Break Espresso

Espresso bar · Missoula

Break Espresso

Espresso bar · Missoula

1

432 N Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT 59802

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Break Espresso by null
Break Espresso by null
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Break Espresso by null
Break Espresso by null
Break Espresso by null
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Break Espresso by null
Break Espresso by null
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Break Espresso by null
Break Espresso by null
Break Espresso by null
Break Espresso by null
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Break Espresso by null
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Highlights

Killer coffee, delicious pies, and a spacious study spot  

Featured in Eater
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432 N Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT 59802 Get directions

breakespresso.com
@_break_espresso_

$1–10

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432 N Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT 59802 Get directions

+1 406 728 7300
breakespresso.com
@_break_espresso_

$1–10

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Last updated

Oct 10, 2025

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The 15 Best Restaurants in Missoula, Home of the University of Montana | Eater

"With its downtown location, room to spread out, and killer coffee and baked goods, Break is Missoula’s go-to study spot. You can find students and locals chatting, reading, taking notes, and scrambling to get work done any time of the day, 365 days a year. Start your morning off bright and early with caffeine and a breakfast sandwich, or come by for a piece of pie in the evening. You might even spot professors cramming too." - Lotus Porte-Moyel

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-missoula-montana-university
View Postcard for Break Espresso

Edith Cladder

Google
Just what we were looking for. Good Italian coffee, and lunch that is not deep fried. I enjoyed the vegetable quiche and the lemon cheese cake. And as the waitress predicted, I needed a box to take the leftovers pie out. Great atmosphere, friendly staff.

Udip

Google
I said it the moment I walked in — “I could move to Missoula just because a place like this exists.” There’s something rare here. A calm, open layout that makes you want to linger. Classic green banker’s lamps glowing over rustic tables. That comforting hum of a space that welcomes both stillness and connection. And then… the food. The pastry case feels endless — fresh-baked surprises, savory treats, and sweets that taste like they were made with intention, not just recipe. Everything priced with such generosity, it makes you want to tip 50% without a second thought. But what truly deserves the spotlight is the team — every BOH and FOH member, the ownership, and everyone who keeps this place moving from 5:30 AM to 10 PM daily. You feel their heart in every cup and every corner of the space. Deep gratitude for making this haven run so beautifully for so many years already — and the future ahead.

Greg Brown

Google
Great cafe. They also have breakfast sandwiches and quiche. Very delicious.

Drew Streeter

Google
The coffee was great. I had a latte and it was perfect. The customer service was lacking. They seemed bored and bothered to help. (We were there about 6:00 a.m. and it wasn’t busy.) The venue itself was nice and comfortable, but the tables were dirty. The pastry looked great, but was dry and tasteless. (I had a bear claw.) If I go back, it would just be for coffee.

Alura Waters

Google
Pictured is a white chocolate mocha. Very calm, comfortable, and inviting atmosphere. Lots of space with a variety of places to sit. It makes you want to stay awhile. They care about the community and value sustainability. The bakery looks incredible.

Brianna Titone

Google
Lots of different delicious pastries, pies, and other baked goods like quiches. We tried the strawberry rhubarb pie, the caramel bun with nuts, and the sausage egg and cheese biscuit sandwich. I would recommend all of these and have a feeling the other options won't disappoint. If you're looking for gluten free options, you're out of luck, but the city has other places to cater to those dietary options. The dining space is large with many tables. We saw folks chatting and playing games so this is a great place to meet, hang out, and enjoy a hot beverage.

Joe G

Google
Great space with lots of seating. Huge selection of options for a “coffee shop”. Pecan pie was flavorful and light. The crust far better than most. The cherry pie was ok, but not as tart as expected. The Chai was beautifully spicy and accentuated the pie well. We felt like we were imposing on the staff to get served. Hopefully just an off rough day.

Vegan VVitch

Google
there is only one vegan baked good which is a yummy raspberry oat bar. they used to make a vegan chocolate cake but stopped and only god knows why bc it was so delicious! they havent added any other vegan baked goods despite numerous customers asking. the bldg is incredibly hot in the summer bc its "too old" to install central air, so its not comfortable whatsoever during warm months. the baristas dont get paid extra during those warm months which means just awful working conditions for no additional compensation. the lighting is very cozy, but the seating is not. no recycling, no compost or compostable straws, too much single use plastics, reusable utensils and plates, free water w reusable cups.

