Guidebook for Helena
Food Scene
Cotton Top is THE BEST bakery!! The owner is so kind and an amazingly talented baker! Make sure you check her hours on Facebook as they are limited to Fri-Sat. It's located in a super cute historic part of town called Reeder's Alley just a few minutes away.
12 paikallista suosittelee
Cotton-Top Pastries
212 S Park AveCotton Top is THE BEST bakery!! The owner is so kind and an amazingly talented baker! Make sure you check her hours on Facebook as they are limited to Fri-Sat. It's located in a super cute historic part of town called Reeder's Alley just a few minutes away.
Windbag is a restaurant and bar on the walking mall. You can find some great pub style food here like burgers, sandwiches, salads, and wings. When you stop in, make sure you ask someone about the building's history! It has quite the reputation around Helena. Happy Hour is Monday-Friday 3pm-6pm, all beer, house wine, and well liquor for $3!
27 paikallista suosittelee
Windbag Saloon & Grill
19 S Last Chance Gulch StWindbag is a restaurant and bar on the walking mall. You can find some great pub style food here like burgers, sandwiches, salads, and wings. When you stop in, make sure you ask someone about the building's history! It has quite the reputation around Helena. Happy Hour is Monday-Friday 3pm-6pm, all beer, house wine, and well liquor for $3!
Nosh is open for breakfast and lunch and has some great gluten free and veggie options.
9 paikallista suosittelee
Nosh Cafe
101 6th AveNosh is open for breakfast and lunch and has some great gluten free and veggie options.
No Sweat is a Helena classic downtown on the Gulch. There is a chance you may need to wait for a table, but the food is tasty! I love their pancakes and their potato hash options! Remember, it's CASH ONLY!
20 paikallista suosittelee
No Sweat Cafe
427 N Last Chance GulchNo Sweat is a Helena classic downtown on the Gulch. There is a chance you may need to wait for a table, but the food is tasty! I love their pancakes and their potato hash options! Remember, it's CASH ONLY!
A slightly classier option, On Broadway has fabulous pasta dishes and is one of Helena's tried and true spots. They have a full bar if you're crazing a cocktail. Check online to see if there is live jazz playing!
53 paikallista suosittelee
On Broadway
106 E Broadway StA slightly classier option, On Broadway has fabulous pasta dishes and is one of Helena's tried and true spots. They have a full bar if you're crazing a cocktail. Check online to see if there is live jazz playing!
Big Dipper is a Montana favorite ice cream shop. They have staple flavors and a rotating few depending on the season.
40 paikallista suosittelee
Big Dipper Ice Cream
58 N Last Chance GulchBig Dipper is a Montana favorite ice cream shop. They have staple flavors and a rotating few depending on the season.
Wassweiler is a high end restaurant a little ways outside of town.
16 paikallista suosittelee
Wassweiler Dinner House and Pub
4528 US-12Wassweiler is a high end restaurant a little ways outside of town.
This cafe is just a couple blocks away and has a pick up window if you want to just grab and go!
The Grateful Bread Bakery and Cafe
201 N Rodney StThis cafe is just a couple blocks away and has a pick up window if you want to just grab and go!
This spot used to just be a food truck, but has recently set up shop above Reeder's Alley, an easy walk from the house. Their menu is great, always changing, and they are dedicated to keeping ingredients fresh! Sit on the outdoor patio and you'll have a nice view of Helena!
Saigon Alley
139 Reeders AlleyThis spot used to just be a food truck, but has recently set up shop above Reeder's Alley, an easy walk from the house. Their menu is great, always changing, and they are dedicated to keeping ingredients fresh! Sit on the outdoor patio and you'll have a nice view of Helena!
We bring everyone here because it's a staple in the Helena Downtown experience. Browse around this quirky coffee shop full of knick knacks, candy, and post cards. Be sure to give yourself time, they are a sit down experience, not a quick coffee to go!
23 paikallista suosittelee
General Mercantile
413 N Last Chance GulchWe bring everyone here because it's a staple in the Helena Downtown experience. Browse around this quirky coffee shop full of knick knacks, candy, and post cards. Be sure to give yourself time, they are a sit down experience, not a quick coffee to go!
Montago is currently set up in the front window of the Last Chance Market slinging espresso like no one else in town! They are hands down the best baristas in Helena with lots of knowledge, high quality products, chill vibes, and friendly faces! They also have a mobile coffee trailer, so check Montago's social media to find out where they are before you head out! We love Rachel and Steven!
8 paikallista suosittelee
Montago Coffee Co
317 Cruse AvenueMontago is currently set up in the front window of the Last Chance Market slinging espresso like no one else in town! They are hands down the best baristas in Helena with lots of knowledge, high quality products, chill vibes, and friendly faces! They also have a mobile coffee trailer, so check Montago's social media to find out where they are before you head out! We love Rachel and Steven!
