Stranded in the Salt Lake City airport, spending an entire day in that familiar no man’s land known as a layover, I can only remember the send off that my favorite local pub gave me last night. The snow is flying – the first snow of the season. It started last night, a steady dumping of flakes completely covering the ground. Here in no man’s land, the snow is still falling. The sky is blank, a spotless white expanse. The only thing missing from this scene is the comfort derived from a hot plateful of Shepherd’s Pie, and the homespun cheer of a true blue Irish pub. Luck is not only for the Irish, and lucky for me, that is exactly what I enjoyed last night in Bozeman’s own neighborhood pub.

The Bacchus Pub, at heart a gathering place, offers that and much more. It is located in the historic Baxter Hotel in downtown Bozeman, and is open for lunch, dinner, and nighttime revelry. The cozy interior boasts a polished wood bar and scattered tables, all of which are sturdy and broad enough to hold a variety of delicious food and drink. The range of the menu is surprising, and it is evident that many hours of work have gone into designing a well rounded, expansive menu. The options range from pizzas to sandwiches, burgers to soups, salads to classic pub comfort food. For those that are in search of a tasty snack along with their libation, side dish nibbles abound.

Sitting here in my weather imposed vacation, with only my music and my words to occupy me, I can’t help but think of batches of hot buttered rum and bowls of bubbling french onion soup. These warming delights, as well as pub grub staples such as Chicken Pot Pie and beef and vegetable Pasty would taste perfect in this weather.

Last night’s special was pork tacos. Thursdays are regular taco nights, and pork with green chile verde was the flavor of the night. Tacos are somewhat of a specialty for the good lads in the kitchen, and they alternately offer beef, pork and fish tacos. The fish tacos are such a treat that they have permanent position on the menu. Pieces of crispy fried cod are wrapped in grilled pita bread. The bread is toasted so that crackling browned bubbles pop out over the surface, providing a counterpoint to the chewy, yeasty quality of the bread. Remoulade, coleslaw, and cheddar fill out the pita. These light flavors, along with the cod, make for a mini island vacation.

The Irish pub holds a special place in our collective imagination. Images of small crowded rooms, full of music, cheer, beer, friends, strangers, and comfort food come to mind. Most of all it is a meeting place. As such, it plays host to all types, and here it is no different. On any given night a group of guys may be watching the game on the three flatscreen TVs positioned above the bar. Beside them may be an older couple enjoying dinner, wine, and conversation. From the traveler stopping in as she passes through, to the regular known by name to the wait staff, The Bacchus is always hospitable and always welcoming.
The Cest La Vie vibe belies the organization and hard work that has been done to boost the all around appeal of the pub. Much attention has been paid to ensuring that the best ingredients are used in the kitchen. From the fresh veggies in the salads to the aged Dubliner Cheddar used in the mac and cheese, the hard work has paid off – the results are on the plate (but not for long)!

Thin pizzas emerge out of the oven as if from Italy itself and burgers represent the homeland. The meat is classic Montana – hearty and filling. The fixings – creative, original, flavorful, yet simple and down to earth – are pure Bozeman. The Roughstock comes with bbq sauce, cheddar, bacon, and caramelized onions, while The Hippie features avocado, artichoke hearts, spinach, and goat cheese. For those looking for a lighter lunch, the salad list is comprehensive. Traditional Caesar, Cobb, and Caprese salads are on the menu alongside fresh treats such as the Apple & Walnut salad.

It’s often said, but nothing is truer – service can make or break a restaurant. The Bacchus’ is some of the best in the Rockies. At the bar, drinks appear as if by magic. Magic it is not – the service, organization, and business acumen of the management has oiled this machine to perfection. The seeming effortlessness of the experience is a beautiful illusion – one that lets the diner relax. The servers and bartenders, quick on their feet and knowledgeable, are ready and willing to help you navigate the menu, describing the many dishes and answering questions.

Whether you thirst for something refreshing, warming, or bracing, the bar is well stocked and loaded. Moscow mules, a concoction of ginger beer, vodka, and lime served in traditional heavy copper mugs are a house specialty. If you’re ducking in out of the cold to warm up, sip at some hot buttered rum or a hot toddy. The selection of beer on tap includes local artisan brews, and the wall behind the bar is covered in colored glass bottles holding various liquors.

Right now the snow is still falling outside the huge windows, and planes are being de-iced. Spending the afternoon thinking about comforting pub grub while surrounded by airport food is torture. I look forward to coming home. I know my first stop will be the pub, but am unsure as to what I will order. I’ve got five days to decide.

Not To Miss…
Fish Tacos,
Mac & Cheese,
Shepherd’s Pie

Location: 105 W. Main St.
Phone: (406)522-0079
Hours: 11AM – 1AM
(Kitchen Closes at 10PM Mon-Sat, 9PM Sunday)
Website: www.bacchuspubbozeman.com

A Bozeman native, Chelsea Hunt has witnessed an explosion of good food in the valley in recent years. Reading about, writing about, and eating good food make her happy.  photos Jessie Moore

Thank you for reading our online dining review for Bozeman’s Bacchus Pub, find many more in our Dining section online and every month in print.