Craft cocktails, barrel-aged spirits, artisanal garnishes—elevated drinks are by far the most fun, and that includes Bozeman’s scene. You might know cocktail bars as dimly lit spots with leather booths and jazz playlists. If you’d prefer to sip all of your creative concoctions like a local, you can do so at one of these standout establishments. You’ll find a variety of options on this list, from speakeasy-style hideaways to rooftop terraces with mountain views.
Devil’s Toboggan
$$$ | (406) 587-4829 | WEBSITE
We’ve got to give Devil’s Toboggan a mention, as they are “The Modern-Day Speakeasy,” even going as far as embracing the hidden location as part of their charm. The cozy younger sibling of Bozeman’s cocktail scene is also still one of the best. Each bourbon cocktail is crafted for you with meticulous attention, one at a time, and they’re designed to be sipped immediately for maximum flavor complexity.
It’s a worthwhile splurge, and it’s also immersive: everyone relaxes in spacious lounge seating and you’ll probably be transported to another era in under an hour.
Nina’s Tacos
$$ | (406) 577-2620 | WEBSITE
Nina’s Tacos believes their flavorful salsas and huge portions should be enjoyed in the sunshine, and they’ve made it very easy to do so at their Bozeman Mexican spot. The pleasant dining room offers patio seating, where you’ll choose from excellent options like the bison nacho plate or shrimp tacos to be delivered to you with impeccable service by someone in a laid-back atmosphere.
There’s plenty of room to guarantee you a spot whether you want to pop in for a quick solo meal or linger for rounds of margaritas from their cool bar.
AC Benchmark
$$ | (406) 602-1072 | WEBSITE
If all you want is a great cocktail and a stunning sunset view for around $50, AC Benchmark will hit the spot. As a rule of thumb, the simplest dishes are the most reliable here, with a couple exceptions, like the prosciutto and arugula pizza. The rooftop bar space looks exactly like the kind of elevated mountain retreat that mostly just exists in travel magazines, and the staff are consistently friendly and knowledgeable.
Plonk Bozeman
$$ | (406) 587-2170 | WEBSITE
This intimate wine bar from the Plonk team serves a $65 small plates experience, the bulk of which is dedicated to exceptional dishes like tartare, scallops, pork belly, and Korean fried spring chicken. Unlike some cocktail bars you may have been to before, Plonk incorporates high-quality ingredients and delicious flavors into every bite. There is a patio outside, but you should sit in the swanky wine cellar in the middle of the restaurant.
Tanglewood Grill & Tap
$$ | (406) 551-7437 | WEBSITE
If you’re not looking to drop a fortune at one of Bozeman’s fancier steakhouses, you can get the same perfectly cooked, flavorful steak wrapped up in a casual meal at Tanglewood Grill & Tap. Tanglewood is a walk-in, sit-down spot that serves dishes that range from $12-$38 for options like fried cauliflower with Tso’s sauce and steak frites with chimichurri, with kids menu items available.
(There’s also a cozy yet modern bar area in the front room.) Casually dropping in for a couple craft cocktails and that standout steak here feels like adding a dollop of honey on top of your evening.
est.1864 Noir Bar & Restaurant
$$$ | (406) 404-1066 | WEBSITE
Est.1864 Noir Bar & Restaurant isn’t trying to be trendy or flashy, and we find that kind of refreshing. The focus at this dark speakeasy in Bozeman is on quality local ingredients, really good cocktails, and bold adventurous dishes. Unlike some other cocktail bars, you order a la carte here rather than committing to a full tasting menu situation. You can also enjoy everything with perfectly blended drinks—but the creative cocktails are really the move here.
Sip them slowly, so the mysterious western atmosphere stays super cozy.
Bourbon
$$ | (406) 586-3443 | WEBSITE
Bourbon’s reputation for the best southern food in town is well-earned, but a night there can get as loud as a honky-tonk bar. If you want something more relaxed, the early evening is the perfect time to visit. It’s in a lively, open space in downtown Bozeman. The atmosphere is welcoming, with a long bar stocked with bourbons, and the menu focuses on southern classics with a Montana twist.
Order the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich starting at $18, or just try a few, like the tender brisket and pulled pork that’s smoky as a campfire.
The Buck
$ | (406) 522-9555 | WEBSITE
If you’re accustomed to the flashy, over-the-top pizza joints popping up everywhere, the straightforward, no-fuss Margherita at The Buck might seem like it’s missing its fancy outfit. But that won’t matter once you taste the way the fresh mozzarella, vibrant tomato sauce, and that uniquely folded crust come together at this long-standing favorite spot in Bozeman. You can stick with the classic Margherita or customize the doneness if you have your heart set on trying their gluten-free white pizza.
Montana Ale Works
$$ | (406) 587-7700 | WEBSITE
Montana Ale Works in Bozeman is the lively, high-energy counterpart to more formal Montana steakhouses, which means you can expect hearty mountain cuisine in a more relaxed setting. They have two distinct areas here: the bustling bar section and the more restaurant-style seating on the side, plus that gorgeous outdoor patio that feels like their unofficial backyard.
Plan your next group gathering here—the huge space has enough room to accommodate everyone comfortably, and the friendly, attentive service makes even peak-hour crowds feel manageable.
Open Range
$$$ | (406) 404-1940 | WEBSITE
Most of the restaurants in Bozeman do their best work when they keep things simple, but the best dishes at Open Range are the more indulgent ones. The creamy verde side adds an extra burst of flavor to the perfectly cooked salmon, and we love the touch of richness in the bone marrow. The warm, inviting atmosphere and thoughtful details (we love a kid-friendly staff) make Open Range feel a little special, though not quite formal enough for a white-tablecloth affair.
Instead, come through for a family dinner or casual celebration that calls for a satisfying meal, like spending the extra $8 to finish with the cookie skillet dessert.
Bozeman Spirits Distillery
$$ | (406) 577-2155 | WEBSITE
Bozeman Spirits Distillery is modeled after the cozy neighborhood bars where you can enjoy a sophisticated drink for a reasonable price. There are actually both indoor and outdoor seats at this distillery-esque cocktail spot—and sometimes a bit of a wait during peak hours—but once the drinking commences, you can still have a satisfying experience in under an hour. The bartenders move thoughtfully through their cocktail creations, with base prices ranging from $12-$16.
Bozeman Spirits’ well-balanced drinks like the Agave Old Fashioned and Huckleberry Lemonade rival those at more pretentious spots, and you can also sample some experimental options like the Key Lime Pie cocktail and Huckleberry Agave before ordering for no extra charge.