Presenting your 2019 BoZone’s own Best of Bozeman Like so many of you out there, we at the BoZone are proponents of exercising voting rights at all levels of governance, whether for representation in the highest federal offices to filling seats on our local school boards. BUT the focus of this particular ballot breakdown is of the more lighthearted variety.
Presenting this year’s victors for the 2019 Best of Bozeman, the original celebration of everything we love about this place (we sometimes forget) we’re lucky to call home. Roughly 2,500 Southwest Montanans logged on for the annual survey to recognize their favorite food and beverage hotspots, service industries, live entertainment, small businesses, nonprofits, other local destinations, and so much more. With the polls closed and the votes tallied, there’s only one thing left to do – give the people their winners! Here’s a look at Bozeman’s supreme.
Leading a quiet existence under the Big Sky is a major perk, but cabin fever after a long winter or the completion of a home improvement project often spurs the need for some outwardly entertainment. Best Local Event returned to Music on Main amid its now years-long game of hot potato with Bogert Farmers Market. The summer favorite kicks up June 27th with the soulful modern grooves of Paige & the People’s Band. With Main Street closed to traffic every Thursday evening, Downtown Bozeman is transformed into a street fest filled with live music, food vendors, and outdoor fun with family and friends.
Following at the top of August, Support Local Artists & Musicians again edged out Sweet Pea to collect Best Festival in 2019. 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.
Though Americana rising stars Laney Lou & the Bird Dogs flexed their collective muscles into second place, tribute band extraordinaire Pinky and the Floyd once again took Best Local Band / Entertainer. Their annual theater performances are an anticipated ode to the English rockers and only disappoint those who can’t snag tickets.
Speaking of live tunes, the Rialto Theater held on to Best Music Venue and Best Event Venue. The meticulously crafted, multi-level performance space serves as a cultural hub for locals and visitors alike. With many of us mapping out summer excursions in advance, make sure to log on and peruse the website for all upcoming happenings. There’s something for everyone – touring indie groups, local music showcases, nights of comedy, artist receptions, you name it!
Video was once referred to as the radio star-killer, but Dave & Ally might beg to differ! The pair won Best Radio DJ for their morning show and other contributions to XL Country. Tune into 100.7 and give their award-winning banter a listen!
Always on the story, KBZK-CBS laid claim to Best TV Morning and Evening News Show(s). Residents count on Montana’s News Leader to keep them apprised to the goings on around Bozeman and the Treasure State. Missed a broadcast? Download the KBZK app for news clips and the latest stories. The STORMTracker Weather app is also available to plan for barbecues, neighborhood block parties, float trips and other summer outings.
91.9 KGLT narrowly defeated XL for Best Radio Station. The listener-supported frequency 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!
Creative expression comes in many forms, and if the heavily attended downtown Art Walks are any indication, Bozemanites are drawn to the aesthetically pleasing. Best Art Gallery winner Altitude Gallery is one of multiple venues that plays host to receptions during the seasonal walks. The intimate space showcases everything from paintings and photography to glass and sculpture, operating with the belief art should have a place in each of our lives.
Art in motion! Montana Ballet Company twirled its way back into the win for Best Dance Studio. Under the direction of Elizabeth DeFanti, their year-end stagings of “The Nutcracker” are a holiday tradition among locals and visiting families. MBC produces full-length classics, contemporary ballet and modern dance performances.
Raise the curtain for The Ellen Theatre – the historic downtown venue collected Best Live Theater Venue to go along with its bouquet of long-stemmed roses. The Ellen houses top-notch stage performances and silver screen classics. Check out their summer musical “Damn Yankees,” opening July 26th. Montana Shakespeare in the Parks was adorned with Best Live Theatre Group for its traveling productions. This season’s play selections include “Henry IV Part I” and “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” both to be presented at the MSU Duck Pond in mid-June. Coming in second in both live theatre categories, Verge’s unique performance slate wows audiences with its conversation-starting titles and talented players of all ages. We still can’t believe it’s community theater!
There’s no better place for family day than the Museum of the Rockies, not loosening its grip on 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. Venture to 13th-century Mongolia with “The Real Genghis Khan” this summer, and be sure to step back in time with the Living History Farm for a splendid reenactment of Montana’s days of yesteryear.
