Best of Bozeman 2024 Results

A seasonal change is well underway with the locals squeezing in their final, light-layered outdoor adventures as the elements allow. Montana dawns and dusks have turned brisk with the brilliant autumn hues signaling the fast-approaching first snow. While our resident skiers and snowboarders are eager to hit the bountiful slopes, some are still reveling in the temperate, colorful days of fall that always feel far too limited.

The greater Bozeman area finds itself at an inflection point of its own, one that has developed over time but has accelerated in the years following the pandemic. With a broadening population and no cap to the growth in sight, our beloved town is experiencing the side effects of outgrowing its britches.

Easy access to the outdoor playgrounds of Southwest Montana have certainly been a main attractant for new residents, a boom our small business owners have taken in stride while retaining their quality of service for a much larger consumer base – all in the face of economic uncertainty and staffing challenges.

As we enjoy the shoulder season with (a little) less tourism congestion, it’s the time of year to celebrate our hardworking neighbors whose efforts enable our mountain lifestyle, driven by community and sense of place.

There are plenty of accolades to go around following close of polls for the Best of Bozeman, the original local survey highlighting the area’s favored food and beverage hotspots, arts and live music, recreational access and other service industries. As voted by YOU, here’s the complete breakdown of Bozeman’s best in 2024.

Though our stunning natural surroundings are an artistic work all their own, many wish to enhance their indoor spaces with a mounted piece. Find the perfect fit for your home with help from the professionals at Altitude Gallery. The contemporary dealer features an eclectic array of paintings and photography, glasswork and ceramics, as well as jewelry designed by local artists. Altitude wins Best Art Gallery.

Border a recent art purchase or give an existing piece new life with the services of The Frugal Frame Shop, who collected Best Frame Shop after their runner-up position last year. Their experienced team ensure fine artwork, photographs and reproductions a worthy presentation for your home or office.

A sitting space is incomplete without an heirloom of the past, whether handed down from an elder generation or found in the treasure trove that is the Antique Barn. The returning winner of Best Antique Store offers a rotating stock of rarities and collectables, furniture and other knickknacks from this Gallatin Gateway shop.

Fill an antique vase with a delicately crafted arrangement from Best Florist Labellum, who is no stranger to this category’s summit. The modern floral boutique is equipped to design for any occasion, whether a one-off special delivery or larger event like a wedding or family celebration.

Green thumbs are already looking to spring, seeding their gardens and lawns as Old Man Winter approaches. Find all the necessities at Cashman Nursery & Landscaping whose services have assisted local growers since 1898, winning Best Garden Shop / Nursery year after year. Their staff is always happy to help residents maintain a healthy and thriving yard.

Football season calls for plenty of places to sit and durable tabletops for snacks and game day revelry. Used Furniture Store has your weekend gatherings covered with a plethora of quality furnishings. The local reseller is also the preferred spot to find items for any living space need, taking the prize for Best Furniture and Used Furniture Store.

Curl up in a reading chair with a new spine from Country Bookshelf. The Downtown Bozeman store continues to thrive in the digital age for its expansive collection of imaginative stories and nonfiction titles, also attracting bookworms with regular author events. They’re once again your Best Bookstore.

Budding singer/songwriters and those looking to explore a new talent always have a friend in Music Villa, the long-standing source for instruments and equipment – the victors for Best Musical Instrument Store. The Main Street shop caters to any predilection with an experienced staff, many who moonlight as musicians themselves.

The resurgence of vinyl has been a welcome return for lovers of physical media. Cactus Records & Gifts not only houses a broad selection of LPs, but an experience the streaming era cannot replicate. The Best Record Store hosts a number of music-centric events and is also a great place for “weirdo” finds and gag gifts.

Finding the perfect gift is often a daunting task, whether you’re looking for a special someone or getting a jump on the holiday shopping season. Heyday has earned its reputation among Bozemanites for its spread of unique articles befitting of any lifestyle. The downtown boutique takes Best Place for Unique Gifts and Gifts for Her once again.

