Great food, great deck, great ambiance, friendly and efficient waitresses. It is my favorite place in Missoula.

Food is wonderful and the staff is very friendly. This is a great place to hang with friends or make some new ones.

James Bar definitely had a cool atmosphere, but it lacked in quality. The drinks were amazing though even if they were on the pricier side. We got the special of the day which was a vodka and basil infused drink. Very tasty. And a friend recommended that I get the huckleberry vodka (44 degrees north brand) drink and it was rockin'. We got the sweet potato tater tots that after a month my friend is still talking about and some of the sliders. I got an elk and the house speciality and the elk was all but charbroiled but the house one was good. And we got some fries which were enough to feed 4 people perfectly. All in all, it was good and if and when I'm back in Missoula I'd definitely give it another try. read more

Great place, great atmosphere! Excellent customer service. Do yourself a favor and try their famous sweet potato tots!

Bummer, this place has a very nice spot, great theme, but just doesn't follow through with the food. I ordered three items; home made french fries, seared ahi and a chicken dish over polenta. The fries were cooked well, but covered with entirely too much salt, the tuna was ok, but nothing special and the chicken was over cooked, very dry. The polenta was drenched in the sauce that the chicken was cooked in so kinda gross. The place is attached to a long time staple of Missoula, Al and Vics (stiffest drinks in town). Seemed like a burger cook was cooking food over his head. Ostrich meat sliders and lobster corn dogs. Newly opened. Hope they can make some changes and find the niche. I wont be back until they do. read more

Super cool bartenders and wait staff, amazing ambiance and artwork and delicious food. The fire was going, the people were smiling and they have three kinds of hot sauce and perfect tater tots....what else could a girl ask for? read more

James Bar is a great spot to hang out, or get dinner. Its a treasure in a sea of college bars. SWEET POTATO TATER TOTS?! ridiculous. Muscles are great too. Prices are reasonable too. read more

Ok so I'm a food snob and travel all over the world. I happen to have a home in Missoula the last 4 yrs. I've been to James' Bar several times and it's always very tasty comfort food. My boys and wife love it. Since the beginning of 2014 I've been eating much healthier and low fat all time. I almost did not come here tonight knowing about all the tasty sliders and fries. But the family really wanted to so I did. I went with a house salad and the seared scallops. I gotta tell yA- as good a meal as I've had anywhere. I'm super impressed and very happy that James' also can do healthy and very tasty. I'm a big hot and spicy guy and the plate drizzled with Sriracha sauce was genius. read more

OH James Bar, how I love you! I remember when you rolled into town, your arrival saved my life (no more Iron Horse, thank you Baby Jesus!) Have had many great nights with you James Bar, and your killer vodka martinis, and your buffalo style pork shanks (that I refuse to share with anyone) and your sexy rock-star atmosphere. I don't live in Missoula anymore, so we had to say our goodbye's, but I think of you fondly. I'll see you again next time I roll into town, and I won't care that you've been serving other women! read more

The James Bar is definitely one of Missoula's shining stars. As soon as you walk in you get that little " oh dang I picked a good one!" feeling. We were seated by our very pleasant server and ordered the crispy Pork Shanks in buffalo sauce which were tender, meaty and delicious! Plenty for two. I had the Bison Stew which was flavorful, tender and in a rich sauce with plenty of tender veggies. Not even a sprinkle of salt or pepper was needed. We also had the Aidenator Burger... two handfuls of deliciousness. The Sweet Potato tots along side were also really good. read more

Great atmosphere - very Montana. Beautiful fireplace and nice bar. Enjoyed bison stew (don't pass that up!) and a bison burger - also very good. Nice staff and very accommodating. Definitely worth visiting. read more

I wouldn't call this a tapas bar at all. I could barely finish my ridiculously wrong pulled pork/mac'n'cheese sandwich with sweet potato tots, and I have a prodigious appetite. The last few bites of my wife's lamb slider were excellent as well. I was not looking forward to my drive back to Helena, but I'll definitely be back to James Bar. read more

Stopped in for cocktails. Great mules. Great service. Very accommodating. They made a special mule for me with Bordeaux cherry juice. Thx. Great service. read more