With school almost out, the folks at Chico Hot Springs understand managing the kids’ summer activities can be stressful. Take a brief sabbatical to the heart of Paradise Valley for a soak in the springs and a night dancing in the saloon. Repeat winner for the Best Overnight / Weekend Getaway, Chico is just far enough to de-stress and reset without emptying the travel fund. Though it ended with a photo finish, Best Nearby Hot “Wada” went to Bozeman Hot Springs just ahead of Chico. A destination for locals and their soak-loving families, the venue also presents twice-weekly live music from its poolside stage.
If staycations are more your scene, pampering and self-care are on the menu at The Loft Spa, Bozeman’s pick for Best Day Spa and Best Place for a Massage. Their services include tension release and hot stone massage, facials and LED therapy, as well as hair and nail sessions. Canyon River Spa placed second in both categories. Theory Salon trimmed the competition for Best Hair Salon another year running. The northside Bozeman shop creates beautiful hair through continuing education, collaboration, and creativity. And coming soon – Theory Downtown!
Getting fit doesn’t have to be a solo undertaking at The Ridge Athletic Club, reigning champion of Best Gym / Fitness Center. With Downtown Bozeman and Fallon Avenue locations, members have daily access to the support and resources of a community committed to healthy lifestyles. Best Martial Arts Gym went to Montana Mixed Martial Arts. Their classes are based on the teachings of Grand Master Flavio Behring, open to all interested in learning the art of Jiu-Jitsu.
Tackle your fitness goals with a new pair of tennies! Sponsors of numerous area races, Bozeman Running Company crossed the finish line with Best Running Shoe Store thanks to their fitness-savvy staff. The region’s finest 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 was again a shoo-in for Schnee’s. The local manufacturer and retailer stocks best-of-breed footwear, clothing and gear for the passionate outdoorsy folks in Southwest Montana and beyond. Kick off the new shoes and settle in with Best Yoga Studio Ekam Yoga. Designed with the student in mind, the downtown studio offers a variety of classes led by practitioners who combine humility and deep experience in a supportive environment.
Switching gears, take advantage of the gorgeous sunny weather and reduce your carbon footprint with a set of new wheels from Best Bike Shop Owenhouse Cycling. The store offers a huge selection of spokes and accessories. Every bike sold comes with a 30-day checkup and complimentary tune-up within the first year of use. Now, we can’t necessarily pedal everywhere, this being the nation’s fourth largest state. New car smell comes standard with all Ressler Motors vehicles, long-standing winner of Best Car Dealer. The lot is full of the latest Toyota, Scion, Chevrolet and Cadillac models, as well as used options. Ressler also won Best Automotive Repair. Consistent maintenance is key for car owners whether their rides are brand new or lovingly used. Get under the hood at Speedy Lube on 7th, reclaiming the title for Best Oil Change. Speedy specialists, or “car doctors,” make sure your vehicle is in healthy shape for its rigorous Montana adventures. Oops! You might’ve been sideswiped at the trailhead parking lot. A&D Auto Body continues to look down on its competitors from the highest automotive lift with its Best Auto Body Repair. Right down the street from Speedy Lube, customers of the veteran service shop can rest easy knowing their two and four-doors are in the hands of the very best technicians in the valley.
Hop in your newly serviced chariot and enjoy some outdoor recreation, one of if not THE biggest draws of life in Montana. Best ATV / Motor Sports Store again went to Summit Motor Sports, the premier dealer of new and used ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles, and motorcycles. Summit once again beat out Big Boys Toys, a fellow Four Corners shop that rents tubes for your next float on the Madison River. Bozeman’s longtime Best River is loved for its steady current and space for floating parties of all shapes and sizes. Fishermen and women may want to cast their lines upstream or elsewhere using a pole from Best Fly Fishing Shop winner The River’s Edge. Serving anglers from two locations, they’re your source for high quality gear, fly tying materials, and local knowledge. And 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 – and also offers informative courses to its members and others. Bob Wards again placed second in each of these categories.
