Helena, Montana, is home to some great coffee shops where you can enjoy a tasty cup of joe. These cozy spots offer more than just caffeine – they’re places to relax, catch up with friends, or get some work done.
Whether you like strong espresso or smooth cold brew, Helena’s coffee scene has something for everyone.
You’ll find a mix of local favorites and small chains in Helena, each with its own unique vibe and menu.
Some cafes roast their own beans, while others source from nearby roasters. Many also serve light bites and pastries to go with your drink.
From quiet study nooks to bustling gathering spots, Helena’s coffee shops cater to all sorts of coffee lovers.
1. General Mercantile
General Mercantile is a charming coffee shop in Helena, Montana. You’ll find it nestled on North Last Chance Gulch, a historic street in the heart of downtown.
As you step inside, you’re greeted by the cozy atmosphere and the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The shop has a unique blend of old-world charm and modern comfort, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy your favorite drink.
Their coffee selection is impressive, featuring a variety of roasts and brewing methods.
You can choose from classic drip coffee, espresso-based drinks, or try their specialty pour-overs. The baristas are friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to help you find your perfect cup.
Besides great coffee, General Mercantile offers a selection of pastries and light snacks. It’s an ideal place to grab a quick breakfast or enjoy an afternoon treat while exploring Helena’s downtown area.
Rating: 4.7 (530 reviews)
Location: 413 N Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601
Contact: (406) 461-6028
Website: Visit Website
2. Firetower Coffee
Firetower Coffee is a cozy spot in downtown Helena that’ll make you feel right at home. The owner, Nord Johnson, has created a warm and inviting space filled with character and charm.
You’ll love the organic coffee beans roasted in-house, ensuring each cup is fresh and flavorful. The menu offers tasty made-to-order dishes, including options for gluten-free and vegetarian diets.
Nord’s personal touch makes Firetower unique. You’ll find an ever-changing decor, signed guitars, and a diverse album collection. Each visit brings something new to discover.
The friendly atmosphere will keep you coming back. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a regular, you’ll always be greeted with a smile. Stop by for great coffee and a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of Helena.
Rating: 4.7 (443 reviews)
Location: 422 N Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601
Contact: (406) 495-8840
Website: Visit Website
3. Montago Coffee Co
You’ll love the journey Montago Coffee Co has taken to become a Helena favorite. Starting as a mobile coffee shop in a refurbished Shasta camper, they’ve grown into a full brick-and-mortar cafe.
Located in the Independent Building downtown, Montago shares space with Mt Ascension Brewery, The Sidecar co-working space, and Mosaic Architecture. This collaborative environment adds to the cafe’s unique charm.
Montago prides itself on serving specialty coffee beverages. You can expect high-quality drinks crafted with care.
The friendly atmosphere and downtown location make it a great spot to meet friends or get some work done.
As a local business, Montago has deep roots in the Helena community. You’ll feel the hometown vibe as soon as you step inside. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Montago Coffee Co is worth a visit.
Rating: 4.9 (85 reviews)
Location: 317 Cruse Ave, Helena, MT 59601
Contact: (406) 410-1741
Website: Visit Website
4. SheBrews Coffee on Custer
You’ll love the warm and inviting atmosphere at SheBrews Coffee on Custer. This local gem serves up some of the best coffee in Helena, with a friendly staff that makes you feel right at home.
The menu offers a great selection of coffee drinks, from classic espressos to creative seasonal specials. You can pair your drink with tasty baked goods or light breakfast options.
SheBrews is more than just a coffee shop. It’s a community hub where you can catch up with friends, work on your laptop, or simply enjoy a quiet moment with a good book.
The shop’s commitment to quality shines through in every cup. You’ll appreciate the care they put into sourcing their beans and crafting each drink to perfection.
Rating: 4.8 (167 reviews)
Location: 1100 W Custer Ave, Helena, MT 59602
Contact: (406) 996-1015
Website: Visit Website
5. Scenic Brew
At Scenic Brew, you’ll find coffee that’s more than just hot water over beans. They take a scientific approach to brewing, carefully balancing extraction and strength for the perfect cup.