I always go here with my best friend for our birthdays. They make really good Moscow mules and the waiters and waitresses are very friendly. The atmosphere is relaxing and uplifting. Its always very clean and not too loud. They have really tasty appetizers as well. we usually get the quinoa cakes and dips sampler plate. read more

Sliders are a bit dry. Greek fries are meh. Seriously very little flavor won't bother ordering those again. I loved their onion rings though they are greasy, and the mushroom beef tip thingy is very tasty. I usually don't drink but ended up having two and they were both very strong even my companion said they were. Not complaining about that at all since most places are pretty stingy. Sandwiches during the day are pretty good. My daughter couldn't stop eating or complaining about how full she was. I don't know what the bar scene is like since I've only done dinner and lunch. read more

I came here for a drink with a girlfriend, very nice atmosphere with a hip aesthetic. She ordered a chocolate martini and I got the Moscow mule. Both drinks were good-- not over or under poured. We ordered the tater tots as an appetizer, thinking they'd be small since they were only $4.99, but they came in a large basket that we both couldn't finish. We ordered one elk slider and one buffalo slider. The buffalo slider was not my preference, very heavy handed on the pepper. The elk slider, however, was delicious. Our waitress was friendly, quick and responsive. Overall, I would definitely go back for a casual night out. read more

We were able to have dinner on the patio which was nice to enjoy the sunshine but the ambience inside seemed intriguing as well. The server took our drink orders and came back several times to ask if we were ready to order. I understand he was trying to be attentive but it started to feel like he wanted to turn our table quicker than we are ready to enjoy our dinner. The pulled pork sandwich with the truffle fries was the best I've had in a long time! Ask for the garlic lemon aioli to dip with your fries!! My friend had the kale salad and seemed to enjoy it! It was a good meal and a nice experience but was not at the top of my list from my visit to Missoula. read more

I love this bar! Great food, which I didn't expect from a "bar". It's set up more like a restaurant which is nice! The tots are amazing and the elk slider is to die for. Drinks are reasonably priced as well. Bathroom is really clean. read more

I got the chicken sandwich for lunch and it was amazing. The wait for the food was short and the service was awesome. I had a glass of one of the sparkling whites during happy hour and it did not disappoint. Probably one of the best bars with food in Missoula read more

Awesome food (bison burger with green peppers is to die for), very good brew and a very nice staff - Kelly was our hostess and she was outstanding. During our short visit we just had to go back one more time. read more

On a rainy Sunday night, this place was a cozy, comfort food refuge. We had friendly service and were absolutely floored at how quickly the food came out. We tried the fish & chips and an assortment of sliders including: lamb, elk, bison and the "Stan" - all were delicious and the crescendo was in that order with the Stan being the ultimate winner for our taste. read more

Came in for a drink after eating dinner downtown. Our server was prompt but very abrupt, not friendly and wasn't happy we were there. It seems like a pretty typical college town bar. read more

Ordered bbq pork nachos. It was eh. Not much meat or toppings. Mostly chips.

Got the Wednesday special of a Bison Burger and pint of Cold Smoke for $10. One of the best values in town. Obviously upgraded to side of fries for $1. Burger was great, cooked perfectly, service from Nora was great, overall really cool place. Planning to come back and try stuff from their normal menu. Thanks! read more

In college, this was my preferred hang out spot on the weekend. Good drinks, good food and a good atmosphere. A lot of graduate students tend to hang out here. read more

James bar is a bar I enjoy visiting from time to time. They are usually very busy and a little understaffed, and you can feel as if you are sitting rubbing elbows with your neighbor. That said their different flavored fries and sliders are very tasty, and their salads are all very good as well. This place is best suited for those late night munchies and a drink or 2. The bartenders are friendly, although the drinks tend to lean towards sweeter cocktails and generic mixers. They make a nice moscow mule. I recommend the truffle fries! It gets a little fratty at times and the cloud of smoke out back is always there on weekends. read more

A must-go for anyone visiting Missoula! Delicious food and great service! We ordered the mac and cheese, mussels and bison sliders and everything was stellar! read more

