Posted in Montana November 30, 2016 by

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.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
The very concept of a tiki bar in the middle of Montana is totally unique.
Twyla A / Yelp
The unexpected tropical drinks and seaside vibes just add to its appeal.
The Sip ‘n Dip Lounge opened in 1962, a time when Polynesian themes were popular.
Allison J / Yelp
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.
The food served here is good, but it’s the tropical drinks that draw people in.
Twyla Y / Yelp
They come heavily garnished and beautifully presented. It’s easy to have quite a few.
You can catch the mermaids nightly at 6 PM (except for every other Sunday, which is Mermaid Brunch day).
management / TripAdvisor
Tuesday night is ladies’ night, complete with mermen. Minors are allowed in the lounge until 9 PM.
Most patrons agree that the true draw of the Sip ‘n Dip is Piano Pat.
Montanabw / Wikipedia
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.
Needless to say, this place has received national attention and has even been visited by celebrities.
Jeremy D / Yelp
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.
Whether you love it or hate it, you must admit that there’s no place in the world quite like the Sip ‘n Dip.
Sip N Dip Lounge / Yelp
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.