Missoula, Montana, a vibrant college town nestled in the heart of the Rockies, boasts a thriving breakfast scene that caters to locals, students, and visitors alike. The following guide is for anyone who is a University of Montana student getting ready for classes, a visitor taking in the area’s natural beauty, or a local looking for new morning spots.
Explore eight of Missoula’s top breakfast spots, from classic diners with fluffy pancakes to modern cafes offering artisanal coffee and healthy options. This guide explores diverse menus, from classic diner fare to healthy, energizing eats, and unique, only-in-Missoula experiences. Get ready to discover your new favorite morning meal – and places to linger and connect with this amazing community.
Paul’s Pancake Parlor
Quick Glance:
- Address: 2305 Brooks St, Missoula, MT 59801
- Overall rating: 4.5/5
- Best for: Classic diner experience and variety of pancakes
- Website: paulspancake.com
- Must-try dishes: Sourdough pancakes, omelets
- Reservation: Not required or doesn’t accept reservations
- Local tip: Arrive early on weekends to avoid long wait times, especially during peak hours
Paul’s Pancake Parlor is a beloved Missoula institution that has been serving breakfast since 1963. This family-owned diner is famous for its outstanding sourdough pancakes and extensive menu, offering a taste of nostalgia to locals and visitors alike.
The restaurant boasts an impressive array of 20 different pancake varieties, including unique flavors like caramel pecan nut and buckwheat. In addition to their signature pancakes, Paul’s offers a wide range of classic breakfast dishes, with their omelets being another popular choice.
The atmosphere at Paul’s is cozy and nostalgic, transporting diners back to simpler times. The restaurant’s popularity often results in long wait times, especially during peak hours, but many consider it “an absolute must for someone visiting Zootown.”
Ruby’s Cafe
Quick Glance:
- Address: 2101 Regent St, Missoula, MT 59801
- Overall rating: 4.5/5
- Best for: Classic diner breakfast and comfort food
- Website: facebook.com/rubysmissoula
- Must-try dishes: Biscuits & gravy, chicken fried steak, farmers skillet
- Reservation: Not required or doesn’t accept reservations
- Local tip: Visit early morning to experience the local regulars at the bar having coffee, and enjoy their generous portions
Ruby’s Cafe is a throwback diner that has become a staple for both locals and visitors in Missoula. Known for its generous portions and affordable prices, Ruby’s offers a classic American breakfast experience in a ’40s-style setting.
The menu features a variety of hearty breakfast options, with their classic breakfast combos being particularly popular. Ruby’s prides itself on delivering satisfying, no-frills breakfast dishes that keep customers coming back for more.
The atmosphere at Ruby’s is casual and welcoming, making it an excellent spot for families, students, and anyone looking for a traditional diner experience. The cafe’s long-standing presence in Missoula has cemented its status as a beloved local institution.
The Old Post
Quick Glance:
- Address: 103 W Spruce St, Missoula, MT 59802
- Overall rating: 4.3/5
- Best for: Pub-style breakfast and brunch
- Website: oldpostmissoula.com
- Must-try dishes: OP Breakfast Poutine, Biscuit and Gravy, Taco of the Day.
- Reservation: Accepts reservations
- Local tip: Try their weekend brunch and catch live jazz on Thursdays at 6 pm. Weather permitting, enjoy their pet-friendly patio
The Old Post is a popular pub that has gained a reputation for its excellent weekend brunch menu. While primarily known for its pub fare and draft microbrews, The Old Post offers a unique breakfast experience in Missoula.
Their brunch menu features several varieties of breakfast entrees, along with other classic breakfast items available à la carte. The Old Post’s culinary offerings blend traditional breakfast fare with pub-style cuisine, creating a distinctive menu.
The restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with exposed brick walls and a patio, perfect for enjoying a leisurely morning meal. The Old Post’s unique combination of pub ambiance and quality breakfast options makes it a standout choice for those seeking a different breakfast experience.
Market on Front
Quick Glance:
- Address: 201 E Front St, Missoula, MT 59802
- Overall rating: 4.3/5
- Best for: Healthy breakfast options and coffee
- Website: marketonfront.com
- Must-try dishes: Breakfast burrito, the fruity pig sandwich
- Reservation: Not required or doesn’t accept reservations
- Local tip: Try their breakfast burrito – a customer favorite that’s “better than getting flowers!”
