I'll be in Bozeman with my wife and kids as well as two others couples and their kids next week. We all like good beer. Coming from Wisconsin it's incredibly rare for places to not welcome kids, but I'm aware the rest of the USA does not share that "value." What are our best bets for tasting rooms/restaurants out there considering our situation? Are kids generally welcome as long as they're well behaved? What breweries in Bozeman are "can't miss?" We'd like to visit at least two. Also, any suggestions on what to be looking for on the shelf there and where to buy it? I like pretty much all styles of beer but not really interested in sours.
Pretty much everywhere is kid friendly. Check out MAP brewery they have a killer building. I've only had 2 beers from them but I did enjoy them. Bozeman brewing is a staple with solid well done styles. Bridger brewing is a gluten reduced brewery but they have some killer hoppy brews and pizza as well. Montana ale works is a restaurant that has a pretty good rotating tap list. Craft beer cellar is one of the better shops in MT so check that out too. It's been a year since I've spent time in Bozeman but these should give you a good starting point. Are you going to Yellowstone?
Have fun! Don't try to end up in the news for petting buffalo or stepping on the hot springs, or getting rammed by an elk, or putting a buffalo calf in your car!
Also, remember that bear spray shouldn't be used the same way bug spray is. Don't coat your family in it
If you are driving down through Big Sky to get to Yellowstone, check out Lone Peak Brewing. Its been a few years since I was there, but had a blast visiting them a few times when we stayed in Big Sky.
If there are any cider drinkers in your group check out Lockhorn Cider too... Great ciders and tasty food.
Madison River Brewing Co. in Belgrade is worth a look too and we stopped in Livingston and I had a Neptune Brewing Co. Scotch Ale that was phenomenal, both right outside of Bozeman I second Craft Beer Cellar for bottles to take home and also Vino Per Tutti in downtown Bozeman
Unfortunately there's nothing really "can't miss" in Bozeman when it comes to beer. It's mostly middle of the road. Beehive in Big Sky had some of the better beers IMHO. Craft Beer Cellar is the place to go in Bozeman but unfortunately MT doesn't really get anything that great that you probably can't get in Wisconsin. Guys in there are cool and super friendly.
