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 entertainme