Double Front Cafe & Bar

Food & DrinkDowntown

Double Front sits at the downtown edge of Missoula's historic railroad area

★ Why It's Listed

“Double Front is one of the clearest surviving connections between Downtown Missoula and its railroad-era business district. The two-front building, original delivery chute, family ownership since 1961 and fried-chicken process have remained recognizable across three generations, a fire and major remodeling.”

About the Business

Double Front Cafe & Bar occupies a 1909 building with one entrance at 122 W. Alder St. and another at 121 W. Railroad St. The building has no alley or back door, which explains the name.

The property began as a bar, pool hall and cigar shop near Missoula's railroad station. It became a cafe and bar after Prohibition, and the Herndon family purchased the business in 1961.

The restaurant is known for fresh, never-frozen, hand-battered fried chicken cooked to order. Preparation takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes. The building also contains a 13-table dining room and a full basement bar connected to the kitchen by a dumbwaiter.

Three generations of the Herndon family have been documented in the business. Lex Herndon started working there at 13, later bought the cafe with his wife Joyce, and rebuilt after a fire. Their son Jason began working there at 16.

Contact Details

Websitedoublefrontcafe.com

Phone Number(406) 543-6264

Address

122 W. Alder St.

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Hours

Thu-Tue 11am-9:30pm; Wed closed

* Hours may vary. Contact business directly to confirm.

Quick Facts

✓Building opened: 1909
✓Cafe and bar use began: 1933, according to the official history
✓Herndon family purchase: 1961
✓Location: 122 W. Alder St. and 121 W. Railroad St.
✓Known for: Fresh, never-frozen, hand-battered fried chicken cooked to order
✓Preparation time: Approximately 25 to 30 minutes
✓Dining room: 13 tables
✓Basement bar: Historically called the 1356 Club

Services Offered

Dine-in

takeout

online ordering

fresh hand-battered fried chicken cooked to order

burgers

sandwiches

salads

seafood

children's menu

full basement bar

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Double Front Cafe?+

The building has no alley or back door. It has one front entrance at 122 W. Alder St. and another at 121 W. Railroad St.

How long does Double Front chicken take?+

Allow about 25 to 30 minutes because the fresh, hand-battered chicken is cooked to order. Calling ahead is recommended for takeout.

How long has the Herndon family owned Double Front Cafe?+

The Herndon family purchased Double Front Cafe in 1961. A 2022 profile documented three generations of the family working in the business.

Does Double Front Cafe have a bar?+

Yes. A full bar is located in the basement and opens at 3 p.m.

Where is Double Front Cafe & Bar located?+

The Alder Street entrance is at 122 W. Alder St. in Downtown Missoula. The same building also has an entrance at 121 W. Railroad St.

What days is Double Front Cafe closed?+

The current menu and contact pages list Wednesday as closed. The restaurant is listed as open Thursday through Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

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