Bozeman is well known and beloved for its craft breweries and lively bar scene. But when it comes to cocktails, Bozeman locals might be surprised that one of the best places to sip creative drinks and a stellar glass of wine is actually a fine dining restaurant.
By working creatively within a beer and wine license, Feast Raw Bar & Bistro has become a hidden gem wine bar that Bozeman didn’t know it needed, delighting guests with inventive drinks and a curated wine list that elevates any dining experience. It’s a spot that Bozeman wine aficionados have come to love, as well as a must-visit for anyone seeking creative cocktails.
Balance and pairing fuel Feast’s entire dining ethos. The team divides their wine selection by weight and region, ensuring there’s something for every palate and every dish on the menu. They lean toward high-acid, lower-alcohol wines, because those pair best with food and encourage you to savor each sip.
And when it comes to “cocktails,” the bartenders get crafty. Without hard liquor on hand, they turn to wines, sake, and even non-alcoholic spirits to mix up drinks that are just as complex and satisfying as any craft cocktail. The result is a drink menu that caters to everyone, from the cabernet connoisseur to the mocktail maven.
Curious what to try first? Here are the five must-try wines and cocktails “behind the bar” at Feast, each with its own story and unique flavors.
1. Espresso Saketini
Feast’s signature Espresso Saketini is proof that necessity is the mother of invention. Traditional espresso martinis rely on vodka or coffee liqueur, but Feast’s version uses sake as the base—a nod to the restaurant’s beer-and-wine-only license and love for all things creative.
This dessert-worthy cocktail combines real espresso with vanilla cream and a house-made spiced caramel simple syrup, all shaken up with smooth sake in place of hard liquor. The result is a rich, creamy drink that delivers pure espresso flavor without the harsh alcoholic kick.
The Espresso Saketini also speaks to Feast’s ethos of thinking outside the box. People might come in expecting a standard espresso martini, but this twist surprises them. It’s even better, with a silky texture and nuanced sweetness from the caramel. Because it’s sake-based, the cocktail feels lighter and more refined, allowing the coffee notes to shine. It’s the perfect liquid dessert to cap off a meal, but honestly, it’s just as delightful as a pre-dinner pick-me-up. If you’re a fan of coffee and want a cocktail in Bozeman that’s a little different from anything else in town, the Espresso Saketini should be at the top of your list.
2. Saint Ember Mocktail
Who says a night out has to include alcohol? Feast’s Saint Ember mocktail is so flavorful and complex, you won’t miss the booze at all.
This drink is built around Little Saints’ St. Ember, a zero-proof spirit infused with botanicals like lion’s mane mushroom, ginger, cardamom, and palo santo, a non-alcoholic spirit that mimics the smoky depth of a mezcal. Feast’s bartenders take this intriguing base and layer on even more flavor: ginger puree for brightness, a dash of habanero-spiced simple syrup for heat, and an infusion of white flower tea for a delicate floral note. The mocktail is finished with a Tajín spice rim on the glass and a fresh orange wedge, engaging all your senses from the first sip.
The Saint Ember arrives looking just as gorgeous as any craft cocktail, and its taste is a revelation. You get a whisper of smoke and woodiness, a kick of spice, and a ginger-cardamom warmth, all balanced by subtle sweetness and citrus. It’s decidedly not your standard sugary mocktail; it has layers and a bit of an edge. In fact, it’s so satisfying that many guests find themselves ordering a second round, a true testament to how enjoyable a well-made zero-proof drink can be. Whether you’re pacing yourself or not drinking at all, the Saint Ember ensures you can partake in the fun with a drink that’s every bit as interesting as its alcoholic counterparts.
3. Hillick & Hobbs Riesling (Finger Lakes)
Riesling has unfairly gotten a reputation in some circles as “that sweet wine.” But one taste of the Hillick & Hobbs Riesling by the glass at Feast will shatter any preconceived notions.
Hillick & Hobbs is the passion project of renowned winemaker Paul Hobbs, who ventured to New York’s Finger Lakes region to show the world what great Riesling can be from that terroir. The result is a Riesling that’s elegant, complex, and absolutely food-friendly.
