Caffe Dolce

Caffe Dolce occupies an enviable park-like stretch of Brooks, just out of Missoula's downtown. It's big and airy and refined, but also relaxed, as you can sit down or order from the counter. Best of all is its patio, but unfortunately a recent spate of cool weather put that off-limits. No mind -- Laura and I went in for a date warm-up, parking our bikes out front and sitting at a tall table (this was a Friday evening and we had not made reservations). The beer and wine list is extensive and surprising. Missoula is a beer town, for sure, but this menu went beyond the normal options. I stuck local, however, with an imperial stout from Big Sky; Laura got a light white.