Missoula Memories That Will Hit You Right in the Nostalgia

Missoula has seen a lot of change and growth, and there’s quite a few businesses from year’s past that we miss SO much. Join us on a trip down memory lane for some distant Missoula memories that will hit you right in the feels. 

If you have lived in Missoula for any number of year’s, some of these memories might sound familiar:

  • Renting movies from Crazy Mike’s, Showcase or Crystal Video

  • Back when grocery shopping was done at Tidyman’s or Buttrey’s.

  • Discount movies at the Cine 3

  • A day spent at the mall included throwing coin in the fountain, stop at Sam Goody for a new cd for your discman, and then beg your parents to buy you something from KayBee toys

  • Back before there was Big Sky Arcadia, we had Aladdin’s Castle and Cyberstation

  • Shakes at Uptown Diner

  • Watching drag races downtown and ending the night with Pita Pit or Finnegan’s. 

  • Buying your first pair of Wrangler’s at Western Outfitters before The Book Exchange absorbed their space

  • Shopping at the Bon Marche before it became Macy’s

  • Shopping at Macy’s before it became owned by the Marriott

  • Back when the Break Espresso was half as wide

  • Quarter beer night at The Elbow Room when it was a double wide trailer

  • Even if you were too young to drink, you most definitely heard some wild stories from the watering holes of yore like “Jay’s Upstairs”, “The Board Room” and “Amvets.” Or maybe “Harry David’s”, "Boomer’s”, “Harold’s Club” or the Limelight were more your scene?

The Food

  • In the not so distant past you might have eaten brunch at The Hob Nob or The Shack

  • If you were lucky enough to go to high school during the golden era of cheap slices from Pizza Pipeline and the student lunch special at Honey Teriyaki (aka Honey T)

  • Thai Spicy was a great place to get spicy Thai food. Masala is there now.

  • Eating at the Waterfront Pasta House or the original Hoagieville drive up

  • Back when Tipu’s was more than just chai

  • Finnegans was a favorite for 24 hour service, a great view, and of course, waffle fries

  • Perhaps you remember mashed potatoes and a hot veggie salad from Torrey’s

  • Now home to a popular bike shop, Freemo’s pizza, not the best pizza by any stretch, but it was all you can eat!

  • RIP Food for Thought, we still miss your spicy potatoes

  • Heidelhouse

  • Dixie’s Diner in East Missoula

  • You can’t mention food without 93 Stop N Go, with extra duper sauce 

Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know!

Explore Montana, In & Around Town, LifestyleLaci RathbunMissoula, Nomtana, Food, food trucks