Here are Missoula’s Top 5 ‘Guilty Pleasures’ with Local Food

Missoula is full of some amazing food. I am willing to say that Missoula probably has some of the best food in the state. Especially when it comes to variety and different cultural options. You can practically spin a globe and point to any country, and chances are you can find a food item from that country in Missoula. But, you also have some heavy hitters when it comes to the "classics." Missoula has some amazing barbecue, and fried chicken and don't even get me started on the burgers.

What are some of Missoula's favorite "Guilty Pleasures" with local food?

When it comes to a "guilty pleasure," they are typically foods that you crave. Foods that you know are not all that great for your health, but you would gladly die happy. Foods that bring us comfort and the urge to gorge ourselves.

We recently reached out to Missoula on social media, asking what some of their favorite "guilty pleasures" are. The response was overwhelming. With tons of comments about some of Missoula's finest foods.

We narrowed them down to the Top 5 most popular "Guilty Pleasures."

#5 CHEESE FRIES FROM HOAGIEVILLE

Just one taste of these famous chees fires and you fall in love. "Hoagieville" has been a Missoula staple for decades. It is safe to say that the cheese fries are what keep people coming back after all these years.

#4 HOT WINGS AT DESPERADO SPORTS TAVERN

I will never forget the first time I took a bite of one of "the Despo's" famous wings. I couldn't figure out what all the hype was about until I tried them for myself. I know I speak for a lot of Missoula residents when I say that a dozen "Despo wings" could be an option for my last meal is I was ever on death row.

#3 SCONES AND HONEY BUTTER FROM JAKERS

I can remember the back when I worked the night shift. We were always ordering takeout for dinner. We would regularly order takeout from Jakers. I would get the same thing every time. A bowl of baked potato soup, and "enough scones and honey butter to eat the soup without using a spoon." Or "enough carbs to kill a horse."

#2 BURGERS FROM MO CLUB

I don't think anyone has truly figured out the secret to why the Missoula Club burgers are so delicious. It is just one of those things in life that you find yourself dreaming about at night. The simplicity and flavor are what make these burgers out of this world. You cannot truly consider yourself a Missoulian until you sink your teeth in a Mo Club burger.

#1 JJ SPECIAL AT THE OXFORD SALOON

The Oxford Saloon has been feeding Missoula for nearly 140 years. They are clearly doing something right. Known for its classic diner food and full bar, the Oxford is a popular spot for late-night eats. Much like McDonald's claiming to serve billions of burgers on their signs. The Oxford has served nearly half a million plates of what is known as the "JJ's Special." The special can be enjoyed any time of day. But is best when slightly inebriated at 2a with a glass of water or hot coffee. The spicy gravy on top of a crisp chicken fried steak, complete with hashbrowns and eggs. As I like to describe to anyone who has never tried it, "It will have you seeing colors brighter."

There were a TON of other "guilty pleasures" that just narrowly missed the top 5. Those include the "Railroad Ties" from Tamarack Brewing. The famous fried chicken from Double Front. Plus, my favorite comment from our thread is "The fourth plate at China Buffet."