Posted in Montana
November 30, 2016
The Quirkiest Restaurant In Montana That’s Impossible Not To Love
Opinions of Montana’s notorious mermaid lounge vary greatly. Bring up the Sip ‘n Dip Lounge in Great Falls and you’re likely to be met with comments like “The food isn’t that great” and “I don’t get it. Why mermaids?” But even skeptics must admit that the Treasure State wouldn’t be the same without the Sip ‘n Dip, which is part of the O’Haire Motor Inn and the quirkiest restaurant in Montana.
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The unexpected tropical drinks and seaside vibes just add to its appeal.

The O’Haire Motor Inn was considered modern and trendy at the time it was built. The idea of having a glass wall behind the bar that looked into the indoor swimming pool was inspired by a similar design the builder noticed when he visited the Playboy Club in Chicago.

They come heavily garnished and beautifully presented. It’s easy to have quite a few.

Tuesday night is ladies’ night, complete with mermen. Minors are allowed in the lounge until 9 PM.

Pat is an octogenarian and a great-grandmother. She’s been at the piano since 1963 when she accepted the job as a single mother supporting her three children. Pat belts out covers of familiar songs, with “Sweet Caroline” being the most requested.

GQ Magazine once listed the lounge as the “#1 bar worth flying for.” When Daryl Hannah stopped in with Nick Nolte in 2002, she ended up putting on a mermaid tail and swimming in the pool.

It’s impossible not to have a soft spot for this crazy little tiki lounge and its local history.
The Sip ‘n Dip may be our most unique restaurant, but it’s far from the only quirky place to have a meal. Here are some of Montana’s other one-of-a-kind dining establishments.