Best Buys
Jan 3, 2019

While Montana is more famous for its big skies and open views than its nightlife, you can still find places to relax and enjoy yourself when you’re in a Montana city like Great Falls. Set along the banks of the Missouri River, Great Falls has plenty of things to do, both before and after the sun goes down.

Sip ‘n Dip Lounge

The Sip ‘n Dip Lounge is an unusual bar located in the O’Haire Motor Inn on 7th Street South. The Sip ‘n Dip is an old-fashioned tiki bar with retro seafoam-green seats, a thatch roof, and an electric organ for live music events. The lounge also has a glass window behind the bar that lets you see into the hotel’s swimming pool, where every evening they put on a mermaid show to entertain the guests. The Sip ‘n Dip Lounge is internationally famous after being featured in a 2003 GQ article and for making stellar drinks.

Celtic Cowboy

You’ll find the Celtic Cowboy Irish pub and restaurant near the western end of 1st Avenue South. The pub is a recent addition to the Great Falls nightlife, but it takes its name from the Welsh immigrant Robert Vaughn, who was the first European settler in the county and got the nickname “the Celtic Cowboy” thanks to his success in ranching. The pub serves meals all day, and they have a long list of Irish and international beers on tap for you to enjoy between noon and closing time.

The Do Bar and Casino

The Do Bar and Casino sits right where the 3rd and 4th Streets meet north of the Missouri River. The place stays open most of the day, from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., and there’s plenty to do while you’re here. They offer the usual pub games like pool and have a stage where you can catch live shows or sign up for an open mic night. You can also head over to the casino room and try your luck at one of the slot machines and electronic games. For drinks, the Do Bar offers several unique cocktails and local brews.

Steinhaus

The Steinhaus is a German-style bar located in the heart of downtown Great Falls on 1st Avenue North. The bar offers a rotating list of beers that includes a lot of Montana microbreweries and has a friendly, social atmosphere. Steinhaus has a full menu of German pub food available, but regulars often get their food from the local pizzeria Howard’s Pizza next door instead. If you end up stopping by, make sure you order a Ghost beer.

While many people come to Montana to enjoy the open ranges, the tall mountains, and the thick forests, the cities in the state have their own appeal. With bars, lounges, and even casinos on offer, Great Falls, Montana, has an active nightlife that gives locals and visitors alike plenty to do after the sun sets.

Image by marco monetti via CC BY-ND 2.0