Boy, when summer time hits in Bozeman, you can feel it. I’m not just talking about the heat though. I’m talking about the excitement, the veritable buzz in the air as people venture out to farmers’ markets, live music, summertime festivals, the river, camping, fishing, hiking, etc., etc. With all the hard playing we love to do, it makes sense that Bozemanites would also want a variety of places to unwind with a good meal and cold drink after their adventures. This summer is no exception when it comes to those offerings. New restaurants, food trucks, breweries, and more have been popping up left and right, feeding on that summertime excitement. It’s time for you to step out of your comfort zone and find a new favorite place to unwind after a jam-packed, fun-filled summer day!

Midtown Tavern
A welcome addition to the North Seventh Avenue area of town, Midtown Tavern is already being welcomed with open arms by those who lamented the loss of Ferraro’s. Taking that same space and transforming it into something of their own, the folks at Midtown Tavern offer a warm, fun environment with delicious, comfortable food designed for all appetites. Midtown is the creation of the founders and owners of 14th North downtown, and is billed as Bozeman’s newest hangout. Their menu offers plenty of variety, consisting of Smalls, Stacks, and Bigs depending on the size of your appetite. Try delicious items like their Scotch eggs, chicken in waffle, shrimp po’ boy, or a nice selection of classic steak dishes. As we’ve come to expect from these culinary masterminds, their happy hour specials are hard to beat. From 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. – 10 p.m., enjoy discounted drinks and Smalls, as well as a few dishes specifically created for happy hour times. Open every day from 4 p.m. – 11 p.m. and as the space continues to evolve, this is definitely on the right track to becoming a Bozeman hotspot.


Caspian
Are you craving something truly unique to our little mountain town food brigade? How about a mix of Persian and Mediterranean cuisine? Caspian serves what you’re after. Owner and founder Amir Pazouki moved here from Iran to pursue a degree at Montana State University, where he eventually decided he wanted to open a restaurant, just as his parents had done. With a lack of Middle Eastern restaurants in this town, Caspian fills that void with unbelievable, completely unique flavors. You’ll want to try delicious dishes like fessenjoon, which is a pomegranate stew including saffron rice, ground walnut, and your choice of chicken, meatballs, or mushrooms. They also boast a hearty kabob menu, which they serve late-night during the weekend. They offer a lot of delicious combination plates if you’d like to try a bit of all of them. And how about some real-deal baklava? That’s the perfect way to finish a delightful meal at Caspian. Throw in a solid beer and wine selection and you’ll surely enjoy every experience at this new Bozeman eatery. They are open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Friday from 11 p.m. -1 a.m., and Saturday, 5 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Dean’s Zesty Booch
Now, here’s something truly unique for your palate: kombucha brewed right here in Bozeman, Montana. Kombucha is a fermented tea drink that traces its origins back to China and Russia. While this uniquely flavored elixir has seen a rise in popularity in recent years, it still seems foreign and surprising to others. For those still not in the know about kombucha, sugar, bacteria, and yeast are combined with tea, sometimes with fruit for added flavor, to create this drink. The result is a naturally carbonated brew, with slightly vinegary notes, boasting benefits for your digestion thanks to the probiotics and other natural health properties developed during fermentation. Dean’s Zesty Booch is a kombucha brewery located in the newly renovated Cannery District that uses purified water, organic tea, pure organic sugar cane, whole fruit, and cold-pressed juices resulting in a variety of tongue-tingling flavors. Featuring creations like strawberry lemon mint, a ginger lover’s brew, and a pineapple blend, there’s something for everyone looking to tantalize their taste buds. Visit Dean’s Zesty Booch every day from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. and keep your eyes peeled for their newest brew creations in the future.

Moe’s Original BBQ Food Truck
Maybe you’re the type of person who likes your food to come to you. If that’s the case, the newest addition to the Bozeman food truck fleet should have you drooling from location to location. Moe’s Original BBQ can scratch your itch for delicious southern food. Now, barbeque is something that has to be done with finesse and consistency. But, when you do get it right, customers will be as loyal as they come. Moe’s is on the right track and already developing an intensely loyal following. Let’s let the menu speak for itself, shall we? From sandwiches to platters to family pack carryout, you’re bound to be in hog heaven with their food. A classic barbeque staple, their ribs come in portions of six or four, they are hand-seasoned with a unique blend of housemade (or truckmade?) spices, and then sauced to perfection right before serving. Of course you’ll find about every southern classic a person could ask for on their menu: sides like mac and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, and even a banana pudding. And that’s not even scratching the surface of their pulled pork or southern fried catfish. Look for this red truck of BBQ delight all over town, but some of their favorite locations include Simms Fishing, Ressler Motors, Dry Hills Distillery, and The Boot Barn in the afternoons and evenings. Check them out on Facebook for updated location information.

Bisl Food
One of the latest additions to the downtown foodie scene, Bisl offers a unique culinary experience that transports all of your senses to a new gastronomical destination while using the most Montana-esque ingredients to be found. With ties to one of Bozeman’s restaurant staples, Starky’s, head chef Davey has traveled the world, studying under famous chefs and working in sustainable restaurants, always keeping his eyes on the prize of returning to Montana to open his own restaurant. His wife, Kierst, also possesses an intense passion for food, but handles the management side of Bisl. Their food is served tapas style and meant to be part of the experience of sharing and gathering for delicious meals. If you’re looking for an adventure, this is your destination with a menu that includes dishes like beef tartare, octopus, and Roughstock whiskey ice cream as a sweet finish to your meal. They also rotate seasonal dishes and offer fun happy hour specials. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 4:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., this is a restaurant you must work into your downtown rotation.

With this small sampling of new food and drink delights in Bozeman, one thing stands out: we’re gaining unique places filled with cuisine and other treats that will take you on a culinary journey without ever leaving city limits. Bozeman continues to grow and mark itself on the map as a must-do destination for recreation as well as drinking and dining. Imbibe on, friends!