Drumroll, please – Presenting your 2018 Best of Bozeman
YOU voted, we counted – and the 2018 Best of Bozeman results are in! Right around 2,500 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 crème de la crème.
Though Southwest Montana may be known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation, experiencing the local food and beverage industry is a favorite pastime of residents and visitors alike. Let’s get our trip around town started with a look at the winners of these palate-pleasing categories.
Kicking things off, a certain refurbished railroad freighthouse has reason to celebrate this year. For the 6TH year in a row, Montana Ale Works took home Best Restaurant, Best Casual Dining, Best Happy Hour, and Best Restaurant Service. The longtime gathering spot also won Best Bar Food again in 2018, as well as Best Appetizer, unseating Copper Whiskey Bar in the latter category. The longtime gathering spot on the east side is a fantastic place to stop in after a lengthy workweek or rough day on campus for a pint and a plate.
Some evenings or afternoons, even earlier, a hearty meal may be the last thing on your mind. Cue repeat Best Distillery champ Bozeman Spirits Distillery whose flavorful spirits tempt the buds of many passersby. Their Montana Cold Spring Huckleberry Vodka is a notable favorite in mules and spritzers.
Or shoot over to the north side of Bozeman, just beneath the towering Bridgers, to MAP Brewing. The dealers in hops again collected the prizes for Best Brewery, Best Tasting Room, Best Local Beer Crafter, and Best Outdoor Patio thanks to their spacious spread and killer view. Hot on their heels was Bridger Brewing, taking second in the former three categories, as well as the award for Best Pizza. Their artisan pies also helped bring home the win for Best Lunch this year. Starky’s Authentic Americana, the usual winner, still took the silver. Bridger’s tasty pizzas bring in folks far and wide, as do their popular Music & Mussels Wednesday nights. Madison River’s Salmon Fly Honey Rye won Best Local Beer (Flavor), while Bozeman Brewing Co.’s Bozone Amber holds on to runner-up. Best Beer Selection overall went to Bozeman Taproom on Mendenhall. Pick out a microbrew and relax on the rooftop patio and soak up some sun this summer!
No matter your preferred sport, there always seems to be a game day to choose from – and plenty local spots with the contests up on the big screen. Best Sports Pub went to Spectators Bar & Grill once again. Near Montana State University and its stadium, Bobcat headquarters always has your game on one of its many flat screens. Specs also offers a great menu of shareable bites for your entire crew.
There’s no better place to be hungry around dinnertime than Bar 3 Bar-B-Q & Brewing, winners of Best BBQ for their down home, finger-lickin’ grub. The menu features everything from traditional chicken and beef brisket to pulled pork and ribs. Grilling season never ends with Bar 3 locations in Bozeman and Belgrade.
I-Ho’s Korean Grill narrowly beat Whistle Pig Korean for Best Korean Food. South Korean native I-Ho Pomeroy owns and operates her namesake establishment. 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’s traditional kimchi is sold at several area grocery stores.
Winner of Best Indian Food, the cozy Saffron Table features locally-sourced foods and exotic flavors from a different part of the world. The eatery is your local destination for mouthwatering treats inspired by the eclectic cuisine of South Asia. Displacing Open Range, Saffron also won Best Chef for their inventive selections. So, take a seat and enjoy a biryani or curry dish of choice – they’ve clearly got something special going over there.
Though La Tinga scored its fair share of regional voters, Fiesta Mexicana walked away with Best Mexican Food for its authentic fare and friendly crew. Head to either Fiesta location in Bozeman or Belgrade to indulge in the wide menu variety and, of course, a margarita or two.
How about a short roadtrip west? Manhattan-based Sir Scott’s Oasis stuck a fork in Best Steak for their juicy cuts, with Open Range not far behind. The Oasis is the go-to casual supper spot for meat-loving diners, whether they’re solo or with a larger group.
