Great variety of drinks. Super unique menu and interesting. Not really anywhere in Helena that has an atmosphere quite like this place.
S R
After seeing the menu, we had to try it out. We were not disappointed. Amazing atmosphere, not really anywhere in Helena like it. The menu is so unique and there is such an immense variety of drinks. Really great first impression, we will definitely be going back frequently.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rosemary Ferriter
Our experience was wonderful. We loved our server Karrie! She was very personable and very attentive to our needs. She made the experience very enjoyable. The food & drinks was great and we also loved the Band, The Watermelon Men. We will come back again for sure when they play! The atmosphere was so inviting and warm. Will recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
JohnW Miller
Review - The Rathskeller - 11/21/2025 Descending down the stairs into the basement of a hundred year old Montana Club building near the heart of downtown Helena, I half-expected to be required to give a secret password through a sliding panel on the heavy oak door. Thankfully, the door was wide open. Once inside we found ourselves surrounded by dark heavy wood with fancy, dark embossed leather panels. Tasteful chandeliers mixed with hidden LED lighting gave the dining area a warm elegant feel. The Rathskeller has been restored to its original elegance as one of the speakeasies from the prohibition period. There is plenty of seating for larger groups as well as plenty of seating for couples. We sat at a smallish marble-top table for two next to the stage where live music would be performed later that evening. We were the first customers of the day, as is our custom, so everything was pretty quiet. Our waitress assured us that it gets very busy on Friday night as folks gather with their friends to enjoy the live music and drinks.
We were both disappointed in the lack of menu options, but I pointed out that a few amazing dishes is better than many not-so-good meals. If you have a hankering for a meaty entree, then they have basically five options: Shepherds Pie with lamb and beef, Chicken Pot Pie, Butter Chicken, a Korean Bulgogi Pork Rice dish, Khao Soi, (a dish from Thailand featuring mild curry, chicken, noodles and veggies,) and a Prime Rib French Dip Sandwich. Otto and I both ordered the French Dip. Regarding the small menu, Otto said, “This is basically a bar with snacks.” Gold flatware lent a fancy vibe to the table. They had an impressive drink menu, but few options of non-alcoholic beverages, unless you like Coke, which I don’t. Their coffee options are nonexistent, but I was assured that they are getting a coffee station some time soon. Our professionally dressed waitress was friendly and helpful with the menu recommendations. On her recommendation I ordered a ginger beer, which had a very strong but refreshing ginger essence.
The background music, I’m guessing, is sometime after the nineties because I wasn’t familiar with any of the songs. (I’m pretty sure the music wasn’t authentic to the time of Montana’s prohibition which ran from 1918 to 1926.) The music was generally pretty soft, but occasionally got too loud, and at one point it went completely silent.
Our meals were delivered promptly. The Prime Rib French Dip sandwiches were very good and were served with crispy chips (almost like kettle-cooked). Otto found the sandwich to be excellent. “I’d come back just for that sandwich.” The thinly sliced prime rib was perfectly cooked and very tender, with a hint of horseradish embedded in the sandwich. I’m not really into dipping sandwiches because I hate soggy bread. But I went with the flow and dipped it like an old timer. Surprisingly and pleasingly the bun held up pretty well to the warm au jus. I enjoyed the flavor blends. If we come back I’d probably try one of the other menu options.