Consider the above retailers before tightening those backpack straps and hitting the trail for some good ole fashioned Hiking, voted Best Outdoor Activity ahead of Skiing/Snowboarding. Fans of the runner-up flock to Bridger Bowl, voted Best Ski Area, for their fix of slopeside action on powder days. Best Ski Area once again went to Bridger Bowl. Next season’s GS races and ‘Point & Chute’ film festival. The latter’s entries from this and years past can be viewed through the website. Though the ski hill may be closed, a trip down the canyon links recreators to the Best Golf Course. The beautifully manicured greens and scenic views at Bridger Creek Golf Course are the preferred spot for an 18-hole afternoon.
The outdoor opportunities are endless in Bozeman and the surrounding areas, home to some of the greatest locales in the lower 48. Best City Park and Best Jogging Trail went to Peets Hill / Burke Park, while Lava Lake again outpaced Drinking Horse for both Best Hiking (and regular) Trail(s) – a slim margin for both. The vote for Best Place to Experience Nature seems a little catty in 2019 – Where No One Else Is. Let’s enjoy this thing together, shall we? The Best Place to Take Your Dog is Gallatin Regional Park, wide open for our many furry friends to bolt after various projectiles. But we also like to run wild! Run to the Pub was named the Best Timed Foot Race for its promise of a green beer at the finish line. Huffing for Stuffing swooped up the second-place trophy.
Summer is heavy on sporting events, and the victorious may want to display their ribbons and awards. Displacing Old Main Gallery this year, The Frugal Frame Shop won Best Frame Shop for its customary approach to conservation framing and lifetime craftsmanship. Ensure the backyard is ready for post-race gatherings or the blissful end to a long day’s work. Bozeman gave family owned Cashman Nursery & Landscaping the prize for Best Garden Shop / Nursery thanks to their huge selection of trees, shrubs, perennial flowers, bedding plants, seeds, and garden-related items. There’s sometimes no better place to enjoy the outdoors than from the comfort of your lawn chair! And if you want to bring the vibrancy of the garden indoors, allow Best Florist winner Langhor’s Flowerland to help add a burst of color to the room – since no one’s going to pick flowers from those they planted themselves. The shop is known for its professionally designed arrangements and endearing gifts.
When “Tool Time” comes to your own home, the staff at Owenhouse Ace Hardware is ready to assist with all hardware and home improvement needs. Winner of Best Hardware Store, Ace has fully stocked downtown and West Main locations.
Be sure to save room for the groceries between the mulch and flower bed additions. Grab what you need to fill the pantry from one of Town & Country’s four locations, each helping the local chain checkout of this contest with Best Grocery Store and Best Store to Buy Beer. T&C provides excellent customer service and quality groceries at affordable prices some 50 years and counting. Grill up a couple porterhouse steaks from Daniels Gourmet Meats, the Best Place to Buy Meat. The artisan market features locally sourced beef, pork, poultry, and lamb. We’re salivating! And for those last-minute items, Best Convenience Store went to Joe’s Parkway in 2019. Their campus-adjacent storefront stocks just about everything you can think of and is celebrating its golden anniversary. First-time winner Spark1 collected the majority of votes for NEW category Best Dispensary. The medical cannabis provider cultivates clean grown, high-potency products for its patients.
Take a trip with the four-legged friends to Dee-O-Gee for much-needed baths and the tools necessary for their health and happiness. Montana’s first and finest natural pet store scooped up repeat wins for Best Pet Groomer and Best Place for Pet Supplies. They provide a variety of pet nutrition products, services, supplements, toys, treats and gear for your most loyal family members at two Bozeman locations. The fur children require regular health examinations, too! New winner for Best Veterinary Services this year, Cottonwood Veterinary Hospital is dedicated to improving the human-animal bond through client education and proactive medicine. Cottonwood swapped places with Baxter Creek Veterinary Hospital, who took second. It’s perhaps time to expand the family with an adoption through Best Nonprofit winner Heart of the Valley. They work to compassionately shelter the lost and surrendered pets of Gallatin and Madison valleys, enhancing the lives of the companion animals and those who take them in. Check the website for all the animals looking for new homes.