The fellas deserve some appreciation, at least once in a while. Best Place for Gifts for Him goes to Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply for their Western wear, tools and all the necessary supplies. Locations can be found in Bozeman and Four Corners.

Step into EVRGREEN when the need for a new outfit arises. With racks upon racks of the latest fashions and unbeatable deals, the Best Clothing Store attracts Bozeman’s most stylish with a selection of jewelry and accessories to complete every look.

If you’re focused on adding that particular piece to your armoire, peruse the collections of all the designers at Alara Jewelry. Their specialists guide shoppers through a broad assortment of earrings, bracelets and necklaces. The Best Place to Buy Jewelry also features Montana stones and custom design services.

Gift-givers and bargain shoppers needn’t look further than Sack’s of Bozeman, the area’s most established and Best Thrift Store. There’s plenty to uncover with everything from clothing to home goods. Plus, a portion of their proceeds go directly back into the community through a number of local nonprofits.

A pair of downtown retailers keep active Montanans comfortably on their feet. Best Shoe Store Schnee’s Boots & Shoes and Best Running Shoe Store Bozeman Running Co put their heart and sole into helping recreationists lace up with the best products on the market for every activity, from hiking and hunting to jogging and casual strolls.

Sustaining a Montana lifestyle is a dream for many, and a reality for those fortunate enough to call this place home. Thankfully we’ve access to a rich local economy of small businesses and folks already dialed in to what we need to stay healthy and happy – including putting food on the table.

Grab the ingredients needed for family dinner and fill the freezer with a trip to Town & Country Foods, an employee-owned Treasure State chain who’s been graciously serving the locals since the mid-60s. The Best Grocery Store offers all the essentials common to a neighborhood grocer, as well as fresh produce and juicy cuts for grilling. Find a great lunch from the express deli at either their new Ferguson Bozeman or East Main stores, with additional locations in Belgrade and Livingston. They’re also the Best Store to Buy Beer.

If you’re going the organic route, the Community Food Co-op should already be on your errand list. Member-owned, the aisles are stocked with natural food products and bulk fare. Pick up a bite from the soup & salad bar on the go from their original location or in Downtown Bozeman. The Co-op once again takes Best Eco-Friendly Products.

Special occasions call for proteins of choice to help celebrate around a table of family or friends. Find premium meats from beef to poultry at Daniels Gourmet Meats & Sausages. The Best Place to Shop for Meat features a companion grocery department and offers wild game processing services. Or net the freshest catches Montana has to offer at Primal Meat & Fish Market, a local shop known for their under the sea specialty and your Best Place to Shop for Seafood.

The forgetful have a friend in Joe’s Parkway. Their centrally located shop has everything you may have neglected to pick up, from grocery items canned or frozen to desserts and refreshments of every variety. They collected Best Convenience Store after a year off.

Fix a faulty pantry shelf or reseal the fridge with supplies from Owenhouse, the place with the friendly hardware folks. The Best Hardware Store is the source for local handymen and DIY patrons whose home improvement projects keep the place prim and proper. Though the downtown and West Bozeman stores are the exclusive winner in this category, alternate Ace locations can be found in Belgrade and Livingston.

Shifting gears, Gallatin Valley dwellers love to get out under the big skies of Montana – on foot and on wheels. There’s no off-season for off-roading and Summit Motorsports is eager to equip the adventurous as the repeat winner for Best ATV / Motor Sports Store. Though sledding season is due to arrive, Summit offers a new and used inventory of bikes, four-wheelers and watercraft with financing options available.

Travel for errands and to outdoor adventures requires transportation, with Ressler Motors establishing itself as the local business leaders and your Best Car Dealer. Their fleet of new and pre-owned models is bar none, whether you’re looking for a truck, SUV or sedan. Peruse an inventory of Chevrolet, Toyota and other brands at their Huffine lot that also houses a Collision Center whose services helped Ressler once again claim the prizes for Best Autobody and Automotive Repair.

