Quick Answer: Best Breweries in Missoula

• Missoula has eight standout breweries, ranging from a century-inspired German lager house to laid-back neighborhood taprooms.
• KettleHouse Brewing Co. (Bonner) and Great Burn Brewing lead with 4.7–4.8-star ratings across hundreds of reviews.
• Big Sky Brewing Co. is Missoula's most recognized name nationally, with a massive taproom and tour operation on the west side.
• Bayern Brewing is Montana's oldest German-style brewery — a must-visit for lager lovers.
• Downtown options like Tamarack Brewing Co. and Draught Works are ideal for walkable pint stops near the hip strip and University District.
• Most Missoula breweries are family- and dog-friendly, with outdoor seating and food-truck access.

Why Missoula's Craft Beer Scene Punches Above Its Weight

For a city of roughly 75,000 people, Missoula carries a craft beer culture that rivals cities twice its size.

Nestled in the heart of western Montana, Zootown draws outdoor adventurers, University of Montana students, and creative locals who all share one thing: they take their beer seriously.

The Clark Fork River, mountain air, and a fierce local-first mindset have made Missoula's brewery scene one of the most distinctive in the Northwest.

The Anchor Institutions: Missoula's Most Iconic Breweries

Big Sky Brewing Co. on Trumpeter Way is the name most Montanans — and plenty of out-of-staters — know first.

Their Moose Drool Brown Ale and Powder Hound Winter Ale have earned national recognition, but the real draw is their sprawling taproom and live-music venue on Missoula's west side.

Bayern Brewing on Montana Street holds the title of Montana's oldest operating German-style brewery, producing authentic lagers using traditional methods that most American craft breweries have long abandoned.

And Highlander Beer – Missoula Brewing Co. on International Drive carries on a legacy brand that Missoulians have claimed as their own for generations.

Neighborhood Taprooms Worth the Walk

Draught Works on Toole Avenue sits in Missoula's hip Westside neighborhood and is one of the most beloved local hangouts in the city.

Their rotating tap list leans experimental — think seasonal fruit sours, hazy IPAs, and collaboration brews — backed by a laid-back, community-forward vibe.

Great Burn Brewing on McDonald Avenue brings a cozy, neighborhood-pub feel with an emphasis on well-crafted approachable beers and a genuinely welcoming room.

Both spots attract a loyal regulars crowd and regularly host local events, trivia nights, and live music.

Downtown Missoula Pints: Where to Drink Near the Hip Strip

Tamarack Brewing Co. at 231 W Front Street puts you right in the heart of downtown Missoula, steps from the Clark Fork and the city's best restaurants.

With over 1,000 Google reviews and a 4.4-star rating, it's one of the most visited taprooms in the city — popular with game-day crowds, families, and anyone doing a downtown brewery crawl.

Their menu includes solid pub food alongside a rotating draft selection, making it a reliable full-stop rather than just a beer destination.

Up-and-Comers: New Energy in the Missoula Beer Scene

OddPitch Taproom + Brewery on W Kent Avenue is the scrappy newer entrant that's earning serious local loyalty fast.

With a 4.5-star rating built on 119 reviews, OddPitch is winning fans with creative small-batch beers and an unpretentious taproom atmosphere that feels genuinely Missoula.

If you want to find the spot that locals are just starting to claim as 'theirs,' OddPitch is it.

The Hidden Gem: KettleHouse in Bonner

KettleHouse Brewing Co. – Bonner sits at 605 Cold Smoke Ave in Bonner, just a short drive east of Missoula along the Blackfoot River corridor.

It holds the highest rating of any brewery in this guide — 4.8 stars — and the setting alone is worth the trip, with mountain views and a riverside atmosphere that's hard to beat.

Their Cold Smoke Scotch Ale is practically a Missoula cultural artifact at this point; if you've never had one fresh from the source, this is the place to fix that.

Tips for Planning a Missoula Brewery Crawl

Downtown Missoula is the easiest starting point — Tamarack Brewing Co. is walkable from the Hip Strip, parking is free on weekends, and the riverfront is a beautiful place to sober up between stops.

For a west-side loop, combine Big Sky Brewing and Highlander Beer on International Drive, then work back toward the Westside with a stop at Draught Works on Toole Avenue.