We have a draw this year! Though Blacksmith Italian was first announced as the sole winner of Best Italian Food, it has since been determined that the popular Cafe Fresco claims its share of the blue ribbon. Following a recount, each restaurant collected 32.71% of the vote. Remember, only one vote per e-mail address counts in the final tally. Connoisseurs of this particular cuisine flock to Blacksmith off Kagy for their hand-crafted pasta and locally-raised trout, while others head downtown for Fresco’s too made-from-scratch menu and unique selection of Italian wines.
Who hasn’t stopped into the Naked Noodle for a bite, winner again of Bozeman’s Best Take-Out. Whether grabbing lunch for a co-worker or picking something up on the way home, the Noodle’s menu of unique noodle dishes and salads. While their specialities are inspired by various world cuisines, noodle-enthusiasts also have the option to build their own bowls. Rice Fine Thai Cuisine came in at a close number two.
Blackbird Kitchen won Best Fine Dining for their robust dishes and wood-fired pizzas, while the southern-skewing menu at Roost Fried Chicken helped them take home Best Inexpensive Restaurant (less than $10 per person). Locations in Bozeman and Belgrade ushered in MacKenzie River Pizza Co.’s win for Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant. What kid doesn’t like their pizza and Lodgepoles? Fuddruckers was also a prime choice for Best of Bozeman voters.
When parents have a chance to leave the kids with a sitter, the big boys and girls have an opportunity to hit the town. Best Place for Girls’ Night Out goes to Plonk thanks in large part to their house-infused spirits and creative cocktails. The trendy downtown wine bar also took the plaques for Best Cocktails, Best Bar, and Best Nightlife, just as they did last year. Best Place for Guys’ Night Out went to Copper Whiskey Bar & Grill for their speakeasy vibe and extensive selection of brown liquor.
Perhaps a dash of liquid courage will allow you to bring your favorite tunes to the Eagles Club – winner of Best Karaoke – and belt them out. Terri James of Sunrise Entertainment helped secure the win for the downtown watering hole. Held every Thursday at 9pm, Eagles Karaoke is always a sonic smorgasbord and ridiculously good time. Worth noting, Bar IX took second for this category. Sunrise sets up there on Tuesdays and is also the Best Place to Meet Singles. Break the ice with 2-for-1 happy hour from 2–7pm, Monday through Saturday. The Rocking R Bar nabbed Best Place to Dance this year, beating out the Fraternal Order. Weekends are the best time to bust a move, but no one will judge if you decide to head down on a school night.
We love our live music! Taking over for The Filling Station in 2018, the recently re-opened Rialto Theater is now Bozeman’s Best Music Venue. The multi-level space also moved in on Best Event Venue, which has gone to the Emerson Center in years past. The historic, beautifully-restored theater has already brought an exciting lineup of top-tier talent from around the country to its space – touring indie bands, comedy shows, local theatre, you name it! If you’ve not yet had a chance to check it out, make sure to log on to their website to peruse all upcoming happenings. There’s surely something to suit every interest.
Nights out to the Rialto and other area venues just might lead to one staying up past the witching hour. Drop into Tarantino’s Pizzeria for the Best Late Night Grub, replacing last year’s winner, the Pita Pit. The pizza spot is located off Main and Rouse, open until 3am on the weekends. Fill up before you head home!
There are a few of us who’d just assume stay in. How about a rental? Best Video Rental Store went to Movie Lovers in University Square. Peruse the film selection, or maybe pick out an entire series to blow through while snacking safely on the couch. Movie Lovers has hundreds of titles you won’t find in a RedBox or on streaming services. The shop’s Belgrade location now features a “tiny theater” that plays hosts to theme screenings and is also great for private events.
It’s the morning after. Some of us probably feel a little worse for wear, but there’s a cure for that – and no time for tears! The Western Cafe plated the prize for Best Hangover Food Cure for their b-fast bites. The downtown institution also took Best Authentic Montana Ambiance again this year, besting Stacey’s of Gallatin Gateway by only a couple percentage points. Swing in and discover why the quaint little Bozeman diner has been dubbed “The Last Best Cafe” – breakfast served all day!