Depending on the household, the pets may/may not be allowed on the furniture. Either way, it probably came from UFS (Used Furniture Store) – Best Used (and regular) Furniture Store(s). They’ve got hundreds of quality pieces in their expansive showroom that features a constantly rotating inventory and daily additions. UFS picks up your used furniture too! Complement the new end table or armoire with a hidden treasure from the Antique Barn. The Best Antique Store winner deals in fine furniture, farm finds and everything in between. They also host ‘Junk Fest,’ their annual vintage market returning Father’s Day weekend. Still 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 fret – Best Craft / Hobby Store went to Michaels for their materials for any trade. We’ll see if the opening of Hobby Lobby changes things next year (RIP Hastings – the wound still feels fresh).
While farmer’s markets and arts festivals make gift-giving a breeze for Montanans and tourists during the summer months, Heyday downtown continues to be the Best Place for Unique Gifts and Best Place for Gifts for Her for year-round needs. The lifestyle boutique offers a fresh approach to everyday celebrations, with an assortment of creatively designed and uncommon products ready to be wrapped and gifted. And for the guys, pick up some new duds from Revolvr Menswear. The Best Place for Gifts for Him sells quality denim, shirting, footwear, and accessories. Their monogram leather-wrapped flasks are sure to impress the thirstiest fellas. A gift certificate from The Barber Shop & Shaving Parlor is also a thought. The Oak space won Best Barber Shop for their focus on fine men’s haircuts and hot lather shaves. Or give yourself the gift of some fresh ink! East Main Ink creates custom tattoos based on each client’s ideas. The guys’ insight, experience, and professionalism are only a few reasons why they win Best Tattoo Studio year after year.
Miller’s Jewelry is once again the Best Place to Buy Jewelry. They specialize in Montana Sapphires and are also known for their extensive selection of wedding rings and loose diamonds, as well as the best estate jewelry in the state. Alara came in a close second. The Root reclaimed the title for Best Clothing Store after Revolvr’s win last year. The funky downtown boutique offers affordable apparel, footwear and accessories for women. Montana, but make it fashion!
Cactus Records spun right round back into Best Record / CD Store for their muy Bueno vinyl and quirky gifts. The storied shop hosts annual ‘Record Store Day’ events and sell tickets to all the hottest shows coming through town. Music Villa strings along their Best Musical Instrument Store winning streak for another year. A hub for musicians across Montana, the East Main shop sells quality musical products for all and houses a remarkable selection of guitars. Staff members have also been spotted lending their talents to many area bands. And if Cactus is doing its part to thwart a complete Spotify takeover, and Music Villa continues supporting our local community of musicians, then Best Bookstore winner Country Bookshelf is doing what it has to do to keep local readers off their Kindles. The largest independent bookseller in the state promotes the love of reading with a great selection of books and regular author events.
Plenty of coin has already been spent during this little tour of the Gallatin Valley, and we’re just getting to the food and beverage categories! Better check those balances – First Security Bank, winner of Best Bank, has several locations throughout the area. And yes, they still offer cash withdrawals. First Interstate was a mere percentage point behind.
Ready to wine and dine? We say yes! East Main-stay Montana Ale Works once again emerged victorious with wins in numerous categories. The railroad freighthouse-turned-eatery took Best Restaurant, Best Bar, Best Bar Food, Best Happy Hour, Best Appetizer, Best Casual Dining, Best Restaurant Service, Best Beer Selection, and Best Place for a First Date. Uff da! The longtime gathering spot is a fantastic place to stop after a lengthy workweek or rough day on campus for a pint and a plate. Ale Works is great for celebrations of all sizes and is a patio favorite among locals.
Squeeze in an aperitif before making that dinner reservation. Wildrye Distilling moved in on Best Distillery this year. The Cannery District tasting room features craft cocktails using eight spirits distilled in-house. Tasters also have an opportunity to explore their humidor. Bozeman Spirits fell just short, but we still love tossing back a few huckleberry mules!
Or shoot over to Bozeman’s north side, just beneath the majestic Bridger range, to MAP Brewing. The hops-masters again collected the titles for Best Brewery, Best Tasting Room, Best Local Beer Crafter, and Best Outdoor Patio thanks to their spacious spread and killer view. Bozemanites have a (Midas) Crush on this beer-porium. Taking second in the former three categories, Bridger Brewing, also claimed the award for Best Pizza. Their artisan pies also helped bring home the win for Best Lunch this year. Give this month’s feature a try next time you can find a spot on the rooftop patio – the Pizza De Mayo! Bridger also hosts live ‘Music & Mussels’ every Wednesday night. Madison River’s Salmon Fly Honey Rye jumped high above the rest of the school to win Best Local Beer (Flavor) once more, while MAP’s Midas IPA moved into second.