Market on Front is an urban market that combines a gourmet deli, coffee shop, and artisanal grocery store. Located in the heart of downtown Missoula, it’s known for its great coffee, tea selection, and healthy breakfast options.
Their breakfast menu features popular items like breakfast burritos and sandwiches, catering to those looking for nutritious and flavorful morning meals. Market on Front also offers a variety of locally sourced products, emphasizing fresh and health-conscious ingredients.
The market offers a modern, airy atmosphere that’s perfect for a quick breakfast or a leisurely morning catch-up with friends. With its focus on quality and health, Market on Front has become a go-to spot for those seeking a contemporary breakfast experience in Missoula.
The Oxford Cafe
Quick Glance:
- Address: 337 N Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT 59802
- Overall rating: 4.2/5
- Best for: 24/7 comfort food and late-night breakfast
- Website: the-oxford.com
- Must-try dishes: Chicken fried steak with JJ gravy, garbage omelet
- Reservation: Walk-ins welcome, no reservations needed
- Local tip: Visit after the downtown bars close for their famous chicken fried steak with JJ gravy – they’ve been open 24/7 for so long that they don’t even have keys to the doors!
The Oxford Cafe, opened in 1883, is a venerable spot offering classic American comfort fare. It’s one of the few 24/7 establishments in Missoula, making it a popular choice for both early birds and night owls looking for hearty breakfast options.
The menu at The Oxford focuses on traditional diner-style breakfast dishes, with their signature chicken fried steak with JJ gravy being particularly popular among locals and visitors alike. Their extensive breakfast menu includes classic omelets, with the “garbage” omelet being a standout choice.
The atmosphere at The Oxford is no-frills and unpretentious, reflecting its long history and status as a Missoula institution. While it may not offer the most refined dining experience, The Oxford’s authentic charm and reliable comfort food have made it a beloved part of Missoula’s culinary landscape for over a century.
Golden Yolk Griddle
Quick Glance:
- Address: 200 W Pine St, Missoula, MT 59802
- Overall rating: 4.3/5
- Best for: Quick breakfast, local ingredients, and sustainability-focused options
- Website: goldenyolkgriddle.com
- Must-try dishes: Breakfast burrito, farmer’s market sandwich and sunrise tacos.
- Reservation: Not required or doesn’t accept reservations
- Local tip: Try their yerba mate latte and breakfast burrito combo – locals swear by it
Golden Yolk Griddle is a favorite among locals, offering great coffee and comfort food in a casual atmosphere. It’s popular for both breakfast and lunch, with options catering to various dietary preferences, including vegetarians.
The restaurant prides itself on using fresh, high-quality ingredients to create satisfying breakfast dishes. Their menu features a range of breakfast combos and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
With its welcoming atmosphere and diverse menu, Golden Yolk Griddle has quickly become a go-to spot for Missoula residents looking for a reliable and delicious breakfast experience. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and variety has earned it a loyal following in the local community.
Liquid Planet Grille
Quick Glance:
- Address: 1025 Arthur Ave, Missoula, MT 59801
- Overall rating: 4.4/5
- Best for: All-day breakfast, coffee, and healthy options
- Website: liquidplanet.com
- Must-try dishes: Morning glory, veggie browns, and big sky burrito
- Reservation: Takes reservations
- Local tip: Try their biscuit basket with honey butter and huckleberry preserves, and their signature hangover potatoes
Liquid Planet Grille is a full-service restaurant offering a comprehensive breakfast menu that goes beyond their other locations’ coffee and quick-service offerings. Located near the University of Montana campus, it has become a popular spot for students, faculty, and locals alike.
The menu features a range of breakfast options from traditional bacon and eggs to their signature Morning Glory Sandwich. Their commitment to quality is evident in their made-to-order dishes and excellent coffee selection, which has earned them a loyal following.
The atmosphere is modern and welcoming, making it an ideal spot for both quick breakfast meetings and leisurely morning meals. With its convenient location and consistent quality, Liquid Planet Grille has established itself as one of Missoula’s go-to breakfast destinations.
