Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Montana
  4. Missoula
  5. Missoula
Boxcar Bistro, Missoula, MT

Boxcar Bistro

4.6
4.6
722 Reviews
$31 to $50
French
Top Tags:
Think, an array of traditional French cuisine with a beloved Montana twist.

Boxcar Bistro aims to excite and innovate on a daily basis, featuring an ever-rotating selection of unique or rare wines, captivating dinner specials, all of which are being offered in an ode to the classic, intimate dining ambiance of a railroad Dining Car; offering our diners a feel of "Going West" as many have experienced long before us!

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 12 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    French, American
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (406) 551-4166
  • Website
    http://www.boxcarmissoula.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Catering
    No catering is available at this time.
  • Private party facilities
    Private events for up to 50 guests are possible, please email info@boxcarmissoula.com for details.
  • Location
    875 Wyoming St 101, Missoula, MT 59801-1787
  • Neighborhood
    Missoula
  • Cross street
    Wyoming St
  • Parking details
    Plenty of parking exists both on street, and in our parking lot. Please do not park in spots that are marked as "Reserved".
  • Additional
    Beer, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 722 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Montana

    Neighborhood gem

  • Montana

    Great for fine wines

  • Montana

    Romantic

  • Montana

    Good for special occasions

  • Missoula

    Most Booked

722 Reviews

  1. KalyH

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall2food2service3ambience2
    The food was pretty underwhelimg, uninspiring flavors and heavy on the salt.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Dakota

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    An excellent gothic bistro located in a fresh piece of town! Menu has a variety of selections and I honed in on the caviar, blackened shrimp, and pork rib eye. All menu options have perfected wine pairings, highly recommend the pairings. Thank you Zach for taking care of us on our first night in Zoo Town!

    Is this helpful?

  3. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall2food2service3ambience4
    The food was not very good The fish was mushy and low quality and soaked in butter even though I asked for the sauce on the side The people working seemed nice but way understaffed which I know is a common problems in todays world ! The smoked gravlox appetizer was decent but nothing special I wouldn’t return

    Is this helpful?

  4. foxglove

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    My wife (sea scallops) and son (rackof lamb) found their dish exceptional. My daughter and I had the duck; while the duck itself was done to a "T" we both found the accompanying vegetables slightly over-salted.

    Is this helpful?

  5. MarkS

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Over all great! Chicken was a bit dry and not as flavorful as it looks. Duck was great. Great wines.

    Is this helpful?

  6. DRB1

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    The food was excellent except one dish was not was good as thought. The whitefish (halibut that day) was superb. It was well done, flakey with a mild sauce and crust topped with capers. Plus underneath was delicious apple slices and asparagus. The best dish. The prawns were also delicious. The duck fat fritters were not our favorite appetizer. Well executed but not a favorite food.

    Is this helpful?

  7. BILLC

    Palm Springs

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Extremely knowledgeable waitstaff. Excellent recommendations on wine and food. A real treat. Of course, we will be back.

    Is this helpful?

  8. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food, atmosphere, and service was wonderful. Scallops and pork ribeye are fantastic.

    Is this helpful?

  9. JoyceF

    Minneapolis

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Wonderful restaurant!!! We’ve been several times and enjoy the ambiance, food, and service. Alex was our server again - she’s fantastic!

    Is this helpful?

  10. JackB

    Detroit

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Good place. Lamb chops and all meals were outstanding. Pate appt was superb

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always BB was sublime. The service was friendly and professional. Everyone at our table was oohing and saying about their meal. Drinking wines from the extensive wine selections from their Reidel glassware is always a special treat. C’est magnifique

    Is this helpful?

  12. kathleenm

    Seattle

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My kids are visiting with my 5 month old grandson and we had a 5:30 reservation. They were very accommodating,all of our dishes were excellent, Ada gave us great service, everyone is always friendly,Zeb gave us the secret to opening all the hidden flavors of caviar, and all our food and wines were delicious! Kathleen

    Is this helpful?

  13. Suzz

    Montana

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have dined here several times, the food is always delicious and the service is excellent. My scallop entree was outstanding and my husband was quite happy with the pork rib eye. One of the best restaurants in Missoula!

    Is this helpful?

