Flathead Lake Brewing Company of Missoula opened last week to big, happy crowds. One step inside and it is easy to see why. With obvious care and attention to detail, the new FLBC marries the comfortable nature of Montana’s tap rooms with a modern, inviting atmosphere and nods to the historic past of the building.  Oh, and there’s great beer, too.

Located on the second floor above the space once housing Zimorinos’, then Higgins Alley and now Sapore, FLBC of Missoula is an impressive addition to Missoula’s beer scene. We’ve long been fans of the beer created by the brewery in Woods Bay, MT and there were 10 on tap and pouring freely. Four other taps provide a selection of other Montana brewed beers.  We stopped in on Saturday afternoon to check out the new digs and enjoy a couple of pints.  Our choices?  Brown Ale, Espresso Porter, Porter, Pale Ale and a growler of IPA2 to go for a party later that night.

The menu is limited for now, but don’t let that stop you from getting a bite to eat.  We started out with some chips and salsa and couldn’t get enough of the fresh, perfectly spicy salsa.  For lunch we split a spinach salad and bar burger.  The combination of caramelized onions, bacon, and cheddar on a perfectly cooked burger was an excellent pair with the roasted malts of the robust porter.  It left us anxious to check out the full menu when it arrives.

You’ll find FLBC of Missoula at 424 N. Higgins in downtown.  It is open Tuesday through Sunday and you can get more info and follow all the news at their facebook page.