A new-ish place to grab lunch! Chef Dave has been providing Helena with amazing grub in a variety of ways, but has finally set up a brick and mortar shop that never disappoints. The menu changes regularly based on accessible fresh ingredients as well as the Chef's creativity!
7 paikallista suosittelee
612ChefWorks , Last Chance Market & Catering
32 West 6th AvenueA new-ish place to grab lunch! Chef Dave has been providing Helena with amazing grub in a variety of ways, but has finally set up a brick and mortar shop that never disappoints. The menu changes regularly based on accessible fresh ingredients as well as the Chef's creativity!
If you're looking for the real deal when it comes to dinner --- this is it. The cost ain't cheap, but some things in life are worth splurging. This is farm to table, intentional, beautiful dining!
Maison
2245 Head LnIf you're looking for the real deal when it comes to dinner --- this is it. The cost ain't cheap, but some things in life are worth splurging. This is farm to table, intentional, beautiful dining!
This place seems to be a hidden gem of Helena. This a restaurant inside a golf course country club in town, but it's casual pub grub is gooooood!! You can also play virtual golf while you're there -- I've heard it's free!?
Muni's Sports Grille
This place seems to be a hidden gem of Helena. This a restaurant inside a golf course country club in town, but it's casual pub grub is gooooood!! You can also play virtual golf while you're there -- I've heard it's free!?
We have so many bar-food type places here, Hokkaido is such a breath of fresh air if you're wanting something besides a burger and fries. The ramen is amazing and we love their chicken wings as well (we can't escape that bar food...).
8 paikallista suosittelee
Helena Hokkaido Ramen & Izakaya
825 Great Northern BoulevardWe have so many bar-food type places here, Hokkaido is such a breath of fresh air if you're wanting something besides a burger and fries. The ramen is amazing and we love their chicken wings as well (we can't escape that bar food...).
Most of the restaurants in our guidebook are downtown, this one is not! It's a little odd as it's a casino/family restaurant (welcome to Helena), but we would bet big money that they have the best burger in town. It's a classic, nothing fancy, greasy delicious cheeseburger under $10. This place is famous for their chicken....get the burger!
8 paikallista suosittelee
Suds Hut
2701 N Montana AveMost of the restaurants in our guidebook are downtown, this one is not! It's a little odd as it's a casino/family restaurant (welcome to Helena), but we would bet big money that they have the best burger in town. It's a classic, nothing fancy, greasy delicious cheeseburger under $10. This place is famous for their chicken....get the burger!
Grab a slice or order a whole pizza. They also serve sandwiches and salads. We love the Philly cheesesteak! It's right next to the Blackfoot Brewery so we like to grab a bite and bring it next door to enjoy with our beer.
6 paikallista suosittelee
Brooklyn Pizza and Pasta Company
70 South Park AvenueGrab a slice or order a whole pizza. They also serve sandwiches and salads. We love the Philly cheesesteak! It's right next to the Blackfoot Brewery so we like to grab a bite and bring it next door to enjoy with our beer.
Ristorante Bella Roma
22 N Last Chance GulchPasta made in house, the chef is from Rome!
Slim Chickens
1450 Prospect AvenueNeed some food fast? Slim Chickens is a fast food chicken sandwich and wing stop.
Parks & Nature
Another great place to find numerous hiking and biking trails!
10 paikallista suosittelee
Mount Ascension
Another great place to find numerous hiking and biking trails!
Canyon Ferry Lake is about a twenty-five minute drive outside of town and totally worth it!
25 paikallista suosittelee
Canyon Ferry Lake
Canyon Ferry Lake is about a twenty-five minute drive outside of town and totally worth it!
Some green space downtown (the Farmer's Market sets up near this park in the summer time).
Womens Park
500 Fuller AveSome green space downtown (the Farmer's Market sets up near this park in the summer time).
Sightseeing
Grab a self-guiding tour booklet and wander around the Capitol.
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Montana State Capitol
1301 E 6th AveGrab a self-guiding tour booklet and wander around the Capitol.
The Cathedral is a must see in Helena. It's gorgeous inside and out.
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Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N Ewing StThe Cathedral is a must see in Helena. It's gorgeous inside and out.
Another seasonal activity a little ways out of town. The Gates of the Mountains tour boat is super fun! You'll be on the same waters as Lewis and Clark, see some gorgeous views, and learn more about Montana history.
28 paikallista suosittelee
Gates of the Mountains
3131 Gates of the Mountains RdAnother seasonal activity a little ways out of town. The Gates of the Mountains tour boat is super fun! You'll be on the same waters as Lewis and Clark, see some gorgeous views, and learn more about Montana history.
