Guidebook for Helena
Food Scene
Homemade ice cream, located right downtown. Good stuff!!
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Big Dipper Ice Cream
58 N Last Chance GulchHomemade ice cream, located right downtown. Good stuff!!
Bistro experience with excellent, delicious food, beautifully presented. Lunch Monday through Saturday, dinner Wednesday through Saturday. Serving bistro food with daily specials. I love Benny’s for lunch. http://bennysbistro.com
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Benny's Bistro
108 E 6th AveBistro experience with excellent, delicious food, beautifully presented. Lunch Monday through Saturday, dinner Wednesday through Saturday. Serving bistro food with daily specials. I love Benny’s for lunch. http://bennysbistro.com
Located in the building that once housed Helena’s legendary Big Dorothy’s brothel, the Windbag has been a Helena institution for decades. The Windbag was recently renovated, both the physical space and the menu, so old-timers might not recognize it. The new Windbag offers “pub” food (whatever that means). When it’s busy, the new ’Bag can be noisy. Still, the newly opened deck with a view of Helena’s yellow trolley is worth checking out.
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Windbag Saloon & Grill
19 S Last Chance Gulch StLocated in the building that once housed Helena’s legendary Big Dorothy’s brothel, the Windbag has been a Helena institution for decades. The Windbag was recently renovated, both the physical space and the menu, so old-timers might not recognize it. The new Windbag offers “pub” food (whatever that means). When it’s busy, the new ’Bag can be noisy. Still, the newly opened deck with a view of Helena’s yellow trolley is worth checking out.
Burgers, wings, pasta dishes. Nothing wrong with that. http://www.atthebrewhouse.com/home
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Brewhouse Pub & Grille
939 Getchell StreetBurgers, wings, pasta dishes. Nothing wrong with that. http://www.atthebrewhouse.com/home
Billed as “Fine Italian Fare,” Lucca’s gets rave reviews from many friends and visitors to Helena. Recently named Montana’s best restaurant. Reservations are highly recommended, and that is why we rarely go to Lucca’s. (Our dinner plans are usually spur-of-the-moment!) http://www.luccasitalian.com
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Lucca's
56 N Last Chance GulchBilled as “Fine Italian Fare,” Lucca’s gets rave reviews from many friends and visitors to Helena. Recently named Montana’s best restaurant. Reservations are highly recommended, and that is why we rarely go to Lucca’s. (Our dinner plans are usually spur-of-the-moment!) http://www.luccasitalian.com
European Bakery and eatery. Breakfast and lunch hours. Breakfast pastries, quiche, French baguettes, homemade soups. Have a delicious pastry and a cuppa coffee on the outdoor patio. This is a favorite spot to stop after a weekend morning mountain bike ride. http://www.parkavenuebakery.net
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Park Avenue Bakery
44 S Park AveEuropean Bakery and eatery. Breakfast and lunch hours. Breakfast pastries, quiche, French baguettes, homemade soups. Have a delicious pastry and a cuppa coffee on the outdoor patio. This is a favorite spot to stop after a weekend morning mountain bike ride. http://www.parkavenuebakery.net
Another downtown experience! Better yet - it’s next door to the Blackfoot River Brewery! Pizza by the slice or the whole pie. We like Bridge Pizza’s red sauce, which is faintly spicy. Order at the counter and grab a table. Or order by phone for take out or home delivery. It can be very busy on a Friday night. http://bridgepizza.com/helena
Bridge Pizza
70 S Park AveAnother downtown experience! Better yet - it’s next door to the Blackfoot River Brewery! Pizza by the slice or the whole pie. We like Bridge Pizza’s red sauce, which is faintly spicy. Order at the counter and grab a table. Or order by phone for take out or home delivery. It can be very busy on a Friday night. http://bridgepizza.com/helena
Downtown location offers nice Helena experience. Located on the ground floor of the historic Placer Hotel building, now converted to condos. Tacos, burritos. Try the fish tacos. Order at the counter, with plenty of seating and a couple of tables outside.
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Taco Del Sol
21 N Last Chance GulchDowntown location offers nice Helena experience. Located on the ground floor of the historic Placer Hotel building, now converted to condos. Tacos, burritos. Try the fish tacos. Order at the counter, with plenty of seating and a couple of tables outside.
We like Karmadillos for a tasty meal in a casual environment. Serving Mexican-ish food. Great flavors! Order at the counter and find a table. Tables on the deck offer a beautiful setting to enjoy your meal. Check Karmadillo’s Facebook page for “code word” of the day to get complimentary chips and salsa. It’s a nice walk from our house on Benton Street, part of the historic Benton Road, a toll road that was the main overland shipping route between Fort Benton on the Missouri River and Helena.
