about bar plata //

Situated near the Wilma Theater in downtown Missoula, Bar Plata offers a distinctive social experience influenced by the communal culture of Northern Spain. Inspired by extensive travels through Europe, owner Ben Burda established Bar Plata to introduce a different approach to "going out" in Missoula.

Occupying a modest 500 square feet, Bar Plata is designed to emulate the Spanish lifestyle of community socializing. Rather than presenting a typical Montana menu, we focus on pintxos—small bites like cured olives and pickled vegetables—and conservas, which are hand-harvested, artisan-preserved seafood imported directly from Spain. Our selection includes items such as baby eel, cockles, and sea urchin, offering what we believe to be some of the freshest seafood available.

Bar Plata is not a traditional restaurant. In addition to our assortment of small plates, we provide a curated selection of Spanish-influenced cocktails and wines, all served by experienced industry professionals. Our aim is to create an environment akin to the bars in Barcelona that serve as communal gathering spaces—a place to meet friends, enjoy a drink and a light bite, and engage in social interaction before continuing with your evening.

Committed to sustainability, we strive to minimize our footprint by focusing on seasonal products and supporting the local economy. We believe that spending locally helps strengthen the fabric of Missoula, enabling those who love the community to continue living here. By offering fair wages and fostering a supportive work environment, we aim to contribute positively to the industry and the wider community.

We invite you to visit Bar Plata to experience a new way of socializing in Missoula. Enjoy quality food and drinks in a setting designed to encourage connection and community engagement.