You can choose from several brewing methods here. Try a pour-over for a custom single cup, or go for a French press if you like a fuller flavor. They also offer traditional drip coffee, prepared with careful attention to detail.
Tea lovers aren’t left out at Scenic Brew. You can enjoy organic whole leaf teas that offer complex flavors you won’t find in typical tea bags. They also carry popular Tazo teas if you prefer something familiar.
The star of the show is their Aurelia espresso machine by Nuova Simonelli. It’s the same model used in world barista championships, so you know your espresso drinks will be top-notch.
Rating: 4.4 (501 reviews)
Location: 3091 N Sanders St suite e, Helena, MT 59601
Contact: (406) 204-0150
Website: Visit Website
6. 1889 Coffee House
Get ready for a taste of Montana at 1889 Coffee House. This local spot serves up delicious coffee roasted right in Bozeman by Ghost Town Coffee Roasters.
You can enjoy their Stonehouse Espresso or try the Signature Blend “1889” for drip coffee. The beans come from all over the world, including Colombia, Ethiopia, and Sumatra.
Hungry? 1889 has you covered with fresh sandwiches made to order using Boar’s Head meats. Grab a breakfast sandwich or burrito in the morning, or stop by for soup, salad, or a quick meal after work.
For a unique experience, try their nitro cold brew coffee on tap. It’s steeped at cool temperatures, infused with nitrogen, and served cold and foamy for a special treat.
Rating: 4.5 (685 reviews)
Location: 1800 Prospect Ave, Helena, MT 59601
Contact: (406) 502-1889
Website: Visit Website
7. City Brew Coffee
City Brew Coffee has been serving up delicious brews since 1998. You’ll find a wide selection of high-quality coffees here, made from the top 2% of beans from around the world.
Their distinctive blends are full of flavor and aroma. You can enjoy a cup in-store or take home beans by the pound to brew yourself.
City Brew is more than just a local spot. They’ve expanded to locations across the Western U.S. and partner with restaurants and convenience stores nationwide.
If you’re looking for a reliable coffee shop with consistently good drinks, City Brew is a great choice. Their commitment to quality shines through in every cup.
Rating: 4.8 (70 reviews)
Location: 2245 N Montana Ave, Helena, MT 59601
Contact: (406) 422-0404
Website: Visit Website
8. The Driftwood
The Driftwood is a charming coffee shop in Helena that you’ll love. It’s a cozy spot where you can relax and enjoy a cup of your favorite brew. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for catching up with friends or getting some work done.
You’ll find a great selection of coffee drinks here. From classic espresso to specialty lattes, there’s something for every taste. The baristas take pride in crafting each drink with care and skill.
The Driftwood also offers tasty snacks and light bites to go with your coffee. You can grab a pastry or sandwich to satisfy your hunger while you sip. The friendly staff will make you feel right at home during your visit.
Rating: 4.6 (21 reviews)
Location: 2304 Colonial Dr, Helena, MT 59601
9. Florence Coffee Company
Florence Coffee Company is a popular spot for coffee lovers in Helena. You’ll find it on North Last Chance Gulch, ready to serve up your favorite drinks.
The shop offers a rewards program through their app. You can link your payment card to earn points and track your balance. This makes it easy to pay and get rewarded in one step.
Florence Coffee has multiple locations around town. This means you can enjoy their drinks at different spots in Helena. Their app works at all their outlets, so you can collect rewards wherever you go.
Their menu includes a variety of coffee options to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a simple brew or a fancy latte, you’ll find something to enjoy here.
Rating: 4.8 (105 reviews)
Location: 2102 N Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601
Website: Visit Website
10. Florence Coffee Company
Florence Coffee Company is a popular spot for coffee lovers in Helena. You’ll find a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff ready to serve up your favorite brew.
The shop offers a variety of coffee drinks and treats to satisfy your cravings. Their menu includes classic espresso drinks, specialty lattes, and refreshing cold brews.
Florence Coffee Company also has a rewards program that makes it easy to earn perks. You can link your payment card to their app and collect points with each purchase.