Vehicles new and old need regular maintenance to operate, whether you’re a college student, stay at home parent or commute for work. Swing into Speedy Lube for a full-service change and other services to keep things running smoothly. Look for the famous Roadrunner logo on 7th for the Best Oil Change in Bozeman.

Some might say we exist in our own little bubble, and as wonderful as it is to live here, there’s plenty more to see in the nation’s fourth largest state. Put in some dashboard time with a quick trip to Chico Hot Springs, the Best Overnight or Weekend Getaway. The relaxing soaking pools are a given, but the local destination also features a dining room and saloon with live music over the weekend. Book your rooms before they’re gone!

Another soakers’ paradise, Norris Hot Springs, is an option for those looking for pure relaxation. The region’s Best Hot “Wada” feels good on the joints and is situated in the serene foothills of rural Montana. Enjoy a locally sourced meal from the 50 Mile Grill between dips in their “Water of the Gods.”

Personal care demands regular attention, and though getaways are an important component, there are more feasible ways to work it into a busy schedule. Delve into a menu of services at Canyon River, the perennial winner of Best Day Spa. Their technicians see to their clients’ needs with a wellness-focused approach with hair, skin and body treatments that help reset the spirit. They’ve also been voted the Best Place for a Massage.

With body in mind, keep a fine-tuned physique with a membership to the Ridge Athletic Club. Their facilities in west and Downtown Bozeman feature equipment for weightlifters and cardio devotees. Add some encouragement to the mix with personal training services, or swim some laps in the pool at the Best Gym / Fitness Center‘s original location.

Take a course in self-defense at Montana Mixes Martial Arts, a local gym whose courses focus on the art of Jiu-Jitsu. Aside from the traditional contact sport, the venue is also home to Thai kick-boxing and Judo Wrestling classes with trial options available. Work toward the red belt or focus on improving strength at the Best Martial Arts Gym.

Closing in on three years of operation, Legends Barber Club has quickly gained a following among the gents in our community for their clean cuts and personable service. Book a session through Schedulicity to see why this local space claims the prize for Best Barber Shop another year running.

The ladies concur: haircare is essential to presentation. Evolve Hair Design thrives with an attention to detail and a team of talented stylists whose personal touches keep clients coming back for their cut, color and waxing needs. Check out lookbooks online before booking at Bozeman’s Best Hair Salon.

Make an aesthetic statement of another sort with some new or enhanced body art from East Main Ink. With decades of experience among their artists, the Best Tattoo Studio welcomes clients with an established idea or those who need some professional input for projects large or small.

A repeat winner for Best Dispensary, Collective Elevation delivers the very best products on the market with a foundation in living soil cannabis. Find daily deals at both Bozeman locations – their menu features flowers and pre-rolls, vaporizers and edibles, as well as tinctures and topicals.

Some additional mentions: find center with hot or cool course options at Best Yoga Studio Your Yoga with complimentary practice for veterans, improve form with fine classical ballet instruction from Montana Ballet Co whose facilities were named Best Dance Studio, and find the latest frame fashions from Best Optical Shop Advanced Eyecare who offer exam services to ensure lasting vision health.

Give a little personal attention to the fuzzies in your family with a visit to Dee-O-Gee, whose toys, essentials and natural foods helped the local retailer collect Best Place for Pet Supplies. Their grooming services and DIY dog wash also scored them Best Pet Groomer.

Our pets deserve to be afforded the same quality of healthcare as any member of the family. Hardaway Veterinary Hospital offers a portfolio of services ranging from behavioral medicine and dental, to radiology and hospice care. The Best Veterinary hospital in the area provides house calls and equine therapies.

Expand your family with an adoption from Heart of the Valley, a local shelter that matches displaced cats and dogs with loving new owners across the region. They also help reunite lost pets with their owners and offer special adoption programs for seniors and veterans. Operating with the help of community donations, HOV was once again voted Best Nonprofit.