Feast loves to pour this wine because it’s a conversation starter. Served blind, you might not even guess it’s a Riesling at first. It’s dry and sophisticated, with a rich body and gorgeous fruit character. Think ripe stone fruit and a touch of citrus, balanced by a crisp acidity and a stony minerality from those Finger Lakes vineyards. There’s a subtle floral aroma too, but none of the cloying sweetness people often associate with Riesling. This wine has depth and intrigue, and it pairs beautifully with a range of dishes.
By offering Hillick & Hobbs Riesling by the glass, Feast invites guests to rediscover a classic grape. It’s exciting for even seasoned wine lovers to see how versatile and serious Riesling can be. If you’re looking to expand your wine horizons in Bozeman, don’t skip this pour.
4. Obsidian Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
The Obsidian Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is not your run-of-the-mill California Cab. Grown in a remote, high-elevation vineyard at the northern edge of Sonoma (on the border of Lake County), the vines literally struggle through an old lava flow studded with black obsidian rocks. This extreme terroir produces a Cabernet that manages to be both powerfully flavorful and uniquely nuanced.
What can you expect in the glass? Bold, beautiful fruit for starters—dark berries, plum, maybe a hint of mountain herbs—but also a notable mineral streak running through it. That comes directly from those volcanic soils, where the vines have to reach deep for water, picking up character along the way. The wine is robust, yet it isn’t just a big tannic beast. There’s an elegance to its structure and a brightness to its acidity that keeps it food-friendly.
The name “Obsidian Ridge” often piques curiosity, and the story behind it gives our staff a great reason to engage with guests about how geology can influence a wine’s taste. If you usually gravitate to Cabernet, this one will wow you with its distinctive origin. It’s a crowd-pleaser that also breaks the mold of what people expect from a California Cabernet.
5. Maysara “Cyrus” Pinot Noir
For a special bottle to share at the table (or a glass to enjoy for yourself), Feast proudly features the Maysara “Cyrus” Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. This wine is a labor of love by the Momtazi family, Iranian immigrants who established Maysara Winery on their Momtazi Vineyard in the late 1990s. The patriarch, Moe Momtazi, fled Iran as a young man and built a new life in America, eventually buying a sprawling piece of land in Oregon to honor his family’s winemaking heritage. The Maysara winery is known for biodynamic farming and an unwavering commitment to quality—one example being that they refuse to release their wines until they believe each vintage is truly ready, even if that means holding bottles back for years in their cellar.
“Cyrus” is a prime expression of what patience can achieve. The current release you’ll find at Feast has a few extra years of age compared to most Pinots on the market, and that maturity shows. In the glass, it’s luxuriously aromatic: bright cherry and raspberry fruit intertwine with notes of black tea, rose petal, and a whiff of earthy spice. On the palate, it’s silky and layered, medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins that remind you of a strong-brewed tea or a savory spice. There’s a depth and “soul” to this wine that draws you in sip after sip.
With its vibrant acidity and complex flavors, the Cyrus Pinot pairs wonderfully with Feast’s diverse menu, whether you’re enjoying duck, salmon, or an assortment of savory small plates. This bottle truly showcases why Willamette Valley Pinot Noir has a world-class reputation, and it comes with a heartwarming backstory to boot.
Feast: Your New Happy Hour Haven
Even though Feast isn’t a bar in the traditional sense, its welcoming bar counter and knowledgeable staff create a relaxed vibe where you can unwind after work or kick off a fun evening. In a town full of watering holes, Feast offers something refreshingly different: the atmosphere of a wine bar with the added bonus of incredible food from the kitchen.
So next time you’re looking for a standout cocktail in Bozeman or a delicious glass of wine to elevate your night, pull up a seat at Feast Raw Bar & Bistro—the options are as eclectic as they are delightful. Come taste what’s “behind the bar” at Feast. You just might find your new favorite drink and discover a whole new appreciation for Bozeman’s beverage scene. Book your table today!