Craft beer plays a significant role in Montana’s culture. With regional breweries scattered throughout the state, every city seems to have its own unique specials on tap. Billings is no different, and of the many bar scenes in Montana, it has one of the most diverse.
From friendly sports bars to elegant cocktail restaurants and dancing venues, Billings has a wide selection of bars that caters to various tastes.
Fueling these local bars are several breweries located in the city that produce a seemingly limitless number of craft beers for continuous sampling.
With so many options, exploring the city’s vibrant bar scene can be just as exciting as probing Montana’s beautiful countryside.
So, to begin your journey into the marvel of Billing’s beer culture, be sure to check out the stops on this list of the eight best bars in Billings, Montana.
The 8 Best Bars in Billings
1. Hooligan’s Sports Bar
Located in the heart of Billings, Hooligan’s Sports Bar combines the Northwestern charm of Montana with a traditional Irish Pub setting.
Its 20+ wide selection of draught beers on tap highlights Montana’s local and seasonal craft varieties and includes many popular imports.
With over 20 Hi-def TVs lining the bar and dining areas, Hooligan’s is popular among locals and tourists as one of the best bars in Billings to watch various sporting events.
But, not only does Hooligan’s attract a plethora of sports fans, but they also give back to the local sporting community. Every Monday, Hooligan’s holds a community night in which they donate 20% of all sales to local sports teams, schools, and other charities.
What to Try
Hooligan’s offers a wide variety of specials throughout the week. The bar’s Thursday night Power Hour between 10 pm and 11 pm is a great way to try many local brews for only $1/well beer.
2. Tiny’s Tavern
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First opened in 1983, Tiny’s Tavern has been a favorite local bar in Billings for nearly 40 years.
While the bar welcomes fans of all NFL teams and plays a wide variety of games, they offer a heightened experience for fans of the Denver Broncos. Tiny’s Tavern organizes weekly NFL squares for their patrons and runs a ticket board for Broncos fans to buy and sell admissions to upcoming games.
In the bar, Tiny’s features several local and import drinks, a full-service kitchen, and a selection of game machines that include video poker and line games. However, perhaps the greatest feature of Tiny’s is their outdoor patio capable of seating 300 guests.
Opening in the spring and operating throughout the summer, Tiny’s patio is a popular gathering spot in Billings.
Here guests can mingle with their friends and family while enjoying the full service of the bar, the beautiful Montana weather, and live music performances on the weekends.
What to try
Tiny’s Tavern is famous for its cajun chicken wings. These are perhaps best sampled during the bar’s all-you-can-eat chicken buffet held every Monday night.
Also worth sampling is Tiny’s Sunday morning Mexi breakfast and brunch, which comes with $12 buckets of Coors Light and Millers Light.
3. Squire Lounge & Patio
Squire Lounge and Patio always have something entertaining going on between their bar patio, casino games, and daily events.
In the bar, patrons have their choice of local craft beers and a massive liqueur bar for all of their favorite cocktails.
Connected to the main bar, Squire Lounge’s casino room welcomes its guests to try their luck at one of the video keno, poker, and line games available as part of their vast service offerings.
But of course, when visiting Squire Lounge and Patio, visitors should always check the myriad of events the bar hosts throughout the week.
Along with hosting live music every weekend, Squire Lounge holds a weekly Bingo Night every Wednesday starting at 7 pm and again on Sundays starting at 1 pm.
What To Try
Squire Lounge and Patio host some amazing NFL Sunday and Monday specials during the football season. On Sundays, visitors will be welcomed with an NFL Potluck, where they can try some fantastic local homemade dishes.
Squire Lounge doubles down on the football specials by offering free chicken wings and $2.75 shots of fireball and Dr. McGillicuddy’s during every Monday night game.
4. The High Horse Saloon & Eatery
Styled off an old western saloon, The High Horse Saloon and Eatery is essentially a playground for adults.
Along with a bar, patio, and casino, The High Horse also boasts a separate live music venue that hosts local and out-of-state talent every weekend.
In the bar, visitors are met with a variety of great bar foods and beers to enjoy while socializing in the fun environment that is the saloon.
But, for a little extra excitement, visitors should head over to the connected casino. Here they will have their choice of over 20 adult games of video keno, poker, and line games.
What to Try
The High Horse Saloon and Eatery offers a superb selection of great bar foods and drinks to satisfy all flavors.
Prepare yourself for the weekend festivities by attending one of the free dance lessons The High Horse offers every Tuesday evening starting at 7 pm.
5. Doc Harper’s
Doc Harper’s is unique on this list of the best bars in Billings as it is the only bar that specializes in martinis and modern cocktails.
Employing only professional mixologists, Doc Harper’s embraces the big city ambiance while maintaining its small-town charms.
Doc Harper’s accompanies its selection of martinis and specialty cocktails with well-matched small plate foods. Between These elegant finger foods and traditional martinis, Doc Harper’s offers a classy experience for your night out in Billings, MT.
What to try
Featuring Vodka, Pickle brine, and a pickle, Doc Harper’s Spicy Pickle is a fan favorite among the bar’s many cocktails. It is best enjoyed with an order of the Italian Meatballs served with the house’s vodka-infused marinara sauce.
6. Bar MT
With 28 beers on tap, Bar MT is the best bar in Billings for tasting a wide range of flavors from all over the Pacific North West.
Located in the old depot building of Billings, Bar MT offers a historical setting as patrons enjoy their drinks by the fire on the outdoor patio.
Along with its wide selection of local beers, Bar MT is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Billings and offers easy access to many of the city’s top attractions.
What to Try
Bar MT features beers from all over the US. But, to taste the authentic experience of Montana, be sure to try the Canyon Creek Blonde Ale and Mystery Tap for beers brewed right in Billings.
7. Fiddlers Green Sports Bar
Serving Billings since 2004, Fiddler’s Green Sports Bar is a great place to drop in for a delicious dinner or even to hang out throughout the day at one of the many video casino games available to patrons.
Partnered with Century Gaming and U1 Games, Fiddler’s Green brings a dynamic gambling experience to its casino, with over 16 machines that come with discounted drinks and complimentary snacks for gaming visitors.
What to try
Fiddler’s Green is famous for having the best Pork Chop Sandwich in Billings, MT. The favorite sandwich is hand-breaded in Fiddler’s Green’s homemade secret batter and is fried to perfection for a deliciously crunchy meal.
8. The Den Sports Bar & Ale House
The Den Sports Bar & Ale House is an excellent location for a social gathering as you catch various exciting sports games with your friends. With over 22 TVs lining the bar and service areas, visitors are sure to be able to watch all of their favorite teams.
The Den also includes its casino with over 20 video keno and poker machines and some of the newest casino gaming machines from Montana Gold Machines.
Overall, The Den Sports Bar & Ale House is an excellent place to hang out with friends, watch the big game, or even kill a couple of hours at the casino.
What to Try
What better way to watch the game than by sharing The Den’s 100 oz tower of beer with your friends? Patrons have their selection of 12 beers available on draught.
If none of these satisfy your taste, one of the bar’s 30 bottle options or 81 available spirits will sure do the trick.