There are two types of Montanans: those who have had an amazing night (or 10) at Bozeman's Rocking R Bar and those who really should. A local icon since the1940s, this charming venue has survived numerous economic downturns, all of downtown Bozeman's changes, and even a gas explosion. And all these years later, Rocking R Bar is still rocking.
The Rocking R Bar has been a downtown mainstay in Bozeman since 1947.
Back then, it was a blue collar dive where locals gathered after work for a beer. In 1978, ownership changed - but the new owners (who still run the place today) kept the same vibe.
If the space seems new, that's because it is. In 2009, a gas explosion rocked Bozeman and destroyed a whole city block, including the R Bar.
Luckily, it was rebuilt and opened to the public again in July of 2011, much to the city's delight.
But despite the fairly new building, you can definitely expect to feel the old school ambiance here.
The bar supports MSU and its athletic teams, so it's a popular place to be on game days. And since it's so close to the college, you'll always see students decked out in Bobcats gear.
The Rocking R Bar isn't just a bar - they also serve food, and it's fantastic.
The burger list is exceptional, and you can also feast on salads, sandwiches, and a host of weekly specials, including Steak Night on Mondays.
However, if you do decide to imbibe, you're in for a treat - these aren't your standard dive bar drinks.
The flavored martinis, mules, and mojitos are hard to turn down - but, of course, you can always order a pitcher of beer or a whiskey & Coke.
You'll often see live bands and DJs on the weekends, spreading to the outdoor space in the summer.
And that's when the bar really lives up to its name.
The Rocking R Bar is open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 .a.m, aside from Sundays, when it opens at 9:30 a.m.
Whether you come for a quiet lunch, a game day, a live performance, or a friendly game of Bingo, it's always a good time.
Have you ever been to the Rocking R Bar? It's one of the many fabulous businesses to patronize on Bozeman's Main Street.
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