Montana is one of the most uniquely beautiful states in the country, with the Rocky Mountains climbing up, and the great big sky she’s so well known for. The wildlife, too, makes the state the envy of others, with bison, elk, moose, wolves, bear, loons, pikas, marmots, and so many more.
Wild game (and farmed) is part of the charm of dining out in Montana – and there’s nothing more local than finding a brewpub serving bison burgers or a great bottle of Montana red.
As you hit up Missoula, Montana on your travels, you’ll definitely want to take on that tradition and snag yourself a bison burger.
Travel Tips for Eating The Best Bison Burgers in Missoula
As you head into the restaurants, looking to dine like a local on the delicious bison burgers, craft beers, and other local delights, you’ll want to keep some things in mind.
Tipping in Montana
- Like in most states of the U.S., tipping is an important part of service personnel’s wages. 15 to 20% is the usual range for most folks tipping their servers, fly fishing guides, and other service professionals, but if you really like the service and food, most folks recommend going for 20%.
Peak Restaurant Hours & Meal Times
- Missoula’s peak restaurant hours are pretty standard compared to other locations. Most lunchtimes are between 11:30 and 2 pm, with some early birds sliding in around 10:30. Dinner time shifts over around 4 pm, which is when meal prices, portions, and menu offerings shift.
- If you’ve looked at the lunch menu for a given restaurant and seen something you like, be sure to get there within the stated hours or check the dinner menu to make sure it’s available at dinner time, as well.
- Also note, that unless the restaurant serves breakfast, most dining establishments open around 11 am and close after dinner time, between 8 and 10 pm. Typically, bar and grill-style restaurants will be open later than family-style restaurants. Bar and grill-style might be open until the wee hours. Be sure to check their specific details if you’re grabbing a late-night burger. Open hours may vary by day of the week, as well, so double-check the day before you head over.
- Also, some restaurants may close between lunch and dinner hours for 1 to 3 hours. This typically gives the restaurant time to clean more thoroughly, switch menu items, and adjust any details that transform the spot from “daytime” to “nighttime” dining.
Where to Find the 6 Best Bison Burgers in Missoula
There’s nothing more local than slapping some bison meat on a grill and swigging some locally crafted beer or Montana wine. So, as you look for the best bison burgers Missoula has to offer, you’ll want to think about drinks, sides, and, of course, the atmosphere in each spot.
To enjoy the best of the best bison burgers in Missoula, you truly could take a tour of these fine restaurants and experience the same burger twice.
1. Tamarack Brewing Company • 231 W Front St • $$
The Tamarack Brewing Company very definitely started out as a craft beer brewery – but in recent years, it’s become so much more. Now, you can pull up a table in Missoula or Lakeside for a cold one and some amazing food.
Tamarack is the number one ranked-choice on Yelp for bison burgers Missoula offerings. The simply delicious burger has cheddar cheese, loads of bison meat, and beer-braised as onions.
They recommend drinking the hat trick hop IPA with this burger. Also on the menu, you’ll find bison tacos in a flour tortilla, loaded with cheese, chipotle sour cream, pico de gallo, and shredded lettuce.
Other delectable choices from the food side of the brewing company include prime rib brew bread, brie chicken sandwiches, fish and chips, garlic bleu fries, verde pork burritos, pizza, and “railroad ties” (eggroll wrapped chicken, mozzarella, cream cheese, and green chilis).
Their brews include American pale, Indian pale, blonde, apricot wheat, amber, rye, wheat, and oatmeal stouts and ales, along with (nonalcoholic) root beer made with Montana honey and raw sugar. You’ll find unique cocktails and seasonal offerings as well – so always check any specials menus to see what’s new this week.
While you’re here noshing on your bison burger and throwing back a cold one, you’ll find the atmosphere cozy, modern, and rustic, with Montana/western décor.
From Monday to Friday, they open at 11 am. Saturday and Sunday, they open at 10 am.
2. James Bar • 127 W Alder St • $$
The façade of the James Bar is fairly unimpressive – blending into the strip mall where it’s located. But once you step inside, you’ll see a modern, energetic country grill and bar where fantastic food is served, and people come to gather for all sorts of reasons.
The warm atmosphere, cozy booths, and comfy bar stools offer great vibes while you nosh on your favorite Montana meal choices.
And while other bison burgers might be great, the James Bar bison burgers are both great and unique. The Green Chili Bison Burger is topped with bacon, roasted green chilis, and American cheese. The bison gourmet sliders are topped with bacon, black pepper, and blue cheese for a zingy bite. You’ll also find bison stew and bison meatloaf on the menu.
Along with your bison, you’ll find a variety of meal and drink choices from falafels to mussels and fries, smoked gouda mac ‘n cheese to shepherd’s pie – and everything in between.
The drink menu offers local favorites, cocktails, imports, and more. You can even come in for a Boozy Brunch Saturdays and Sundays at 10 am.
On weekdays, the James Bar opens at 3 pm, with takeout hours between 12 and 8 pm all week long. Dine indoors or enjoy the patio seating.
3. Iron Horse Bar and Grill • 501 N Higgins Ave • $$
The Iron Horse Bar and Grill is located in the most convenient part of town for most visitors – downtown on Higgins Avenue.
The restaurant offers four different outdoor seating sections with beautiful backdrops, as well as, of course, plenty of indoor seating choices.
The Iron Horse is a full-service bar and grill that has a trendy lounge, long attractive bar, balcony seating, sunset deck, courtyard, and patio seating options that vibe with modern, colorful, and chic moods.
The kitchen is open from 11 am to 10 pm Monday through Friday, and from 10 to 10 on Saturdays and Sundays.
On the menu, you’ll find a unique bison burger that you’ll definitely want to make your way through. It’s a half-pounder with chipotle bacon jam, Swiss cheese, and thick, crispy onions.
Additionally, you’ll find loads of tasty options like tequila glazed shrimp, sticky ribs, bourbon street mussels, Tandoori chicken, French onion soup, Salmon BLTs, and Ruebens, fish tacos, and a plethora of house sandwiches.
Drinks include a variety of mixed cocktails, draft beers, house chardonnay, and cabernet.
4. Conflux Taphouse • 210 N Pattee St • $$
