Exploring Helena, Montana’s Growing Food Scene

Helena, Montana, the Queen City of the Rockies, has long been known for its rich history, outdoor recreation, and stunning landscapes, but less so for its food scene. Some might even have described Helena’s food options as limited and boring, but over the last few years, that’s all changed. New eateries now offer a diversity of food offerings, creativity and sustainability. Whether you’re a long-time local or a day-tripper visiting the Capitol, you’ll discover that Helena now offers something for every palate. From quirky, vegetarian/vegan-friendly bakeries to locally sourced burgers and steaks and craft breweries with exceptional eats, Helena is fast emerging as a hidden gem for food lovers. Let’s take a deeper dive into some of the most exciting culinary experiences the city has to offer.

Dear Potato

No food scene is complete without innovation, and in Helena, Dear Potato delivers that innovation with (a few extra pieces of) flair. Opened as a brick-and-mortar in 2023, this small but mighty bakery and café has captured the hearts and bellies of locals with its creative twists on classic Eastern European piroshki—baked, handheld pies stuffed with potatoes, veggies, or a variety of plant-based meat substitutes. Dear Potato also offers a variety of delicious donuts, cookies, brownies, breads, soups, and specialty cakes. One-of-a-kind in Helena, the bakery serves an almost completely vegetarian menu (save for a little salmon) and even has several vegan options.

Pro tip: If you have the time, enjoy your food at Dear Potato and spend the time taking in the eclectic (and very pink) decor, which is a favorite with 90s kids and present-day kids alike.

The Hopper Market & Kitchen

If you’re in the mood for fast, fun, and flavorful food, then The Hopper Market & Kitchen is the place to be. Known for specializing in scratch-made and locally-sourced fare, The Hopper maintains an ever-evolving menu with familiar favorites, but with their own unique take. Opening their doors in 2022, The Hopper has quickly become a local favorite, and for good reason. With a rotating menu inspired by global flavors but made with locally-sourced, Montana-made ingredients, this vibrant spot has something for everyone. The Hopper also pours its own tap brews and has canned and bottled offerings, but if you’re looking for the latest IPA, take your food two doors down to Ten Mile Creek Brewing and enjoy your meal with a pint. 

Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch or sitting down with friends for a casual dinner, The Hopper’s fun and lively atmosphere is the perfect backdrop for trying something a little different. 

Mt. Ascension Brewing

Helena’s craft beer scene is hopping, and Mt. Ascension Brewing is one of the standouts. Known for its outstanding brews, from crisp lagers to bold IPAs, Mt. Ascension has become a hotspot for beer lovers. But what truly sets this brewery apart is the impressive culinary offerings that accompany its beer.

It’s not often that you find a brewery that takes its food as seriously as its beverages, but Mt. Ascension Brewing does just that. Their food menu is designed to pair perfectly with their craft brews, offering a range of dishes from gourmet burgers and pulled pork sandwiches to kale salads and vegetarian options.  

Beyond the beer and food, the atmosphere at Mt. Ascension Brewing is inviting and warm, with plenty of room spread across two levels and a large rooftop patio providing unmatched views of the city, Mount Helena and the Helena Valley. Mt. Ascension is the perfect spot to gather with friends after a long day of exploring Helena’s great outdoors and enjoying one of the brewery's frequent live music nights, trivia events and more. 

Old Salt Outpost and The Union

Downtown Helena’s food scene got a major boost when Old Salt’s Outpost opened inside the iconic Gold Bar on Last Chance Gulch in 2022. The walk-up eatery serves up smash burgers made with locally-sourced beef from the Old Salt Co-Op’s network of ranches, alongside high-quality, Montana-made ingredients for their beef fat-fried potatoes, buns, salads, and bratwursts. The Outpost has quickly become a local favorite, offering a go-to lunch option by day and satisfying late-night cravings for those seeking a bite after drinks at the Gold Bar.

New in 2024 and located just across the street from the Outpost in the old Bert & Ernie’s building, The Union brings a fresh approach to Helena dining with steaks and other fare from their wood-fired grill along with a carefully curated wine and craft beer menu. With an on-site butcher shop, customers have the option of dining in, or taking their favorite cut to enjoy at home.  

What makes Helena’s food scene so unique is its blend of traditional Montana flavors and modern culinary innovation. Restaurants like The Hopper take classic food offerings and give them a creative tweak, while breweries like Mt. Ascension Brewing seamlessly merges classic pub fare with gourmet touches. Much of Helena’s dining scene pays homage to the state’s ranching and farming roots while embracing new, global flavors, all within a sustainability and community-driven framework.

Helena’s food scene continues to grow and evolve, making it an exciting destination for food lovers. Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or a meat-lover seeking the perfect burger or steak, Helena offers a variety of choices that cater to all tastes and dietary preferences. 

As you plan your next visit to Helena, don’t forget to take the time to explore its growing collection of bakeries, breweries, burger joints, and more. Each spot tells its own story, often centered around local ingredients, sustainability, and community—a true reflection of the values that make Helena such a special place to live and visit.