The Breakfast Club
Quick Glance:
- Address: 1132 SW Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT 59803
- Overall rating: 4.5/5
- Best for: Breakfast burritos and casual dining
- Website: thebreakfastclubmt.com
- Must-try dishes: The athlete burrito, basket case burrito, slow-roast steak burrito
- Reservation: Takes reservations
- Local tip: Even with lines out the door, service is quick and efficient. Try The Athlete burrito – it’s protein-packed and worth the money!
The Breakfast Club is highly rated for its breakfast offerings, particularly its breakfast burritos. This casual eatery has gained a loyal following for its consistently delicious food and friendly service.
While the breakfast burritos are the star attraction, The Breakfast Club also serves a variety of other classic breakfast dishes. Their menu caters to a range of tastes, ensuring there’s something for everyone, from traditional breakfast lovers to those seeking more unique options.
The restaurant offers a comfortable, laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxed morning meal. With its focus on quality ingredients and well-prepared dishes, The Breakfast Club has established itself as a popular destination for breakfast enthusiasts in Missoula.
catalyst2GO
Quick Glance:
- Address: 111 N Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT 59802
- Overall rating: 4.6/5
- Best for: Quick grab-and-go breakfast and coffee
- Website: catalyst2go.com
- Must-try dishes: Breakfast burritos (regular, vegetarian, and vegan), breakfast sandwiches, smoothies
- Reservation: Not required or doesn’t accept reservations
- Local tip: Try their variety of breakfast burritos – they offer regular, vegetarian, and vegan options
catalyst2GO, formerly known as Catalyst Cafe, has recently transitioned to a takeout-only concept. This popular coffee shop has been a Missoula staple since its inception as Montana’s first coffee cart.
Known for its excellent coffee, catalyst2GO now focuses on providing quick and delicious breakfast options for those on the go. Their menu includes a variety of breakfast dishes, including options for vegetarians and vegans, with their breakfast sandwiches being a popular choice.
While the dining experience has changed, the quality of their offerings remains high. The transition to a takeout model makes catalyst2GO an excellent choice for busy professionals or students looking for a quick, quality breakfast in downtown Missoula.
Le Petit Outre
Quick Glance:
- Address: 129 S 4th St W, Missoula, MT 59801
- Overall rating: 4.7/5
- Best for: Artisanal bread and pastries
- Website: lepetitbakehouse.com
- Must-try dishes: Baguettes, croissants, sourdough
- Reservation: Not required or doesn’t accept reservations
- Local tip: Try their freshly baked baguettes – they’re perfect for a picnic in one of Missoula’s parks
Le Petit Outre is a charming bakery located just off the hip strip in Missoula. Housed in a converted warehouse, it has become a beloved local institution known for its artisanal bread and pastries.
The bakery offers a wide range of freshly baked goods, from classic baguettes to hearty sourdough loaves, as well as an array of delectable pastries including buttery croissants, flaky pain au chocolate, and fruit tarts. Le Petit Outre is renowned for its commitment to traditional baking methods and high-quality ingredients.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a beautiful open space featuring cozy couches and books. This creates an ideal environment for enjoying a leisurely breakfast or grabbing a quick coffee and pastry. The bakery’s dedication to craftsmanship and welcoming ambiance have made it a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking a taste of authentic French baking in Missoula.
Final Words
Missoula’s breakfast scene is a testament to the city’s vibrant culinary culture, offering a diverse range of options to suit every palate and preference. From the nostalgic charm of Paul’s Pancake Parlor to the modern, health-conscious offerings at Market on Front, there’s no shortage of delicious ways to start your day in this lively Montana city. Whether you’re craving hearty comfort food, a quick coffee and pastry, or a leisurely weekend brunch, these popular breakfast spots showcase the best of Missoula’s morning fare.
Each restaurant brings its unique flavor to the table, reflecting the city’s blend of tradition and innovation. These eateries not only satisfy hunger but also provide a taste of Missoula’s warm community spirit and rich culinary landscape.
Ready to explore? Grab a friend and start your Missoula breakfast adventure tomorrow morning!