The Best Breweries in Bozeman, Montana

Written by Kelsey Frey Updated on

Bozeman's been brewing beer longer than you might think. The roots of the city's brewing industry date back to 1867 with Jacob Spieth and Charles Krug operating the Spieth and Krug Brewery, which was later purchased by Julius Lehrkind, a German immigrant, in 1895. That's over 150 years of turning Montana grain into something worth drinking.

Fast-forward to today, and this college town has developed into one of the state's most impressive craft beer scenes. From experimental IPAs to classic lagers, Bozeman's breweries are putting out quality beer that truly holds its own.

Whether you're a self-described beer snob or just looking for a good pint after a day on the mountain, these are the best breweries in Bozeman.

Planning a trip to Bozeman? Download our Travel Guide for tips on where to stay, how to get around, and events to attend while you’re in town! 

The Best Breweries in Bozeman (In No Particular Order)

Bozeman Brewing Company's exterior

Bozeman Brewing Company

The oldest of the best breweries in Bozeman, Bozeman Brewing Company has been brewing beer since 2001. Located in the Bozeman Brewery Historic District and lovingly called "Bozone," their casual tasting room is a local's hangout. It's a beer-only room, so it's perfect for a post-powder day beer or a pre-dinner warmer.

Their most popular beer is the Bozone Amber, which you can find at most bars and restaurants around town. Two of their other staples — the Hopzone IPA and Gallatin Pale — are also quite popular, and definitely worth your time (and tastebuds).

 

Outlaw Brewing

You'll find Outlaw Brewing behind Target and Bob Ward's on North 27th Street. It sits at the edge of a neighborhood and has a very local, family-friendly feel.

The beers are great, including their Pot Shot Pilsner, Hop Mullet IPA, and Summit Dog Double IPA. Feeling strong? Hop on the pull-up bar to earn a free beer during Tough Guy/Gal Tuesday. In the summer, enjoy their outdoor patio in the sun while snacking on some free popcorn or chowing down on food from any of the rotating food trucks currently parked onsite.

 

Bar staff and customers chatting inside Mountains Walking Brewery

Mountains Walking Brewery

Also located in the Historic Bozeman Brewery District, Mountains Walking features a large range of classic and experimental beers. You'll always find several hefty double-IPAs, along with unique seasonal beers. People love the Damsel Fly Pale Ale and the Grazing Clouds IPA.

The brewery's owner also started a "phantom brewery" called New Hokkaido, inspired by his childhood growing up in Japan. The Yamabiko, a Japanese rice Lager, is among the most popular of New Hokkaido's beers, which are always on tap at Mountains Walking.

In the summer months, Mountains Walking offers two "slushies" — one mixed with seltzer and one with beer. Trust us, they're worth a try!

The rest of their beers are often inventive, and the ambience is a mix of cozy and trendy (making it a great spot for a date night in Bozeman!). Fermented crust wood-fired pizza makes a menu powered by savory melted cheese, and you can taste the impact of their hand-built wood burning oven on the whole array of food offerings that pair perfectly with handcrafted brews.

 

Interior of Après Brewing

Après Brewing

The newest of Bozeman's breweries, Après Brewing opened in 2024 and is located near Montana State University. It's a smaller establishment, but still has a variety of beers, from IPAs to lagers to sours.

Try their aptly named Chairlift Lager, best paired with a side of parmesan truffle fries (our favorite) or one of the other appetizers on their menu. Après also serves pizzas and breakfast burritos in addition to coffee — that's right, if you're in need of a pick-me-up, you can grab both a pint and a latte!

 

Freefall Brewery & Audrey's Pizza

Grab great pizza and equally great beer at Freefall Brewery & Audrey's Pizza on North 7th Avenue! With both classic beers and creative inventions on the menu (for example, the current menu features a Salted Caramel Coffee Stout and a Peppered Amber Lager), there's something for every beer drinker to enjoy.

This family-owned and operated restaurant pays homage to the original "Audrey’s Pizza Oven," a favorite in the Gallatin Valley for decades. The current establishment brings back nostalgia-inducing comfort food (think sauce-covered wings, soft pretzel bites with tangy beer cheese, and crispy garlic bread) in a laid-back, welcoming space.

 

A couple cheers-ing on MAP Brewing Company's lawn overlooking a lake and the Bridger Mountains.

MAP Brewing Company

The views from MAP Brewing Company are tough to beat — just another reason why it's one of the best breweries in Bozeman! The giant windows look out onto the west shore of Glen Lake with a stellar view of the Bridger Mountains in the background.

MAP also serves some killer pub food, so it's a popular spot for lunch and dinner too. During the summer you can rent paddle boards nearby and spend a few hours cruising around the lake and, of course, finish with food and drinks on the patio (making it one of the best things to do with kids in Bozeman too!). Be sure to try local favorites like the Midas Crush IPA, Party Lager (typically topped with a fresh lime), or the Strange Cattle IPA.

When people visit Bozeman for the first time, this brewery is almost always at the top of the list. Because of its popularity, tables can fill up quick, so make sure to arrive way before your hanger does.

 

Beer and pizza at Bridger Brewing

Bridger Brewing

Bridger Brewing is located right across 11th Street from the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse. You'll find classic beers and what many argue is the best pizza in town (try the Elote pizza, with roasted corn, cotija cheese, and honey lime sour cream — you won't be disappointed).

It's a popular hangout for families, MSU students, or anyone attending events at the Fieldhouse. Try out their Vigilante IPA or the Ghost Town Coffee Stout. If you want something a little lighter, the Mad Mile Cream Ale, Premo Pilsner, Bone Dust Wheat Ale, and any of their rotating sours are great, too.

During the warmer months, grab a seat on the upstairs patio with stunning views of the Bridger Mountains. This makes it one of our favorite things to do in Bozeman in the summer!

 

Interior of Last Best Place Brewing Company

Last Best Place Brewing Company

Montana's unofficial nickname is the "Last Best Place" — hence the name of Last Best Place Brewing Company. You'll find this brewery at the intersection of 7th Avenue and Durston Road, in Bozeman's Midtown neighborhood.

All of Last Best Place's beers are gluten-reduced, so those sensitive to gluten can also partake. The beers on tap rotate, but you can bet there'll be a style you'll enjoy. While there's no food on the menu, you're welcome to grab something beforehand — the food trucks on 7th Avenue are a short walk away, or you're welcome to get food delivered.

 

People sitting inside Bunkhouse Brewery

Bunkhouse Brewery

Bunkhouse Brewery sits in Four Corners, and focuses on bringing back an older style of German brewing while still producing popular beers. Named for Montana's frontier heritage — the bunkhouse is where workers would gather at the end of a long day — this is a great spot to wind down after an exciting day spent hiking or skiing. Enjoy pints of their popular Sabino Red Ale or the Forklift Rodeo Hazy IPA in their large taproom.

 

Notable Taprooms

Looking to try some brews from a variety of local and regional breweries? Check out some of Bozeman's best taprooms, including:

Hop Lounge

SHINE Beer Sanctuary + Bottle Shop

Bozeman Taproom

Pour House

 

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Kelsey Frey

Kelsey Frey