…Or you can always head down the street to start off your day with Bozeman’s Best Breakfast from new category winner, Jam! The AM eatery has become known around town for its unique twists on familiar breakfast and lunch fare, complemented by delicious breakfast cocktails and handcrafted espresso drinks. Runner-up in 2017, last year’s Best New Restaurant winner swaps spots with reigning category champion Nova Cafe.
Maybe you’d like to stock the office break room to incentivize participation in the morning meeting. Stop by Granny’s Gourmet Donuts next to campus and find out why this homey shoppe won Best Donuts / Pastries once again. Unique recipes paired with great conversation between donuteer and customer are but a few reasons people continue to line up down Tai Lane. And like last year, Wild Crumb took home Best Bakery and Best Dessert. They’ve got wonderful artisan breads as well.
If you’re not a breakfast-eater and are simply looking for a caffeine boost, hit up one of the Cold Smoke Coffeehouse locations – one on Oak and another off Huffine – for your morning perk. These spacious caffeine centers repeated last year’s pair of wins with the titles for Best Coffee and Best Coffeehouse. They’re go-to meeting hubs for friends, family, business associates, and others. Not wanting to get out of the car or are running a few behind? Bozeman’s Best Coffee Hut is Higher Ground Coffee for a Cause. Serving hot and cold coffee drinks using beans from local roasters, the hut on North 7th also features delicious breakfast burritos, provides a vocational training program for area youth, and helps support the adjacent Fork & Spoon restaurant. Think of these local establishments next time your coffee maker is on the fritz!
Townshend’s Bozeman Teahouse is your pick for Best Teahouse. The Downtown Bozeman spot is a fun place to relax over a cup of tea, chai, or bubble tea brewed from scratch. They also host live music and game nights periodically.
If a healthy jump-start to the day 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 repeat win for Best Juice Bar. The Co-op, in conjunction with its downtown location, also took Best Eco-Friendly Products for their expansive inventory of green merch.
Let’s redirect our attention to the afternoon hours, when many of us are in desperate need of recharging before having to finish out the day. Or maybe you’re just looking for somewhere to grab a quick lunch with friends. Mo’Bowls swooped in take Best Food Truck / Cart off of Victory Taco’s hands, last year’s victors. Be sure to look for their truck around town and get your paws on some “handcrafted comfort on the go!” Victory Taco still took second for Best Food Truck, and also won Best Ice Cream Shop over Sweet Peaks for their all natural flavors. Parked 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. Who’s stopping you from spoiling your dinner with a little afternoon dessert?
Sammies are always a fantastic option to curb a high-noon hunger. The Pickle Barrel holds on to its Best Sandwich title. The original shop on College puts out hefty subs whose breadth is matched only by quality and flavor. Order up a Blue Streak or Bobcat Special and don’t forget to fish out a free pickle!
We’ve got a new champion for Bozeman’s Best Burger – the newly opened Backcountry Burger Bar. The downtown burger joint also won this year’s prize for Best New Restaurant. Backcountry’s menu is composed of Montana raised beef and bison, local potatoes, and Montana flour baked fresh into each delicious bun. Drop in, enjoy a great burger, then back to work, slackers!
When you’re in the mood, 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 and outdoor patio. Only a few blocks from downtown, Dave’s also re-won Best Asian Food and Best Place for a First Date. It also reeled in Best Place to Eat Seafood, ousting Montana Fish Company. For those wanting to fry something up at home, Costco narrowly beat The Co-op for the Best Place to Shop for Seafood prize.
Though lunching, wining and dining are some of our very favorite things to do as a populous, the entertainment doesn’t stop there. Look, s’more stolen prizes! Bogert Farmers Market has been chosen as this year’s Best Local Event, keeping Music on Main at bay this time around. Bogert is a place for families and friends to gather, socialize, support local, and share in a fun-filled community environment! It features fresh produce from local farmers, arts & crafts, nonprofit booths, live music, children’s activities, and a plethora of dinner options.