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Karmadillos
52 S Park AveWe like Karmadillos for a tasty meal in a casual environment. Serving Mexican-ish food. Great flavors! Order at the counter and find a table. Tables on the deck offer a beautiful setting to enjoy your meal. Check Karmadillo’s Facebook page for “code word” of the day to get complimentary chips and salsa. It’s a nice walk from our house on Benton Street, part of the historic Benton Road, a toll road that was the main overland shipping route between Fort Benton on the Missouri River and Helena.
This is our “go-to” place when we want a sit-down restaurant with excellent, attentive service. Extensive menu, reliably good. Specialty dishes from Italy, the Middle East, Spain, Turkey, Greece, Morocco. Patio for alfresco dining in warm weather. Owner is from Turkey, so it's the real deal! http://www.mediterraneangrillhelena.com
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Mediterranean Grill
42 S Park AveThis is our “go-to” place when we want a sit-down restaurant with excellent, attentive service. Extensive menu, reliably good. Specialty dishes from Italy, the Middle East, Spain, Turkey, Greece, Morocco. Patio for alfresco dining in warm weather. Owner is from Turkey, so it's the real deal! http://www.mediterraneangrillhelena.com
Popular breakfast and lunch spot with a hippie vibe. This is truly a Helena classic! Featuring dishes like Bakery Ladies Special and the Two Dot Burger, the No Sweat pride itself on serving organic, whole food made with love. You might have to wait for a table, especially on weekends when there is often a line out the door. Make sure you have enough time to experience this unique place - the No Sweat only guarantees same day service!! (Translation: It can be a little on the slow side. But it's worth it!) Closed Mondays.
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No Sweat Cafe
427 N Last Chance GulchPopular breakfast and lunch spot with a hippie vibe. This is truly a Helena classic! Featuring dishes like Bakery Ladies Special and the Two Dot Burger, the No Sweat pride itself on serving organic, whole food made with love. You might have to wait for a table, especially on weekends when there is often a line out the door. Make sure you have enough time to experience this unique place - the No Sweat only guarantees same day service!! (Translation: It can be a little on the slow side. But it's worth it!) Closed Mondays.
Drinks & Nightlife
If you’re on the taproom tour, Lewis and Clark is your next stop. Although it is not downtown, Lewis and Clark has an expansive taproom with a “snack bar” that allows the brewery to avoid taproom laws limiting the number of drinks you can have. Don’t overdo it though!! Lewis and Clark has an active live music scene with a great outdoor space. Check out the website to see who is playing. http://lewisandclarkbrewing.com
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Lewis & Clark Tap Room
1535 Dodge AveIf you’re on the taproom tour, Lewis and Clark is your next stop. Although it is not downtown, Lewis and Clark has an expansive taproom with a “snack bar” that allows the brewery to avoid taproom laws limiting the number of drinks you can have. Don’t overdo it though!! Lewis and Clark has an active live music scene with a great outdoor space. Check out the website to see who is playing. http://lewisandclarkbrewing.com
Ya gotta check out Helena’s breweries, and Ten Mile is on the Gulch. So, you should go! This is Helena's newest brewery. Expansive taproom with room to move. Outdoor seating, too. Bring your growler. (Next door to The Hawthorne.) Closes at 8 p.m., as required by law for traditional breweries in Montana. http://tenmilecreekbrewing.com
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Ten Mile Creek Brewery
48 N Last Chance GulchYa gotta check out Helena’s breweries, and Ten Mile is on the Gulch. So, you should go! This is Helena's newest brewery. Expansive taproom with room to move. Outdoor seating, too. Bring your growler. (Next door to The Hawthorne.) Closes at 8 p.m., as required by law for traditional breweries in Montana. http://tenmilecreekbrewing.com
Offering a variety of wines by the bottle, glass or flight. Knowledgeable wait staff. This is a great place to meet friends or family for a drink in a tastefully appointed wine taproom. Also offers beer. In warm weather, sit on the patio and enjoy Last Chance Gulch. Closed Mondays. http://www.thehawthornwine.com
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The Hawthorn Bottle Shop and Tasting Room
46 N Last Chance GulchOffering a variety of wines by the bottle, glass or flight. Knowledgeable wait staff. This is a great place to meet friends or family for a drink in a tastefully appointed wine taproom. Also offers beer. In warm weather, sit on the patio and enjoy Last Chance Gulch. Closed Mondays. http://www.thehawthornwine.com
