Cat's Paw — Restaurant in Bozeman

I've always had great experiences at Cats Paw. I wish I could rate employees individually, but unfortunately the employee goes with the establishment. I had a bad experience with Nina and have never had such poor customer service from somebody is in a service industry position. Nina informed that it is a state law that you have to be 21 to be in an establishment that is licensed to sell liquor. I just called Montana Department of Revenue- Liquor Control Division and Liquor Education and they have informed me that there is no state law that prohibits anyone under the age of 21 being in an establishment that sells alcohol, however establishments are allowed to have house rules. I understand that they have the right to refuse service as an establishment, but employees should be better educated instated of misinforming customers of laws that do not exist. I just wanted to a meal with my friends that are visiting from out of town and show them a nice local place, instead I was humiliated and had awful service. I have been a montana resident my entire life and been in Bozeman for 6+ years. I have been a consistent customer of Cats Paw for years, but unfortunately due to Nina me and my friends will be taking our business elsewhere. I spoke with management and I do understand their side, but as a business, it would be a smart choice to reconsider Nina as an employee.

I also showed her a copy of my Montana state ID. She did do her job in that sense, very poor customer service skills. My medical marijuana card is state issued by the Montana Department of Revenue. Who also issues liquor laws. There was no refusal to leave. I gladly left. I came back in to show the manager what I showed her. When they offered me to. Sounds like your employees are misinforming not only customers but coworkers and you the owner as well. I said I was a manager that had to check ID’s. Not of a bar. Very disappointed with your response as an owner. Considering in the past I have sat in the dining area away from the bar without being carded when I wasn’t drinking. You guys also have a casino? Casinos are 18+ in MT? Sounds like you guys have inconsistent business practices. Also, only upholding house rules for select customers.

Not to mention I have purchased liquor at your liquor store side without being ID. Where there is no food served. Seems like you guys have...

Bri the Bartender: A True Legend in the Art of Not Giving a Damn

If there’s one thing that sets Bri apart from the usual bartending crowd, it’s that she doesn’t care about your delicate sensibilities—and thank God for that. Bri isn’t just here to mix drinks; she’s here to remind you who’s really in charge. She serves up cocktails with a side of brutal honesty, and if you can’t handle that, well, there’s the door.

You can count on Bri to serve you the best cocktail you’ve ever had, but don’t expect a cozy, “How’s your day going, hun?” No, Bri’s vibe is more like, “Are you ordering, or are you wasting my time?” It's refreshing, honestly, to have a bartender who doesn’t feel the need to butter you up or fake a smile for a better tip. She doesn’t have to fake anything—her drinks are that good. And her customer interactions? They’re like a masterclass in grit and wit. Step out of line, and she’ll cut you down with one eyebrow raise and a sarcastic comment that has the whole bar stifling laughs.

Bri’s got this rare, untamed energy that only a bartender who’s seen it all can have. She's the type who remembers your drink if you earned her respect and forgets you exist if you didn’t. She has zero time for people who take themselves too seriously. Ask her for a “surprise me” cocktail, and she might just surprise you by sliding over a double shot of whiskey with a smirk that says, “There, surprised?”

So, here’s the deal: more bartenders need to be like Bri. Tough as nails, sharp as a tack, and absolutely no-nonsense. She’s not here to babysit or listen to your sob story. She’s here to mix the perfect drink, roast you a little if you deserve it, and run the bar like it’s her personal kingdom. And the best...

I've loved Cat's Paw for years—it was even the first bar my wife visited on her 21st. We appreciated the diverse crowd and it was our favorite spot in town to go with friends.

However, my visits have decreased significantly due to consistently poor service. Despite being patient, I'm often overlooked by the female bartenders for 15-30 minutes (Zac is still great though). Even when acknowledged, I'm met with brief interaction and then wait another 7+ minutes for a basic beer, despite sitting at the bar. This pattern of slow or nonexistent service has been evident over my last few visits, making it clear that it's not an occasional issue but a trend. There have been times when my wife and I waited for half an hour without service, leading us to leave, frustrated and confused. We're not tourists; we're practically regulars!

We've wanted to continue supporting them, but it's hard to justify with the indifferent service, increased drink prices, and feeling uncomfortable just ordering a beer. It seems wiser to look elsewhere for basic drinks and...