Restaurants in Missoula

Thanks to the university and a relatively cultured populace, Missoula is blessed with an excellent variety of restaurants, ranging from organic vegetarian to full-blown carnivorous. In addition to the options discussed below, I suggest the Hob Nob, 531 S. Higgins Ave. (tel. 406/541-4622), for great breakfasts such as homemade corned beef hash, sourdough flapjacks, and migas (a breakfast taco). Also reliable for a scrumptious breakfast and lunch, Catalyst Espresso, 111 N. Higgins Ave. (tel. 406/542-1337), cooks frittatas and scrambles for breakfast and soups, salads, and sourdough for lunch. The historic Shack Cafe, 222 W. Main St. (tel. 406/549-9903; www.theshackcafe.com), is another local favorite, serving huge omelets known as "buffalo pies" for breakfast and a wide variety of lunch entrees, as well as dinners on Saturday and Sunday nights.