It’s the original brewery in Helena (in modern times). The classic. Started by a couple of state employees who loved to brew their own beer, it has morphed into the most happnin’ place in town at 5 o’clock on any given weekday. Bring your growler and stay for a pint. If you like beer, you gotta go. And even if you don’t like beer, go anyway for a Helena experience. The year-round deck on the second floor is nice, with heat in the cooler months and water misters in hot weather. http://blackfootriverbrewing.com
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Blackfoot River Brewing Co
66 S Park AveIt’s the original brewery in Helena (in modern times). The classic. Started by a couple of state employees who loved to brew their own beer, it has morphed into the most happnin’ place in town at 5 o’clock on any given weekday. Bring your growler and stay for a pint. If you like beer, you gotta go. And even if you don’t like beer, go anyway for a Helena experience. The year-round deck on the second floor is nice, with heat in the cooler months and water misters in hot weather. http://blackfootriverbrewing.com
Arts & Culture
The Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts is a premier Helena institution. Founded by brick maker Archie Bray, the foundation is a mecca for ceramic artists who come to the Bray to study and perfect their art and craft. Tour the lovely grounds and wander into studios. Then, check out the gallery shop and purchase a beautiful clay creation as a memento of your visit to Helena. http://archiebray.org
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Archie Bray Foundation
2915 Country Club AveThe Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts is a premier Helena institution. Founded by brick maker Archie Bray, the foundation is a mecca for ceramic artists who come to the Bray to study and perfect their art and craft. Tour the lovely grounds and wander into studios. Then, check out the gallery shop and purchase a beautiful clay creation as a memento of your visit to Helena. http://archiebray.org
The museum houses art and artifacts of Montana and the adjoining geographic region. They do a great job interpreting and showcasing Montana’s history. I love this museum and recommend it to anyone with an hour, give or take, to spend there. Definitely check out the museum shop. https://mhs.mt.gov
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Montana Historical Society
225 N Roberts StThe museum houses art and artifacts of Montana and the adjoining geographic region. They do a great job interpreting and showcasing Montana’s history. I love this museum and recommend it to anyone with an hour, give or take, to spend there. Definitely check out the museum shop. https://mhs.mt.gov
Fine art by local and regional artists. This gallery is owned by the woodworker who made our kitchen cabinets, Tim Carney, and his wife Maureen Shaughnessy, an artist whose work is displayed at the gallery. It is worth checking out. 434 N. Last Chance Gulch, 431-9931. http://1plus1is1.com
1+1=1 Gallery
434 N Last Chance GulchFine art by local and regional artists. This gallery is owned by the woodworker who made our kitchen cabinets, Tim Carney, and his wife Maureen Shaughnessy, an artist whose work is displayed at the gallery. It is worth checking out. 434 N. Last Chance Gulch, 431-9931. http://1plus1is1.com
The Myrna has been bringing arts, culture, live performances and arthouse films to Helena audiences since 1985. Check out the cultural center's website for the latest offerings in live performances and films that you won't find at the Cinemark. Named for Myrna Loy, film star of the 1930s and '40s who was born in Radersburg, Montana, about 50 miles south of Helena. The Myrna is located in the former Lewis & Clark County jail, just a few steps up the hill from Last Chance Gulch. http://myrnaloycenter.com
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The Myrna Loy
15 N Ewing StThe Myrna has been bringing arts, culture, live performances and arthouse films to Helena audiences since 1985. Check out the cultural center's website for the latest offerings in live performances and films that you won't find at the Cinemark. Named for Myrna Loy, film star of the 1930s and '40s who was born in Radersburg, Montana, about 50 miles south of Helena. The Myrna is located in the former Lewis & Clark County jail, just a few steps up the hill from Last Chance Gulch. http://myrnaloycenter.com
Sightseeing
Take a boat ride on Upper Holter Lake and follow the path of explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. See the spot where Lewis or Clark (one of them!) declared it to be the “gates of the mountains.” This is a great way to get on the water and experience Montana. Plan for the better part of a day for this activity, between driving there and back and taking the tour. http://www.gatesofthemountains.com
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Gates of the Mountains