The app also lets you track your balance and transaction history. It’s a convenient way to manage your coffee habit and enjoy some extra benefits along the way.
Rating: 4.6 (205 reviews)
Location: 595 N Lamborn St, Helena, MT 59601
Contact: (406) 594-0994
Website: Visit Website
Coffee Culture in Helena
Helena’s coffee scene is vibrant and growing. Local shops serve unique blends and create cozy spaces for the community. You’ll find a mix of historic and modern cafes throughout the city.
History and Influence
Coffee has been part of Helena’s culture since its early days. In the late 1800s, miners and settlers brought their love of coffee to the area. The General Mercantile, one of Helena’s oldest shops, started serving coffee in 1869. It’s still open today!
As Helena grew, so did its taste for good coffee. Small roasters popped up, bringing new flavors to town. These local businesses helped shape Helena’s coffee culture. They focused on quality beans and skilled brewing methods.
Today, you’ll see the impact of this history in Helena’s many coffee shops. Each one has its own style, but all share a love for great coffee.
Local Coffee Trends
Helena’s coffee lovers are always trying new things. Cold brew is a big hit, especially in summer. Many shops make their own blends in-house. You’ll also find unique flavor combos like lavender lattes and maple espressos.
Sustainability is important to Helena’s coffee scene. Shops often use local milk and eco-friendly cups. Some even roast their own beans to cut down on shipping.
Coffee art is popular too. Baristas create pretty designs in your latte foam. It’s not just about taste – it’s a treat for your eyes too!
What Makes a Great Coffee Shop
A great coffee shop offers more than just a caffeine fix. It combines a welcoming atmosphere with high-quality beverages and friendly service to create a memorable experience for customers.
Atmosphere and Ambience
The perfect coffee shop feels like a cozy home away from home. You’ll find comfortable seating, warm lighting, and a relaxed vibe that invites you to stay awhile.
Look for places with:
- Comfy chairs or couches
- Plenty of natural light
- Local artwork on the walls
- Soft background music
The best shops have a unique personality that sets them apart. Some might have a rustic, cabin-like feel while others go for a sleek, modern look.
Coffee Quality and Selection
Great coffee is the heart of any top-notch coffee shop. You want a place that takes pride in their beans and brewing methods.
Key things to look for:
- Freshly roasted, high-quality beans
- A variety of brewing options (espresso, pour-over, French press)
- Knowledgeable baristas who can explain different roasts and flavors
- Seasonal or rotating specialty drinks
The best shops often source their beans from local roasters or even roast in-house. They’ll offer a range of options from light to dark roasts and single-origin beans to unique blends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coffee lovers in Helena have lots of great options to choose from. Here are answers to some common questions about the local coffee scene.
Where can I find the coziest coffee shop in downtown Helena, MT?
The General Mercantile is known for its cozy, old-timey vibe. With wooden floors and vintage decor, it feels like stepping back in time. Grab a seat by the window to people-watch while sipping your coffee.
What are the most popular coffee shops in Helena, MT according to local reviews?
Firetower Coffee and Montago Coffee Co are two local favorites. Firetower offers amazing views of the city, while Montago is praised for its friendly staff and tasty drinks. Both spots get lots of love from Helena residents.
Which Helena, MT coffee shop is known for their unique blends?
SheBrews Coffee on Custer stands out for its creative coffee blends. They roast their own beans and come up with fun flavor combinations. You can try something new each time you visit.
Can you recommend a coffee shop in Helena, MT with good breakfast options?
Scenic Brew is a great pick for breakfast and coffee. They serve up yummy pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and other morning treats alongside their coffee drinks. It’s a nice spot to fuel up for the day.
Are there any specialty cafes for espresso drinks in Helena, MT?
Montago Coffee Co is known for its expert baristas and top-notch espresso. They take pride in crafting the perfect shot and can whip up any espresso-based drink you crave.
What are the current top-rated coffee shops in Helena, MT?
As of late 2024, the highest-rated spots include Firetower Coffee, General Mercantile, and Montago Coffee Co. These shops get rave reviews for their coffee quality, atmosphere, and customer service.