Situated in Deer Lodge County, southwestern Montana, Anaconda is nestled in a valley at the base of the Anaconda Range, within eight miles of the Continental Divide.
A town where natural wonders and outdoor recreation are right at your fingertips, Anaconda attracts visitors looking for a true Big Sky experience.
Anaconda was first laid out in 1883 by Marcus Daly, the famous founder of Montana’s copper industry, and grew considerably after a copper smelter was constructed nearby.
Even though smelting came to a stop in 1980, the smokestack still stands today, a mark of the town’s rich industrial heritage.
There is plenty to see and do in town, whether you’re a history enthusiast or a lover of the great outdoors. Travelers love to absorb the pristine views along the Pinter Veteran’s Memorial Scenic Highway, hit some holes at the historic Old Works Golf Course, and visit the nearby Georgetown Lake.
Anaconda is also only a short distance away from the world-famous Discovery Ski Area.
A select assortment of bars gives Anaconda its own unique nightlife scene. While each venue offers a slightly different experience, they are all known for welcoming out-of-towners with true Western hospitality.
Check out the best bars in Anaconda below.
Travel Tips for Drinking in Anaconda
- There are quite a few quality bars in Anaconda, so it’s important to get familiar with the local drinking rules and etiquette before exploring the nightlife.
- Alcohol cannot be served to patrons under 21 years old, though some bars in Anaconda allow younger patrons to sit with their families in the bar until certain times. It is also illegal for parents or guardians to purchase alcohol for anyone under 21 at the bar.
- Many of the bars in Anaconda, and Montana in general, heavily feature taxidermy as part of their decor a tribute to the state’s hunting heritage. Don’t be surprised if you see bar window displays containing stuffed wolves or real elk heads propped on the walls.
The 9 Best Bars in Anaconda
The local nightlife scene boasts an array of exciting venues, from casual sports bars to chic cocktail lounges to innovative breweries. We’ve gathered a list of the best bars in Anaconda, Montana.
- Paradise Bar
- Club Moderne
- The Revolver
- JFK Bar
- Smelter City Brewing
- Midway Bar
- Donivan’s Pub & Casino
- Ranch Bar
- Carmel’s Sports Bar and Grill
1. Paradise Bar • Anaconda • $-$$
Considered one of Anaconda’s best, Paradise Bar is located on Fourth Street. A casual and friendly meeting place, the bar boasts a long list of beverages and often runs drink specials and discounts.
On Friday and Saturday nights, the bar hosts karaoke, as well as other games and competitions at different times throughout the year. In 2017, it was nominated for a Fan’s Choice Award in the Pubs and Bars category.
The Paradise Bar is open seven days a week. It opens at 2 p.m. all days except Sunday, when it opens at 10 a.m., and closes at 2 a.m. every day.
2. Club Moderne • Anaconda • $-$$
If you’re looking for a welcoming pub where you can sit back with a cold beer and watch your favorite sports game, Club Moderne is a must.
Opening early on an occasion so that they can screen the biggest games for their patrons, the bar is a haven for sports fans.
The bar hosts performances of live music, particularly at special events and holidays (including St. Patrick’s Day). Patrons can also enjoy delicious food when the bar teams up with other local businesses to set up food trucks just outside the venue.
Club Moderne is open daily from 12 p.m. and closes at 2 a.m. every night.
3. The Revolver • Anaconda • $$-$$$
The Revolver is Anaconda’s premiere cocktail bar serving an eclectic range of drinks in a fun atmosphere. Known for its friendly bartenders and distinct stylish décor, the bar is loved by both locals and out-of-towners.
Throughout the year, the Revolver hosts fun festivities, including Halloween costume parties and pumpkin-carving contests.
It is also conveniently situated on Park Avenue, among a selection of other exciting venues in the heart of Anaconda’s nightlife scene.
The Revolver is open Wednesday through Friday, from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., and on the weekends. Saturday hours are 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday hours are 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
4. JFK Bar • Anaconda • $-$$
The JFK Bar has a fitting position in the center of Anaconda’s bar and pub scene.
A comfortable place to kick back and catch a sports game or listen to some karaoke, the bar is also a local gem and a great place to meet members of the community.
A fun night at the JFK Bar doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank, with the establishment often running specials like Ladies’ Night. Other events take place at this one-of-a-kind bar from week to week, from live music performances to potluck dinners to shuffleboard tournaments.
The JFK Bar is now open seven days a week, opening from 11 a.m. daily until 2 a.m.
5. Smelter City Brewing • Anaconda • $-$$
There’s no better way to pay tribute to Anaconda’s rich mining history than with a visit to Smelter City Brewing.
Located right on Main Street, the brewery is famous for its wide assortment of beers on tap. Often running Pint Nights, the brewery is a staple in Anaconda and even has its own gift shop.
The venue features an open beer garden, which is often the scene of live music showcasing the best of local talent. There are also game nights from time to time, including Bingo, Singo, and Trivia Nights.
Smelter City Brewing opens daily at 11 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m. every night.
6. Midway Bar • Anaconda • $-$$
Located on Commercial Avenue, the Midway Bar has been hailed as the best bar in town thanks to the varied assortment of drinks available and the casual, inviting atmosphere.
Patrons can enjoy a choice of beers, cocktails, wine, and hard liquor in a venue that prides itself on fast and friendly service.
The Midway Bar is the kind of establishment that you can visit whether you’re on your own or in a large group. There are also bar games available, with several returning customers praising the bar for its darts games.
The Midway Bar is open daily, opening at 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday and Monday. It closes at midnight every night.
7. Donivan’s Pub & Casino • Anaconda • $$-$$$
On the lookout for a venue that serves a variety of drinks and delicious food? Donivan’s Pub & Casino is one of the town’s most popular dining and entertainment venues.
A family-owned business that’s been running in Anaconda since 1985, Donivan’s was renovated in 2016 and now boasts an alluring vintage industrial motif.
Patrons will enjoy 14 craft beers on tap, spirits from local distilleries, and an extensive wine list. The dining area serves patrons from breakfast to dinner with an elaborate menu of hearty classic pub fare.
Located on East Park Avenue, Donivan’s is open Sunday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Saturday it is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
8. Ranch Bar • West Anaconda • $-$$
Situated to the west of Anaconda, the Ranch Bar has a reputation for serving the coldest beer in the county. Patrons can enjoy drink specials on celebration days throughout the year, such as St. Patrick’s Day and Cinco de Mayo.
Guests are welcome to order light meals and bar snacks as they sip their favorite brew, with the venue specializing in pizza, jerky strips, and candy.
There is also a small casino area where guests can enjoy games and mingle with other patrons.
The Ranch Bar is open daily from 12 p.m. to midnight, except on Saturdays when it closes at 2 a.m.
9. Carmel’s Sports Bar and Grill • Anaconda • $ – $$
Carmel’s Sports Bar is a family-friendly nightlife venue in Anaconda, with patrons under 21 permitted in the bar until 10 p.m. With affordable prices and discounts during the week, this is a venue that many locals return to again and again.
The bar runs a selection of fun games and other entertainment options, including a free jukebox, live country music, pool, and karaoke nights.
Every patron is welcome and, for out-of-towners, it’s a great place to get to know new people in a lively environment.
Carmel’s Sports Bar is open daily from 11 a.m to 2 a.m.