The 8 Best Bars in Helena, Montana

Historically known as Last Chance Gulch, Helena was a popular destination for settlers during the Montana Goldrush.

While the famous gold-riddled creek has long dried up, the Montana state capital remains a hotspot for exploring the region’s cultural history and natural beauty.

However, many tourists don’t know that as the state capital, Helena also features one of the oldest and most diverse bar scenes in all of Montana.

With bars that date back to the early 20th century, a night out in Helena is like a journey through a time when dive bars were the local respite after a long day of prospecting.

From small-town watering holes to refurbished landmarks, these are the eight best bars in Helena, Montana.

1. The Gold Bar and Western

The Gold Bar and Western are actually two bars combined into one. The Gold Bar operates from 10 am to 2 am and invites its guests to enjoy fine bar foods and local beers throughout the day.

The space truly becomes alive from 3 pm until close. During this time, both the Gold Bar and The Western simultaneously operate and draw a diverse crowd to their shared building.

Guests are welcomed with 15 drafts on a rotating tap and a large selection of domestic beer, local microbrews, wines, spirits, and specialty cocktails.

For entertainment, The Gold and Western Bars feature pool tables, dart boards, competition length shuffleboard, video game machines, and live music on the weekends.

What to try

The Gold Bar and Western include a variety of Montanan microbrew flavors. In addition, the bar’s kitchen serves a selection of bar food that uses only grass-fed meat raised in the state to accompany your drink.

2. Hap’s Beer Parlor

Established in 1935, Hap’s Beer Parlor has been serving visitors for over 85 years and is an icon among the historic bars in Helena.

Located directly across the street from the old train depot, Hap’s has always been a popular stop for travelers on long rail journeys.

And while traveling by train isn’t as popular as it once was, Hap’s maintains its appeal to locals and tourists thanks to its traditional atmosphere and fun bar activities and events.

Hap’s exciting entertainment services include pool tables, horseshoes, darts, karaoke, sports boards, and casino and gaming machines.

While partaking in the bar games, patrons can enjoy a selection of local craft, and domestic beers served in custom glasses designed to fit with Hap’s rustic design.

What to try

Visiting Hap’s is like revisiting the bar’s heyday when small-town dive bars served as exciting resting points for weary travelers. Order one of the local microbrews served in a custom Hap’s mug to enjoy Montana’s popular bar flavors.

3. Lewis and Clark Tap Room

Named after the famous exploring duo, Lewis and Clark Brewing Co has been serving Helena for over 17 years.

While Lewis and Clark Brewing Co’s award-winning beers can be ordered throughout Montana, they are best sampled at their home bar in Helena.

With 19 delicious craft beers on tap and a variety of seltzers in their stock, visitors to the bar will find a drink that satisfies every sort of pallet.

Be sure to visit during the brewing company’s happy hour, which runs daily between noon and 4 pm, to sample an array of beers from the bar’s diverse selection.

Check out Lewis and Clark Brewing Co’s event schedule for a myriad of weekly activities, including trivia, live music, bingo, and other specialty shows.

What to try

Lewis and Clark Brewing Co’s 19 craft beers offer their own unique twists that are worth a taste. Crowd favorites include the Prickly Pear Pale Ale, and the Miner’s Gold Hefeweizen, the winner of a world beer cup gold and silver medal.

4. Windbag Saloon and Grill

The Windbag Saloon and Grill has been serving downtown Helena since 1977. Still, the building the bar occupies is actually much older than that.

Initially built in 1882, The Windbag Saloon building has always been a focal point of the town’s entertainment district and nightlife. It is even listed in the national register of historic places.

Before being converted into the current bar, the building served as a burlesque hall, movie theatre, and bowling alley throughout its long tenure.

But don’t let the age of the building deceive you. Recent renovations have brought a sense of modernity to the building while maintaining its historical integrity.

The full-service bar and kitchen feature a line of local brews on tap served alongside delicious American-style cuisines for the whole Montanan style night out on the town.

What to try

Windbag Saloon’s craft beer selection is best enjoyed over favorite bar foods, such as the Chicken Enchiladas and the Black foot river fish and chips.

For entertainment, the saloon offers a specialty event schedule. Grab some bean bags and check out one of the bar’s more notable corn hole events.

5. Rialto Bar

Rialto Bar began its operations in 1927. In the near-century since, the bar continues to serve a great selection of local crafts, domestic beers, and an array of specialty cocktails and wine that will be sure to satisfy any cravings.

The bar’s local flavors are best sampled during the summer months from the Rialto’s outdoor patio, where guests can enjoy live music and bar games.

The bar’s on-site casino features twenty casino machines and one poker game for patrons seeking to try their luck at a game of chance.

What to try

The historical building of Rialto bar is a beautiful spot to admire the town’s heritage while enjoying the many flavors of Montana.

The friendly atmosphere and welcoming vibes make the Rialto one of the b