The History Behind YC Tavern Culture

Stop by any town in Montana, and you’ll find a historic tavern. Many boast beautiful hand-carved back bars shipped from other areas to the state. As mining, cattle ranching and railroad expansions dominated the jobs here, taverns were a place for people to come together after work to enjoy camaraderie, and occasionally a bit of good-hearted revelry.

Montana approved prohibition in 1916, taking effect in 1918, well ahead of national prohibition in 1920. It was also the first state to repeal state prohibition in 1926, although federal prohibition remained in place until 1933. In 1947, Montana enacted a strict quota on liquor licenses, allowing one “all-service” license per 1,500 residents, with existing licenses grandfathered in.

As you make your way around the state, you’ll likely notice some common tavern names like the Mint, the Stockman, and the Iron Horse, and the commonality behind the names is an interesting backstory. Folklore suggests The Mint was named for “good luck, striking it rich, or a place to trade gold for cash.” This was where miners and laborers gathered, and it’s said that, since they could cash their paychecks at the bar, these establishments sometimes had more money on hand than the banks! Today, The Mint Bar and Grill in Livingston serves great food and drinks (I’ve tried the Sunday Cubano special — it was authentic and delicious!), and you’ll still find local clientele bellied up to the bar.



Belgrade also has a Mint Cafe and Bar, and its owners note that their establishment used to have shower stalls, cigars, sandwiches, a bank and a safe. It was a place where miners could have a shower, a shave, and socialize with the local community. Today, they are known for their delicious steaks and genuine Montana vibe.

In a similar fashion, establishments under the Stockman name catered to the cattlemen and ranchers. In Livingston, the Stockman (now closed) opened in 1883, when the town had just 3,000 residents but 33 saloons! Recently, a new Stockman's Bar opened in downtown Bozeman, next door to where the original bar used to be. Although the furnishings are new, the décor is reminiscent of the era's original styles, with dark colors, interesting taxidermy and a beautiful back bar.



As the railroad expanded west, railroad workers nicknamed the steam locomotives "Iron Horses," and, as you might expect, this became another popular bar name catering to railroad employees. In Gardiner, the Iron Horse Bar and Grille sits on the banks of the Yellowstone River, just a few blocks from the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park. It has ample outdoor seating with fantastic views, and the interior is full of authentic Western décor, memorabilia and historical photos.

Today, these historic watering holes still welcome travelers and offer the timeless character of Montana, reminiscent of days of old. You’ll likely hear colorful stories and meet some local characters, and even if you don’t imbibe, it’s a great way to immerse yourself in a bit of Montana history.