Following in August, Support Local Artists & Musicians edged out Sweet Pea to collect Best Festival in 2018. SLAM hosts events to showcase the artistic talent of Montana residents, funds scholarships to community members seeking education in the arts, and spearheads community art installations. SLAMFest features live music and dance performances, an artists’ market, food, refreshments, family activities, and groovy artist demonstrations.
Tribute band extraordinaire Pinky and the Floyd took Best Local Band / Entertainer once again, while Dave & Ally won Best Radio DJ for their morning show and additional contributions to XL Country. Tune into 100.7 and give their now award-winning banter a listen!
The KBZK-CBS team, both in front and behind the camera, help the local broadcaster win Best TV Morning and Evening News Show(s). Locals 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. The STORMTracker Weather app is also available to plan float trips and other summer outings accordingly.
Listener-supported 91.9 KGLT snagged Best Radio Station again this year. 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!
The Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture is home to a number of events. And though they lost out on Best Event Venue this year, their stimulating exhibits have allowed them to hold on to Best Art Gallery. Pop into the Jessie Wilber, Emerson Lobby, and/or Weaver Room galleries to see why!
Spend a day with the whole family at Museum of the Rockies, repeat 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 “GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked the 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 is back with Best Live Theater for another year, with Verge Theater coming in second. The classic downtown venue plays host to the very best in stage performances and screen favorites. Check out their summer musical “Oklahoma!,” opening July 13th.
Montana Ballet Company took the win for Best Dance Studio. Under the direction of Elizabeth DeFanti, the annual performance of The Nutcracker is immensely popular with locals and visiting families. Montana Ballet’s educational facility provides the finest classical ballet instruction for students age 3 to pre-professional.
Hit the road! 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. Everyone deserves a getaway!
Pamper yourself with a staycation and some personal care. The Loft Spa retains the number one spot as the Best Place for a Massage, with Canyon River Spa not far behind. 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. Best Hair Salon again went to Theory Salon. The Northside Bozeman shop creates beautiful hair through continuing education, collaboration, and creativity. And the team is relatively cool too!
Ensure you’re taking care of your body with a membership at The Ridge Athletic Club, winner of Best Gym / Fitness Center for another Best of Bozeman contest. 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 over 70 years providing the highest quality footwear, apparel, and outdoor products on the market.
Sign up for a class at Best Yoga Studio Sumits Hot Yoga to show your overworked body some appreciation. Your Yoga was a close number two. Another soaker’s paradise, Bozeman Hot Springs took the Best Day Spa prize for the effects of their rejuvenative natural springs.
Shifting to a body of another sort, A&D Auto Body has kept its steel grip on Best Auto Body Repair. Customers of the Aspen St. shop can count on their expertise to get them back on the road, kept in the loop from drop-off to pick-up. Time to trade in the old wheels. Ressler Motors is Bozeman’s Best Car Dealer and also won Best Automotive Repair. The dealership’s Quick Lube service overtook Speedy Lube this year for Best Oil Change by a slim margin. Ressler Quick Lube offers common oil changes and filter replacement, tire rotation, transmission and radiator flush, and a host of other services.
Another mode of transportation is popular among Southwest Montana locals. Bozeman’s many cyclers have voted Owenhouse Cycling the Best Bike Shop in place of Bangtail Bikes this year. The store carries quality products with emphasis on the ability to service what they sell. The bike repair shop is dedicated to keeping yours in tip-top shape. Every varietal of outdoor enthusiast is lucky to live in a place like Bozeman. Best ATV / Motor Sports Store went to Summit Motor Sports, the premier dealer of new and used ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles. Summit beat out Big Boys Toys this year, a fellow Four Corners shop that rents tubes for your next float on the Madison River, again voted Bozeman’s Best River. The Gallatin was a fraction of a percentage point behind. And since we’re on the topic of rivers, grab a pole from Best Fly Fishing Shop winner The River’s Edge for your next aquatic excursion. Finally, whether you’re an outdoor novice or a seasoned adventurer, Best Outdoor Gear Shop and Best Sports Equipment Store REI has what you need to head out into the great unknown. Bob Wards placed second in both categories.