Jacqueline C.

Yelp
Such a fun find. Like the gentle lighting and vibe and eclectic crowd. Lots of people there but still felt peaceful. A few breakfast options are available as well lots of pies and pastries. My bagel was so fresh and yummy. Their chai tea latte is just like I like it -- spicy and not too sweet. Service was efficient and friendly while we figured out the stations for paying and ordering We'd certainly return if we found ourselves in town again.
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Angela S.

Yelp
This place is great I love the 90s coffee house vibe. The selection of pastries, bagels and goodies including massive pies is on another level. They had samples of a danish and coffee cake and they were outstanding. Coffee and tea options included your standard options as well as some fun twists. Highly recommend this place if you're grabbing one to go (service was super quick) or if you have time to take a load off there's plenty of seating and it's kid friendly.

Jeff Q.

Yelp
Your experience at Break can be wildly variable. Depends on the barista you have, whether the AC or Internet seem to be working, or any number of other variables. Have had great experiences and have stood directly in front of a Barista who is actively trying to avoid eye contact or acknowledgement for a very long time.
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Bruce K.

Yelp
Morning coffee as I'm getting to the far end of the central time zone. It's certainly time to find a spot to connect to wifi so that I can work this morning. Thankfully, Break is open early (5:30 am!) and so here we are. The coffee was excellent. The cinnamon roll was very sweet but still delicious. And the seating was comfortable. Four hours of coffee and wifi later, it's time to move on to the next stop. [Review 20826 overall - 88 in Montana - 1810 of 2023.]

Timothy C.

Yelp
I norm never write reviews unless staff is rude. on Sunday June 1st the cashier with grey hair and black glasses made a rude comment to me for being helpful and openly talked politically to a customer without knowing which party they supported. spreading hate. they were out of metal forks that I prefer to use, rather then throwing plastic away or using plastic. I set the empty container on the counter and nicely said you are out of forks. she rudely and dismissively said that was not helpful. while rushing to put it back. their prices have doubled in last 10 years. which she blamed on president Trump saying the price of someone's coffee was a million dollars. customer not saying anything before her comment.
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Dan B.

Yelp
I just love this place - the -11 degree walk wasn't as good. Great coffee and an amazing choice of pastries. Friendly employees who will patiently answer my questions. The old wooden tables, the spacious seating area and the country/roots music make it a welcoming place you want to stay for hours.

Layla P.

Yelp
The service was great but only problems were that the food was very over priced and not worth it, and the system to check out and order was very chaotic. Finally it felt very unsanitary.
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Emily D.

Yelp
AMAZING FOOD. So wholesome. Loveedddd the muffins and the coffee is great. They have so many flavor options, and the staff members are so kind! The atmosphere is so cool too- I love all the art!

Erik E.

Yelp
Bought a $10 breakfast burrito and they gave it to me on a plate partially frozen. I was told I need to cook it myself so I started that venture. The toaster oven had a tripped breaker so they had to find that and reset it and then it tripped about five times during the process. I was not planning to put my $10 breakfast burrito in the microwave. I told the gal that I was disappointed in this process and she scoffed at me and went and mumbled to her coworker.
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Rick D.

Yelp
My iced latte was decent, staff was friendly, vibe was decent. They have fresh baked goods as a plus. The coffee is mid

Sharla S.

Yelp
We were there on a very busy Friday night when there was only one barista/server. She made us 4 excellent drinks, wasn't flustered even served us with a smile. She took care of a continuous line of people the whole hour and half we were there! Great playlist too! Awesome atmosphere.

K M.

Yelp
Everything we tasted so far was fantastic. Today we got their Frappe, coffee flavor- it was super good, not that sweet, strong coffee flavor. Texture was smooth, really the best. Ham and cheese quiche was tasty and fresh, just right amount of seasoning, not heavy. The Turtle cheese cake with pecan stole the show, really hard to choose. Everything they have is yummy. Our cashier was super nice and friendly. We'll be back.
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B D.

Yelp
Love this place. Good sweet and savory foods, good drinks, and Luda is awesome! Though it can be a little loud and sometimes it gets stuffy, it's totally worth it.

Suzanne D.

Yelp
Great food and coffee, friendly service, and relaxing environment to visit with friends, read a book, or catch up on some work.

