Cheers to Happy Hours in Montana’s Yellowstone Country

One Legged Magpie Red Lodge, Jess Coulter

A good happy hour with friends and family is one of life’s simple pleasures. One of our favorite feelings is a cold beer after a long hike or a hot toddy with friends après ski, pumped up on endorphins, legs tired, cheeks red, and flowing laughter. It’s a chance to slow down, swap stories, and enjoy the warm hospitality of our neighbors in Montana’s Yellowstone Country. We’ve rounded up several we like, but you’ll find food and drink specials in most establishments, and we encourage you to find your favorite! 

Happy Hour Bar, Hebgen Lake

We thought it fitting to start with the most aptly named, and their happy hour is unique; the day varies depending on what season it is, but the specials include a one lb. bucket of snow crab legs and a build-your-own taco bar! The restaurant and bar sit on the water with a lively deck and spectacular views.

Yellowstone Beer Company, West Yellowstone

The beer selection at Yellowstone Beer Company is fantastic – a mix of their delicious craft beers and other brews from around Montana, sixteen to be exact! But don’t let the name fool you; they also have a full bar and restaurant for those who aren’t beer connoisseurs. Enjoy various games on their second floor, including pool, shuffleboard, air hockey, and board games. Happy hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. and features $5 draft pints, $2 Rainier pints, $5 cocktails, and $2 off appetizers.

Tips Up, Big Sky

Tips Up in Big Sky is a local favorite after downhill skiing at Big Sky Resort or Nordic skiing at Lone Mountain Ranch. They have live music of all genres, line dancing lessons, plus shuffleboard, cornhole, arcade games, and a casino featuring live poker. If you’re a fried chicken sandwich fan, you’ll want to try this. 

Rockin’ R Bar, Bozeman

If you’ve been to Bozeman, you likely know about the Rockin’ R. It’s one of the iconic pubs in town, a favorite place for watching the Montana State Bobcats. Started in the late 1940s, its Main Street location has drawn students, travelers, and residents together. An explosion in 2009 destroyed the original building, but they quickly rebuilt and, in 2011, opened an even bigger and better sports bar. Happy hour specials run from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

Photo by Taylar Robbins

The Mint Bar and Grill, Livingston

Ever a popular hangout, The Mint has elevated its food game in recent years, and now people enjoy eating as much as imbibing. Taco Tuesday brings a rotating selection of delicious tacos each week, and their late-night happy hour is one for the night owls. From 10 p.m. to close, they offer $3 well drinks and domestic bottled beer (excluding nights with live music or special events).

Bogart’s, Red Lodge

Arguably one of the liveliest establishments in Red Lodge, Bogart’s serves up delicious Mexican food and some killer margaritas. (Don’t worry if you’re not a Mexican food lover; they also have burgers, pizza, soup, and salad on their menu!) Their margaritas are half-price during happy hour, Mon through Thurs, 4 to 6 p.m.!

Brigade, Bozeman

Brigade is the place to go if you enjoy martinis and oysters. Every day from 3 to 6 p.m., choose from a gin, vodka, Cosm, or berry martini for just $3. (And let me tell you, they don’t skimp!) The Chef’s choice of oysters is $3 each, and the draft beer is $3.

Babcock and Miles Wine Bar and Café, Red Lodge

Babcock and Miles offer $3 off sommelier-curated wine pours every Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. Stay for dinner and enjoy one of their small plates or sandwiches, or perhaps peruse the specialty items next door for dinner at home! 

Hachi Sushi Pub, Bozeman

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6 p.m. daily and includes free games in the arcade! The menu comprises specialty cocktails, sushi rolls, wings, dumplings, and Hachi tots — tater tots with wasabi aioli, togarashi, scallions, and nori goma. And the pub welcomes kids with arcade games and shuffleboard fun! 

Check out more food and drink establishments in Yellowstone Country!