6 Best Bars in Kalispell, Missoula, and Northwest Montana, Montana

Whether the owner's band is playing on the stage or cowboys are serenading a sparse crowd of locals during karaoke, this place is a hoot. The wooden dance floor gets a good scuffing on Western dance and country-swing nights. Two stuffed grizzly bears rear up near the entrance, and other species decorate the large saloon as well.

A locals' hangout, particularly for the singles crowd, the Great Northern Bar and Grill rocks with local bands, open-mic nights, and the occasional sort-of-big-name gig. The stage is surrounded by signs from Whitefish enterprises that are now defunct. Hang out inside or head out to the patio to enjoy a brew and a pile of nachos on cool summer evenings.

A true microbrewery that has hit the big time without losing its micro-ness, the Kettlehouse Brewing Co. has two taprooms. The original Myrtle Street location is near the Hip Strip on the south side of the river, and it hasn't changed since opening in the early 2000s. Which is a good thing. Their most popular beers are Coldsmoke, a Scotch Ale, and the uberhoppy Double Haul IPA. The new taproom is down the road in Bonner, where it's part of the new Kettlehouse Brewery & Amphitheatre. Try a chocolatey Brick and Mortar Imperial Belgian Porter, Olde Bongwater Hemp Porter, or Fresh Bongwater Hemp Pale Ale. There's no bar food other than peanuts, but you're welcome to bring in fare from local eateries.

Sample high-quality, locally made gin, vodka, aquavit, and an award-winning single malt whiskey at the beautiful and now-famous distillery. Be warned, however, that there's a two-drink maximum per customer, which will make it difficult to choose from the long list of handcrafted cocktails. Try the Smoke Tones, made from homemade Quick Silver vodka, grapefruit, habanero tincture, and a smoked salt rim; or The Dude Abides, with vodka, coffee, coffee liqueur, and milk. They also make a great riff on the Old Fashioned, with Sudden Wisdom Rye and Creole Bitters. Purchase whole bottles over at Grizzly Liquor, a few blocks away on Spruce Street.

Cowboy boots and sneakers kick up the sawdust and peanut shells on the floor at the legendary Moose's Saloon, where tunes from the jukebox get the raucous crowd moving. You can order pizza or a hearty sandwich to go with your beer. Leave your mark by carving your name on one of the walls.

Missoula's most intimate live-music venue was remodeled to add a world-class sound system and a great restaurant to its popular bar. There are shows by popular performers almost every evening and programs for kids in late afternoon on the weekends.