Monk's Bar — Restaurant in Missoula

TLDR - Unless you already know/love the band playing here don't bother right now but keep it in your back pocket.

Positives: -Bartenders have been nice -It's one of few places to see a more "underground" scene when it comes to local bands. -Drinks are priced fine

Negatives: Sounds is absolutely horrible. BRING EARPLUGS!(They sell some at the bar!) They need to fix the acoustics in the entire place in a really bad way. Acoustic panels could really help, new speakers, fix the awfully angled ceiling(why is that a thing?) and if you wanted to get serious about it and go nuts then move the entire stage left to either center or attach to the band lounge. This would also help with the next point. If you wanted to dance make sure you are sober cuz there are 2 structure beams in front of the stage which really cuts down on how many can have fun and enjoy the bands. Someone mentioned the promoter(manager?) has a bad attitude, I've had a single interaction with her and it wasn't pleasant. Went in one time and asked her what was playing that night and she told me to go outside and look at the dinky sandwich shop chalk board they have. Sure thing, didn't realize it was so hard to promote your own venue but hey i did exactly that and didn't go back in. Feel bad for whoever was playing that night.

I want this place to be better but they need to put some effort into it. It needs a lot of help and honestly it's not that hard to start improving it. Figure out your sound. It's a total disaster. Once you figure that out bands will sound better, dj's will sound better and people won't go deaf so they'll end up coming back. Sounds like good business. I've had to leave during the last 2 shows cuz the acoustics were amplifying the volume, especially the high notes, and altho ear plugs help it mutes most of the detail that's barely coming through those speakers. Also, whoever was doing the audio engineering, i've never heard such a different setup between bands and none of them sounded good. Even after some took 10 minutes for sound check. The place is already challening enough to work with.

I am rooting for you guys. We need more local music coming through Missoula. You have a great spot but you need to do a lot more to make it work. Otherwise it's just a rotting room waiting for either the roof to collapse, i can't figure out the ceiling angles, or building to be sold and shut everyone down. Seems to be the theme going on around here. Come on, you can make that...

Even though this a bar it’s a place that you can always catch some amazing shows. I don’t say this just because I work there. The drinks are affordable and the environment is one you can feel has been there for a long time and will continue to be there for a long time. Friday’s they got beer pong and corn hole which is great to get a group together and go and enjoy. First Friday’s are their $5 fish bowls. You find a list of concerts to come easy on their Facebook page and as soon as you walk in the door. If you go upstairs and want to get a drink not only is the environment contagious with good people but you can get some good food upstairs at the bodega and shoot hoops and play some pool. This is the bar that provides something for everyone and I would put as a must visit for shows and gatherings if in...

I had liked this bar a lot until last night. You know it just takes one person can ruin an experience… My significant other moved a chair into the space of where people order from the bar top (not knowing that was a marked off spot.) The older lady that was working was very rude with informing him that the chair could not be there. He moved the chair to the side so that I could sit and tried to clarify with the bartender that where he moved the chair was an okay spot. She then proceeded to freak out calling my partner sarcastic and rude. It surprised both of us and we left not even bothering to order a shot since it was such a rude...