Drinks & Nightlife
The Blackfoot is our favorite brewery in town. Keep in mind that you can bring in your own food to the breweries and they close at 8pm!
50 paikallista suosittelee
Blackfoot River Brewing Co
66 S Park AveThe Blackfoot is our favorite brewery in town. Keep in mind that you can bring in your own food to the breweries and they close at 8pm!
Ten Mile Creek is on the walking mall downtown and takes about ten minutes to walk there. They've got plenty of room and a great patio looking onto the mall.
29 paikallista suosittelee
Ten Mile Creek Brewery
48 N Last Chance GulchTen Mile Creek is on the walking mall downtown and takes about ten minutes to walk there. They've got plenty of room and a great patio looking onto the mall.
We absolutely love The Hawthorn! The ambiance is welcoming yet classy and the staff is very knowledgeable and eager to help you find the perfect glass of wine! They also serve beer from breweries across Montana, bottled beer from all over the world, wine cocktails, and tasty snacks.
32 paikallista suosittelee
The Hawthorn Bottle Shop and Tasting Room
46 N Last Chance GulchWe absolutely love The Hawthorn! The ambiance is welcoming yet classy and the staff is very knowledgeable and eager to help you find the perfect glass of wine! They also serve beer from breweries across Montana, bottled beer from all over the world, wine cocktails, and tasty snacks.
Our local distillery is great place to grab a cocktail, but make sure you get there before 8pm! Because it's considered a tasting room, they have last call at 8pm (same with the breweries).
15 paikallista suosittelee
Gulch Distillers
790 Front StOur local distillery is great place to grab a cocktail, but make sure you get there before 8pm! Because it's considered a tasting room, they have last call at 8pm (same with the breweries).
Miller's is a full bar within walking distance that offers pool tables and live music (check online for events)
11 paikallista suosittelee
Miller's Crossing
52 S Park AveMiller's is a full bar within walking distance that offers pool tables and live music (check online for events)
This spot is new to Helena and a great place if you're looking for a wide variety of drink options. They have TONS of beer on tap (local/national/international), multiple ciders, wine, and more!
8 paikallista suosittelee
Headwaters Crafthouse
2125 North Last Chance GulchThis spot is new to Helena and a great place if you're looking for a wide variety of drink options. They have TONS of beer on tap (local/national/international), multiple ciders, wine, and more!
Not located in the downtown strip, but a very popular spot. Unlike the other breweries, this place is open late. You may recognize some of their beers as they have expanded into lots of distribution the last few years.
10 paikallista suosittelee
Lewis & Clark Brewing Co.
1517 Dodge AveNot located in the downtown strip, but a very popular spot. Unlike the other breweries, this place is open late. You may recognize some of their beers as they have expanded into lots of distribution the last few years.
Actually called COPPER Furrow (google hasn't caught up with the change), this place isn't downtown but perfect if you want to chill outdoors. We love their backyard, especially if you have kids with you.
13 paikallista suosittelee
Crooked Furrow Brewing
2801 N Roberts StActually called COPPER Furrow (google hasn't caught up with the change), this place isn't downtown but perfect if you want to chill outdoors. We love their backyard, especially if you have kids with you.
Arts & Culture
The Holter is free to stroll around in and the exhibits are always changing. It's downtown just blocks from the Cathedral.
39 paikallista suosittelee
Holter Museum of Art
12 E Lawrence StThe Holter is free to stroll around in and the exhibits are always changing. It's downtown just blocks from the Cathedral.
The Archie Bray Foundation is a haven for ceramic artists. You can wander around their property and see a plethora of ceramic art strewn around the campus! It's such a fun and unique experience, a hidden gem of Helena.
17 paikallista suosittelee
Archie Bray Foundation
2915 Country Club AveThe Archie Bray Foundation is a haven for ceramic artists. You can wander around their property and see a plethora of ceramic art strewn around the campus! It's such a fun and unique experience, a hidden gem of Helena.
Shopping
The Base Camp
5 E Broadway StAll things unique and antique! We love browsing around in Golden Girls. Check out our fav booth by Hoot Owl -- it's upstairs on the left wall with a fun stripe painted behind it! You can't miss it.
Golden Girls Antiques Mall
505 N Last Chance GulchAll things unique and antique! We love browsing around in Golden Girls. Check out our fav booth by Hoot Owl -- it's upstairs on the left wall with a fun stripe painted behind it! You can't miss it.
Essentials
Safeway
611 N Montana AveB & B Market
100 N Rodney StVan's Thriftway
306 Euclid AveReal Food Market & Deli
1096 Helena AveRodney Street Laundry
122 N Rodney StClosest laundromat to downtown