Orofino Guidebook
Food
Park Avenue is Helena’s hometown bakery. Open 7 days a week, it is a great place to have coffee with friends, connect with members of the community, savor the magic of a perfectly flaky croissant or fresh slice of cake. Park Avenue bakery has won the hearts of locals with their exquisite pastries, delectable desserts, expertly baked breads and focaccia style pizza. Inside the bakery older couples sit at bistro tables, quietly enjoying each other’s company.
Our Orofino favorite is an original cinnamon roll!
28 íbúar mæla með
Park Avenue Bakery
44 S Park AvePark Avenue is Helena’s hometown bakery. Open 7 days a week, it is a great place to have coffee with friends, connect with members of the community, savor the magic of a perfectly flaky croissant or fresh slice of cake. Park Avenue bakery has won the hearts of locals with their exquisite pastries, delectable desserts, expertly baked breads and focaccia style pizza. Inside the bakery older couples sit at bistro tables, quietly enjoying each other’s company.
Our Orofino favorite is an original cinnamon roll!
The menu offers a huge variety of traditional mediterranean fair: think olives, hummus, baba ganoush, falafel as well as a whole host of mediterranean inspired entrees topped with freshly chopped herbs and a dash of extra virgin olive oil.
Orofino Favorite: A gorgeous bottle of Italian red, Mini Lamb Brochettes, Bisara, traditional turkish coffee with Baklava.
31 íbúar mæla með
Mediterranean Grill
42 S Park AveThe menu offers a huge variety of traditional mediterranean fair: think olives, hummus, baba ganoush, falafel as well as a whole host of mediterranean inspired entrees topped with freshly chopped herbs and a dash of extra virgin olive oil.
Orofino Favorite: A gorgeous bottle of Italian red, Mini Lamb Brochettes, Bisara, traditional turkish coffee with Baklava.
On Broadway is all the rage in Helena. Locals flock here for dinner and drinks which makes for a busy, lively atmosphere in a really unique historic setting. Upon the beautiful brick walls are giant, gorgeous paintings of serene, dreamlike Montana scenes. There is often low-key live music in the front cocktail lounge area which makes waiting for a table no problem at all. The soft, low lighting creates an intimate dining experience and the service is friendly and accommodating. On Broadway is known for their craft cocktails, fresh, made from scratch pasta dishes and their generous seafood and steak offerings. Great place for a night out with friends or a sweet little date.
Pro-tip: On Broadway does not accept reservations, arrive early in the evening if you don’t want to wait for a table!
53 íbúar mæla með
On Broadway
106 E Broadway StOn Broadway is all the rage in Helena. Locals flock here for dinner and drinks which makes for a busy, lively atmosphere in a really unique historic setting. Upon the beautiful brick walls are giant, gorgeous paintings of serene, dreamlike Montana scenes. There is often low-key live music in the front cocktail lounge area which makes waiting for a table no problem at all. The soft, low lighting creates an intimate dining experience and the service is friendly and accommodating. On Broadway is known for their craft cocktails, fresh, made from scratch pasta dishes and their generous seafood and steak offerings. Great place for a night out with friends or a sweet little date.
Pro-tip: On Broadway does not accept reservations, arrive early in the evening if you don’t want to wait for a table!
Maison is a French Bistro located at the Oddfellow Inn & Farm. The team has managed to create in a chic but rustic boutique inn, a restaurant that stands out in its style, scope and aim, and a fully functional on-site farm. The dishes coming out of the kitchen at Maison are made for touch, smell and taste. All that is offered is with the hope to draw you closer to the land, and closer to this place, by engaging all of your senses and inviting you into deep, deep appreciation of what is possible when dreams are brought to fruition here in Helena, Montana.
Maison
2245 Head LnMaison is a French Bistro located at the Oddfellow Inn & Farm. The team has managed to create in a chic but rustic boutique inn, a restaurant that stands out in its style, scope and aim, and a fully functional on-site farm. The dishes coming out of the kitchen at Maison are made for touch, smell and taste. All that is offered is with the hope to draw you closer to the land, and closer to this place, by engaging all of your senses and inviting you into deep, deep appreciation of what is possible when dreams are brought to fruition here in Helena, Montana.
Oh, Lucca’s. You are, by far, the special occasion destination in all of Helena. Why? The service is top-notch . The entire room is bathed in a warm, amber light. There is a candle on each table. Linen napkins and proper silverware settings. Riedel glassware. An awesome wine list. Full bar. Amazing food. Lucca’s most often seats by reservation only, although there are times when the lucky few manage to slip in. This means, you may have to plan in advance a little, but, once you do get a table, it is yours.
Orofino Favorite: Shrimp Fra Diavolo, Pork Chop with Apple and Rosemary, Tiramisu.
28 íbúar mæla með
Lucca's
56 N Last Chance GulchOh, Lucca’s. You are, by far, the special occasion destination in all of Helena. Why? The service is top-notch . The entire room is bathed in a warm, amber light. There is a candle on each table. Linen napkins and proper silverware settings. Riedel glassware. An awesome wine list. Full bar. Amazing food. Lucca’s most often seats by reservation only, although there are times when the lucky few manage to slip in. This means, you may have to plan in advance a little, but, once you do get a table, it is yours.
