Hidden Bars and Secret Sips - Montana Speakeasies
- Montana Edit
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
In a state known for wide-open spaces and endless horizons, Montana has mastered the art of hiding something special. Tucked beneath restaurants, behind unmarked doors, down alleyways, and in the basements of historic buildings, Montana's speakeasies offer an escape from the everyday—a chance to step into another era where craft cocktails are poured with precision and atmosphere matters as much as the drinks themselves.
📍51 West Park Street, Butte (basement of The Miner's Hotel)
In a mining town as storied as Butte, it only makes sense that one of Montana's coolest speakeasies would be hidden beneath a historic hotel. Welcome to 51 Below, where the entrance is half the fun—knock three times on an unmarked door and watch a wall slide open to reveal the hidden lounge below.
Inside, you'll find a sophisticated cocktail lounge filled with Butte historical artifacts, creating an atmosphere that honors the mining town's rich past while serving up modern craft cocktails. The drink menu is extensive and reasonably priced, live music frequently fills the space, and unique offerings like grapes soaked in Italian Prosecco keep things interesting.
📍113 East Oak Street, Suite 2B, Bozeman
High-back red velvet chairs, cut crystal glasses, plush seating, and décor that seamlessly blends old-world elegance with modern sophistication—every detail at Devil's Toboggan has been carefully considered to create an eclectic, 1920s-inspired atmosphere. The bar is exceptionally well-stocked with an extensive selection of liqueurs, bourbons, whiskies, gins, vodkas, beer, and wine.
The craft cocktail menu spans multiple pages, offering both classics and one-of-a-kind creations, and the bartenders can customize drinks to your preferences. The food menu features tapas—the bison nachos are a local favorite, and Aunt Effie's Cake is a must-try.
📍24 West Mendenhall Street, Bozeman (basement of Kimpton Armory Hotel)
Hidden in the basement of the Kimpton Armory Hotel, Tune Up Bar brings something different to Montana’s speakeasy scene. The vibe is pure underground cool, with low lighting, rustic décor, and an intimate yet energetic atmosphere. With live music on the regular, the experience goes far beyond a typical cocktail bar—great drinks, excellent food, and a stage that anchors the space.
The food menu offers shareable bites perfect for pairing with drinks —try the Nashville hot chicken tenders or the soft pretzel bites with beer cheese.
📍202 2nd Avenue South, Great Falls (connected to The Magpie)
Great Falls has a new claim to cocktail fame, and it's hiding in plain sight at The Magpie. Glass Bucket is the prohibition-style speakeasy that's quickly becoming the coolest little bar in the city—complete with a casino for those who like a little gambling with their gin. Step inside and you'll find yourself transported to another era, surrounded by vintage-inspired décor and an intimate atmosphere that makes every visit feel special.
The cocktail menu draws on The Magpie's expertise with infused liquors, offering drinks that are both classic and creative. The combination of The Magpie's culinary excellence and Glass Bucket's speakeasy vibe creates an experience that rivals anything you'd find in a much larger city.
📍223 North Higgins Avenue, Missoula
The entrance sets the tone: slip down an alley to find the hidden doorway, stepping into a candlelit space that feels like a true Prohibition-era retreat. Locally owned and operated, Stave & Hoop offers meticulously crafted cocktails, fine wines, local beers, and food designed to complement the intimate, moody atmosphere. Looking to end the night with a nightcap and something sweet? Try their carrot cake—a personal favorite. Live music adds to the ambiance on select nights.
The building’s history as a former liquor company and barrel storage facility gives the space a legitimacy that can’t be replicated. When you’re sipping a craft cocktail in the same basement where whiskey barrels once aged, you’re not just drinking—you’re surrounded by history.
📍103 West Spruce Street, Missoula (beneath The Old Post)
Walk around The Old Post's back patio, locate the covered concrete staircase in the alley, and descend into what feels like stepping into an urban fantasy novel. The Grotto is a moody, European-inspired cocktail cave with stone archways, mauve velvet chairs, peacock paintings, and just enough lighting to read the menu. The drinks are creative, multi-layered cocktails that combine unexpected flavors, all priced at $15.
The menu rotates with global-inspired small plates including cheese boards, bruschetta, naan pizza, and mushroom polenta. The Grotto also hosts themed pop-up events—past themes have included Alice in Wonderland, 1984, The Great Gatsby, and Dune—adding an extra layer of whimsy to an already magical space.