Kathleen W.

Yelp
Great espresso, matcha latte with sweet treats! Low key atmosphere. I go there every time I am in Missoula.
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Rick B.

Yelp
Amazing pies . Delicious coffee and the staff are so nice. It's such a warm and cozy place to hang out and have some coffee in the morning with a cinnamon roll or breakfast item. They even have quiche. I'm in deep trouble with all of these pies and pastries. The peach is my favorite. But I'm dying to try the pecan. I took a piece of apple pie and cherry pie home. I love this place.
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JP P.

Yelp
This is a open space and the person working the day I went was amazing and attentive! The quiche is decent. I think I'll try something else next time. They have a ginger and echinacea tea that's amazing. The coffee is really good; dark, strong and smooth. I will be back! It's a great place to work and the wifi is strong!

Trinidad A.

Yelp
Amazing Dutch apple pie and amazing coffee the ambiance is amazing love the decorations and the barista was so kind! I totally recommend
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Kathy H.

Yelp
Very cool place- the coffee is delicious Hubby had a brewed coffee and I a latte with SF Vanilla and almond milk Cinnamon rolls are fresh and we also had a Rick's fruit danish with fresh berries (yummy)
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Sarah J.

Yelp
I had a veggie quiche and warmed it up in 2 30 second bursts. SO GOOD. I'm sure the other quiches are too. We also got a cinnamon roll, berry amazingness, chai, latte, and berry coffee cake? So yes we have experienced a few items and the only issue which is minor is that the cinnamon roll was a little dry. The ambiance of the place is simply splendid- you can tell they care about the community and everyone we encountered felt warm and genuine. If only we had more time to try additional yums. thank you for being an amazing bakery and coffee shop! If I could scoop it up and transplant to Anchorage, I would. Not to say we don't have a few really good places but this spin on baked goods (like deep dish pies) would be welcome there as well, I'm sure.
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Siamen M.

Yelp
It has been a two years since we stumble upon this place. The coffee is great but more importantly their pies are ridiculously great. Rhubarb pie and pecan pie baked like a cake but solid and not overly sweet. Cant wait to go back again one day!
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Tiahna P.

Yelp
This place was really cool on the inside. It was so classic and old-timey with genuine cozy warmth. I am an out-of-towner that just wanted to stop and catch up on work for a short while. But if I studied here, this would 100% be a go-to spot to do my homework. The interior was homey, and felt like a lodge. The large wooden desks, the brick walls, the wood floors. It was very nice on the inside. The best thing is that the prices for coffee products were definitely reasonably priced and affordable. It was full of diversity, different ages and races. Just all types of people. This was a really, really great coffee shop.
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Peggy M.

Yelp
Wide open spaces. Super cool building. Great selection of pastries. Veggie quiche good but you do have to heat it up yourself in the nearby microwave. Excellent cappuccino.

Annie V.

Yelp
Went on a date with a boy and barista automatically charged ME for both him & I. My date was going to pay, and barista told him, "oh, she's got it." GREAT SERVICE... NOT COMING BACK. chivalry is apparently not allowed??????????????????????????????????????????
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Paige A.

Yelp
I came here to get some work done for a few hours while enjoying a cup of coffee and a pastry. My lemon scone and mocha were both delicious! The staff were very nice. I've also been here before for pie- really good! The vibe is rugged, log cabin, hipster, old man fly fisherman- loved it. Seems like a space both young and old can enjoy. The amount of table space was plentiful- some tables even had desk lamps. The wifi was not quite strong enough to get my work done efficiently so I did not stay too long. I'll come again when I don't have so much work involving the World Wide Web to get done.
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Erin H.

Yelp
huge homey space! Lots of people studying but also meeting up with friends. Coffee was great, and the baristas were really warm and helpful. The treats looked yummy, wish they had a couple more vegan, gf options but that's def not a deficiency on their part by any means. Will say, though, I had to use my phone's hot spot because their wifi wouldn't work well enough for me to work on Google docs. Would come again regardless!

Sergio Andres S.

Yelp
The barista was super kind but did not know what to recommend I try the strawberry pie was totally nasty the strawberry pure tasted that was left out for days and was already bad then I ask for something different I got a caramel pecan cinnamon roll horrible u can tasted that was probably sitting on there for weeks. Really really bad experience

Benjamin Y.