Orofino Favorite: Shrimp Fra Diavolo, Pork Chop with Apple and Rosemary, Tiramisu.
Drink
“The Merc” as locals call it, makes the meanest cup of coffee in town. Each cup is made pour-over style, and the espresso is the real old fashioned kind. This is a special place you have to experience for yourself. And, if you’re looking for a great gift or thoughtful card, you’ll likely find just the right thing here, really. It’s tough to leave this place without a smile on your face.
Orofino Favorite: Cup of strong, hot, black coffee, Royal Chai or Short House Special.
23 íbúar mæla með
General Mercantile
413 N Last Chance Gulch“The Merc” as locals call it, makes the meanest cup of coffee in town. Each cup is made pour-over style, and the espresso is the real old fashioned kind. This is a special place you have to experience for yourself. And, if you’re looking for a great gift or thoughtful card, you’ll likely find just the right thing here, really. It’s tough to leave this place without a smile on your face.
Orofino Favorite: Cup of strong, hot, black coffee, Royal Chai or Short House Special.
In addition to the impressive selection of Reds, Whites, Bubbly’s, Beers and some gorgeous in-between bottles, The Hawthorn also offers a generous list of by the glass pours, a perfectly paired list of light fare ranging from Thai peanuts and jimmy crack corn to chicken liver pate, and cheese or charcuterie boards. Often, there are many “flights” to choose from which is always a fun and interactive way to taste beer and wine and they’ve even come up with a list of “cocktails” that put a new spin on old favorites.
32 íbúar mæla með
The Hawthorn Bottle Shop and Tasting Room
46 N Last Chance GulchIn addition to the impressive selection of Reds, Whites, Bubbly’s, Beers and some gorgeous in-between bottles, The Hawthorn also offers a generous list of by the glass pours, a perfectly paired list of light fare ranging from Thai peanuts and jimmy crack corn to chicken liver pate, and cheese or charcuterie boards. Often, there are many “flights” to choose from which is always a fun and interactive way to taste beer and wine and they’ve even come up with a list of “cocktails” that put a new spin on old favorites.
Blackfoot River Brewing has a patio that stands above downtown Helena where you can enjoy a lineup of craft beer made with only the finest ingredients. Blackfoot’s taproom is the place to go to enjoy good friends a good atmosphere and even better beer.
50 íbúar mæla með
Blackfoot River Brewing Co
66 S Park AveBlackfoot River Brewing has a patio that stands above downtown Helena where you can enjoy a lineup of craft beer made with only the finest ingredients. Blackfoot’s taproom is the place to go to enjoy good friends a good atmosphere and even better beer.
Owned by two heartful Helena Natives, every batch of grain-based spirits are made using only Montana-grown grains in a facility that was once the Montana Distillery and Bottling Warehouse. The names of the spirits are locally-inspired. Every cocktail is crafted using local herbs and incorporates locally-grown produce whenever possible as well as house-made syrups and shrubs.
15 íbúar mæla með
Gulch Distillers
790 Front StOwned by two heartful Helena Natives, every batch of grain-based spirits are made using only Montana-grown grains in a facility that was once the Montana Distillery and Bottling Warehouse. The names of the spirits are locally-inspired. Every cocktail is crafted using local herbs and incorporates locally-grown produce whenever possible as well as house-made syrups and shrubs.
Montago Coffee Co. first invited the Helena community into their coffee camper in August of 2019. But, for owners Rachael Weidlich and Steven Ladefoged, the dream had been years in the making and the business, as a whole, is a true expression of who they are as people. Every decision made has been done to honor the collective of knowledge, experience, and passion that the couple cultivated through years of work, travel, and their longing to create a work life that aligned with what they cared most about: coffee and community.
8 íbúar mæla með
Montago Coffee Co
317 Cruse AvenueMontago Coffee Co. first invited the Helena community into their coffee camper in August of 2019. But, for owners Rachael Weidlich and Steven Ladefoged, the dream had been years in the making and the business, as a whole, is a true expression of who they are as people. Every decision made has been done to honor the collective of knowledge, experience, and passion that the couple cultivated through years of work, travel, and their longing to create a work life that aligned with what they cared most about: coffee and community.
Shop
FourOsix is a lifestyle shop that promotes art, music, style, forward thinking and Montana living. It is a retail store that operates with a strong focus on community and social responsibility. FourOsix not only focuses on their incredibly popular in-house branded gear (which is now available online and sells internationally), they also host many community events, concerts, art shows, and try to give back as often as they possibly can. Available in the shop are t-shirts, hoodies, posters (and even onesies!) that are a collaborative effort between fourOsix and local artists, clothing, stickers, duffels, hats, and more! and other outdoor items that help celebrate the Montana lifestyle in various ways.