Free your pups from the confines of their leash with a few laps around Snowfill Recreation Area, a 38-acre space with dog-proof fencing that quickly became the Best Place to Take Your Dog when it opened in ’08.

Montanans have a certain something in common with their pooches – they salivate over the outdoors. With mountains to summit, rivers to fish and moguls to ski, there’s an activity for every preference.

REI is the place to find apparel and accessories as the Best Outdoor Gear store, but Montana’s own Bob Ward’s Sports & Outdoors rose to the top of the competition and took Best Sports Equipment Store this year. Founded all the way back in 1917, the family business has become a local chain with locations around the state. Find anything you may need for an upcoming trip into the backcountry or day on the slopes.

The summer season is already feeling like a distant memory as the days grow short. Plenty of fun was had with Best Outdoor Activity Hiking with more trail access than anyone can complain about. Located in Gallatin Canyon, Lava Lake once again took Best Hiking Trail for its moderate ascent to the swimmable body its named for. One thing we can complain about is the parking availability. Plan to arrive early if you hope to find a spot next summer!

Floaters and fishermen flocked to the Madison River again this sunny season, the winner for Best River. The popular waterway flows at a leisurely pace, perfect for tubing or casting a line. Like many of our destination hikes, the Maddy can get congested so adjust your recreation time accordingly.

A new winner this year, Montana Troutfitters was dubbed Best Fly Fishing Store by area anglers. Bozeman’s eldest shop of its kind features the finest selection of gear and flies available and offers guide trips for up-and-comers.

Ride year-round with the help of Owenhouse Cycling, Bozeman’s only full-service and Best Bike Shop conveniently located downtown. Whether you need a commuter bicycle or more rugged set of spokes for mountainside adventures, this is the place to spend your hard-earned dollar.

Don your finest apparel for a day on the links at Bridger Creek, with a caddie or without. The Best Golf Course features a lush 18-hole green and driving range with an incredible view of the namesake mountain range.

The next outdoor activity on the immediate horizon is a trademark of the greater Bozeman area. After a ho-hum winter season last year, the locals are eager for some serious snowfall in the coming months so they can experience every run Bridger Bowl has to offer. The Best Ski Area hosts a competitive ‘Community Event Series’ annually and is set to open Dec. 13th!

Take a rest in Bozeman’s Best City Park, Lindley, after a run down from Peets Hill, the Best Jogging Trail. The connected trails offer our active inhabitants a quiet trek through town without the obstruction of traffic. Looking to spring, the city streets will be filled with the emerald-clad taking part in Run to the Pub, the Best Timed Foot Race. Celebrate completion of the urban run with a pint at 317 downtown.

Squeaking out a photo finish for Best Place to Experience Nature this year, Hyalite is accessible to anyone hoping to get away from the grind for some fresh air and recreation. A number of local volunteers work to keep the public space tidy with cleanup events every spring and fall.

Though outdoor recreation is often the go-to, especially during the summer months, there’s plenty of fun to be had indoors at various local venues.

Load up the crew for a trip to Museum of the Rockies for a day of educational excitement. The Bozeman exhibitor features a number of awe-inspiring arrays including the famed Siebel Dinosaur Complex and regular changing exhibits, with Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids: Mythic Creatures wowing visitors into the new year. MOR is once again the Best Place for Family Fun and Kids’ Activities.

Sign up for a hands-on experience with an art program at the Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture. Classes are formatted for both youth and adults, with options ranging from painting and drawing to ceramics and metalwork. The venue took Best Art or Craft Studio, a new category this year. And if you’re looking to create from home, pick up some supplies from Hobby Lobby who won Best Craft / Hobby Store.

Take in a show by the stage experts at The Ellen Theatre, whose recent production of Mary Poppins no doubt helped bring home the prize for Best Live Theatre Venue again this year. Their in-house production company, Montana TheatreWorks, employs talented Gallatin Valley thespians for each colorful performance. Enjoy their revived rendition of family favorite Annie this holiday season.

