About the Business
Bayern Brewing is a locally owned German-style brewery, taproom, and Bavarian restaurant at 1507 Montana Street in Missoula’s Franklin to the Fort area. It is best known for traditional German lagers, on-site production, scratch-made food, and a long-running commitment to reusable glass packaging.
The brewery opened in Missoula in 1987. Bavarian-trained master brewer Jürgen Knöller joined at the beginning, purchased the business in 1991, and led it for decades. Current brewmaster Thorsten Geuer also trained in Germany. Bayern says its brewing follows the Reinheitsgebot tradition, emphasizing malt, hops, yeast, water, time, cold fermentation, and natural carbonation.
Visitors can order year-round and seasonal beers in the taproom, with styles including Pilsener, Amber, Doppelbock, Oktoberfest, Kölsch, wheat beers, and seasonal bocks. The upstairs Edelweiss Bistro serves German-inspired fare such as house-made pretzels, bratwurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut, käsespätzle, and sandwiches. An outdoor biergarten adds shaded seating and a large chess set.
Bayern’s environmental program is a practical local distinction. The brewery washes and refills qualifying glass bottles, buys back or credits reusable carriers, sends spent grain to a Frenchtown-area ranch, and supports Montana Trout Unlimited through Dancing Trout sales. Taproom hours are published as daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; confirm the current bistro service schedule before visiting because official pages conflict.
Profile Researched August 2026
Services Offered
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of beer does Bayern Brewing make?+
Bayern focuses on German-style beer, especially clean, traditional lagers. Its published lineup includes year-round and seasonal offerings such as Pilsener, Amber, Doppelbock, Oktoberfest, Kölsch, wheat beers, and seasonal bocks.
Does Bayern Brewing serve food?+
Yes. The Edelweiss Bistro serves German-inspired food including house-made pretzels, bratwurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut, käsespätzle, sandwiches, and other rotating items. Check the current kitchen schedule before visiting.
Is there outdoor seating?+
Yes. Bayern promotes an outdoor biergarten with shaded seating and a life-size chess set.
Can I return beer bottles to Bayern for reuse?+
Yes. Bayern’s EcoLeague accepts qualifying bottles and carriers for washing and reuse. Bottle types and credit rules are listed on the brewery’s sustainability page; ask the taproom if a bottle qualifies.
When is the taproom open?+
Bayern publishes taproom hours of 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The bistro schedule is less consistent across official pages, so confirm food-service hours directly.
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