  14. RandyS

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 30, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Our first time at Boxcar and a very nice experience. It was our anniversary (43 yrs) and it couldn't have been any nicer. Our waiter was great and shared a great sense of humor. The food was great and dessert was special. We'll go back for another special occasion in the future.

    Is this helpful?

  15. ShawnR

    Montana

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience2
    Disappointing food. We had filet, overcooked and with too much sauce, fish (halibut) overcooked, and scallops, perfect. We tried a galette for dessert that was nearly all puff pastry. Service was excellent. Server was very helpful with wine pairings. There was a large group that was very loud.

    Is this helpful?

  16. MontanaJim

    Boise

    41 reviews

    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience3
    Very good meal. This place is one for a special occasion. We sat at small round table by the window. We split a strawberry salad and then each had an entree of steelhead and halibut. The place can get noisy with a lot of people.

    Is this helpful?

  17. BookmobileGirl

    Cincinnati

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Where to start? The duck fat frites were amazing with foie gras powder and sprinkling of grana padano. And so was the duck breast and rack of lamb. All perfectly prepared with lovely service.

    Is this helpful?

  18. Osprey38

    Salt Lake City

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice dinner for a family birthday. Scallop dish was outstanding. Recommend the blackened prawns for an app. Overall the ambience is fantastic. Meals here have always been wonderful, highly recommended!

    Is this helpful?

  19. LeeH

    Seattle

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We loved our server. Very extensive and interesting wine list.

    Is this helpful?

  20. GlennS

    Orange County

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    My wife and I love dining at the Boxcar Bistro for dinner. I would like a full bar, but lots of great Beer and Wine options.

    Is this helpful?

  21. RobertC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 15, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Like a true bistro, the Boxcar Bistro is lively and noisy, but the seating is comfortable and the food and service are excellent. We have dined there several times and never been disappointed. Our server this time, Ava, was attentive, prompt, and never overbearing. She is a credit to the restaurant. We look forward to dining at the Boxcar Bistro again soon.

    Is this helpful?

  22. EmmalyS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ava was very pleasant, knowledgeable, and helpful with her suggestions. We enjoyed our night out and dinner. We will return. Thanks

    Is this helpful?

  23. DavidH

    Montana

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 8, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience1
    I would not recommend eating at the Boxcar Bistro to a friend. Outback Steakhouse is way better!!

    Boxcar BistroResponded on August 10, 2023

    David, did you lose your way? You came to an intimate, boutique French Bistro. Are you intending on a head-to-head comparison with Outback Steakhouse? We have an Applebee's here in Missoula! Maybe that's more what you're looking for? Our staff provided wonderful service, and though you made an attempt to degrade our concept, we don't mind. We have a few rules, and maybe you felt something wasn't "just right", but please be mindful that we're passionate and attentive. We'll take your 2 stars.

    Is this helpful?

  24. EarlM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    first time I tried this location. It was fantastic we have a halibut. The chef outdid himself. The only thing I would say negative is the wine was a little bit expensive. We definitely will be back.

    Is this helpful?

  25. KatieL

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall1food5service5ambience1
    Let me start off by saying the food, wine and service here were phenomenal. I’ve been here several times and am always excited to dine here. Unfortunately our experience last night was absolutely unacceptable. I brought my family here for a special evening, and about 15 mins after we sat down a couple walked in with a small dog on a leash that was definitely NOT a service dog. The people sat down at the bar and ordered drinks and proceeded to completely ignore their dog while it tried jumping in my mother’s lap over and over, whining and begging for food. No one working said a word to these people or asked them to take their dog outside. It was inappropriate, unprofessional, and somewhat appalling to say the least. I’m a big time dog lover, but Boxcar is not the place to bring your four-legged friends, especially if they insist on trying to jump into other guests laps and beg for food. Truly cannot believe this happened here.

    Is this helpful?

  26. SueD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was the best we’ve had in a very long time. Each dish was unique and perfectly prepared. Wine pairings were excellent, waitstaff were friendly and knowledgeable, and we all enjoyed our experience.

    Is this helpful?

  27. r2b2

    Hawaii

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on August 2, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We had such a great meal, amazing service, amazing wine at this dinner! The wine list really is awesome, and the menu offers so much choice. We walked from downtown Missoula and it was an easy jaunt. The restaurant is right near the Missoula Paddleheads stadium. Excellent experience!!