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 for another year. Near MSU and its stadium, Bobcat headquarters always has your game on one of its many screens. Specs also offers a great menu of shareable bites for your entire crew.
‘Home of World Class Racks’ Bar 3 BBQ & Brewing, won Best BBQ for their down home, finger-lickin’ grub. The menu features traditional chicken, beef brisket, pulled pork and ribs. Grilling season never ends with Bar 3 locations in Bozeman and Belgrade. Best Korean Food remains with I-Ho’s Korean Grill. 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.
Take a seat at Saffron Table, repeat winner of Best Indian Food and Best Chef. Featuring locally sourced foods and exotic flavors, the cozy restaurant is your local destination for mouthwatering treats inspired by the eclectic cuisine of South Asia. So, pick a night to stop in to enjoy a biryani or curry dish of choice. They’ve got an excellent wine selection as well. Though the El Rodeo Taco Truck has made quite the impression with regional voters, Fiesta Mexicana still walked away with Best Mexican Food for its authentic fare and friendly crew. Head to either Fiesta location in Bozeman (soon to move to the north side of 7th) or Belgrade to indulge in the wide menu variety and, of course, a margarita or two.
Manhattan’s Sir Scott’s Oasis sliced into Best Steak for their juicy cuts, with Open Range coming in at number two. The Oasis is the go-to casual supper spot for meat-loving diners, whether solo or with a larger group. After a draw last year, Blacksmith Italian edged out Cafe Fresco for Best Italian Food this year – but not by much. Connoisseurs of this particular cuisine flock to Blacksmith for their hand-crafted pasta, locally raised trout, and great selection of Italian wines.
Another new winner in 2019, Rice Fine Thai Cuisine is now Bozeman’s Best Take-Out. Rice hopes to spread the culture and unique flavors of Thailand through its food choices, ranging from Pad Thai to Tom Yum soup. Serving its delicious menu from three locations in Bozeman and Belgrade, Rice switches places with last year’s winner, the Naked Noodle.
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). The Roost was recently featured on an episode of Food Network’s ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’ alongside Storm Castle Café. Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant went to MacKenzie River Pizza Co. thanks to their famous Lodgepoles, beer selection (for parents), and casual atmosphere.
When ladies night comes around, the Best Place for Girls’ Night Out goes to Plonk for their house-infused spirits and creative cocktails. The trendy downtown wine bar also took the plaques for Best Cocktails and Best Nightlife, the second of which the Rocking R Bar nearly stole. The R is, however, the Best Place to Meet Singles. Hot damn! Best Place for Guys’ Night Out again went to Copper Whiskey Bar & Grill for their speakeasy vibe and extensive selection of brown liquor. We also can’t think of one person who would turn down the pretzel bites dipped in jalapeño beer cheese.
Show off your hidden talents at the Eagles Club, winner of Best Karaoke for their Thursday night singin’ parties. It’s always a sonic smorgasbord and ridiculously good time courtesy of Sunrise Entertainment. Starting next month, karaoke nights will be held on Saturdays too. The Eagles also hosts local band favorites and has become Bozeman’s Best Place to Dance. “I’m only going for one” is a common lie told around Southwest Montana, with many nights often exceeding usual bedtimes. Drop into Tarantino’s Pizzeria for the Best Late Night Grub. The slicemasters can be found within the Bozeman Hotel building and are open until 3am on the weekends.
Forgo the outing altogether with a Blu-ray from Best Video Rental Store Movie Lovers. Peruse the film titles, or maybe pick out an entire series to blow through. Movie Lovers has hundreds of titles you won’t find in a RedBox or on streaming services. The shop’s Belgrade location also features a “tiny theater” that plays hosts to theme screenings and is also great for private events.
