Backslope Brewing

A popular spot at the end of Newlywed & Nearlydead season, Backslope isn't shy about adhering to interior headcount limits, so get here early to grab a beer at the bar if you have to wait for a table. Thankfully, we got seated immediately during both of our visits, and service quickly came and went from our table throughout the evening.

The main floor space is of moderate size but fairly open, with a number of wooden lowtops overseeing a glass window view of the brewery. There's also a separate room opposite to the brewing overlook, kind of like a covered patio with more tables. There are actual outdoor patio seats as well, but I think those were mainly utilized by people drinking while waiting for tables. The bar is pretty small, and with how busy it gets, becomes a little cluttered, so I'm glad we went against our usual inclinations and got a table.

The beer is surprisingly good, particularly all of their barrel aged wares. Not only did the stout exhibit a formidable whiskey barrel character, but their Belgian-inspired takes are surprisingly complex and deep, while also exhibiting a very tempered acidity that makes them impressively drinkable. We mainly came here to eat, but the beer kept us dabbling.

Fear not, even all the way out here in the middle of Montana, craft beer culture is well represented. Particularly, as we've all seen at many breweries nationwide, the food is fresher and more intriguing than other typical local restaurant fare. Here it holds as a good draw to Backslope all its own. On our first visit we had the Korean noodles and fish and chips and felt very refreshed for our hikes to come, and replenished on a different day with a big ol burger and a Thai bowl. The kitchen really cares about quality and variety here.