8 íbúar mæla með
fourOsix
320 N Last Chance GulchFourOsix is a lifestyle shop that promotes art, music, style, forward thinking and Montana living. It is a retail store that operates with a strong focus on community and social responsibility. FourOsix not only focuses on their incredibly popular in-house branded gear (which is now available online and sells internationally), they also host many community events, concerts, art shows, and try to give back as often as they possibly can. Available in the shop are t-shirts, hoodies, posters (and even onesies!) that are a collaborative effort between fourOsix and local artists, clothing, stickers, duffels, hats, and more! and other outdoor items that help celebrate the Montana lifestyle in various ways.
Helena’s independently owned specialty toy store, Lasso the Moon Wonderful Toys, ignites the imagination of all who walk through their doors. Located downtown on the Walking Mall, Lasso the Moon is filled with carefully curated playthings for all ages including many European imports and quality American made items. From unique board games, to infant toys, to STEM based science kits, to the largest selection of Playmobil in Montana, and so much more - there is something to delight everyone. The focus here is on fostering imagination and creativity - positive play at it’s best.
9 íbúar mæla með
Lasso the Moon Wonderful Toys
25 S Last Chance Gulch StHelena’s independently owned specialty toy store, Lasso the Moon Wonderful Toys, ignites the imagination of all who walk through their doors. Located downtown on the Walking Mall, Lasso the Moon is filled with carefully curated playthings for all ages including many European imports and quality American made items. From unique board games, to infant toys, to STEM based science kits, to the largest selection of Playmobil in Montana, and so much more - there is something to delight everyone. The focus here is on fostering imagination and creativity - positive play at it’s best.
The Parrot Confectionery has been around since 1922. It is definitely a Helena gem that sits right on the walking mall. The Parrot will transport you back in time in the very best way. They offer specialty hand-dipped chocolates and other candies that sparkle through a large glass case. Each customer has the chance to pick their favorites, put a quarter or two in the jukebox, grab a booth or a seat at the soda fountain counter and enjoy the classic, simple bliss of this extraordinary spot. They also serve chili, popcorn, and all sorts of old-fashioned ice cream and soda treats. The Parrot sells boxed chocolates which make great gifts and this is, of course, one of the dreamiest places for kids to visit while downtown.
20 íbúar mæla með
Parrot Confectionery Store
42 N Last Chance GulchThe Parrot Confectionery has been around since 1922. It is definitely a Helena gem that sits right on the walking mall. The Parrot will transport you back in time in the very best way. They offer specialty hand-dipped chocolates and other candies that sparkle through a large glass case. Each customer has the chance to pick their favorites, put a quarter or two in the jukebox, grab a booth or a seat at the soda fountain counter and enjoy the classic, simple bliss of this extraordinary spot. They also serve chili, popcorn, and all sorts of old-fashioned ice cream and soda treats. The Parrot sells boxed chocolates which make great gifts and this is, of course, one of the dreamiest places for kids to visit while downtown.
Sightseeing
Whether you choose to make Helena your destination in the summer or winter months, a visit to the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts cannot be missed. Set on the site of the former Western Clay Manufacturing Company, the Bray was founded in 1951 by Archie Bray himself—a Helena-based brick maker and avid supporter of the arts. A walk through the Bray grounds is often self-guided. Visitors are quickly surrounded by “hundreds of ceramic artifacts and site-specific sculpture created by former residents.”
17 íbúar mæla með
Archie Bray Foundation
2915 Country Club AveWhether you choose to make Helena your destination in the summer or winter months, a visit to the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts cannot be missed. Set on the site of the former Western Clay Manufacturing Company, the Bray was founded in 1951 by Archie Bray himself—a Helena-based brick maker and avid supporter of the arts. A walk through the Bray grounds is often self-guided. Visitors are quickly surrounded by “hundreds of ceramic artifacts and site-specific sculpture created by former residents.”
Three miles from the Archie Bray in the heart of downtown Helena, visitors will find another historic art organization, The Holter Museum of Art. The museum was founded in 1987, “offering a space to experience contemporary art in central Montana.” The Holter is comprised of four formal exhibition galleries and two museum store galleries. Tall front windows display both local and regional artists’ works; products for sale in the museum’s store range from utilitarian ceramics to photography, sculpture, painting, and paper goods.
As of late, the Holter has been scheduling exhibitions that aim to satisfy our senses beyond the visual, including explorations of the auditory and tactile. The Holter is home to one of the most exceptional galleries in the state. The Museum’s Baucus Gallery celebrates ceilings that are thirty feet tall and challenges artists from across the nation to think big.
39 íbúar mæla með
Holter Museum of Art
12 E Lawrence StThree miles from the Archie Bray in the heart of downtown Helena, visitors will find another historic art organization, The Holter Museum of Art. The museum was founded in 1987, “offering a space to experience contemporary art in central Montana.” The Holter is comprised of four formal exhibition galleries and two museum store galleries. Tall front windows display both local and regional artists’ works; products for sale in the museum’s store range from utilitarian ceramics to photography, sculpture, painting, and paper goods.
As of late, the Holter has been scheduling exhibitions that aim to satisfy our senses beyond the visual, including explorations of the auditory and tactile. The Holter is home to one of the most exceptional galleries in the state. The Museum’s Baucus Gallery celebrates ceilings that are thirty feet tall and challenges artists from across the nation to think big.