They’ve done a great job of restoring the elegance of the old building, while adding a touch of modern technology. The seating was very comfortable, the food was delicious, and we’d be happy to come back for more. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael Hale
Super fun reimagining of this historic bar. Cocktails have been on point...shout out to Michael the bartender for consistent cocktails and amazing service every time. Most of this review below is for a busy event night to be helpful...but on a regular night service is quick and a welcoming, chill vibe.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Mary Williams
We did the cocktail potions class with Georgia and it was INCREDIBLE. She was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. It was a beautiful balance of being interactive and educational. I really hope that The Rathskeller does more of these events because this was a SMASH.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
dacia english
We signed up for the Halloween-themed cocktail-making class and had such a great time! Georgia was fantastic — fun, knowledgeable, and full of spooky humor. 👻 The mix of haunted history, hands-on cocktail crafting, and creative twists made the night unforgettable. We even got to make our own drinks and learned about shrubs (which I’m now completely obsessed with making!). Thank you for such a fun and unique experience — I’d absolutely sign up for more classes like this! 🍸🎃
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Heather Nelson
A group of us took a Potions Class by Georgia and it was so much fun! Georgia talked about the history of the building, the background on the original bartender, the history of alcohol and what components make a balanced drink and how to do it ourselves. You can tell she works hard on her craft and the atmosphere is perfect! We will be back soon! I told Georgia I had high expectations and she still blew them out of the water!!! After the class we messaged her to ask for more classes and made plans for our next visit!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
J
We LOVE this place & the staff esp Karie! She always takes such good care of us + will read tarot if asked 🪄She makes this place for us. They have live music 3+ times per week and drink specials each week. A new Helena favorite.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Blair Noel
10/10 will be go to the Rathskeller again! The staff were wonderful and the drinks were great!
Kerrie is just the sweetest server, she's so welcoming and helpful. Food is great, atmosphere is lovely, and all the staff are so knowledgeable and on task.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
John
I went to the Rathskeller for the first time last night with a friend who is a member of the Montana Club upstairs. When we walked in around 7:00, **web.jam** was playing and they were fantastic—the music and the vibe made me immediately think this was the kind of place I’d want to come back to. Unfortunately, the server, **Kerrie** (I believe that was her name, as that was what appeared on the receipt), completely changed my mind.
It took about 15 minutes for Kerrie to come over, and she already seemed annoyed that we had moved from a table to the center bar. We ordered drinks, which didn’t arrive for another 20 minutes. Mine was completely undrinkable—the ingredients tasted off. My friend tried it and agreed. When Kerrie finally returned about 30 minutes later, I explained that the drink was bad, but I made it clear it wasn’t her fault. I told her I’d still pay for it, but I wanted to order something completely different. Another 30 minutes passed before the replacement drink arrived. That one was excellent, but it ended up being the only positive part of the service all night.
Over the course of two and a half hours (7:00–9:30), here’s what actually happened: **one bad drink, one good drink, a bill—and screamed at by the server**. When I asked for the check, it took her another 30 minutes to bring it, and when she finally did, she **slammed the bill inside the glass down hard in front of me**. This wasn’t just her being quick—it was deliberate and aggressive. When I said “excuse me?” she started yelling, “I’m the only one here!” Meanwhile, just before this, she had walked up to another table that yelled once to thank the band and told them “no screaming.” The whole bar looked at her like, *they hadn’t done anything wrong*. Even after slamming the bill, it still took her another 20 minutes to take my card and bring the receipt.
The Rathskeller has so much going for it—great music, cool vibe, fantastic atmosphere. But the service, at least with Kerrie, was truly awful and could ruin what should otherwise be a really fun place. Based on other reviews, this seems to be a recurring issue, with management saying “we’re working on it.” If this is their idea of improvement, I can’t imagine what it was like before.
I’m writing in such detail because other reviews about bad service were vague—maybe being specific will help the owners actually fix the problem. If the service ever improves, I’d come back in a heartbeat. As it stands, this was a one-and-done for me.
* **Vibe/Atmosphere:** 5/5 * **Service:** 1/5 * **Overall:** ⭐☆☆☆☆ (the one star is solely for the service; everything else was great)
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 1
Sandra Micken
I want to like The Rathskeller. It's in a lovely historic building and I like the recent improvements that they have made to the bar and the increase in live music. However, the service has always been terrible and still is. We were there on a Tuesday evening and it was not busy, but the single server never did wait on us. The bar staff acted as if it was an imposition to wait on me, the drink selections were limited, and the price was considerably higher than any bars in Helena. I give it a try every time they reopen and it's always a disappointment. This place has so much potential and, with some attention to customer service, it would be worth going.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 1
Christie Goold
Came here on a whim. Listened to live music and had amazing crafted cocktails and food. Now we’re going to become members. This place is awesome.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Christian Jones
Place is super beautiful! the staff is super sweet and the owner is awesome. management gave me a free old fashion too. Don't slack on this place!