    Is this helpful?

  28. JillD

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a perfectly wonderful evening! The scallops were beyond compare, just to name one aspect of our experience. The new white Burgundy, at the top of the wine list, was exceptional! We received a warm welcome and very gracious service.

    Is this helpful?

  29. SamB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    Great service and tasty food. We enjoyed the market menu on a Saturday.

    Is this helpful?

  30. ShannonH

    Denver

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place is my new fave in Missoula. I have to be gluten free and as a bonus almost the whole menu is gluten free!

    Is this helpful?

  31. TaraK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had prawns, steak tartare, steak frites & scallops. Great wine and beer options.

    Is this helpful?

  32. LesS

    Las Vegas

    22 reviews

    4.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We had not dined at BB for a while. Lots of new additions to the menu and wine list which was great. The white fish entree was a little disappointing. The pan sautéed fish was not crisped to my liking and it was way too over sauced and got a bite with some large bones. The potatoes were incredible. The asparagus were avg. The strawberry salad was good. The French onion soup was not served hot enough but was tasty, had to get it reheated. The pot de crème was not good, it was watery and broken and was gritty. Very poor. We got two wine flights that were fantastic. And pairs well with the food. The server was fantastic! The ambiance is always wonderful.

    Boxcar BistroResponded on August 10, 2023

    We apologize for the inconsistencies and shortcomings on a few items as noted above. Crisping the fish on a pan-sauteed dish is key, we've shared this information with our team. This is great feedback! It sounds like we had a bad batch of Pot de Creme that evening, it's no way to end a meal. We hope you'll join us again soon and please feel free to share some comparable perspective on your next visit!

    Is this helpful?

  33. Gmac

    Los Angeles

    15 reviews

    3.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    We ate outdoors so noise level was fine. We’ve been in years past to Boxcar and enjoyed the food, but this year disappointed. Olives were good. Lamb chops were good. Fish (turbot) was over cooked and asparagus served with it was limp and colorless. Service is excellent! Wine list is very good. Prices are Fairly high.

    Boxcar BistroResponded on August 10, 2023

    We apologize for your experience with our Turbot Grenobloise, it seems we underdelivered that evening. We strive for "great" over "good", hopefully on your next visit we can recover some of that "great" you've experienced in the past. We are happy to hear service and the wine list were appreciated! Thank you for dining with us, we hope you'll join us again soon!

    1 person found this helpful

  34. AmyW

    Northern MI

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We like to go to dinner early to beat the crowd. We have yet to be disappointed with this restaurant. Both food and wine choices interesting and tasty.

    Is this helpful?

  35. Paul

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had another great meal there with friendly, knowledgeable staff. Interesting you asked about noise level. It was fine. I am so tired of overhead music piped into places.

    Is this helpful?

  36. MarleneH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    There were five of us in our July 27, 2023 party. With the exception of the extremely high noise from other diners, the food and service were wonderfull.

    Is this helpful?

  37. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I will definitely return. I had great service and recommendations on wines that were excellent. The entire experience was marvelous.

    Is this helpful?

  38. 84bigsky

    Montana

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service, great food. Disappointed the fish I wanted not available but the steak and frites was excellent. Would definitely breturn .

    Is this helpful?

  39. Carrie

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From start to finish, we had a great experience and would go back in a second! Our waitress was very personable and we ended up finding out she was from a small town in Montana which has the best coffee (Eureka). The food was fantastic and if we could have eaten more, we would have. Definitely worth the stop!

    Is this helpful?

  40. ToddC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent customer service great food and presentation 👌

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Contactless payment available

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Boxcar Bistro is rated 4.6 stars by 722 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 12 times today
Google Map for Boxcar Bistro

875 Wyoming St 101, Missoula, MT 59801-1787

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Wyoming St
  • Neighborhood
    Missoula
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    French, American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Plenty of parking exists both on street, and in our parking lot. Please do not park in spots that are marked as "Reserved".
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Beer, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.boxcarmissoula.com/
  • Phone number
    (406) 551-4166
  • Catering
    No catering is available at this time.
  • Private party facilities
    Private events for up to 50 guests are possible, please email info@boxcarmissoula.com for details.
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo