Presenting your 2017 Best of Bozeman
Summertime in Southwest Montana is (finally, almost, maybe) right around the corner — and the 2017 Best of Bozeman results are in! Nearly three thousand logged on this year and gave recognition to their favorite food and beverage hotspots, service industries, live entertainment, small businesses, nonprofits, other local destinations, and so much more. This friendly local competition is the original celebration of everything we love about our town and all it has to offer. And with the polls closed and the votes tallied, there’s but one thing left to do — give the people their winners! Here’s a look at Bozeman’s cream of the crop.
Start your day off with Bozeman’s Best Breakfast from reigning category champion Nova Cafe. The colorful downtown staple serves everything from açaí bowls and specialty omelettes to cornmeal pancakes and huevos rancheros, so you’re sure to walk out full-filled. Runner-up Jam may have missed out on this eggcelent prize, but Bozemanites selected the brunch hotspot Best New Restaurant. Downtown institution The Western Cafe collected Best Authentic Montana Ambiance, again besting Stacey’s of Gallatin Gateway. Swing in and discover why the quaint little diner has been dubbed “The Last Best Cafe” — breakfast served all day!
Maybe you’re not sweet on a big meal to start the day. For a delicious alternative, stop by Granny’s Gourmet Donuts next to campus and see why this homey shoppe won Best Donuts / Pastries. Unique recipes paired with great conversation between donuteer and customer are but a few reasons people are lining up to appease their morning cravings. And speaking of sweets… family-operated Wild Crumb took home Best Bakery and Best Dessert this year. They’ve got wonderful artisan breads as well.
Some skip “the most important meal of the day” altogether, going straight for the strong stuff. It may be 5 o’clock somewhere, but we’re referring to that of the roasted variety. Cold Smoke Coffeehouse on Oak repeated last year’s pair of wins with the titles for Best Coffee and Best Coffeehouse. Having opened a second location off Huffine in January, these spacious caffeine centers have quickly become go-to meeting hubs for friends, family, and business associates alike. In a hurry or just not ready to be on your feet? Higher Ground Coffee for a Cause won for Best Coffee Hut. Serving hot and cold coffee drinks using beans from local roasters, the hut on North 7th also features the tastiest breakfast burritos around and provides a vocational training program for area youth. Higher Ground profits are poured into the adjacent Community Café and every third cup will buy your neighbor dinner. Think of these local favorites next time you’re jonesing for a café au lait!
If a healthy boost is what you’re after, check out the Flying C Cafe within the Community Food Co-op’s West Main location. Their selection of smoothies, juices, coffee and creamers all made using only organic ingredients helped secure the win for new category Best Juice Bar. Also new to the lineup, the Co-op took Best Eco-Friendly Products for their expansive inventory of green merchandise.
Lunchtime is a nice reprieve during the busy work or school day, and Bozeman is home to a wealth of options for those not brown-bagging it. Your favorite neighborhood grill Starky’s Authentic Americana was voted Best Lunch again in 2017. Tucked just off Main, the cozy spot is loved for its handmade food and welcoming atmosphere. Head over with friends and family and grab a table in the spacious dining room or out on the breezy patio during the sunny months.
Victory Taco came out victorious with the ‘W’ for Best Food Truck / Cart. Found in front of The Lark, the truck is known for its fresh, fusion, and traditional grub all rolled up into a big shiny, vintage Spartan mobile home. They also swooped in to take Best Ice Cream Shop for their all natural flavors. Lunch and dessert, oh my!
How about a crazy good sammy? The Pickle Barrel holds on to its Best Sandwich title. Located on West College, the original shop puts out hefty subs whose sheer size are matched only by quality and flavor. Order up a South of the Border Cheese Steak or Bobcat Special and don’t forget the free pickles!
Alleviate your hunger with a combo from Burger Bob’s. The family owned and operated downtown joint wins for Best Burger this year. Chow down on the best patties in town, each built to satisfy your tastebuds (the Inferno Bob is perhaps best enjoyed with an ice cold beer).
When the mood strikes, there’s nothing quite like sashimi, nigiri, and one or two specialty rolls to share with lunch companions. Bozeman again selected Dave’s Sushi as the spot for Best Sushi for their creative menu and laid back dining space. Only a few blocks from downtown, Dave’s unseated Sweet Chili and also won for Best Asian Food. And romance-seekers named Dave’s the Best Place for a First Date this year.
Everybody may be working for the weekend, but residents of Bozeman also await the blow of the 5 o’clock whistle with bated breath. Look no further than Montana Ale Works for your after work, post-class, end-of-day fix. As it has in years past, the retro-industrial restaurant and bar swept many of the categories in 2017’s survey. Ale Works nabbed Best Happy Hour, Best Casual Dining, and Best Restaurant, piling on Best Beer Selection, Best Bar Food, and Best Restaurant Service for good measure. Hoofta! The Ale Works menu is comprised of artfully-crafted comfort food and features locally-sourced produce, meats, and cheeses. People flock to the one-time railroad freighthouse where hospitality is prioritized. Their regional craft beer selection simply cannot be beat!
Some days, you just might need a stiff drink or frosty brew. Best Distillery went to Bozeman Spirits Distillery who use only pure Rocky Mountain water to produce the most flavorful spirits. Their Montana Cold Spring Huckleberry is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Located on the north side of Bozeman and featuring an iconic view of the Bridgers, MAP Brewing found themselves atop a number of categories with hops-loving connoisseurs. The brewer — whose mission is simply to “craft and drink great beer” — collected the prizes for Best Brewery, Best Tasting Room, Best Local Beer Crafter, and Best Outdoor Patio. Bridger Brewing took second in the former three categories, as well as the award for Best Pizza. Paired with a pint or two, their specialty artisan pies have Bozeman hooked — and filled to the brim! Best Local Beer (Flavor) went to Madison River’s Salmon Fly Honey Rye, ousting last year’s Bozone Amber by Bozeman Brewing Company.
Looking for a place to watch the big game with fellow fans and a few friendly opponents? Spectators Bar & Grill won for Best Sports Bar once again. Across from the fieldhouse, the MSU Bobcats headquarters always has your game on one of its two dozen flat screens. Specs also pumps out some great food.
If you’re ready for a pre-dinner snack, head downtown to Copper Whiskey Bar & Grill and order a starter (obviously along with an apéritif). Between the pretzel bites, fried pickles, soups, and fantastic salad variety, it’s no wonder this speakeasy-esque tavern won Best Appetizer. The fellas also chose Copper as the Best Place for Guys’ Night Out. Round the troops!
Bozeman is known for its great food no matter the time of day, but there’s no better place to be hungry around dinnertime. Bar 3 Brewing & BBQ won Best BBQ for their finger-lickin’ delicacies and family-style, down home grub. The menu includes everything from traditional chicken and beef brisket to pulled pork and ribs. Grilling season never ends with Bar 3 locations in Bozeman and Belgrade.
Re-opening in its new location on West Main, I-Ho’s Korean Grill easily took the award for Best Korean Food. Owner I-Ho Pomeroy has introduced Bozeman to a different part of the world through her menu. Favorites include tender chicken wings, stir-fried sirloin beef and veggies, and spicy ramen, among others. The restaurant offers many gluten-free options and I-Ho sells her kimchi at several area grocery stores.
The always-inviting Saffron Table features locally-sourced foods and exotic flavors from another corner of the world. Winner of new category Best Indian Food, the eatery is your destination for mouthwatering treats from the diverse cuisine of South Asia. Take a seat and enjoy the beef biryani or curry dish of choice.
There’s no beating Fiesta Mexicana. The local chain walked away with Best Mexican Food again this year for its authentic fare, incredible margaritas, and friendly crew. Plan on an evening at either Fiesta location in Bozeman or Belgrade and expect quality ingredients, wonderful recipes, and a fantastic presentation — all at affordable prices.
How about a good ole Montana steak? Sir Scott’s Oasis steak-ed its claim on the prize of the same name. The Manhattan steakhouse serves up the Best Steak, and just about every juicy cut you can imagine, along with fresh seafood dinners, choices for youngsters, and a breakfast menu on Sundays. While Sir Scott’s unseated Open Range in this category, the downtown restaurant won Best Chef for their inventive entrées.
With the goal to bring joy through food, wine, and conversation, Blacksmith Italian has earned bragging rights for Best Italian Food. Dinners both traditional and modern are highlighted by Blacksmith’s hand-crafted pasta, aged Montana beef, and locally-raised trout.
There always comes a night where you want to eat out but really want to stay in. Skip unnecessary cooking and eat naked! Of course, this is a recommendation to pick up some of Bozeman’s Best Take-Out from Naked Noodle — but no judgments here! Found in a lively space on Willson, Naked Noodle prides itself on its menu’s unique noodle dishes and salads. While their specialities are inspired by various world cuisines, noodle-lovers also have the option to build their own bowls.
Blackbird Kitchen won Best Fine Dining for their pasta and protein dishes and wood-fired pizzas, while the eclectic southern menu at Roost Fried Chicken helped them score Best Inexpensive Restaurant. Dueling locations in Bozeman and Belgrade led to MacKenzie River Pizza Co.’s win for Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant. Date night be damned!
When the grown ups do get a chance to hit the town, there’s always an open seat at Plonk. The trendy downtown wine bar took several prizes thanks to their creative cocktails and cuisine — Best Cocktails, Best Place for Girls’ Night Out, Best Bar, and Best Nightlife. Engage the senses with a Plonk stop.
After a little practice in the mirror, bring your favorite songs to the Eagles Club and belt a few out. Terri James of Sunrise Entertainment helped ensure Best Karaoke went to the downtown watering hole. Held every Thursday at 9pm, Eagles Karaoke is always a sonic smorgasbord and ridiculously good time. F.O.E. also won Best Place to Dance.
The Filling Station was named Best Music Venue in 2017. The eclectic performance space sees up-and-coming local bands and tons of indie acts traveling through Bozeman. Catch an upcoming show and see its personality for yourself! The Filler also serves a great lunch.
Looking for love? Bar IX is still the Best Place to Meet Singles. Break the ice with a lap around the dance floor, or stop in early and let the words flow during Bar IX’s 2-4-1 happy hour from 2–7pm every day.
If you find yourself starving and out wayyy later than you probably should be, drop in to the Pita Pit downtown. The Best Late Night Grub winner is open until 3am every weekend, offering an always fresh alternative to healthy eating by way of scrumptious pitas for both meat-eaters and omnivores.
Everyone loves a night in. Best Video Rental Store went to Movie Lovers. Peruse the film selection, or maybe rent an entire series to blow through. Movie Lovers has hundreds of titles you won’t find on streaming services.
For those who opted out of staying in and are feeling a tad under the weather, Norris Hot Springs was voted Best Hangover Cure. Soak the pain away, order some awesome food from 50 Mile Grill, and maybe even sip on a little hair o’.
Wining and dining may be a favorite pastime in Bozeman, but the entertainment doesn’t stop there! Music on Main holds on to the crown for Best Local Event. Every summer, residents and visitors pour into downtown to enjoy great live music with friends, getting some sun and sipping on a refreshing beverage in the process. Following in August and celebrating 40 years in 2017, Sweet Pea collects Best Festival for its fervent promotion of the arts. The three-day extravaganza includes live music of all genres, performances by local theatre and dance troupes, workshops, family-friendly entertainment and activities, flower show, local craft beer and wine garden, and more than 100 arts and crafts vendors.
Tribute band extraordinaire Pinky and the Floyd took Best Local Band / Entertainer once again, while Missy O’Malley won Best Radio DJ following her shift to TV. Adding to their already talented news team, KBZK-CBS tapped into Missy’s certain je ne sais quoi and won both Best TV Morning and Evening News Show(s). Bozemanites count on the leader in local and regional news to keep them in the know. Missed a broadcast? Download the KBZK app for news clips and the latest stories. Their new STORMTracker Weather app is also available to plan summer outings accordingly.
Listener-supported 91.9 KGLT snagged Best Radio Station. KGLT provides an alternative to conventional radio by offering commercial-free programming with a staff of community volunteers playing music in a format-free environment. Tune in!
Work a trip to the Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture into a surely busy seasonal calendar. Their stimulating exhibits and historic event halls have led to wins for Best Art Gallery and Best Event Venue. The Emerson hosts a winter farmers’ market and the immensely popular Lunch on the Lawn series July through August. Serving Northern Italian cuisine, the Emerson Grill is also popular among locals.
Spend a day with the fam at Museum of the Rockies, winner of Best Place for Family Fun and Best Place for Kids’ Activities. Perhaps best known for its dinosaur complex and planetarium shows, MOR flips the script and frequently rotates its featured exhibitions. Check out “Crocs: Ancient Predators in a Modern World” this summer, and be sure to step back in time with the Living History Farm for a splendid reenactment of Montana’s days of yore.
The Ellen Theatre took Best Live Theater. The classic downtown venue plays host to the very best in stage and screen. Check out their summer musical “Once Upon a Mattress,” opening July 14th.
Get outta town! Chico Hot Springs knows a thing or two about some much needed R&R. Nestled in the heart of Paradise Valley, the famous resort won Best Overnight / Weekend Getaway. Take a dip in the springs before (or after) a night dancing in the saloon.
Kick off a weekend away with an afternoon of pampering. The Loft Spa retains the number one spot as the Best Place for a Massage. Their menu of services include everything from tension release and hot stone to Swedish and prenatal massages, each designed with whole body purification and wellness in mind. Previously titled Best Haircut, the award for Best Hair Salon went to Theory Salon. The Northside Bozeman shop creates beautiful hair through continuing education, collaboration, and creativity. And the team is pretty cool too! Treat yourself to a new outfit from The Root, the pick for Best Clothing Store. The funky downtown boutique offers affordable apparel, footwear, and accessories for women. Consider an accessory of another kind — a new tattoo! East Main Ink is anxious to help create a custom tattoo based on each client’s ideas. The guys’ insight, experience, and professionalism are but a few factors leading to their Best Tattoo Studio win.
Keep your body in check with a membership at The Ridge Athletic Club, winner of Best Gym / Fitness Center. With Downtown Bozeman and Fallon Avenue locations, members and guests can expect to find the support and resources of a community committed to leading healthy lifestyles. Get gym-ready with a new pair of kicks. Bozeman Running Company brought home Best Running Shoe Store thanks to their fitness-obsessed staff. The community’s only specialty running store will make sure you lace up the right set for whatever physical activity you’re into. Also an option, Best Shoe Store went to Schnee’s. The downtown retailer has spent 70 years providing the highest quality footwear, apparel, and outdoor products on the market.
If your body’s a temple, find a class at Best Yoga Studio Sumits Hot Yoga and show it some appreciation. Another soaker’s paradise, Bozeman Hot Springs took the Best Day Spa prize for the effects of their rejuvenative natural springs.
It may be time to work on a different kind of summer body. A&D Auto Body isn’t letting go of Best Autobody Repair. Kept in the loop from drop-off to pick-up, customers can count on the expertise of this shop to get them back on the road. You’ll find the home of the Best Oil Change just down the road. Speedy Lube has had a stubborn grip on this category for years — and for good reason. Speedy’s oil change specialists, or “car doctors,” make sure your vehicle is in healthy shape for its rigorous Montana adventures. In the market for a new ride? Ressler Motors is Bozeman’s Best Car Dealer and also won Best Automotive Repair.
Maybe you park the car over the summer, or don’t have one at all. Bozeman’s many cyclers have voted Bangtail Bikes as the Best Bike Shop. Staffed entirely by bike geeks, Bangtail will get your two-wheeler working right and direct you to the best trails and roads around. Every varietal of outdoor enthusiast is lucky to live in a place like Bozeman. Best ATV / Motor Sports Store went to Big Boys Toys of Four Corners where the outdoor adventurer will find all their recreational rental and repair needs for any season. In addition to four wheelers and drift boats, you can also rent tubes for your next float on the Madison River, voted Bozeman’s Best River. Speaking of rivers, grab a pole from Best Fly Fishing Shop winner The River’s Edge for your next aquatic excursion. And whether you’re an outdoor novice or a seasoned adventurer, Best Outdoor Gear Shop and Best Sports Equipment Store REI has the outdoor class, outing, or event that’s right for you.
In other outdoor winner news… Best Ski Area once again went to Bridger Bowl. We’re already looking forward to next season’s slopestlye days (R.I.P. Virginia City lift). Just down the hill, another “Bridger” won for Best Golf Course. The beautifully manicured greens and scenic views at Bridger Creek Golf Course contributed to these links’ vote of confidence.
Location, location, location! Bozeman and the surrounding area is home to some of the greatest outdoor locales around. Best City Park and Best Jogging Trail went to Peets Hill / Burke Park, while Lava Lake collected Best Hiking (and regular) Trail(s). Hyalite is still the Best Place to Experience Nature, the insanely popular Run to the Pub was named the Best Timed Foot Race, and Hiking the overall Best Outdoor Activity.
Ok. Time to get back to work. Those hydrangeas aren’t going to water themselves! In case you’re late to the 2017 planting party, family-owned Cashman Nursery & Landscaping is ready to assist. Bozeman gave this garden center a green thumbs up as the Best Garden Shop / Nursery for their huge selection of trees, shrubs, perennial flowers, bedding plants, seeds, and garden-related items.
While you’re out running errands, make sure to stop by one of Town & Country’s four locations to stock the fridge. The local chain won both Best Grocery Store and Best Store to Buy Beer, continuing to provide excellent customer service and quality groceries at affordable prices some 50 years and counting. Best Convenience Store went to Heeb’s East Main Grocery for their central location and quick shopping, while The Meat Shoppe stuck a fork in Best Place for Meat and Montana Fish Company reeled in Best Place for Seafood.
