ICYMI: Missoula Has a New Bar That’s an Instant Hidden Gem

A friend shared that they visited a new underground bar recently and I immediately wondered if it was a bar I learned about a year ago, but have a much longer history with, and it turned out that yes, it was the same place.

Missoula, let me tell you about The Grotto and why it holds such a special in my heart already. 

First, this place is truly a hidden gem. The Grotto opened at the end of June, and if you don’t already know about it, you might have difficulty finding it. I’d been to The Grotto when it was something else, but the entrance changed, so we had to ask the staff at The Old Post, “Where is it?” 

Just off the patio at the back of The Old Post, you'll find a covered concrete staircase that leads to a door. At this point, you might feel like you're inside an urban fantasy novel, but The Grotto is very real.

The lobby area has mauve-colored velvet chairs and a painting of peacocks. Stepping into the bar you'll find yourself under a stone archway.

Under that same archway, I was married years ago, when The Grotto was called La Grotto Bella. People came to this underground spot for private dinners or wine tastings. I got emotional walking in and seeing how it had changed but also how much of it was the same. 

Now, The Grotto feels a bit European and is cozy, (but American cozy, if you know what I mean). There's just enough lighting to read the menu and the chairs are comfortable enough to stay awhile. 

The drinks are creative and combine multiple flavors. My companion's drink tasted like the sweetest and boldest flavors of Tom kha soup. The waiter described my drink as a "taste your own adventure." 

The drinks came with popcorn and we were told they hoped to have food in the next few weeks. For now, you can have drinks in The Grotto then head upstairs to The Old Post for dinner.

As of a story on their Instagram account today, The Grotto will be open Monday - Saturday 5:00 pm - 12:00 am.