Colin G.
Yelp
For those seeking an unfiltered, authentic Bozeman experience, a visit to Bozeman Brewing Company -- located in an old pea factory and nestled alongside the lumberyards and train depots of Bozeman's oft-neglected Northeast side -- is a necessity.
Atmosphere: In the "cozy" taproom (i.e. tiny and cramped, but in an endearing way) on a typical Friday afternoon, young upper-middle-class professionals rub shoulders (quite literally) with bearded ski bums and rugged old regulars, but the environment is that of unassailable cheer. The crowded confines offer BBC patrons a rather intimate experience that essentially forces strangers to mingle with strangers. In fact, sometimes BBC feels like stumbling into a convention of the friendliest people in Bozeman. (4.75 / 5)
Beer: Obviously the most important part of any taproom, and fortunately, BBC offers the some of the best craft beer in Montana. Their Bozone Amber is a local classic (and was the foundation of my first college kegger), but forgo it in favor of their crisp and funky Hefeweisen or the Java Stout -- which is remarkably smooth and creamy, like a robust cup of black coffee mixed with good half-and-half. The seasonal rotators are hit-and-miss (mostly due to the brewery's noble knack for experimentation), but when they nail it -- like last fall's Terroir Fresh Hop Ale -- the results can be magnificent. (4.5 / 5)
Food: There's no food except for popcorn (which is enough for me when I'm pounding down pints), but a BBQ truck operates out of the adjacent parking lot. (N/A)
Overall: Regardless of how much time you have to spend in Bozeman, if you're a beer fan, make BBC a priority. You're guaranteed excellent craft beer, and if you're willing, some riveting conversation with a fascinating menagerie of locals and out-of-staters.
(P.S. I don't know what "Heywood J." did to receive poor service, but not in my six years in Bozeman did I once receive nothing less than fantastic service here, even on my first visits when I was a total beer newbie.)