Like it does every summer, the traveling troupe Montana Shakespeare in the Parks begun its season at the MSU Grove. Your Best Live Theater Group delivered performances of Hamlet and The Winter’s Tale before hitting the road, exposing audiences to the work of the Bard in rural communities around the state.

Winning by only a hair, the Bozeman Farmers Market is the chosen activity for local individuals and families as the Best Local Event when the skies are warm. Enjoy access to the best homegrown produce and goods the area has to offer, or chat with artists and take in some live music on the grass. The gatherings are held on Tuesday evenings in Lindley Park during the summer months.

Find a more arts-focused event with the summer SLAM Fest. Held the first weekend of August alongside Sweet Pea, the showcase features only Montana artists, artisans and musicians in Bogert Park. It’s the perfect opportunity to find some new treasures and enjoy some sustenance-enhanced relaxation in the sun. They eek out the top spot for Best Festival this year.

After opening its doors only a few years back, The ELM has amplified Bozeman’s music scene to be inclusive of nationally touring artists making waves on the indie circuit. The midtown concert hall was voted Best Event and Music Venue for their steady stream of genre-diverse performances. Check out upcoming shows by Highly Suspect, Blackberry Smoke and Corb Lund, among others.

On the heels of their headlining performance at Bridger Brewing’s revived ‘Back to School Block Party,’ local tribute veterans Pinky & the Floyd have earned their audience participation with a fine-tuned delivery of the English rock band’s eclectic catalog. Whether a mix of the hits or live renditions of full albums, the Best Local Band always draws a lively crowd. The recognition is given as a solemn ode to keyboardist Joe Kirchner, whose towering pink wig served as a trademark of the band’s live aesthetic. Shine on!

What could be among Southwest Montanans’ favorite things is the sprawling availability of tantalizing food and drink in the Bozeman area and its neighboring boroughs.

Begin the day with a fresh cup from Ghost Town Coffee Roasters, whose beans produce the Best Coffee in town. Their baristas serve customers from three Bozeman locations, with a menu of espresso and sweetened drinks to complement their delicious bites. You can also bring their products home with roasts available by the bag.

Prideful of our town’s many talented artists, Wild Joe*s Coffee Spot adorns their walls with a monthly installation to promote local art. Their comfortable downtown space draws busy bodies and leisurely java lovers with a selection of beans from local roasters and eats made in-house. The Best Coffeehouse welcomes customers 7 days a week.

In a hurry? Swing through Nexus Drive-Up Coffee for a caffeinated pour on the go. The midtown venture opened a second location off Jackrabbit this year and was voted Best Coffee Hut. Get your much needed morning kick with a breakfast burrito boost when espresso alone won’t do the trick.

Coffee isn’t everyone’s choice when the hankering for drinkable fare hits. Find your preferred botanical blend at Best Teahouse Steep Mountain whose menu was designed with holistic wellness in mind. Enjoy a boba, chai or tea-based latte in their cozy space or order a bag of loose leaf for enjoyment at home.

Find alternative refreshment with a visit to The Well Juicery, a new winner for Best Juice Bar. Treat yourself to a smoothie, cold-pressed juice or wellness shot at the modern space that also offers smoothie bowls, lunch items and healthy snacks. The Well is located in the Ferguson Farm complex.

Grab a morning treat from Wild Crumb, Bozeman’s source for quality artisan bread and pastries. Their scones and cinnamon buns are second to none with a variety of pies, cakes and tarts the perfect size to share. Their rotating weekly breads also helped the pâtisserie collect the trophy for Best Bakery.

Whether you’re a fan of frosted rings or the densely delicious cake variety, Granny’s Gourmet Donuts is where you can indulge or score extra points with a box for colleagues and friends. Winners of Best Donuts, Pastries & Sweets can be found near campus for a variety of these fresh-baked confections.

