While drinking alcoholic beverages has been legal since 1933 (thank you, 21st Amendment!), we seem to have embraced the concept of the speakeasy. Dark, mysterious, and often hard-to-find, speakeasy-style bars are popping up all over the place, including right here in Montana—and we don't mind one bit.
Recently, a sultry speakeasy opened in a historic building in Missoula. And if you're able to find it, you won't be disappointed.
Stave & Hoop is located in a little alley behind Pangea in Missoula, at 223 N. Higgins Ave.
The entrance isn't easy to find, but fortunately, you'll be able to spot the sign.
This bar quietly—and we do mean quietly—opened in 2020.
The first year was pretty much the longest soft opening of all time, as Montana faced the early days of the pandemic and reduced groups in public places.
But since the summer of 2021, this place has been in full swing—and they've got a lineup of musicians to prove it.
From trivia night to dueling pianos to standup comedy and live bands of many different genres, there's almost always something fun on the calendar here.
The speakeasy is new, but the building certainly isn't, but that's why this location was chosen.
The bar is meant to pay homage to the history of the building, which was constructed in 1896 by the Garden City Bottling & Liquor Co. Back then, the basement was used for barrel storage. The elements that make up a traditional barrel are the Stave and the Hoops, hence the clever name.
Of course, there's nothing bottom-barrel about this place.
In fact, you'll find a lot of top-shelf liquors, as well as some tempting drink specials.
When you visit, come hungry, because the food here is second to none.
Whether you're craving meat and potatoes, Southern fried chicken, or a plate of 406 fries with braised elk gravy, you'll find it here.
Stave & Hoop is open Tuesday - Saturday from 4:06 p.m. until midnight.
And it's entirely too easy to stay until last call.
The next time you're in Missoula, check out Stave & Hoop. Prohibition-era attire is entirely optional.
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