Yelp
What's the WiFi password? The barista told me they changed it and now they don't know what it is.
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Randy P.

Yelp
Cool place to have a Coffee and Pastry or sandwich. Staff is friendly and quick with service. Great Wifi hot spot and you actually stay connected. The decor is rustic old red brick building with lots of tables and chairs.
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Jann L.

Yelp
Great service and solid vibe here. First time in Missoula and the espresso here is just delicious! All choices of alternative milk options. Oh and the pastries and pies were so fresh and flavorful, skilled baking happens here. Wifi is also the fastest of any place in Missoula. Get in there when you go!

Tesella T.

Yelp
This place has people who are high-strung. Coming here multiple times, each different barista is either anxious as hell off their coffee or natural assholes who are only kind to you soliciting cash for their pockets. Their lattes are overly sweetened and pastries the same cavity inducing level. If you're looking to get diabetes and constipation I guess this is the place.

D S.

Yelp
Love this place. Lots of tables for those hang out days. Nice place to get some work done. Open late, and on the Main Street. Good atmosphere. And the pies, omg the pies. If you need a pie fix in Missoula this place is for you. Give this place a try, I doubt you'll regret.
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Brianna A.

Yelp
Break Espresso has to be in my top 3 best cafes I've ever had the pleasure of lounging in! There's been countless times I've walked in and heard a plethora of greetings coming from the baristas who are, without fail, the nicest bunch of servers I've experienced. The coffee is always superb, treats are yummy, and the ambience is unforgettable. I can't recommend Break enough! Order an oat milk americano, a slice of blueberry zucchini bread, and sit back and relax.
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Pearl C.

Yelp
Interesting coffee shop. Large with big wood furniture and brick walls. Big enough for small company meetings of 20-30 depending on how full it is and how many tables you get together. Kind of a self serve. Drip coffee was self serve. They have cold and hot water dispensers you help yourself to. They also have a microwave you can help yourself to. The barista asked me if I wanted my cappuccino "wet or dry". Never had that asked before so I giggled foolishly asking him what it meant. He seemed insulted and said foam (dry) or no foam (wet). If you get foam, you get very little coffee. Pesto Cheese Danishwas good but if you want it hot, you have to toast it yourself. Hazelnut brownie. Good flavor but kind of hard.
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Maria C.

Yelp
Only been once for tea but it was a good experience, cute ambiance, and pretty reasonably priced. The table I sat at was full of crumbs which is why I am giving 4 stars.
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Kyle C.

Yelp
Chill environment with a good vibe, great coffee/drinks, and helpful friendly staff. Good place to work, chat, or simply sit.
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Hillary K.

Yelp
My friend and I stopped in here after visiting the farmers market in Missoula. Upon walking into the coffee shop, you can tell there's a cool vibe going on in here. The wood floors and wooden tables and chairs give it an eclectic vibe. However, it was a little confusing figuring how the line worked. You would walk up and order your drink from the barista who would then make the drink and then you would hold your drink and pay for it at the other end of the counter. It's a well-intentioned system but all of the customers weren't catching on to it. Also, I ordered a small cafe au lait and my friend ordered an almond milk soy latte. Both were pretty good, but not necessarily the best coffee drinks I've ever had.
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Blake R.

Yelp
Coffee was great, cinnamon roll was awesome as well. You should definitely come here or you will be sorry!

Matt W.

Yelp
Coffee's very good, consistently so, and so are the baked goods, though overpriced, perhaps excessively so, compared to other coffee shops that carry baked goods in Missoula. They play good music at a volume that doesn't act as an intrusion to conversation or study. The only reason I can't slap five stars on the rating is the medieval syle torture chairs that you're forced to use, as there are only two (!!!) chairs of another style (w/cushioning) that are available, and one of them is on its last leg, pun intended. But the staff is prompt, courteous and friendly and the cafe is open until 10pm, which is a somewhat more appropriate time for coffee shops to close, rather than the all-too-early 4/5/6pm times other shops close.
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Maren B.