End your crawl or save a full afternoon for the drive out to KettleHouse in Bonner — it's the kind of spot you'll want to linger at, not rush through.

Missoula has no shortage of ride-share and taxi options, so leave the car and plan to drink responsibly.

Local Resources: Missoula Breweries at a Glance

Highlander Beer – Missoula Brewing Co.

200 International Dr, Missoula, MT 59808 | (406) 549-8193 | highlanderbeer.com

Rating: 4.6★ (602 reviews)

Best for: Missoula locals who want a classic Montana pint in a no-fuss setting, and visitors wanting a taste of the city's beer heritage.

Draught Works

915 Toole Ave, Missoula, MT 59802 | (406) 541-1592 | draughtworksbrewery.com

Rating: 4.7★ (395 reviews)

Best for: Craft-beer adventurers who love rotating taps, experimental styles, and a Westside neighborhood hangout with genuine community energy.

OddPitch Taproom + Brewery

1200 W Kent Ave Ste 103, Missoula, MT 59801 | (406) 541-1007 | oddpitch.com

Rating: 4.5★ (119 reviews)

Best for: Curious locals who want to get ahead of the curve on Missoula's next must-visit taproom before the crowds arrive.

Great Burn Brewing

2230 McDonald Ave, Missoula, MT 59801 | (406) 317-1557 | greatburnbrewing.com

Rating: 4.7★ (208 reviews)

Best for: Regulars who want a friendly neighborhood brewery feel — great for families, trivia nights, and relaxed weeknight pints.

Tamarack Brewing Co.

231 W Front St, Missoula, MT 59802 | (406) 830-3113 | tamarackbrewing.com

Rating: 4.4★ (1,013 reviews)

Best for: Downtown visitors, game-day crowds, and anyone who wants a full meal alongside a cold draft right in the heart of Missoula.

Big Sky Brewing Co.

5417 Trumpeter Way, Missoula, MT 59808 | (406) 549-2777 | bigskybrew.com

Rating: 4.6★ (451 reviews)

Best for: First-time Missoula visitors, Moose Drool fans, and anyone who wants the full Montana brewery experience with tours, live music, and a big taproom.

Bayern Brewing, Inc.

1507 Montana St, Missoula, MT 59801 | (406) 721-1482 | bayernbrewery.com

Rating: 4.7★ (408 reviews)

Best for: Lager lovers, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates old-world German brewing tradition executed with Montana precision.

KettleHouse Brewing Co. – Bonner

605 Cold Smoke Ave, Bonner, MT 59823 | (406) 728-1660 | kettlehouse.com

Rating: 4.8★ (137 reviews)

Best for: Anyone craving a scenic escape from downtown — perfect for hikers, Blackfoot River enthusiasts, and Cold Smoke Scotch Ale devotees.

FAQ: Best Breweries in Missoula

What are the best breweries in Missoula, MT?

The top-rated breweries in Missoula include KettleHouse Brewing Co. (Bonner), Great Burn Brewing, Draught Works, Bayern Brewing, and Big Sky Brewing Co. — all with 4.6 stars or higher and hundreds of local reviews.

How many breweries are in Missoula?

Missoula and its immediate surroundings are home to at least eight established craft breweries, giving the city one of the highest brewery-per-capita ratios in Montana.

Which Missoula brewery is best for first-time visitors?

Big Sky Brewing Co. is the classic first-timer stop, with nationally known beers, a large taproom, and brewery tours available on site at 5417 Trumpeter Way.

Is there a German brewery in Missoula?

Yes — Bayern Brewing at 1507 Montana St is Montana's oldest German-style brewery, producing authentic lagers brewed with traditional European methods.

Are Missoula breweries dog-friendly?

Many Missoula breweries welcome leashed dogs in their outdoor spaces — KettleHouse in Bonner, Great Burn Brewing, and Draught Works are among the most consistently dog-friendly, though it's always worth a quick call ahead to confirm current policies.

Closing: Go Find Your Pint, Missoula

Missoula's brewery scene is one of the best reasons to love living here — or to finally book that trip you've been putting off.

Whether you're chasing a Cold Smoke by the Blackfoot, splitting a flight at Draught Works on a Tuesday night, or sitting in the Big Sky taproom with a Moose Drool in hand, there's a version of this city best experienced with a locally brewed pint.

Eight breweries, zero wrong answers — get out there, Zootown.