If you’ve got time before work or class for something more hearty, devour a plate of the Best Breakfast in town at The Western Café downtown. The “Last Best Café” has been turning out morning meals for decades and remains Bozeman’s most tried and true place for omelets, hot cakes and other specialties. The Western also took Best Hangover Food Cure.

You may be nearing the lunch hour and want to bring something shareable to the office. Grab a charcuterie platter from Fink’s Delicatessen after scarfing down the Best Lunch in town. With lighter fare like soups and salads, the Bozeman deli also features a tasty spread of handhelds both hot and cold. They’re also your pick for Best Sandwich.

Time is often of the essence when you’re bustling about town. Look no further than Mo’Bowls for an order of craft fusion mac n’ cheese, a trusted delicacy that fills the belly and satisfies the taste buds. Voted Best Food Truck, the mobile eats are available at rotating locations including late nights downtown. Mo’Bowls also won Best Take-Out this year.

A heartier option for lunch comes on a bun from Backcountry Burger Bar. Their unique spin on the American classic brings hungry Bozemanites through the door, also offering soup and salad options, small plates and a sudsy selection of local brews. The downtown spot took Best Burger in our survey.

With its founding family rooted in Jalisco, Mexico, experience flavors from south of the border at Fiesta Mexicana. Their traditional eats and margaritas are served in a colorful, cantina-inspired space with locations in Bozeman and Belgrade. Fiesta wins Best Mexican another year. ¡Maravilloso!

Put your chopstick talent to the test with a stop into Seven Sushi. Their expansive menu of rolls, sashimi and nigiri, as well as other entrées and sake helped the Cannery District eatery nab the blue ribbon as the Best Sushi bar in town. Their welcoming dining area was also voted Best Place to Eat Seafood.

Our next winner is given in remembrance of the late I-Ho Pomeroy, a proprietor and public servant whose unwavering kindness poured into the community throughout her storied career. Her local restaurant, I-Ho’s Korean Grill, moved locations over the years but earned its place on the Bozeman food scene with mouth-watering family recipes and traditional kimchi that remains available on a number of local store shelves. I-Ho’s namesake wins Best Korean and Asian Food this bittersweet year.

Let your next dine-in experience take a turn for the exotic at Pakeezah, an authentically modern restaurant cooking up the Best Indian Food from its hospitable space just off downtown proper. Their entrées range from chicken, lamb and goat options, with kababs and other appetizers to be paired with a companion glass of wine or traditional Indian beverage.

Quell the craving for finger lickin’ fare among friends and family at Belgrade’s Bar 3 BBQ. The local mainstay for southern-style comfort proteins and carb-rich sides scores the dining hall Best BBQ. With catering services available and space for large parties, Bar 3 also features its own line of craft brews for added revelry.

Order up a lunchtime slice or a full pie from Bridger Brewing. The popular Bozeman brewer brings in folks for their rotating suds, but their Best Pizza is also a main draw and one of the area’s worst kept secrets. Many of their pizzas are available year round and they dream up delectable seasonal topping combinations as well.

Enjoy a ribeye, sirloin or filet cooked to order from the Land of Magic. The family owned steakhouse is nestled outside Logan and features a robust menu of meats and seafood, with pairing options and full service bar. Arrive with an appetite for the Best Steak in Southwest Montana.

Blacksmith Italian offers an atmospheric space to wine and dine, whether you’re around a table of acquaintances or across from someone special. Located at the edge of Bozeman, make a reservation for an evening of handcrafted pasta and specialties from chef Cory Dragone. The Best Italian in the Valley is always best enjoyed with some vino and conversation.

A new winner for Best Fine Dining this year, Feast Raw Bar & Bistro operates with an epicurean philosophy and crafts its menus around sustainable seafood and locally sourced meats and produce. Their dishes are meant to entice with a selection of oysters, lobster and crab, among other specialties.

