Once the country’s top horse-trading and livestock destination, Miles City is a living relic of the Old West.
The town is the seat of Custer County in eastern Montana, where the Yellowstone River meets the Tongue River and is surrounded by open plains and otherworldly Badlands.
These days, Miles City pays tribute to its Western heritage with the annual Bucking Horse Sale for rodeo stock breeders and buyers.
The town’s rich history stems back to 1877 when it was founded near the site of Fort Keogh and named after General Nelson A. Miles, an officer in the U.S. army.
Miles City offers visitors plenty to see and do, from popular tourist attractions like the Range Riders Museum and the WaterWorks Art Museum to stunning natural wonders, such as Pirogue Island State Park.
The town is also home to a bustling nightlife scene where both locals and tourists have a chance to kick back with a cold beer and listen to live music or enjoy a game of pool.
For our list of the best bars in Miles City, Montana, keep reading!
Travel Tips for Drinking in Miles City
- Many of the most popular bars in Miles City are located on the town’s picturesque and historic Main Street. Bar-hopping is not unheard of, since there are a few bars in close proximity to one another. But it’s also common to find a place you love and spend a whole night there. All bars in Miles City close at 2 a.m.
- The minimum drinking age in Miles City is 21 and alcohol can’t be served to anyone younger in a public place, even in the company of a parent or guardian. However, some of the local bars are family-friendly, so you can still enjoy the Miles City nightlife with kids.
The 8 Best Bars in Miles City
The local nightlife scene reflects Miles City’s position as one of the few true Western towns still in existence.
Several of the bars have been operating for more than a century and you’ll see several nods to the cowboy tradition in the décor, food, and service. You can find our list of the top bars in Miles City, Montana, here!
- The Montana Bar
- Bison Bar
- Tilt Würks Brewhouse & Casino
- Yellowstone Tavern
- Bucking Horse Saloon & Casino
- Miles City Town and Country Club Lounge
- Cellar Casino
- Tongue River Winery
1. The Montana Bar – Miles City – $-$$
The historic Montana Bar is centrally located on Main Street. Famed as “the best bar in Montana”, the venue is home to both the Montana Bar and Tubb’s Pub: Sports Bar & Grill.
Decorated with furniture and art that will make you feel like you’ve landed in the Old West, the Montana Bar is a gem in Miles City’s downtown scene.
Tubb’s Pub features several big-screen TVs where patrons can watch live sports, including live UFC fights. They also run daily food specials. The bar is also home to darts and pool tables and has been serving locals since 1908.
The Montana Bar serves a long list of delectable beverages, including beer and cocktails, as well as snacks, meals, and refreshments. It’s open every day from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
2. Bison Bar – Miles City – $-$$
The Bison Bar has been standing in Miles City since 1900, operating from its location on the corner of 7th and Main for more than a century.
Known for its friendly atmosphere and welcoming staff, the Bison is a relaxed meeting place where locals and visitors from out of town can enjoy some Montana-style hospitality.
During the year, the Bison Bar holds special events and celebrations and remains open every day of the year, even on holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving.
They also host fun games and competitions, including dart tournaments and poker championships.
The Bison Bar is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.
3. Tilt Würks Brewhouse & Casino – Miles City – $-$$
As the Tilt Würks logo says, it’s all about the flipping craft beer!
This is a must-stop destination for beer enthusiasts as the venue prides itself on its extensive selection. There are 19 choices on tap, including a range of ales as well as local wines.
The sports bar boasts all the facilities for patrons to watch their favorite games live and in high definition, while the casino features 20 gaming machines, including poker, keno, and line games.
For actively playing patrons in the casino, there are complimentary snacks, coffee, soft drinks, domestic draft beer, and well drinks on offer.
The brewhouse also serves a full menu of American classics, including burgers, mac and cheese, nachos, onion rings, and fried green tomatoes. There is also $1 off all bottles, drafts, liquor, and wine during Happy Hour, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
The brewery and kitchen are open every day from 11 a.m., with the casino opening at 9 a.m. daily. Closing hours vary between weekdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and Sundays.
4. Yellowstone Tavern – Miles City – $-$$
The Yellowstone Tavern is a family-friendly restaurant, bar, and casino with something for everyone. Famously home to the 32-ounce mug, the bar is renowned among locals for serving cold drinks and quality food.
The tavern has ample entertainment options, from pool tables and dart machines to a kids’ game room.
The fun atmosphere, along with the hearty menu of favorites, makes it a great place to spend the night with old friends or meet new ones.
With accommodating staff and an impressive menu of food and drinks, the Yellowstone Tavern is often packed with patrons.
It’s open daily, from 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. on the weekends.
5. Bucking Horse Saloon & Casino – Miles City – $-$$
The aptly named Bucking Horse Saloon & Casino is a true testament to Miles City’s cowboy history. The bar is located on Steel Street and is one of the town’s most popular venues for live music and karaoke.
Decked with vintage décor from the Old West, including real saddles and rodeo relics, the saloon offers a fun and unique atmosphere where patrons will no doubt make some incredible memories.
There’s always something happening, whether it’s a live performance from local talent or a screening of a live sports game.
The Bucking Horse Saloon & Casino is open daily, from 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. Friday through Sunday. It closes at 2 a.m. every day.
6. Miles City Town and Country Club Lounge – Miles City – $$-$$$
If you’re looking for a venue with a slightly different vibe from country sports bars, the Miles City Town and Country Club Lounge is a great place to grab a drink.
A full beer and wine list are available in a relaxed setting, and the lounge is open to both club members and the public.
In addition to the selection of beverages, you will find a wide-screen TV and piano in the lounge. Typical bar snacks, such as popcorn, are also on offer.
Patrons can simply enjoy some drinks at the bar, or hit a few holes during the day and kick back with a drink at the end.
The lounge is open every day during the golf season, from first tee time to 2 a.m. During the off-season, it is open Monday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m.
7. Cellar Casino – Miles City – $$-$$$
The Cellar on Main Street is one of Miles City’s most beloved venues. With an energetic atmosphere, friendly customers, and welcoming bartenders, this is a great bar to spend the night when looking for some fun in town.
The establishment prides itself on a delicious menu specializing in pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and appetizers. But it’s also home to a full bar where you can purchase specialty beverages, such as house-made “Tom and Jerry” drinks at Christmastime.
The casino boasts gaming machines and live music, along with TV screens showing the most in-demand games. The Cellar is open daily from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., with the kitchen running from 10-2 p.m. and 4-10 p.m.
8. Tongue River Winery – Just outside Miles City – $$-$$$
A bed and breakfast tucked away just outside Miles City, the Tongue River Winery is one of the few wineries in a region known for its breweries and distilleries.
Wine tastings give guests the chance to sample the winery’s many award-winning wines and should be booked in advance.
For those staying at Tongue River, the bed and breakfast is cozy and nestled in a tranquil setting that overlooks the peaceful green landscape. Guests also rave about the welcoming and friendly hosts.
The Tongue River Winery is always open as a bed and breakfast, but to enquire about wine-tasting times, please get in contact with the business via the details on their Facebook page.