The onset of summer temperatures brings the return of Missoula’s tallest drinking establishment. The 7R Bar, an outdoor lounge perched atop the seven-story AC Hotel, specializes in espresso martinis served from a nitro dispenser that lends an extra creamy feel to each sip.
Choose from the traditional martini with Ketel One vodka or the Espresso Reposado with Astral tequila; the combination lends a trace of citrusy kick. “We’re probably the only bar in town with espresso martinis on tap,” says bartender Chloe Beresford, who sports a Barbie-pink manicure while shaking up cocktails for an early crowd. Most specialty cocktails, including the martinis, are $15.
The full bar also offers beer, wine, mocktails and specialty cocktails such as the 7R Smash with bourbon, honey and mint. Beresford says they strive to incorporate local craft beer and spirits when possible.
Weather is always a challenge for a rooftop bar in Montana, but Beresford says they’re generally open May through October. “We do have to shut down if there’s lightning,” she notes. The bar posts alerts on its Instagram page when forced to close due to inclement weather.
7R’s been operating since 2022, a year after the sleek hotel first opened for business.
Besides the sweeping views of Mounts Jumbo and Sentinel, people are on display at this luxe location that caters mostly to smartly dressed out-of-towners. Expect to see more well-manicured older couples and business travelers than scruffy locals in trucker hats. On a recent afternoon, overcast skies didn’t deter a gaggle of visiting Frenchmen who relayed they were in town on aerospace business.
How to get there: Enter the AC Hotel lobby on Pattee and proceed to the elevators. Push the “down” button to summon the only elevator that services the rooftop bar; the door will be labeled. (The lobby reception staff can also assist if you have trouble.) The bar opens daily at 5 p.m.
