17 Best Bars in Helena, Bozeman, and Southwest Montana, Montana

With flags and fresh flowers hanging outside its wooden storefront, it's easy to see the Bale of Hay Saloon takes pride in its business. Although it's a saloon (it looks like it was taken from Tombstone), it's relatively family-friendly, the food is good, and the kids aren't shunned. In the summer, enjoy live music and drinking on the outdoor patio. A nightly ghost tour leaves from here at 10 pm in the summer months.

This popular restaurant draws summer visitors for its outdoor pit races. Sit back with a beer while pigs in numbered jerseys streak around an outdoor oval; proceeds from wagers fund local scholarships. The races take place summer evenings at 7, Thursday through Sunday.

The place in Helena to see and be seen, this hopping microbrewery serves up iconic beers such as their Single Malt IPA and a number of beers that have been crafted to remove gluten. In the summer months, the second-floor patio looks out over downtown and Mount Ascension.

Some weekends the Corral rocks to regional live bands. Other entertainment comes from quirky bartenders, pool-table bets, and legions of skiers, snowmobilers, and locals in for the Montana brews.

The very definition of a dive bar, the Long Branch in nearby Ennis doesn't disappoint if that's what you're in the mood for. It's busy for a few reasons: friendly servers, consistent hours (open almost every day), funny bumper stickers, big steaks, and an even bigger crowd.

This brewery has panoramic views of the Bridger Range through the large glass windows. The large but cozy cabin feel has been a Bozeman staple since it opened in 2015. Sit back and enjoy a Midas Crush and rub elbows with tourists and locals alike. A small but tasty pub-style food menu is also available. 

Enjoy live music where the dancing often spills out onto the deck.

Locals voted the jukebox at the Murray Bar the best in town, and its staff the friendliest. There's live music most weekends.

Drop by this giant brick building on the corner for happy hour from 4 to 6 every day except Sunday. The Owl Lounge serves beer, wine, and specialty martinis, including the Snowy Owl: Pinnacle whipped strawberry vodka, cranberry juice, and cream. It closes at midnight.

Most Friday and Saturday evenings from June through September, the Pine Creek Cafe serves live music, food, beer, and wine under the stars. The fun starts at 7:30. During winter, the music moves inside. Friday is open-mic night. John Mayer and Bob Weir played a show here as a flood relief fundraiser in 2020.

Cowboy boots, Carhartt jackets, and upscale urban garb mingle amiably at Plonk. Though technically a wine bar, this trendy place also serves dinner, and has a full bar serving classy cocktails and local microbrews.

This stunning rooftop bar above the new Kimpton Armory Hotel features views of four different mountain ranges. Get cozy with a spiced cocktail around one of the outdoor firepits or the fireplace inside.

Located in the historic Electric Light Building dating from 1895, this brewery features a large rotating tap list of staples like the Road to Wisdom Hazy IPA alongside occasional live entertainment. The Anaconda Taco Company serves tacos and smash burgers every day during the summer and on weekends during the winter. Exposed brick, stained-glass windows, and the large mirrored bar are reminiscent of the saloons that would have served smelter workers during Anaconda's manufacturing heyday.

It's impossible to miss the large neon sign depicting a logger with an axe, and that neon will bring you right into a quintessential small-town bar. With 14 beers on tap, there's a commitment to local beer from around Montana, and the same goes for the more than 200 bottles of liquor, many of which are from Montana distilleries. You'll be sure to find plenty of friendly locals and a pool table in the back. They also have top-tier steaks, burgers, and more made with meat from the legendary local Pioneer Meats.

Opened in 2020, this late-night hot spot is perfect for after-hours après ski activities. It even hosts the Montana Stein Hoisting Championship.