While it’s always fun to check out the many new restaurants that are popping up all over Montana, nothing beats a warm, comforting meal from one of our tried-and-true eateries that have been around for decades. The Shack Cafe is one of those treasure, and quite frankly, it doesn’t get enough credit.

The Shack Cafe is located at 222 W. Main St. in Missoula, only a block from its original location that opened in 1949.
TripAdvisor
The restaurant opened after Axel Hansen, a World War II veteran, discovered his new favorite dinner, deep fried chicken served with fries and garlic toast. The signature dish is still on the menu today.
The Shack kept the same basic menu for decades until Bill Warden and Robin Hamilton, the current owners, took it over and made some new additions.
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The restaurant has been in its current location since the mid-1980s, and it still maintains its historic charms.
Don't let the name fool you — The Shack serves some seriously scrumptious entrees.
The Shack Cafe Facebook
You can choose from the standard menu or the weekly rotating specials.

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Of course, it's tough to top the signature fried chicken that made this place so famous.
The Shack Cafe Facebook
Chicken-in-the-Ruff is typically served with steak fries, but you can get it with mashed potatoes as well.
The Shack is also open for breakfast and lunch, and these menus are full of made-from-scratch classics.
The Shack Cafe Facebook
The omelet selection is especially impressive.
The current location was once occupied by the Pontiac-Oldsmobile dealership, and you'll find elements from the past all over it.
The Shack Cafe Facebook
The antique bar was shipping in via steamboat in 1881. Look around and you'll see antique maps and clocks, brass chandeliers from the 1890s, and other pieces of the past.
The Shack Cafe is open daily, although hours vary.
The Shack Cafe Facebook
Enjoy breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and breakfast, lunch or dinner Friday through Sunday from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m.

The Shack definitely has staying power. However, the oldest restaurant in Montana can be found here.

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