Best Breweries in Missoula: 8 Popular Taprooms in 2025

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Why Missoula Is a Craft Beer Hotspot

Tucked away in a corner of the northern Rockies, Missoula (or “the Garden City”) is known for its leafy neighborhoods and impeccable access to nature. Set at the base of Mount Sentinel, residents, and visitors are able to enjoy the town and ski on the same day. The Clark Fork River also provides canoeing, fly fishing, and kayaking. For outdoorsy types, Missoula is a wonderland. For beer nerds? Missoula is equally appealing, with the town being ranked second in the US for craft breweries per capita. But which taprooms should you hit? Here’s a rundown of the best breweries and beer events in Missoula:

Big Sky Brewing Company

Address: 5417 Trumpeter Way, Missoula, MT 59808
Website: bigskybrew.com

Must-try beers: Moose Drool, Scape Goat Pale Ale, Powder Hound Winter Ale

What makes them great: One of Montana’s largest breweries and biggest brands, you’ll have an easy time finding their beer throughout town, and Moose Drool Brown Ale is distributed across the country. It’s an OG craft brewery that popped up in the 90s, and it hasn’t slowed down innovation ever since.

What to expect: Their taproom is unassuming and cozy, which is what you’ll want after a day of hiking or skiing. But during the summer months, they host some of the best concerts in Missoula. Everyone from the Avett Brothers to Bob Dylan has played their outdoor stage.

Bayern Brewing

Address: 1507 Montana St, Missoula, MT 59801
Website: bayernbrewery.com

Must-try beers: Doppelbock Lager, Dragon’s Breath Dunkelweizen, Dump Truck Summer Bock

What makes them great: Every city needs a craft brewery specializing in German-style beers. And luckily for Missoula, Bayern Brewing (named for the German word for Bavaria) concocts crisp German lagers and ales like Kölsch and Hefeweizen. And if you want an IPA, they’ll still be able to take care of you!

What to expect: Their airy and inviting space is modeled after a traditional German beer hall, so expect ample seating for large groups. You’ll be able to order large steins of beer while you munch on massive pretzels. Fittingly, all of their beer recipes adhere to the Reinheitsgebot.

Gild Brewing

Address: 515 S Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT 59801

Must-try beers: Gildy Pleasure Hefeweizen, Daddy Long Legs Hazy IPA

What makes them great: Missoula’s “Hip Strip” near the University of Montana’s Missoula campus is a must-visit regardless of your interest in beer, and this upscale brewery space is perfect for families, date night, or an afternoon session with friends. Expect crisp and approachable craft styles brewed well.

What to expect: Their spacious taproom actually has three floors, allowing you to “choose your own adventure” between the basement arcade, main-floor bar, and vibey upstairs lounge.

Draught Works Brewery

Address: 915 Toole Ave, Missoula, MT 59802
Website: draughtworksbrewery.com

Must-try beers: Blood Orange Gose, Quill Pig Czech Style Pilsner, Hand Rolled Hazy IPA, Pineapple Express IPA

What makes them great: With not-so-subtle nods to the hop plant’s cousin cannabis, Draught Works is one of Missoula’s most fun beer brands. The beer? Dank and delicious.

What to expect: Their taproom just feels like a hangout. Their massive patio is open all year (don’t worry, there are heaters for your post-ski pint) and the vibes are just right.

Great Burn Brewing

Address: 2230 McDonald Ave, Missoula, MT 59801
Website: greatburnbrewing.com

Must-try beers: Great Burn IPA, Cold Trail Pale Ale, Smoke Chaser Porter, Tie-One-On Coconut Brown Ale

What makes them great: For hop-heads seeking classic West Coast flavors, Great Burn Brewery should be your first stop in Missoula. Their taproom is a go-to for local beer geeks and especially firefighters.

What to expect: Their taproom feels like a local pub and offers about a dozen specialty draft options along with their mainstays. Their small batch brewing system churns out some of Missoula’s most imaginative beers.

KettleHouse Brewing Co.

Address: 605 Cold Smoke Ave (Bonner), Missoula, MT 59802
Website: kettlehouse.com

Must-try beers: Cold Smoke Scotch Ale, Double Haul IPA, Hellgate Honey Hefeweizen

What makes them great: While its location outside of town makes it more of a destination brewery, it’s widely known that KettleHouse’s beer is more than worth the trek. With some of the boldest flavors of any brewery in Missoula, their limited offerings push boundaries.

What to expect: Knowing they need to bring people to Bonner, KettleHouse programs pint nights and live music. Their stage hosts some of the top shows that come through Missoula!

Tamarack Brewing Company (Missoula)

Address: 231 W Front St, Missoula, MT 59802
Website: tamarackbrewing.com

Must-try beers: Hat Trick Hop IPA, Yard Sale Ale, Switchback Stout

What makes them great: Taproom food gets a bad rap at times, but Tamarack has more than kicked that misconception. With an elevated kitchen program and a sprawling space, their outdoor patio also overlooks Caras Park!

What to expect: The beer? Perfectly serviceable. Their sampler is a favorite for visitors and regulars, featuring up to ten selections from their draft list.

Highlander Beer

Address: 200 International Dr, Missoula, MT 59808
Website: highlanderbeer.com

Must-try beers: Wolfpoint Wheat Ale, Devil’s Hump Red Ale, Strange Haze IPA, Public Land Owner Pale Ale

What makes them great: Founded in 1890, Highlander is one of the few breweries to survive Prohibition. Its current form is a staple in Montana craft beer.

What to expect: Their taproom has a massive patio set on a creek, ample seating, and some of the best pizza in town. Their 12-tap system features year-round and specialty offerings.

Missoula Beer Festivals & Events to Check Out

• Bayern Brewing Oktoberfest: Hosted by the city’s top German brewery. Expect traditional fare, polka, and Bavarian classics.
• Garden City BrewFest: Held in Caras Park with 50+ regional breweries, cider, wine, food vendors, and live music.
• Winter Brewfest: A February celebration in Caras Park — sip instead of ski.
• Missoula Marathon Beer Run: A relaxed three-mile beer run in June, centered around breweries.
• Montana Brewers Festival Fall Rendezvous: A September showcase bringing Montana’s best breweries together.

Final Thoughts: How to Plan Your Missoula Beer Adventure

Missoula is fairly sprawled out, so utilizing a designated driver or budgeting for rideshare will allow you to hit 2 or 3 breweries in a day.

Alcohol laws in Montana are in flux, especially the strict guidelines on how breweries can serve their customers directly. Check ahead to make sure the taproom you’re hitting can serve beer on draft.

DO NOT base your entire trip on hitting breweries. Missoula has an incredible array of taprooms and beer bars, but it would be a waste to skip a hike or a day on the ski hill.

Mind the altitude, which can dehydrate you and impact your alcohol tolerance, and drink responsibly!

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Patrick Daul Expert Writer

Patrick, based in Chicago, is our expert writer at Craft Beer Me. Cicerone-certified since 2017, he brings a wealth of technical knowledge and refined tasting expertise to every article. With a background in travel, Patrick is passionate about experiencing the best craft beers around the world—sharing his experiences and knowledge through engaging and insightful writing.

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