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elegant little bistro in a historic hotel building. Everything is fresh, creative, and made on
the premises, including steaks, seafood, house-made pasta, and soups. For a dress-up and
hit-the-town evening, this is a wonderful spot.
Serving American bistro fare with a global twist,
Scotty's Table
(131 S. Higgins Ave.,
406/549-2790,
www.scottystable.net
,
11am-2:30pm and 5pm-close Tues.-Sat., 5pm-close
Sun., $9-31) is an upscale dining spot for the whole family. The gourmet kids' menu was
inspired by the chef's own child. Entrées include mouthwatering cioppino and local pork
confit, but the appetizers are enchanting—try the fried risotto known as arancini, walnut-
encrusted blue cheese cakes, mussels and fries, or the charcuterie plate; you might not even
make it to the main course.
For a creative take on Italian food,
Ciao Mambo
(541 S. Higgins Ave., 406/543-0377,
www.ciaomambo.com
,
5pm-10pm Mon.-Sat., 5pm-9pm Sun. summer, 5pm-9pm Sun.-
Thurs., 5pm-10pm Fri.-Sat. winter, $12-29), a Montana-started franchise, serves up
everything from Italian nachos and fried mozzarella balls to wood-fired pizza, pasta, and
steaks.
The
Pearl Café & Bakery
(231 E. Front St., 406/541-0231,
www.pearlcafe.us
,
5pm-9pm Mon.-Sat., $20-37) boasts “country fare with an urban flair.” The cuisine is cre-
ative, fresh, and absolutely gorgeous. From rabbit with red wine mushroom sauce to classic
filet mignon, the Pearl is indeed a standout.
For the best local pizza, you can't beat the wood-fired offerings from
Biga Pizza
(241 W. Main St., 406/728-2579,
www.bigapizza.com
,
11am-3pm and 5pm-9:30pm Mon.-
Thurs., 11am-3pm and 5pm-10pm Fri., 5pm-10pm Sat., pizzas $10-19). From the simple
house pie with garlic oil, tomato sauce, fresh basil, and fresh mozzarella to the caramelized
goat cheese and the house-made fennel marmalade with local bacon, their combinations are
nothing short of mouthwatering. Gluten-free crusts are available too, as are calzones and
antipasto.
Flathead Lake Brewing Company
(424 N. Higgins Ave., 406/542-3847, 3pm-10pm
Sun.-Thurs., 11am-10pm Fri.-Sat., $10-30) offers great beer, abundant wine, and good food
in a bustling setting. Another thriving brewpub in Missoula is
Iron Horse Bar & Grill
(501
N. Higgins Ave., 406/728-8866, 11am-2am daily, $10-18), set in the old train depot. The
place is always hopping, and terrific outdoor seating is available when the weather permits.
The menu is extensive, serving up everything from ahi tuna and nachos to spice tandoori
chicken, salads, burgers, and small plates.
Serving three meals a day in a classic Pontiac-Oldsmobile dealership setting,
The
Shack Café
(222 W. Main St., 406/549-9903,
www.theshackcafe.com
,
7am-3pm Mon.-