I always feel like a star here. The place is uber hip but not pretentious. The staff can sometimes get kind of flirty. Actually everybody kind of gets flirty here. The drinks are stiff. The men even stiffer. Sports play on TVs. The fireplace provides aura. It reminds me of those hip U.K. pubs that bring forth commoners, outcastes and elites. I've met some real cool people here. The staff paces you so you can have your vice in a nice arch, with a good buzz that has a beginning, climax and end. Not once have I ever ran into attitude with the patrons or staff. Most men's bathrooms are nasty, this is as nice as the ladies. I've never hung out on their outdoor patio because I'm pretty much a cold weather drinker. If you get somewhat inebriated and can maintain, you'll feel like you're in a sweet dream here. Then have some bar grub to sober up a little. The truffle fries are super! The drinks and food are not overly expensive or cheap and priced just right. read more

Fancy bar food with some creative touches. Truffle fries were great, sliders very yummy. Fish and chips were a large portion. Drinks are a strong pour - we had to wait while the ice melted in our drinks to really enjoy them. Service was very good. Gets really hoppin and loud, we were there on a Friday night. Enjoyed the outdoor seating, the patio was more quiet than the inside, but high energy. read more

Id like to cc you in this e-mail to my cousin in Kalispell : Teather took us to "James Bar" the night before last. Moms favorite Granddaughter was clueless abut taking Aunt June and her Grandma to a BAR of any sort, let alone one so hip and funky. They focus on sharing food, which we love, like 'sliders' instead of burgers. Sure enough, Mom focused on the "weird", "a burger with a quail egg!" Complain, complain... I tried to say lets go to those restaurants closer to Teather's home you think would be better. NO, she said. I had to go have a smoke at that point, no matter how stupid that was, and knowing Mom would follow me. Ya, I have lung problems but still smoke! Retarded! I talked to the waitresses who were Amazing! We had 2 waitresses even though I told them we might not eat there. So give the James Bar an A+ for service!!! They toned down the volume and content of the cool music they played just for Aunt June and Mom! They both checked in on us, filling our water glasses everytime we took a sip! So even thouth Mom and Aunt June may have been unimpressed, I'm very impressed! Go to the James Bar when you and friends are in town! I will gladly promot your place! And I have extra ticket to the sold out show for "Winter in the Blood" if you get this. Brenda brendajstrand@gmail.com read more

So the food is amazing not a single complaint the Service could be better. We will be back the aidenator burger is killer

James bar has a great atmosphere, lots of beers and tasty menu.

Great food by chef Noel Mills, good wine list and friendly service! All at a reasonable price and comfortable atmosphere!!

Great atmosphere but not many intimate tables. Expect more of a sports bar style seating (as you seat yourself). The Aidenator Burger was great! Prepared very well will very fresh egg and tomato! The truffle fries are a must get here with the Mango Ketchup! read more

Rather than having a gossip fest with your fellow serving staff, maybe you should actually turn out tables so people can sit. Pretentious at its best. read more

I've been eating here since they opened. It has always been a little funky, the occasional slug in a salad, but my last dinner was just bad. The steak special took too long to arrive and was overdone, accompanied by rotten asparagus. Go to Sapore instead. read more

You lost me as a regular customer when you stopped serving martinis in the traditional martini glass. Shame on you!

Great place to stop in for a drink and antipasto plate. The staff is very friendly and accommodating to any special requests.

Good food, love that I can hop between Als and here. I miss the shrimp diablo though, and all the unusual sliders they used to have.

I think it's funny to note that nearly all of the reviews for this place are by people from out of state- it says a lot about this bar's place in the Missoula bar scene. Not exactly what most of us consider a typical hangout. It does bring some class and sass to the 'hood, with higher prices to go with. The fries are tasty, the drinks, while spendy, are excellent if consumed on the back patio, and the decor is pretty darn great. Retro light bulbs, poured concrete bar, giant Janis poster on the wall, Jimmy Buffett quote outside, inlaid wood tables....good stuff. It definitely gets to be a bit too much of a "scene" late weekend nights, but it's not bad for an early evening cocktail. If things get to be too much, you can always slink across the hall to Als and Vics and feel right at home. Even better? You can get some of Chef Noel's yummy grub (the Aidenator is on my top 5 list of best burgers ever) over on the Als side if you ask real nice. read more