But for those of us who didn’t spend the evening with ‘Doctor Who’ and a bag of Twizzlers, The Western Cafe plated the prize for Best Hangover Food Cure for their breakfast choices. The downtown institution also took Best Authentic Montana Ambiance again. Swing in and discover why the quaint little Bozeman diner has been dubbed “The Last Best Cafe” – breakfast served all day!
If there’s no place to sit at the Western, head down the street for Bozeman’s Best Breakfast at Jam! The AM eatery is known for its unique twists on familiar breakfast and lunch fare, complemented by delicious breakfast cocktails and handcrafted espresso drinks.
Pay it forward with Granny’s Gourmet Donuts for the (even undeserving) coworkers, the campus shop so sweet it always seems to win Best Donuts / Pastries. 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. Their focus is on European-style artisan breads, pastries and treats almost too precious to eat.
If you’re not a breakfast-eater and are simply looking for a morning perk, northside Treeline Coffee Roasters ground up challengers for Best Coffee in 2019. The small batch, artisan coffee roaster operates with the idea coffee should fuel people to do the things they love. Last year’s winner, Cold Smoke Coffeehouse, still held on to Best Coffeehouse with locations on Oak and Huffine. These spacious caffeine centers are go-to meeting hubs for friends, family, business associates, and others. For those who don’t feel like getting out of the car, Bozeman’s Best Coffee Hut is Bumble Bean Espresso Barn off Griffin. 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.
But 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 follow-up win for Best Juice Bar. The Co-op, in conjunction with its downtown location, also took Best Eco-Friendly Products for their large inventory of green merch. We’re all eager for the OG’s expansion project to be completed!
When lunchtime rolls around, the Best Food Truck / Cart goes to Mo’Bowls again – even with their brick-and-mortar restaurant now open in the University Square Shopping Center. Your mac n’ cheese specialists have garnered raves for their ‘mac fusions’ and handcrafted comfort food. Downtown Bozeman’s Victory Taco took second in the previous category as well as Best Ice Cream Shop, which Sweet Peaks honed in on. Their mountain-made scoops don’t need toppings to enjoy, but they’re certainly available. 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. Though Fink’s Delicatessen gained nearly enough steam to strip them of the title, The Pickle Barrel held on to Best Sandwich. The College shop puts out hefty subs big enough to share or save for later. Order up a Blue Streak or Bobcat Special and don’t forget to fish out a free pickle! There’s also an ice cream parlor next door.
Bozeman’s Best Burger remains with downtown’s Backcountry Burger Bar. They keep it simple with locally sourced food made from scratch with tons of beers on tap, kombucha and hard cider. A great, casual option for lunch or dinner! Named Best New Restaurant last year, Backcountry passes the torch to Nordic Brew Works in 2019. Ranging from the traditional to the innovative, wood-fried pizzas are the heart of a menu that also features fresh salads and sandwiches. Be sure to order a beverage from the drink menu to fully experience the warmth of the North.
It should come as no surprise that Bozeman again selected Dave’s Sushi as the spot for Best Sushi. Their creative menu of specialty rolls can either be enjoyed in a laid-back dining space or outdoor patio. Only a few blocks from downtown, Dave’s is also the choice for Best Asian Food and Best Place to Eat Seafood. For those wanting to prepare a dish at home, Costco beat The Co-op as the Best Place to Shop for Seafood.
Whew… It can be said with some level of certainty that the Gallatin Valley truly has something for every palate – and we need a drink! Find what you’re craving at Montana Spirits & Wine, be it bourbon or Bombay. 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 is the one-stop shop for all your celebrating needs.
Just ahead of pothole maintenance and initiation of rent control policy, Best Use of Taxpayers’ Money went to Schools again this year. What Could Make Bozeman Better? Affordable Housing and Less People. Longtime category winner Peach and Rouse is no longer the Best Place for a New Traffic Light – it goes to the intersection of Max and Catron (between Costco and Target) for the congestion any seasonal cold would be envious of. There have been rumblings of a plan throughout the window of this survey.
And finally, without further ado, the Best Thing About Bozeman is… once again… Everything! Our sometimes hasty annoyance for things smaller mountain communities like ours lack only lessen our appreciation for the many things we DO have. Between the amazing people and towering mountains, Bozeman is truly a spectacular place to coexist. So let’s get out there and enjoy everything it has to offer – together! •