
Western Cider
If you’re looking for something a little different, Western Cider offers a refreshing, truly refreshing twist to Missoula’s craft scene with its handcrafted hard ciders made from locally sourced apples. Their selection includes a wide range of options, from dry to semi-sweet ciders. Western Cider also shines with its lively events, from cider release parties to orchard tours, trivia nights, and live music events.
With its relaxed location along the Clark Fork River, Western Cider is a fantastic spot to unwind with friends and enjoy some of Montana’s finest ciders. Elevate your experience with a fresh charcuterie board with your cider!
Address: 501 N California St., Missoula, MT 59802
Favorite Cider at Western Cider: Fat Robin and Whiskey Peach
Best Food Options: Charcuterie Board
NA Beer Available?:
Yes, Sparkling Cider and Athletic Brewery Beer
Montgomery Distillery
Montgomery Distillery in Missoula offers a unique twist to the local drinking scene by focusing on handcrafted spirits! Their award-winning vodka, gin, and whiskeys are made from locally sourced grains and distilled in-house. Their creative cocktails fit the vibe of the gorgeous space. Using local art to decorate the spacious and large armchairs brings an elevated vibe to the space. You feel like you’re in an exclusive club while visiting.
Address: 129 W Front St., Missoula, MT 59802
Favorite Cocktail at Montgomery Distillery: Purple Porch and Red Headed Stranger
Best Food Options: None
NA Drink Options?: Yes! Plenty of Mocktail Options and Athletic Brewing NA Beers
Pack It Up
Missoula is a craft beer lover’s paradise, with a vibrant brewery scene that offers a wide variety of beer styles and atmospheres to suit every preference. From the traditional German brews and Bayern Brewing Co. to the experimental and creative offerings at OddPitch Brewing Co., each brewery has its own unique specialties. You can explore spacious beer gardens, riverside patios, and lively taprooms while enjoying Montana’s finest locally brewed beer.
Whether you’re visiting to explore the outdoors, soak in the local culture, or simply enjoy some of the best craft beer in the Northwest, Missoula is the perfect destination.
Feel free to drop any questions in the comments, and I would be happy to share my insight!
Meet the Author -
Sarah Borgen
I am an Educator and outdoor Enthusiast based out of Seattle and writer of Exploren Borgen! My adventures consist of weekends spent in the woods, on a hike, car camping, and taking a deep breath of fresh air. When not on an adventure, you can find me in a classroom teaching high school science! I love having a job that allows me to the opportunity to discuss things like conservation, sustainability, and accessibility.
The Ultimate Washington Map
Endless adventures, all at your fingertips
If you’ve ever wished you could access my adventure journals to uncover notes about hundreds of Washington destinations, now’s your chance. I spend an entire year creating this interactive map to make adventure more accessible. You can sort, filter, and explore my notes on hundreds of trails, breweries, campgrounds, and more.
Have a question? Put it in a comment and I'll get back to ya!
Meet the author
Sarah Borgen, AKA your outdoor bestie
I’m an outdoorsy educator and adventure advocate, which is why I’m passionate about creating resources – like blogs, guides, and interactive maps – to simplify your travels. I’m eager to share some of Washington’s greatest destinations and hidden gems with you.