3131 Gates of the Mountains RdTake a boat ride on Upper Holter Lake and follow the path of explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. See the spot where Lewis or Clark (one of them!) declared it to be the “gates of the mountains.” This is a great way to get on the water and experience Montana. Plan for the better part of a day for this activity, between driving there and back and taking the tour. http://www.gatesofthemountains.com
Take a self-guided tour of the Capitol. Make sure you check out the Charles M. Russell mural that covers the entire back wall in the Montana House Chamber. The mural is titled, “Lewis and Clark Meeting the Flathead Indians at Ross’ Hole,” and depicts Salish warriors meeting the armed Corps of Discovery party on September 5, 1805. I found an interesting description of the Russell painting here: http://montanaranchandrecreation.blogspot.com/2012/05/recently-i-was-fortunate-to-attend.html . For basic info about the Capitol: http://visit-the-capitol.mt.gov
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Montana State Capitol
1301 E 6th AveTake a self-guided tour of the Capitol. Make sure you check out the Charles M. Russell mural that covers the entire back wall in the Montana House Chamber. The mural is titled, “Lewis and Clark Meeting the Flathead Indians at Ross’ Hole,” and depicts Salish warriors meeting the armed Corps of Discovery party on September 5, 1805. I found an interesting description of the Russell painting here: http://montanaranchandrecreation.blogspot.com/2012/05/recently-i-was-fortunate-to-attend.html . For basic info about the Capitol: http://visit-the-capitol.mt.gov
Shopping
Outdoor clothing and gear, gear rental including kayaks, SUPs, tents, packs, sleeping bags. Nice selection of casual clothing. http://thebasecamp.com
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The Base Camp
5 E Broadway StOutdoor clothing and gear, gear rental including kayaks, SUPs, tents, packs, sleeping bags. Nice selection of casual clothing. http://thebasecamp.com
Art gallery and gift shop with a focus on birds and the natural world, including unique bird houses and feeders. Nice place to browse and look for art, gifts and souvenirs. 2 South Last Chance Gulch, 449-0904. http://www.birdsandbeasleys.com
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Birds & Beasleys
2 S Last Chance Gulch StArt gallery and gift shop with a focus on birds and the natural world, including unique bird houses and feeders. Nice place to browse and look for art, gifts and souvenirs. 2 South Last Chance Gulch, 449-0904. http://www.birdsandbeasleys.com
Costco Wholesale
2195 E Custer AveWhat can I say? It's Costco.
Unique Montana made clothing, T shirts and gifts in this adorable gift shop. Made by Montana craftspeople and artisans. Formerly called Frayed Sew. 38 South Last Chance Gulch, 422-7725.
Wildflower Craft Boutique
38 S Last Chance Gulch StUnique Montana made clothing, T shirts and gifts in this adorable gift shop. Made by Montana craftspeople and artisans. Formerly called Frayed Sew. 38 South Last Chance Gulch, 422-7725.
Essentials
Specializing in hot yoga, thus the name. Right down the street at Lawrence and Park. 206 West Lawrence St., #B (around back) http://www.hotyogahelena.com
Hot Yoga Helena
206 W Lawrence StSpecializing in hot yoga, thus the name. Right down the street at Lawrence and Park. 206 West Lawrence St., #B (around back) http://www.hotyogahelena.com
Offering a variety of classes including yoga, hot yoga, Pilates, barre and SUP yoga. Windows and natural light. 740 Front St., http://loftstudiomt.com
Loft Studio
740 Front StOffering a variety of classes including yoga, hot yoga, Pilates, barre and SUP yoga. Windows and natural light. 740 Front St., http://loftstudiomt.com
Local grocery store with good butcher/meat department. Just down the hill.
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Van's Thriftway
306 Euclid AveLocal grocery store with good butcher/meat department. Just down the hill.
Safeway
611 N Montana AveEntertainment & Activities
Mine for your own gemstones here at one of the few places in the country open to the public for mining. We have never been here, but it’s on our list. If you go, let us know about your visit. Address: 5360 Castles Rd., 227-8989. I found these directions on line: Take York Road out of Helena to Mile Marker 8. Turn right onto Hart Lane. After the road makes a 90 degree turn, go left on Castles Road. https://www.facebook.com/SapphireMine/
Spokane Bar Sapphire Mine
5360 Castles RdMine for your own gemstones here at one of the few places in the country open to the public for mining. We have never been here, but it’s on our list. If you go, let us know about your visit. Address: 5360 Castles Rd., 227-8989. I found these directions on line: Take York Road out of Helena to Mile Marker 8. Turn right onto Hart Lane. After the road makes a 90 degree turn, go left on Castles Road. https://www.facebook.com/SapphireMine/