Appease your taste for something delectably different at Five on Black, even if you’re on a budget. The downtown spot for quick eats serves up succulent Brazilian street food for your tasting pleasure. They claim Best Inexpensive Restaurant this cycle.

It’s your patriotic duty to visit Sidewinders American Grill, a local restaurant founded by and operating in support of service members. The towering space accommodates parties of any size with a menu of classic fare and big screens broadcasting major sporting events. All ages are welcome to drop in any time at the Best Family Friendly Restaurant and Casual Dining experience.

With so many fresh eating options popping up all over town, only one can prevail as the Best New Restaurant. The onset of summer saw the opening of Merry Piglets with a wide array of scratch-made Tex-Mex provisions ranging from nachos and dips, burrito bowls and street tacos, to larger plates of enchiladas and carne asada. Sip on a specialty cocktail or tequila of choice at this Ferguson Farm eatery.

Stay on track during a busy week with a stop at the railway-inspired Montana Ale Works. The East Main mecca for evening eats and painkilling drinks was crowned the coveted Best Restaurant prize in this year’s survey. Bozeman’s favorite gathering place offers its patrons a mix of casual-eclectic cuisine, local drafts and specialty cocktails. Round the troops and let loose at this Best Place for Guys’ Night Out, or indulge in the Best Restaurant Dessert. The Ale Works also scooped up prizes for Best Appetizer, Best Bar Food, Best Chef and Best Place for a First Date.

Cap the night with your favorite scoop from Genuine Ice Cream. Toppings aren’t required, but encouraged for sweet tooths. The Best Ice Cream Shop in Bozeman hand makes its small-batch flavors and also concocts other treats like shakes, floats and sundaes. Order an ice cream cake for a special event and find their pink pints at stores around town.

And if you’re out a little too late, Tarantino’s Pizzeria is the go-to for deliciously absorbent slices. The downtown shop is open ’til the wee hours every weekend and won Best Late Night Grub in a landslide.

The microbrew industry exploded several years back, giving the locals ample opportunity to taste the creations of our many master brewers.

It’s hard to pick a favorite, but MAP Brewing Co collected the majority share of votes for a number of categories this year. Your Best Brewery sits off the base of the beautiful Bridger mountain range with outdoor seating that won Best Patio for its unrivaled view of Bozeman’s skyline. Featuring a full menu of mains and shareables to choose from, order a pint of Best Local Beer Flavor Midas Crush IPA to wash it down. The family friendly brewhouse also claimed the prizes for Best Local Beer Crafter and Tasting Room.

If you’re looking for a variety of local and regional brews to sample, meander up to SHINE Beer Sanctuary on Main. The casual space pours a revolving menu of thirty unique drafts – voted Best Beer Selection – and houses LaPa Grill, whose southwestern-inspired bites have satisfied the Bozeman hungry for decades. Take some suds home with a broad selection of beers sold in the Bottle Shop.

Sip on crafts of another variety at Dry Hills Distillery, a Four Corners tasting room whose specialty cocktails are built with their Montana-made spirits. Find your new favorite drink whether you’re clear-liquor inclined or enjoy something darker. Voted Best Distillery by an ounce, Dry Hills sells bottles of each of their spirits for home mixing.

Just up 191 sits Stacey’s Old Faithful Bar & Steakhouse. The casual western Gallatin Gateway saloon swung open its doors way back in 1937 and has offered its clientele a chance to imbibe in true Montana fashion ever since. Voted Best Bar, Stacey’s supplements its adult refreshments with a delicious menu in both the dining room and bar area. Stacey’s also won Best Authentic Montana Ambiance this year.

Boot scoot over to The Jump for a night of local food and libations. Also in Gateway, the bar-restaurant was freshly named the area’s Best Place to Dance. They host the liveliest western dance night every Wednesday with the help of Country Renegades whose weekly lessons precede the main event. Order up some food & drink and get ready to cut a rug.

