A Foodie's Weekend in Missoula: Brewery Tours, Farmers Markets & Can't-Miss Restaurants

Travel Missoula
Jul 23
3 min read

Missoula's charming downtown - home to breweries, restaurants, and the Saturday farmers market

🍻 Missoula's Brewery Scene: A Craft Beer Lover's Paradise

Missoula's breweries offer everything from German-style lagers to experimental IPAs. Here's how to experience the best:

Top Brewery Experiences

Big Sky Brewing Company
- Must-Try: Moose Drool Brown Ale (their flagship beer)
- Experience: Free facility tours at Montana's largest brewery
- Pro Tip: Visit the tasting room open daily until 8pm
KettleHouse Brewing Co.
- Must-Try: Cold Smoke Scotch Ale (local favorite)
- Experience: Two taprooms with river views
Draught Works Brewery
- Must-Try: Seasonal sours and IPAs
- Experience: Family-friendly patio with live music
River City Brews Rafting + Brewery Tour
- Unique Offering: Combine scenic floating with brewery stops
- Duration: 4-hour adventure with 3 brewery visits

"The rafting brewery tour was the perfect way to experience Missoula's craft beer scene while enjoying the beautiful Clark Fork River." - Recent Visitor

Brewery Tour Options

Tour Type	Duration	Highlights	Best For
Self-Guided Walk	Flexible	Visit at your own pace	Independent explorers
Montana Brewery Tours	3 hours	Behind-the-scenes access	First-time visitors
Hop-On Tour	4 hours	Transportation included	Groups
Rafting Tour	4 hours	Scenic river + beer	Adventurous foodies

🍅 Missoula's Farmers Markets: Fresh Flavors of Montana

Saturday Market Guide (May-Oct 2025)

Market	Location	Hours	Must-Visit Vendors
Missoula Farmers' Market	Higgins Ave	8am-12:30pm	Huckleberry treats, organic veggies
Clark Fork River Market	Pattee St	8am-1pm	Artisan cheeses, fresh-baked bread
Orchard Homes Market	Country Life Club	Thurs 4:30-7pm	Local honey, pasture-raised meats

Pro Tips:

Arrive early for best selection (before 10am)
Bring reusable bags and small bills
Try the huckleberry jam at multiple stands to find your favorite
Many vendors accept SNAP benefits

🍴 Can't-Miss Restaurants for Every Meal

Breakfast/Brunch

The Catalyst Cafe (To Go Now) (Local favorite for creative breakfasts)
Paul's Pancake Parlor (Classic diner with Montana-sized portions)

Lunch

Biga Pizza (Wood-fired pizzas with local ingredients)
Michi Ramen Bar (Authentic Japanese ramen. Make sure you check the hours)

Dinner

Plonk (Upscale dining with craft cocktails)
Finn Restaurant (Riverside surf & turf)

Late Night

The Oxford (Historic bar with elevated bar food)
The Keep (Speakeasy-style cocktails)

🗓️ Sample 3-Day Foodie Itinerary

Day 1: Breweries & Downtown Eats

Morning: Breakfast at Catalyst Cafe
Afternoon: Self-guided brewery walk (Big Sky → KettleHouse → Draught Works)
Evening: Dinner at Plonk + cocktails at The Keep

Day 2: Market Day & Fine Dining

Morning: Clark Fork River Market (sample everything!)
Afternoon: Food coma nap at hotel
Evening: Farm-to-table dinner at Finn Restaurant

Day 3: Adventure & Comfort Food

Morning: River City Brews rafting brewery tour
Afternoon: Late lunch at Biga Pizza
Evening: Casual drinks and live music at TopHat Lounge

🛍️ Foodie Souvenirs to Bring Home

Huckleberry products (jam, syrup, chocolates)
Local craft beers (look for cans of Cold Smoke or Moose Drool)
Montana-raised beef jerky
Artisan cheeses from the farmers market

💡 Pro Tips for Your Foodie Weekend

Make reservations for popular restaurants (especially Plonk and Finn)
Check event calendars - many breweries host live music nights
Ask locals for their favorite hidden gems
Pace yourself - Montana portions are generous!
Consider a food tour if you want a curated experience

"Missoula's food scene surprises visitors with its sophistication while staying true to Montana's rustic roots. You'll find everything from perfect craft cocktails to the best burger you've ever had - often in the same weekend." - Local Food Writer

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