From hardware to housewares, the staff at Owenhouse Ace Hardware is ready to assist with all your hardware and home improvement needs. Winner of Best Hardware Store, Ace has fully-stocked downtown and West Main locations. Home maintenance is a must, but that of a family’s photos and prints are of equal consequence. Old Main Gallery & Framing won Best Frame Shop again this year. Proprietors Jim and Lynda Brown believe framing should enhance, not compete with the piece. Their services aim to protect and preserve for lifelong enjoyment and admiration. As if a new piece of framed artwork wasn’t enough, bring even more color to the room with a professionally-designed arrangement from Country Flower Shop, winner of Best Florist. Located on 8th & Main, the shop offers bouquets and floral gifts for any occasion.
Don’t forget about your furry friends! Dee-O-Gee scooped up wins for Best Pet Groomer and Best Place for Pet Supplies. The boutique shop provides natural pet nutrition, services, supplements, toys, treats and gear for your most loyal family members at two Bozeman locations. Make sure your pets are healthy enough to enjoy said indulgences. Winning Best Veterinary Services in Bozeman, Baxter Creek Veterinary Clinic offers wellness check-ups, vaccinations, dental care, an in-house laboratory, as well as drop-off appointments, acupuncture and surgery. No pet of your own? Adopt! Best Nonprofit Heart of the Valley works to compassionately shelter the lost and surrendered pets of Gallatin and Madison valleys, and to enhance the lives of people and companion animals through pet adoption and education.
Why not give your pet a new piece of furniture to shed on? Or just a new piece to enjoy yourself. UFS (Used Furniture Store) reclaimed its category wins from last year — Best Used (and regular) Furniture Store(s). Stop by and check out their wide variety of styles, eras, and price ranges. A knowledgeable and courteous staff is always available to help. They buy your used furniture too! Compliment the new coffee table or loveseat with a hidden treasure from Lindley Park-neighboring East Main Trading Co. The Best Antique Store winner is an antiquer’s utopia complete with used furniture, tools, tack, books and knick-knacks. But before you curl up in the leather chair you might’ve discovered from one of these businesses, grab a new paperback from Bozeman’s Best Bookstore, Country Bookshelf. The largest independent bookstore in Montana promotes the love of reading with a great selection of books, regular author events and workshops, and their very own book club.
Feeling thrifty? Sacks of Bozeman won Best Thrift Store for its stockpile of clothing, housewares, books, domestics, furniture, jewelry, collectibles and antiques. Sacks provides major financial support to the Help and Sexual Assault Counseling centers. Hobbyists needn’t worry — Best Craft / Hobby Store went to Michaels for their bottomless materials.
There are plenty of local options when seeking gifts for friends and family. But before you start burning plastic, make sure your checking account is on the up-and-up. First Interstate Bank, winner of Best Bank, has several locations throughout the area. Ok. Everything account-ed for? Good. Heyday is the Best Place for Unique Gifts and Best Place for Gifts for Her. The lifestyle boutique offers a fresh approach to everyday celebrations, housing an assortment of creatively designed and uncommon products. Voted as the Best Place to Buy Jewelry, Alara features the work of over 60 designers specializing in in custom jewelry, Yogo and Montana Sapphires, as well as precious gemstones from around the globe. Guys: don’t feel left out. Revolvr Menswear is home to the Best Place for Gifts for Him. Quality denim, shirting, footwear, and accessories for men abound at this downtown retailer.
Cactus Records held on to Best Record / CD Store for their vinyl and quirky gifts, while Best Musical Instrument Store went to Music Villa. A hub for musicians across Montana, the East Main shop sells quality musical products for everyone. They’re also known for their remarkable selection of guitars.
A day out and about in Bozeman can be exhausting. Let Montana Spirits & Wine be your final stop. Just off of Oak & 19th, the locally-owned state liquor store offers competitive pricing and the largest selection of alcoholic beverages and wine in Southwest Montana — and a staff who know their product. Winner of Best Package Liquor Store and Best Wine Shop, Montana Spirits & Wine is your one-stop shopping center for all your celebrating needs. We can already hear the satisfying “ahhh.”
Fresh off Bozeman’s approval of the $125 million high school bond, Best Use of Taxpayers’ Money went to Schools, swapping places with last year’s winner — Parks and Trails. Best Place for a New Traffic Light is STILL Peach and Rouse. With the intersection’s improvement project stuck in development, attention has somewhat shifted to second place winner College and Willson. And finally, at last, without further ado, the Best Thing About Bozeman is… Everything! Between the amazing people and towering mountains, Bozeman is truly a spectacular place to experience youth, raise family, prosper and live. Enjoy it! •
