Missoula Local Restaurants: Breakfast to Late-Night Favorites

Cool, scenic and active are just a few ways to describe Missoula, a mountain town nestled in the northern Rockies in western Montana. This vibe even extends to the area’s food scene, which is full of locally owned gems. To start sampling, read about the top Missoula local restaurants and what to eat.

Missoula Local Restaurants: Try Something New Every Day

missoula breakfast restaurants pancakes

Paul’s Pancake Parlor

Paul’s Pancake Parlor serves all meals, but the highlight is breakfast. Large portions, friendly service and variety make this a must for breakfast in Missoula. Plus, the restaurant has been a locally owned staple since 1963.

Those coming for breakfast may select from 18 pancake options, combos with eggs and sides, omelets, waffles, and Benedicts. If visiting for lunch and dinner, the menus have burgers, sandwiches, salads, soups, and home-style options such as chicken fried steak and fried shrimp. While dining, guest enjoy a traditional American diner atmosphere.

El Cazador

El Cazador serves authentic Mexican cuisine at affordable prices. Its location in downtown Missoula helps the restaurant provide a family-friendly spot any time of year.

For lunch, entrees come with rice and beans. Options include enchilada, chimichanga, tacos, burrito and chalupa. Dinnertime brings larger combos such as three tacos, chalupa and enchilada, and tamales. House specialties feature steak, seafood, pork, taco salads and fajitas.

missoula local restaurants dinner

Montana Club Restaurant

The Montana Club has multiple locations in Montana, but its Missoula location is a must for upscale dining in a casual setting. Families are welcome here, too.

Coming for lunch? Start with steak bites, cheese curds or Kobe beef sliders. Visitors then select from sandwiches, tacos, wraps, burgers, salads, pasta dishes and steak. The club’s classics include royal pork chops, honey pecan chicken, bison ribeye, roasted prime rib and barbecue. In addition, the menu has seafood and small plates and a kids menu.

Paradise Falls

Paradise Falls ranks among the best Missoula local restaurants because it doubles as a restaurant and casino. In addition, this spot opens for breakfast and stays open until midnight, so all ages can enjoy good food and fun.

Start with day with egg dishes, cinnamon rolls, omelets, French toast, hearty hash browns and corned-beef hash. Visitors coming for lunch, dinner or late-night will find plenty of options as well. Appetizers include sliders, dips and seafood bites. Then try the burgers, homemade mac and cheese, pizza, salads, and sandwiches. After 4 p.m., the menu features pasta entrees, steak, and panko shrimp.

missoula family dining vacation

Top Hat

This gastropub ranks among the top Missoula local restaurants for food and cocktails. There are also options for specialty diets such as gluten-free and vegan.

For starters at Top Hat, try fried pickles or chef’s fries of the day. For the main course, there are sandwiches, burgers, tacos, salads and daily soup. Those interested in signature entrees should try the ginger pork lettuce wraps, Mediterranean tilapia, red pineapple curry or poke bowl. Top Hat also has a kids menu, non-alcoholic drinks, beer, spirits, wine.

Tamarack Brewing Company

Love local beer? Look no further than Tamarack Brewing Company. The brewery has two locations, and the Missoula one is perfect for watching games on TV, hanging out and enjoying views of Clark Fork River.

The lunch and dinner menus have soups, salads, pizza, burgers and shareable starters. Favorites range from fish tacos and chicken enchiladas to pub filets and classics. The prime rib brew bread, French dip and garden city handhelds are popular, too. Tamarack Brewing Company also has gluten-free options, a kids menu, weekend brunch and happy-hour specials.

montana vacation family pizza

Biga Pizza

One of the top Missoula local restaurants for pizza is Biga Pizza. They use locally sourced and seasonal ingredients to create traditional and non-traditional pizzas. Bob Marshall’s Biga Pizza is known for brick-oven pizzas and other Italian favorites.

Pizzas range from cheese to house creations that have salami, goat cheese, sausage, fennel, pesto, meatballs, artichokes, and more toppings. When not craving pizza, order from a selection of salads, sandwiches and calzones.

Five on Black

Five on Black serves Brazilian street food. Its reputation for fast, delicious food paired with the ability to customize plates makes this a must-try.

Five on Black opens for lunch and dinner. Guests come in, pick a base and add their protein, sides, sauces, and toppings for the perfect meal. Extra meats and sides are available, and kids can create their own bowls.

Check out the food trucks in Missoula.