The Oxford Saloon in Missoula has been open since 1883 and has been open 24 hours a day for decades.
The Oxford has been around since before Grandad was riding around the mean dirt streets of Helena on horseback. The Oxford was open while my Great Grandad was roaming about between the Helena Valley and Elliston. We can even somewhat surmise that the Oxford might even be older than dirt when you stop to consider the generations of Montanan’s that have come and gone since it’s opening.
The Oxford is known far and wide in the Treasure State and beyond.
I’ve been in the Oxford at 2 in the afternoon, and at 2 in the morning. It’s a pretty hopping place during homecoming as well, with tipsy college kids milling about looking for a neat snack.
When Covid came around, the Oxford, like all restaurants in Missoula were told to close their dining room during the closures, and they were happy to oblige but they couldn’t find the keys, so being since this is Montana, a simple hand written closed sign was hung on the door instead.
As an aside … One of my dear followers on the Twitters pointed out the fact that the Oxford did change their locks in order to accommodate the Covid closure mandates — However, it took the Oxford a few days or so to do it because everybody was closed due to the mandates .. in the meantime, a simple “closed” sign was posted initially.
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The Oxford Saloon & Cafe, located in the heart of downtown Missoula was established in 1883 and is open 24 hours a day, all through the year.
The Ox has been open 24 hours a day for so many years that there are no keys for the entrances.
The Ox, as it is affectionately referred to by locals, has been highlighted in several national publications throughout the years as a “must see”.
It will surely prove to be one of the most interesting stops for any visitor passing through Western Montana.
The patrons are an eclectic mix: from local businessmen grabbing lunch to cowboys and bikers.
Locally it is known for gambling machines 7 days a week and its extensive menu including their infamous gigantic 1/2 lb Ox burgers, 1lb rib-eye steak dinners and chicken fried steak with JJ’s special gravy.
The Ox is located at: 337 N. Higgins Ave. (Corner Higgins & Pine) Missoula, Montana
View the menu online at: https://the-oxford.com/menu/
Have any interesting stories or memories of the Ox to share?
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Thanks for the read.
Happy Trails
