Dining Three Rivers Style

Uptown Diner

The Uptown Diner’s logo of a boy and a girl sharing a milkshake gives a passersby a glimpse into the personality of this 1950’s style downtown Missoula diner. As you walk in, you will notice the back end of a 1957 Buick Super mounted on the wall and the sea foam green, pink and chrome motif sends you back to the day of sock-hops and soda shops.

Milkshakes are the Uptown’s specialty. For the past eight years the Uptown diner has been voted Missoula’s best milkshake, they have all of your average milkshake flavors: vanilla, chocolate and strawberry, but their “soda jerks” make other specialty shakes such as the Flying Nun and Liquid Pavement. Besides shakes the Uptown has a variety of entrees, some of the most popular include the tomato soup, and the banana bread French toast. The Uptown Diner has on occasion been known as the Breakfast Factory, since it is one of the few restaurants in town that serves breakfast all day long.

This cute, family run diner is owned by fourth generation Montanan Sandy Talbot, and her son and daughter. They take pride in their restaurant, which is probably why they have so many dedicated usual customers they make everything from scratch and don’t skimp on their ingredients, they use nothing but the best. “When we say our soups are homemade, they really are homemade, the only difference is that it isn’t made in your home. “The staff is nothing short of friendly, the waitresses call you sweetie and hon’ and are always willing to make a suggestion if you can’t decide what to get. When the Uptown gets really busy don’t be surprised if a regular pours your coffee.
 

Hob Nob

The Hob Nob on Higgins has been a quaint hole-in-the-wall restaurant for the past four years. While managing their restaurant, owners Justin and Tamara Alterowitz have kept the people of Missoula in mind. Their prices are low enough for the town’s college students, and both the meat-eater and the vegetarian diner can enjoy lots of options.

The café has a relaxed atmosphere with colorful chalkboard menus above the counter that will help you decide what to eat. After you’ve ordered, find a table and have a seat. As you settle in, you may notice the collages of pictures, postcards, and old advertisements on the tabletops—each table is as unique as its diner.
When your server brings out your perfectly portioned meal, it’s time to dig in. Whether you ordered the homemade corned-beef hash for breakfast or the popular Veggie Tex-Mex burger for lunch, your meal is guaranteed to be delicious. The food at the Hob Nob leaves you completely satisfied, not too full, but definitely not hungry anymore.

The Hob Nob on Higgins is an ideal place to have breakfast or lunch without breaking your wallet. A meal for two is usually around $15 and if you only have an hour for lunch, you can be sure it won’t take long to get your food. The Hob Nob on Higgins is located at 531 S. Higgins next to Scotty’s Table and across from the Missoulian. They are open from 8am-4pm all week long.

Jitters Java

If you are a coming out of the Rattlesnake valley, to work in downtown Missoula or at the University of Montana and need a great cup of coffee try Jitters Java. At the corner of Spruce St. and Madison Ave., across from Madison Avenue Salon there is an extraordinary espresso shop run by owner Karrie Serrania. Opened just 7 months ago Jitters Java has grown rapidly by word of mouth. “Anyone can make a cup coffee but to create that perfect blend of espresso requires three things. We start with the highest quality coffee beans. We get our beans from an Italian family that has been perfecting their hand roasted beans for three generations,” says Karrie. “Next, we purify all of our water to remove any sediments and impurities. Finally, I have taken the time to train and monitor all my barista’s or espresso makers.”

The coffee at Jitters Java is not only good it is consistently good. There is no bitterness; its flavor is always rich and smooth. Those who know Karrie will tell you that she is a perfectionist. Watching her is like watching an expert wine maker; examining, timing and sniffing her work. “If the espresso does not have the thick dark caramel crème, or has a burnt or green smell we throw it away,” says Karrie. “Our customers have developed an educated palate and know what they want. In a small shop like ours, we can take the time to insure each customer has a pleasant coffee experience.”

Jitters Java has Monin coffee flavors, Ghirardelli chocolate syrup and Big Train Frappe. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, they serve Cuban coffee. It is a traditional South American espresso that is unique, strong, and sweet. You will not find Cuban coffee anywhere else in Missoula.

To those who take the time to walk-in, Karrie has included an upscale gift shop. There are Beijo purses, Alexandria’s fragrance lamps, custom hand-made jewelry, corporate personal and pet gift baskets. “All of the items in our gift store would make great Christmas gifts,” says Karrie.

Open from Monday through Friday 6:30am-5:00pm, Saturday 7:00am-3:00pm and Sunday 8:00 to 2:00pm.