Great variety of drinks. Super unique menu and interesting. Not really anywhere in Helena that has an atmosphere quite like this place.
After seeing the menu, we had to try it out. We were not disappointed. Amazing atmosphere, not really anywhere in Helena like it. The menu is so unique and there is such an immense variety of drinks. Really great first impression, we will definitely be going back frequently.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our experience was wonderful. We loved our server Karrie! She was very personable and very attentive to our needs. She made the experience very enjoyable. The food & drinks was great and we also loved the Band, The Watermelon Men. We will come back again for sure when they play! The atmosphere was so inviting and warm. Will recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Review - The Rathskeller - 11/21/2025
Descending down the stairs into the basement of a hundred year old Montana Club building near the heart of downtown Helena, I half-expected to be required to give a secret password through a sliding panel on the heavy oak door. Thankfully, the door was wide open. Once inside we found ourselves surrounded by dark heavy wood with fancy, dark embossed leather panels. Tasteful chandeliers mixed with hidden LED lighting gave the dining area a warm elegant feel. The Rathskeller has been restored to its original elegance as one of the speakeasies from the prohibition period. There is plenty of seating for larger groups as well as plenty of seating for couples. We sat at a smallish marble-top table for two next to the stage where live music would be performed later that evening. We were the first customers of the day, as is our custom, so everything was pretty quiet. Our waitress assured us that it gets very busy on Friday night as folks gather with their friends to enjoy the live music and drinks.
We were both disappointed in the lack of menu options, but I pointed out that a few amazing dishes is better than many not-so-good meals. If you have a hankering for a meaty entree, then they have basically five options: Shepherds Pie with lamb and beef, Chicken Pot Pie, Butter Chicken, a Korean Bulgogi Pork Rice dish, Khao Soi, (a dish from Thailand featuring mild curry, chicken, noodles and veggies,) and a Prime Rib French Dip Sandwich. Otto and I both ordered the French Dip. Regarding the small menu, Otto said, “This is basically a bar with snacks.” Gold flatware lent a fancy vibe to the table. They had an impressive drink menu, but few options of non-alcoholic beverages, unless you like Coke, which I don’t. Their coffee options are nonexistent, but I was assured that they are getting a coffee station some time soon. Our professionally dressed waitress was friendly and helpful with the menu recommendations. On her recommendation I ordered a ginger beer, which had a very strong but refreshing ginger essence.
The background music, I’m guessing, is sometime after the nineties because I wasn’t familiar with any of the songs. (I’m pretty sure the music wasn’t authentic to the time of Montana’s prohibition which ran from 1918 to 1926.) The music was generally pretty soft, but occasionally got too loud, and at one point it went completely silent.
Our meals were delivered promptly. The Prime Rib French Dip sandwiches were very good and were served with crispy chips (almost like kettle-cooked). Otto found the sandwich to be excellent. “I’d come back just for that sandwich.” The thinly sliced prime rib was perfectly cooked and very tender, with a hint of horseradish embedded in the sandwich. I’m not really into dipping sandwiches because I hate soggy bread. But I went with the flow and dipped it like an old timer. Surprisingly and pleasingly the bun held up pretty well to the warm au jus. I enjoyed the flavor blends. If we come back I’d probably try one of the other menu options.
They’ve done a great job of restoring the elegance of the old building, while adding a touch of modern technology. The seating was very comfortable, the food was delicious, and we’d be happy to come back for more.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Super fun reimagining of this historic bar. Cocktails have been on point...shout out to Michael the bartender for consistent cocktails and amazing service every time.
