What it is: Cambie Taphouse + Coffee is a year-old beer bar and coffee shop with a straightforward menu of munchie food. It’s designed to serve nearby University of Montana students as well as locals from the adjacent neighborhood. Somewhat rare for Missoula, Cambie’s brand-new building has outdoor seating on its ground-floor patio and second-story deck.
Why it’s great: We love any bar that opens at 9 a.m. (avant-ski pint, anyone?). Though it’s mostly espresso and coffee service that early in the day, the vibe shifts around lunchtime as patrons tuck away their laptops and turn their attention to the bar’s 42 taps, which serve a selection of Montana and Pacific Northwest beers, wine, cider, and kombucha. The food menu is designed for soaking up drinks: buffalo cauliflower, seasoned fries topped with Alabama-style white barbecue sauce, and a chili-sesame-glazed crispy chicken sandwich lead the pack. Like the food, the space is comforting, as floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of light. The second floor offers views of Mount Sentinel and the scenic Pattee Canyon area.
Details
Hours: 9 a.m.–9 p.m., daily
Address: 2413 S. Higgins Ave., Missoula, Montana
Web: cambiemt.com