As a student at the University of Montana, I’ve had the chance to explore a diverse range of food options on and off campus. From the exotic flavors of Thai restaurants to the cozy ambiance of cafes, UM and Missoula have some special spots that are sure to excite everyone's taste buds.
I’ve been vegetarian for a while and was vegan for a year, which makes me extra careful to pay attention to the vegan/vegetarian options a restaurant might offer. Missoula and UM have plenty of meals supporting a vegan or vegetarian diet. Below, I’ll share what I found to be some of the best local food spots on and off campus to enjoy delicious food (no matter your dietary preferences).
The Lodge
The Lodge is the main cafeteria on campus for students with a meal plan. It features seven main stations with a wide variety of cuisine types, including an allergen-friendly zone for those with dietary restrictions. These seven stations reside on the first floor of the building and represent historical aspects of Montana.
In addition to ample indoor seating, there are two outdoor balconies where students can enjoy their meals. The building accommodates up to 1,000 students at a time. The indoor/outdoor fireplace and streamlined plate busing system are just a couple of improvements for students to enjoy. From Mexican food to a classic burger and fries, enjoy it all and never get bored with what’s on your plate!
Learn More: The Lodge Dining Center
The Market
The Market, located in the University Center on campus, is a great option for breakfast and other grab-and-go meals and snacks. Its baked goods section includes vegan donuts and muffins, and you can also order various beverages, such as coffee and tea. The freezer section offers many to-go meals to ease your late-night appetite.
Tip: You can save $0.25 if you order a beverage and bring your own mug to the Market.
Learn More: The Market in the UC
The University Center Food Court
The Food Court on the second floor of the University Center has an assortment of fast-casual restaurants ready to take your order. From nautical bowls to chicken sandwiches, burgers and fries, and classic submarine sandwiches, it offers a great selection of affordable meals. Order from a kiosk and pick up in minutes. Next to the Food Court is a beautiful dining area with plenty of seating options and large windows, making it a perfect place to dine with friends or hang out and study between classes.
Learn More: The University Center Food Court
Starbucks
Starbucks came to campus in 2026 and has been a big hit. It's on the east side of campus, near Arthur Avenue, and on the first floor of the Emma B. Lommasson Center. The full Starbucks menu is available, including mobile order capabilities. The surrounding space is airy and welcoming for hanging out or studying, and several local art installations hang on the walls.
Learn More: Starbucks at UM
Iron Griz: American Bistro
Iron Griz is a bistro off South Avenue by the UM golf course. This restaurant is operated primarily by students at UM and most of the food incorporates vegetables and flowers from their garden just outside the restaurant. Because of this, their menu changes often, but it holds on to some great vegan and vegetarian options.
Iron Griz is open seasonally each year, from May to August, so make sure to visit while they’re open! This location is a great place to visit after a golf game on a hot day with a nice beverage and burger. Don’t wait to try their vegetarian beet Reuben sandwich and many other unique menu items, all supported by local produce.
Learn More: Iron Griz: American Bistro
Pearl Boba Tea
Pearl Boba Tea is a boba place with locations both on and off campus. The on-campus location is on the first floor of the UC, across from the Go Griz Store. The off-campus location is downtown on North Higgins by Jimmy Johns. They have delicious milk tea flavors, from Thai tea to chai, and provide milk alternatives.
Visit Website: Pearl Boba Tea
Liquid Planet
Liquid Planet is a local establishment that sells breakfast all day as well as other lunch options and, of course, coffee. The closest location to campus is across the street from the Jesse residence hall. Some of my preferred menu items are their pesto grilled cheese, vegan avocado toast, and berry smoothies.
Tip: The Liquid Planet location across the street from campus has food items, whereas the downtown location is primarily coffee and baked goods.
Visit Website: Liquid Planet
Tandem Bakery and Cafe
Tandem Bakery and Cafe is an all-vegan, all-gluten-free bakery only a couple of blocks from campus. They serve beverages and baked goods and have a little section to buy used books and the like. The bar area that faces out the window and onto the street is a great study spot where I’ve studied for a French test with friends while enjoying their vegan iced matcha.
Visit Website: Tandem Bakery and Cafe
Clyde Coffee
Clyde Coffee is a very popular cafe in Missoula. With their inviting atmosphere and promise of coffee, there will often be individuals studying or working. They can be in either their indoor or outdoor spaces depending on the weather. In addition to beverages, they have a small menu of baked goods and breakfast and lunch items such as bagels and avocado toast.
There are two Clyde Coffee locations, including one in the Missoula Public Library. This way, individuals can get a delicious beverage or pastry and go to a more reserved and quiet location to study or work. Clyde also sells coffee beans and their own merch, such as t-shirts and cute ceramic mugs.
Visit Website: Clyde Coffee
Butterfly Herbs
Butterfly Herbs, located in downtown Missoula, is a tea shop with a cafe in the back of the store. While providing sustainable products, loose-leaf tea, and ceramic cups, they also have delicious bagels, coffee, and tea to enjoy in their cafe. The booth seating and pleasant environment also allow for a serene study space.
Tip: The café in Butterfly Herbs is cash-only and they do have an ATM nearby if needed.
Drum Coffee Roasting
Drum Coffee is a coffee shop near campus (just across the river). They have many beverage options, including milk substitutes. Drum Coffee also offers a variety of baked goods at the counter. The relaxed environment and comfortable seating make it a great study or hangout space for students who need to get off campus. They also have great stickers you can purchase!
Visit Website: Drum Coffee Roasting
Zoo Thai
Zoo Thai is a Thai restaurant located on Front Street in downtown Missoula. They make delicious Thai dishes and have many vegan or vegetarian options with the addition of tofu. They also have many gluten-free options. I always order their Iced Thai Tea whenever I go, which is delicious with coconut milk, another great vegan option.
Tip: Zoo Thai does not take reservations and is only open in the evenings.
Visit Website: Zoo Thai Missoula
Pie Hole
Pie Hole is a classic pizza joint that’s open late into the night for those midnight cravings. At just $3-5 a slice, Pie Hole offers pizza with great, classic flavors at a reasonable price. Located downtown on N Higgins Ave, they’re in the center of all the activity in Missoula, serving as a great home base for your night out on the town.
Visit Website: Pie Hole
Michi Ramen Bar
Located just off Caras Park, Michi Ramen is a ramen bar with rice bowls, ramen, appetizers and desserts. They also offer lots of drink options, including the classic Japanese sake. This restaurant has just one vegan ramen option, but there are other appetizers that offer a nice vegan or vegetarian option. With a more modern and funky atmosphere, this place is very special and offers a great option for a chill night out.
Visit Website: Michi Ramen Bar
Ciao Mambo
Ciao Mambo is an Italian restaurant located on the Hip Strip, just a few blocks from campus. Frequently busy, this restaurant is one of the best Italian food in Missoula, with great dishes like their eggplant parmesan and carbonara that can be made with gluten-free noodles. With fun touches like paper-covered tables to draw on, this restaurant can’t be missed.
Visit Website: Ciao Mambo
Madison Knapp is a student at the University of Montana who majors in Creative Writing and minors in French. She is an out-of-state student and is thoroughly enjoying her time at UM. She is also a DHC student and a proud member of the Grizzly Marching Band.