Most of this review below is for a busy event night to be helpful...but on a regular night service is quick and a welcoming, chill vibe.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
We did the cocktail potions class with Georgia and it was INCREDIBLE. She was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. It was a beautiful balance of being interactive and educational. I really hope that The Rathskeller does more of these events because this was a SMASH.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We signed up for the Halloween-themed cocktail-making class and had such a great time! Georgia was fantastic — fun, knowledgeable, and full of spooky humor. 👻 The mix of haunted history, hands-on cocktail crafting, and creative twists made the night unforgettable. We even got to make our own drinks and learned about shrubs (which I’m now completely obsessed with making!). Thank you for such a fun and unique experience — I’d absolutely sign up for more classes like this! 🍸🎃
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A group of us took a Potions Class by Georgia and it was so much fun! Georgia talked about the history of the building, the background on the original bartender, the history of alcohol and what components make a balanced drink and how to do it ourselves. You can tell she works hard on her craft and the atmosphere is perfect! We will be back soon!
I told Georgia I had high expectations and she still blew them out of the water!!!
After the class we messaged her to ask for more classes and made plans for our next visit!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We LOVE this place & the staff esp Karie! She always takes such good care of us + will read tarot if asked 🪄She makes this place for us. They have live music 3+ times per week and drink specials each week. A new Helena favorite.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
10/10 will be go to the Rathskeller again! The staff were wonderful and the drinks were great!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Kerrie is just the sweetest server, she's so welcoming and helpful. Food is great, atmosphere is lovely, and all the staff are so knowledgeable and on task.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I went to the Rathskeller for the first time last night with a friend who is a member of the Montana Club upstairs. When we walked in around 7:00, **web.jam** was playing and they were fantastic—the music and the vibe made me immediately think this was the kind of place I’d want to come back to. Unfortunately, the server, **Kerrie** (I believe that was her name, as that was what appeared on the receipt), completely changed my mind.
It took about 15 minutes for Kerrie to come over, and she already seemed annoyed that we had moved from a table to the center bar. We ordered drinks, which didn’t arrive for another 20 minutes. Mine was completely undrinkable—the ingredients tasted off. My friend tried it and agreed. When Kerrie finally returned about 30 minutes later, I explained that the drink was bad, but I made it clear it wasn’t her fault. I told her I’d still pay for it, but I wanted to order something completely different. Another 30 minutes passed before the replacement drink arrived. That one was excellent, but it ended up being the only positive part of the service all night.
Over the course of two and a half hours (7:00–9:30), here’s what actually happened: **one bad drink, one good drink, a bill—and screamed at by the server**. When I asked for the check, it took her another 30 minutes to bring it, and when she finally did, she **slammed the bill inside the glass down hard in front of me**. This wasn’t just her being quick—it was deliberate and aggressive. When I said “excuse me?” she started yelling, “I’m the only one here!” Meanwhile, just before this, she had walked up to another table that yelled once to thank the band and told them “no screaming.” The whole bar looked at her like, *they hadn’t done anything wrong*. Even after slamming the bill, it still took her another 20 minutes to take my card and bring the receipt.
The Rathskeller has so much going for it—great music, cool vibe, fantastic atmosphere. But the service, at least with Kerrie, was truly awful and could ruin what should otherwise be a really fun place. Based on other reviews, this seems to be a recurring issue, with management saying “we’re working on it.” If this is their idea of improvement, I can’t imagine what it was like before.
I’m writing in such detail because other reviews about bad service were vague—maybe being specific will help the owners actually fix the problem. If the service ever improves, I’d come back in a heartbeat. As it stands, this was a one-and-done for me.
* **Vibe/Atmosphere:** 5/5
* **Service:** 1/5
* **Overall:** ⭐☆☆☆☆ (the one star is solely for the service; everything else was great)
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 1
I want to like The Rathskeller. It's in a lovely historic building and I like the recent improvements that they have made to the bar and the increase in live music. However, the service has always been terrible and still is. We were there on a Tuesday evening and it was not busy, but the single server never did wait on us. The bar staff acted as if it was an imposition to wait on me, the drink selections were limited, and the price was considerably higher than any bars in Helena. I give it a try every time they reopen and it's always a disappointment. This place has so much potential and, with some attention to customer service, it would be worth going.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 1
Came here on a whim. Listened to live music and had amazing crafted cocktails and food. Now we’re going to become members. This place is awesome.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Place is super beautiful! the staff is super sweet and the owner is awesome. management gave me a free old fashion too. Don't slack on this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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