Rumour is the latest restaurant to open its doors in Missoula. It’s clubby in a New York chic meets Western Montana way. With an urban vibe, cowhide and leather seating, bar stools, comfy club chairs, dark hues and fireplaces, you can’t help but want to grab a cocktail and stay a while. John and Colleen Powers know the restaurant business and they have cultivated that knowledge to construct an inviting place to gather. They offer a full bar and an impressive wine list. 

Several seating areas, each with a slightly different feel, create intimate spaces for conversation. A large dining room sits adjacent to an outdoor patio. John noted that they paid special attention to soundproofing the walls – and we could tell. The ambient noise was just enough so that we could enjoy our meal without yelling across the table (which seems to be the new normal anywhere you go).

Now, let’s talk about the menu. Whether you’re stopping by for brunch, lunch, happy hour, or grabbing dinner with friends, Rumour presents an eclectic selection of pizzas, pasta, steak, fish, and more. Their street tacos, listed as a house specialty, didn’t disappoint. We tried both the chicken and the pork options; each was served with housemade tortilla chips and salsa. Locally sourced beef and bison are featured on the menu as well. 

Try their fall-off-the-bone bison short ribs (one of John’s favorites) or prime rib (weekends only) with your choice of sauces.

Rumour serves up several gluten free and vegetarian dishes including Farm Omelette Street Tacos and Avocado Sticks, as well as gluten free dessert options.

Speaking of dessert… we couldn’t leave without tasting the white chocolate cupcake (okay, devouring) or the beignets with warm chocolate sauce. Unfortunately, the brownies had sold out long before we arrived. Another reason to go back!

 

 

 

 

 

 

John tells us that Chef Nicholas Cebalo, one of Rumour’s Executive Chefs, knows his way around a kitchen. He started at the Ranch Club working as a dishwasher while he attended the University of Montana. Cebalo decided he wanted to work in the food industry and continued his education, earning a certificate from the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, a French farm-to-table culinary school in Boulder, Colorado. He returned to Montana to work at the Rock Creek Cattle Co. and was recruited by the Powers to open the new restaurant.

John and Colleen both make the rounds, visiting, checking on meals, and chatting it up. They welcome guests into their space; it’s what makes you want to go back.

Hours:

Brunch – Saturday and Sunday 11:30am – 3:00pm
Lunch – Monday through Friday 11:30am -3:00pm
Dinner* – Everyday 6:00pm to close
Happy Hour! Everyday 3:00pm-6:00pm

The casino is open during restaurant hours.

*Reservations available via OpenTable.