
Address and Contact Information
Address: 40 N Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT 59601
Phone: (406) 457-5544
Website: http://www.hopperhelena.com/
Menu Photos
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The Hopper
The Hopper Kitchen & Market | Helena MT – Facebook
The Hopper Kitchen and Market | Visit Montana
Reviews
For our ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) Club adventure today we decided to return to a restaurant that we visited back in September of 2024. That was prior to our writing of detailed reviews so we figured that we should head on back and check them out again.
We parked in the downtown parking garage and walked the half block to the restaurant, arriving a few minutes before they were scheduled to be open, expecting to have to wait outside in the chilly, single-digit temperature. We were pleasantly surprised to find the door unlocked and that they were already serving customers.
One interesting thing about all the downtown Helena restaurants is that they are located in vintage buildings which means that they are forced to fit into what is essentially a large rectangular room. Most of them have not ventured very far from their original layout. This restaurant may have been a general store, with its counter running lengthwise down one side of the room. The interesting part is seeing what they have done with their available space. At The Hopper the walls are colorfully decorated with works by local artists. The ceiling is slightly dropped to cover HVAC and plumbing, but it still retains its classic vintage look.
The background music was fairly soft and didn’t interfere with our conversation at all. I couldn’t tell what genre was on the playlist, but if I had to guess, it would be some form of country or folk music.
We placed our orders at the counter and sat down at our table. At this restaurant they deliver the food to the tables, and the sign at the trash can states that they also clear the tables for you.
Otto ordered the Caprese Burger, which consists of a Montana grass-finished beef patty with caramelized onions, fig balsamic glaze, and topped with a thick slice of mozzarella cheese, tomato, arugula, and house pesto aioli. All this deliciousness was piled high on a Grains of Montana Bakery brioche bun. It was served with a healthy pile of lightly seasoned fries, which Otto described as “Phenomenal.”
On the advice of the cheerful hostess behind the counter, I ordered the Reuben Sandwich with Tots. My sandwich included Montana Wagyu pastrami served on a grilled Sunflower Bakery caraway rye bread with melted havarti cheese, sauerkraut, and a house Russian dressing. I find it interesting that The Hopper sources their different breads and rolls from various local bakeries. The rye bread on my sandwich was nicely toasted and the pastrami was tender and yummy.
I have to agree with Otto about the potatoes. My lightly seasoned tots were exceptional, perfectly crispy without feeling greasy at all. Both meals included pickle spears which were also crunchy, fresh, and tasty.
The super friendly hostesses were more than happy to provide ketchup in little metal containers when we asked for it. Otto requested ketchup refills twice and I noticed that each refill cup was a little larger than the previous one.
I asked Otto if we should come back here more often than once every two years. I believe he’s on board with that idea. This is a popular lunch place for the folks who work downtown. The last time that we came we noticed that their ordering line extended all the way to the door by noon. Today I believe the customer count was reduced by the cold and snowy weather, although there was a steady stream of folks coming in while we ate.
The Hopper derives its name from Grasshopper Creek, which is where the gold was discovered here on Last Chance Gulch. This restaurant is without a doubt one of the best places to eat in Helena. The hostesses just seem like genuinely nice people. We’ll be coming back for more of their great hospitality and delicious cuisine.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There is some outdoor seating but the indoors was nice too. Great art on the walls.
Thank you again for your generosity, and thank you for making a kickass meal!