A Guide to Missoula Coffee Shops

Black Coffee Roasting Company

Tucked inside the remains of a 1940s-era steel quonset hut located just off the main drag, Black Coffee Roasting Company provides locals and visitors alike 100% organic, expertly crafted java. The interior features one of the prettiest settings to be found among Missoula coffee shops, by way of its cool retro vibes, abundant seating arrangements, cute light bulbs hanging from above, and useful amenities for a productive cafe day.

Clyde Coffee

Situated along the Hip Strip – a section of town that boasts unique boutique shops that are all locally owned and operated – the friendly folks at Clyde roast their own coffee as well as procure a dreamy ambiance showcasing crafty wooden furnishings, warm pink and orange tones, and the occasional touch of adorable potted plant life. That’s not to mention the fairly extensive food menu, which includes various toasts, breakfast burritos, salads, and biscuits and gravy.

While a better environment for getting things done would be difficult to imagine, aside from optimum functionality, the attention to detail that has gone into designing this welcoming abode with a delightful balance of charm and utility makes it an easy go-to for daytime meetings with colleagues, long overdue coffee dates, or solo study sessions.

Drum Coffee Roasting

Located just across the Clark Fork River from the University of Montana, Drum serves the freshest coffee that’s been roasted to flavorful perfection in-house, scrumptious made from scratch baked goods, and mouthwatering breakfast sandwiches amidst chic western digs underscored by brown leather banquette seating, dark wooden furnishings, metallic light fixtures, and at center stage, none other than fine-tuned roasting equipment.

Hunter Bay Coffee

One of the Pacific Northwest’s premium coffee roasters, Hunter Bay can be found on Toole Avenue, near Draughtworks Brewery, offering patrons a neat and relaxed atmosphere with ample seating, hanging vegetation, sunlight flowing through the windows, blue accents, and an upstairs loft area. The picturesque decor serves as an accomplice to thoughtfully crafted, rewardingly delicious coffee beverages, as well as tasty food items ranging from breakfast burritos to lunch sandwiches to salads.

The Loose Caboose

A locally founded and cherished treasure among Missoula coffee shops, The Loose Caboose began serving coffee in 1995 and fast became one of the best places to get coffee and espresso in the Missoula Valley – there are now five iconic red cabooses speckled throughout town, not to mention, the mobile cart at the Saturday Clark Fork Market. Moreover, the third Tuesday of every month is their Cup of Kindness event. For every drink sold, they donate 50¢ to a local non-profit.

Big Creek Coffee

Whether you’d like to sink into a chair and appreciate the company of loved ones over a steamy cup of joe or silently study amidst the subtle charm of a cozy neighborhood gathering space, whatever the case may be, Big Creek has got you covered. Take your tastebuds on a satisfying adventure with any one of their seasonal creations, which include the rose water and cardamom hinted Love Potion Latte and the Aphrodite, a dark chocolate mocha enriched with housemade organic strawberry syrup.

City Brew Coffee

Considering they operate two coffee shops in Missoula, and plenty more throughout Montana, you’ve probably already spotted a City Brew near you, many stores provide guests a reliable work and gathering space with tables to sit down at and stay awhile, while others are more grab & go oriented. When it comes to java, the team here carefully selects only the top 2% of beans grown around the globe, then creates distinctive blends full of flavor and aroma at their new state-of-the-art roasting facility in Kalispell.

Florence Coffee Company

These speedy little drive-thru espresso bars are known for their medium roast coffee with a smooth finish, teas, and being home to the Original Real Huckleberry Smoothie, made with all-natural and no artificial flavors. There are 23 Florence Coffee Co stands spanning 13 Western Montana towns, Missoula has five of them.

Copper Mountain Coffee

This log cabin java outpost is the perfect stop to add to your morning routine. That being said, along with a range of caffeinated beverages, they’ve got quick meals and tantalizing baked goods like muffin-tops, bagels, and cookies (gluten-free options available).

Lighthouse Espresso

Lighthouse has been a pleasant experience just off Russell Street powering up guests’ days with inventive drinks and classic favorites since 2008.

If you enjoyed this guide to the best coffee shops in Missoula, check out our list of the Top 10 Coffee Shops in Billings!

I do not claim to own any of the images used in this article, unless otherwise noted, they are sourced from each business’s Facebook page or Instagram account.