Back in the heart of town, Plonk remains the area hot spot for Bozeman’s Best Cocktails and metropolitan vibes. Their atmosphere is designed to give its patrons a place to congregate, enjoy craft drinks, fine wine and savory eats. The downtown hideaway was also awarded Best Happy Hour and Place for Girls’ Night Out.

The college kids rally at the Rocking R Bar downtown after the ‘Cats game and into the witching hour. The R hosts trivia and swing dancing nights, as well as weekend DJ sets that no doubt contributed to their win for Best Nightlife. Or make a casual connection over a basket from Hail Mary’s grill at the Best Place to Meet Singles.

Kitty-corner from the Rockin’ R sits another downtown mainstay. Prepare your song selection for a night of the Best Karaoke in Bozeman at the Eagles Bar. You needn’t be a polished vocalist to be handed the mic for this highly entertaining tuneful past time.

The Bobcat faithful pack into Spectator’s Bar & Grill whether they’ve got a ticket to the game or want to comfortably spectate in front of the big screen. Cheer on the team in a sea of blue and gold while clinking glasses to every touchdown, nibbling on the finest of fried fare. The Best Sports Pub broadcasts every major contest and remains your choice for a game day venue.

We’ve got a new winner for Best Packaged Liquor Store this year, with Belgrade Liquor conquering the category with the largest and most unique selection in Montana. The family-run enterprise stocks its shelves with spirits of every variety and now serves customers from its broadened space in Belgrade. Mixologists in the making know where to pick up their experimental supplies.

Enhance any dinner party with a bottle of the best vino from Montana Spirits & Wine. Featuring a curated selection of over 1,500 labels, there’s something to complement every dish at the Best Wine Shop. Connoisseurs of red or white, sparkling or ports can expect a shopping experience supported by a knowledgeable staff and exceptional level of service.

All this local patronage calls for membership with First Security Bank, whose account holders are afforded an exceptional quality of service at Bozeman’s Best Bank. With branches across the Valley, the institution serves those looking for a lender for home and auto purchases, or access to traditional financial needs.

Local media has condensed in recent years, but remains a vital information and entertainment source for Gallatin Valley dwellers. Stay in the know with KBZK, whose coverage of regional headlines and community happenings continue to help the station take the gold for Best TV Morning and Evening News Show. Anchors Chet Layman and Jane McDonald retain viewership for their engaging reports on current events, while meteorologist Mike Heard clues us in to the often unpleasant weather patterns of Southwest Montana.

The growing population has added time to our commutes, but we always have a distraction with the latest country music and talk radio programming of KSKY 106.9. The Best Radio Station offers a blend of new releases and hits from the past, supplemented by a spirited morning show with Dave & Ally. Enjoy the Best Radio DJs‘ daily commentary from 6–10am.

Our clogged roadways have become a subject of annoyance for longtime residents who can recall the good ole Bozeman days. As more and more people move into the area, our infrastructure simply cannot keep up. The intersection at 11th & Durston – the same “winner” last year for Best Place for a New Traffic Solution – sees a continuous backlog of traffic on the south side, especially during the school year. Best to avoid until there’s at least some resolution.

Traffic isn’t the only recurring problem residents of the greater Bozeman area face. Just as voters decided the last several survey cycles, the Best Use of Taxpayers’ Money and What Could Make Bozeman Better go to Rent Control and Affordable Housing. The persistent issues surrounding availability have plagued working-class individuals and families whose paychecks haven’t matched the rising cost of living for longer than acceptable. It remains up to our leaders to deliver some reprieve for their constituency.

But we can’t end this celebration of our town in grievance. There are too many good things to acknowledge about the Gallatin Valley in a single written piece to highlight the community features that keep us here, despite the inevitable change. Of all the positives, Access to the Great Outdoors is among Southwest Montana’s greatest and most enduring attributes. It’s also your Best THING About Bozeman another year running. Few have the opportunity to do the town thing and experience nature’s escape in under an hour, so let us enter a new season with gratitude for the place we call home. •