Yelp
I know that I barely scratched the surface on what Break Espresso has to offer, but what I experienced, I absolutely LOVED! The gentleman behind the counter was so kind and personable...and super chill, which I really appreciated. He made me feel like I could've ordered anything I wanted and he would have found a way to make it happen. Now THAT is customer service! I really enjoyed how big and spacious the location is; I know not all places have that luxury, but it really bumps up the ratings! The wood tables and chairs and super cute and comfy, I had no problem sitting for an hour to chat with a friend. I noticed there were a lot of students in there too. Some were studying quietly and some were talking, but it wasn't too loud. I could still hear myself talk. Dinner time was approaching so I didn't order any food, but if I would've planned this visit better, I would have decided to eat there. Everything looks so delicious, ya'll! Anyhow, go there. You'll love it!
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Tim M.

Yelp
I came here before about 5 years ago and made a point to return on my recent trip. The service was very friendly, coffee was excellent, but the piece de resistance was the PIE! Strawberry-rhubarb to be specific. W.O.W. So delish! I'll let the photo speak for itself.

Arantxa A.

Yelp
The coffee is good but they don't listen very well to your coffee requirements. I ordered one of the coffees with a pinch of vanilla and the pour a bunch. They don't have the caution rings handy so you have to move the coffees to the station burning your hands and the don't give you the receipt. I wasn't going to leave a tip for this Bad service and then the ride lady had the nerve to ask several times for a tip. I finally left 10% and these were the reasons why. I'm going to Bernice's to get the rest of my coffee and bakery stuff.
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Julia E.

Yelp
We were glad to find a local coffee spot that was open early (6:30 am on a Sunday) during our brief visit passing through Missoula. The place is spacious and clean, in the heart of the cute downtown business district. All staff were wearing masks and following COVID-19 protocol, something that unfortunately we didn't see at most places in Montana. The coffee was good - we both got drip - and we also enjoyed pastries and a day-old breakfast sandwich (too early for the fresh ones), which hit the spot for a breakfast on the road. My partner is a bit of a coffee snob and was in a hurry to get moving, and Break Espresso exceeded expectations on both fronts.
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Conrad S.

Yelp
Wow this is a cool coffee shop. Lots of tables. Moody lighting, happy barista hipsters, fantastic baked goods and excellent lattes. I ventured in before pushing off towards Revelstoke Canada and to organize some footage and videos and photos. The space is incredible and there are lots of big heavy wooden tables and mismatching chairs with different lamps nestled between exposed brick. The latter was awesome and they have so many flavors for them. I had a hazelnut latte. It was perfect. It went well with their $2 discounted cupcake muffin thing I had. It was a whole grain pastry with raspberries and some carmelized brown sugar baked in. The bagel I had was ham and cheese. Now this is where I was disappointed. The bagel itself was phenomonal. It had melted cheese all over it. However cream cheese is a $.50 up charge. This is actually totally ok. They bring you a little single packet of Philadelphia cream cheese to spread yourself. Please provide two packets of cream cheese as I am a pig who like to lay it on heavy.
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Sarah N.

Yelp
A great place to hunker down and do some work. The lighting is very dark in the back, it's much brighter if you sit up close to the entrance/windows, but it all depends on what you want! They always have an assortment of pies and baked goods that are delicious, their pies are GREAT. Never disappoint. The baristas are always very friendly and quick. Highly recommend this place for the food, drinks, and atmosphere.
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Lauren G.

Yelp
I'm a nerd. I went to Missoula wanting to do Missoula-y things. So this place was quite an unexpected treat. Even though I didn't see a single bear on my week-long trip, on my last morning in Missoula I got to eat a bearclaw! And the tea selection included such local delights as Night on Glacier Lake and Evening in Missoula. I was warm and happy. The atmosphere was really nice too. Very woody and warm and inviting. I tried walking in there at least once or twice thinking it was a neighboring bar. Anyway, thanks, Missoula, for a great trip :)
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Jennifer T.

Yelp
I'm not crazy about how they make their lattes but the atmosphere is cool. They do, however, make a killer egg nog latte so make sure to get one during the holiday season.
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Daniel H.

Yelp
Chai tea latte: average Friendliness: barista was great, cash register girl had an attitude Atmosphere: awesome Loved the wooden interior--floors, tables, etc. Backwards line if you're used to Starbucks. Overall, a cool little place to hang out in Missoula.

Trevor S.

Yelp
Mellow atmosphere, free WiFi, friendly staff, everything I have ordered so far has tasted great- less expensive than big creek coffee by far, and unlike big creek coffee the staff actually understand coffee lingo and know what a blender is. 10/10 would buy again.