Best Food Spots On and Off Campus

As a student at the University of Montana. While at UM, 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, making me extra careful to pay attention to what 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 on and off campus to enjoy delicious food (no matter your dietary preferences).

The Lodge

The Lodge is the newest dining facility on campus. It opened for students in the fall of 2024 semester. The Lodge features seven main stations. They all have 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.

There are two outdoor balconies for students to enjoy their meals. Along with the seating indoors, 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. For more information on The Lodge, here is an article about the grand opening.

The Market

The Market, located in the UC on campus, is a great option for breakfast and other grab-and-go meals or snack items. 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.

Tip: You can save $0.25 if you order a beverage and bring your own mug to the Market.

Big Sky Burgers Express

Big Sky Burgers Express is a burger place in the UC Food Court where you can order food digitally and customize it accordingly. They have a vegan Impossible burger for vegan or vegetarian students that tastes great and might entice some meat-eaters. They also have fried chicken sandwiches, tater tots, and a weekly special, keeping the menu fresh.

Tip: The combo meal includes a burger, drink, and fries, but does not have the Impossible burger as an option.

Pearl Boba Tea

Pearl Boba Tea is a boba place with on- and off-campus locations. The on-campus location is on the first floor of the UC, across from the Go Griz Store. They have delicious milk tea flavors, from Thai tea to chai, and provide milk alternatives.

Tip: Pearl Boba Tea does not take student meal plans as payment.

Liquid Planet

Liquid Planet is a local establishment that sells beverages and food. The closest location to campus is across the street from the Jesse residence hall. They serve breakfast all day and have wonderful lunch options. 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 just for beverages.

Tandem Bakery and Cafe

Tandem Bakery and Cafe is an all-vegan bakery only a couple 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.

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 locations of Clyde Coffee, including one within 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 as well as their own merch such as t-shirts or cute ceramic mugs.

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. The booth seating and pleasant environment also allow for a serene study space.

Zoo Thai

Zoo Thai is a Thai restaurant located 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 to Zoo Thai, which is just as delicious with coconut milk.

Tip: Zoo Thai does not take reservations and is only open in the evenings.

Drum Coffee

Drum Coffee is a coffee place with a couple of locations in Missoula. They have many different beverage options which allow for milk substitution as well. Drum Coffee also provides various baked goods at the counter. The relaxed environment and comfortable seating make it a great study or hang-out space for students needing to get off campus.

---

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.