In other outdoor winner news… Best Ski Area once again went to Bridger Bowl. We’re already looking forward to next season’s days spent slopeside. Just down the hill, another “Bridger” won for Best Golf Course with nearly half of the vote. The beautifully manicured greens and scenic views at Bridger Creek Golf Course contributed to these links’ vote of confidence.
Get out, stay out! 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 again collected Best Hiking (and regular) Trail(s). Drinking Horse was second in both. Best Place to Take Your Dog went to Gallatin Regional Park. 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.
Enjoy the outdoors from your own backyard! In case you’re late to the 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.
Since you’re already out running errands, be 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 (soon to move to a new, larger location), while The Meat Shoppe sliced into Best Place for Meat.
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. As if a new piece of framed artwork wasn’t enough, bring even more color to the room with a professionally-designed arrangement from Labellum, winner of Best Florist. The contemporary flower boutique mixes natural elements and rich textures into its work, ensuring each arrangement tells a unique story. They’re located just off Kagy and Willson.
Remember to take care of your furry friends! Dee-O-Gee scooped up repeat wins for Best Pet Groomer and Best Place for Pet Supplies. The store 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 their new items. 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. Cottonwood Veterinary Hospital came in a close second. Does man’s best friend need one of its own? Adopt a brother or sister! 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.
In need of some new furniture you’ll have to keep the pets off of? Maybe you’re just in the market for a piece to complete a room. 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! Complement the new end table or armoire 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. Antique Barn was voted into the runner-up position. Then, before you curl up in the leather chair you might’ve discovered from one of these businesses, pick up a new spine 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, as well as their very own book club meetings.
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 materials for any trade.
There are countless local options when seeking gifts for friends and family. But before you start swiping your Visa, make sure the ole checking account is in the green. First Security Bank, winner of Best Bank, has several locations throughout the area. First Security bested last year’s winner, First Interstate. Ok, are we good to shop? Whew. Heyday continues to be 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 this year as the Best Place to Buy Jewelry, Miller’s Jewelry takes the crown from Alara in 2018. A cornerstone of Bozeman since 1882, the downtown jeweler specializes in Montana Sapphires, housing the area’s largest collection. They’re also known for their extensive selection of wedding rings and loose diamonds, as well as the best estate jewelry in the state.
Consider an accessory of another kind – some new body art! East Main Ink is ready 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.
Guys: splurge on some new duds from Revolvr Menswear, the fresh pick for Best Clothing Store. Quality denim, shirting, footwear, and accessories for men abound at this downtown retailer, also winners of Best Place for Gifts for Him. Revolvr takes first place from The Root in the former category, albeit not by much. Also, fellas, make sure you’re looking your best with a stop in at The Barber Shop & Shaving Parlor on Oak, winners of Best Barber Shop. They offer the very best in fine men’s haircuts and hot lather shaves.
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 – and are expanding in time for summer!
Running around Bozeman all day can be no doubt exhausting – especially if you were out late the night prior. 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 actually know their product. Winner of Best Package Liquor Store and Best Wine Shop, Montana Spirits & Wine is your one-stop shop for all your celebrating needs.
Fresh off Bozeman’s approval of the latest school levy, Best Use of Taxpayers’ Money went to Schools again in 2018 – next in line were Roads and Trails. Best Place for a New Traffic Light is STILL Peach and Rouse. We’re pretty sure there’s a plan in place for that? Landing only a couple points behind, the rush hour traffic clogging up Durston and Ferguson made for a close race. And finally, at last, at the risk of letting this summary go on a bit too long, as mentioned on the cover, the Best Thing About Bozeman is… once again… Everything! The amazing people, endless mountains, and BIG skies truly make Bozeman a spectacular place to experience one’s youth, raise a family, prosper and live. Get out there and enjoy it! •
