The Club Cigar, 208 Cen-
tral Ave. Run for 40 years by the legendary Lena Ford, who saw it through rowdy cowboy and Indian days and managed a house of prostitution on the side. She’d take ranch- ers’ money and dole it out until it was all gone, spent in her place. Snowshoes and a noose hang from the 20-foot dark-wood ceiling;
also an old wooden Indian and full-size cutouts of John Wayne stand around.
HAVRE
The Palace Bar, 228 First St. Unchanged in 30 years, soaring mahogany bar, pressed-tin ceiling. Massive
Montana’s first bar probably Was no More than a plank of Wood laid across tWo Whiskey kegs.
duotones of a grain harvester and the Northern Pacific document the area’s history.
Joan Melcher reflects how ironic it is that the saloons in the Hi-Line have lasted longer than the sodbusters’ structures. “But it is easy to understand when one remembers the social importance of the saloon to the drifter in unsettled territory.”
“NEW WEST” WATERING HOLES
MISSOULA Mustard Seed Asian Cafe Southgate Mall
Serving an array of martinis, cocktails, microbrews, wine, full menu and award-winning desserts
Iron Horse Brew Pub 501 N Higgins
Where there is always someone you know
DOWNTOWN BOZEMAN Plonk
29 E Main (406) 587-2170 plonkwine.com
An environment designed to engage the senses in an uncompromised celebration of the beauty of life
Starky’s Authentic American Grill 24 Tracy - 1/2 block off Main (406) 556-1111 starkysonline.com Local craft beer, great wine selection, appetizers, full dinner menu, live music Wednesdays
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DISTINCTLY MONTANA • SPRING 2011
