University of Montana Blog

Things to Do in Missoula: Move-In Day

Written by Skylar Rispens | Aug 12, 2026, 5:12:12 PM

While every day at the University of Montana is an adventure, Move-In Day ranks as one of the most exciting moments as you and your family kick off your college journey. We're here to help move your belongings into your residence hall and are also available to recommend some ways to make the most of your family's visit to Missoula. Scroll below to discover some of the best restaurants to visit and things to do with your family during move-in:


Where to Eat Dinner

* indicates Griz alumni-owned 


The Thomas Meagher Bar* | 130 W. Pine Street  - Visit Website 

Located in downtown Missoula, the Thomas Meagher Bar is an Irish pub and sports bar serving delicious food. 


Wally & Buck* | 319 E. Front Street  - Visit Website

Wally & Buck serves up Missoula’s original smash burgers using local, pasture-raised and grass-fed beef from Oxbow Cattle Co.

GILD*| 515 S. Higgins Avenue  - Visit Website

GILD is a locally-owned brewpub located on Missoula’s Hip Strip, serving up tacos, burritos, quesadillas and other Mexican-inspired fare on tortillas that are made fresh daily from scratch. 

Cranky Sam Public House *| 233 W. Main Street  - Visit Website

Cranky Sam Public House’s menu features a diverse selection of classic pub fare, as well as eclectic Pacific-inspired offerings.

Double K Bar | 125 S. Higgins Avenue  - Visit Website

Located in downtown Missoula next to the Wilma Theater, the Double K Bar serves burgers and pizza made with meats sourced from the Double K Ranch near Darby, Montana. 


SakeTome | 137 W. Front Street  - Visit Website

SakeTome is consistently voted Missoula’s best for sushi and seafood and best restaurant service in the Missoulian newspaper’s “Best of Missoula” annual awards. 

Biga Pizza | 241 W. Main Street  - Visit Website

Biga Pizza serves delicious pizza prepared from scratch and cooked to perfection in a brick oven. Biga uses seasonal ingredients to create its pizzas, salads and sandwiches.

 

Where to Eat Lunch 

* indicates Griz alumni-owned

Five on Black* | 325 N. Higgins Ave. - Visit Website

Five on Black is a fast-casual restaurant that deconstructs well-known recipes from across Brazil to be served in a quick, grab-and-go style.


M-80 Chicken* | 222 W. Main St. - Visit Website

M-80 Chicken is known for its Nashville hot chicken sandwiches and also serves chicken wings, salads, mac and cheese and more.

Tagliare Delicatessen* | 910 Wyoming St. - Visit Website

Tagliare has brought the deliciousness of an old-world Italian deli to Montana since 2008. All of their sandwiches are stacked high and packed with flavor.

Bridge Pizza *| 600 S. Higgins Ave.  - Visit Website

Located on Missoula’s Hip Strip, Bridge Pizza is a relaxed pizzeria that serves gourmet pies, pasta and sandwiches.


The Notorious P.I.G. BBQ | 247 W. Front Street  -
Visit Website

The Notorious P.I.G. uses techniques and recipes learned from renowned pitmasters in St. Louis to serve up mouth-watering ribs, burnt ends, brisket and pastrami cooked fresh daily. 


Michi Ramen Bar | 137 W. Front St.  -
Visit Website

Located downtown, Michi Ramen serves up delicious Japanese dining including ramen and rice bowls.

Where to Get Coffee or a Sweet Treat

* indicates Griz alumni-owned

 

Clyde Coffee* | 741 S. Higgins Ave. Unit A  - Visit Website

This locally owned coffee shop, roastery and cafe located on Missoula’s Hip-Strip is a favorite among locals to catch up with friends or on work. 

Funk It Coffee & Thrift* | 312 N. First St. W. - Visit Website

Located in Missoula’s northside neighborhood, Funk It Coffee & Thrift is where community and creativity meet. While you wait for your delicious coffee or food, be sure to check out their funky thrift selection. 

Higgins Dairy Queen* | 1735 S. Higgins Ave. - Visit Website

This walk-up Dairy Queen is truly a Missoula landmark and has been open for more than 60 years, operating seasonally between Valentine’s Day and Halloween.

Pearl Boba Tea* | 420 N. Higgins Ave. - Visit Website

Pearl Boba Tea is Missoula’s boba brewer and uses locally sourced ingredients from western Montana vendors to make its thrist-quenching bubble tea. Find them on campus in the University Center during the school year!

Market on Front* | 201 E. Front St. - Visit Website

Market on Front is a coffee shop, restaurant, artisan grocery store and deli in the heart of downtown Missoula.
  

Big Dipper Ice Cream* | 631 S. Higgins Ave.- Visit Website

Big Dipper has served handcrafted ice cream in Missoula since 1995. Here you can find classic flavors or explore a new favorite like huckleberry or cardamom. 

 

Hungry for more? We encourage you to explore resources from the Missoula Downtown Partnership and Destination Missoula

Looking for more things to do? We’ve got you covered:

What to Do in Missoula

Free & Fun Things to Do in Missoula

25 Summer Activities In and Around Missoula

Campus Visit Hub: Where to Stay, Eat & Explore