As the end of 2024 nears and the Gallatin Valley continues to grow and change, Bozeman locals hold on tight to the fact that there will always be somewhere fun and familiar to take a seat, enjoy a drink and feel as if you’re back in the old Montana. Close enough to campus but still just minutes away from the new buildings and pop up shops of downtown awaits the Haufbrau. A dive bar filled with moments and never-ending memories to be made. What classic Bozeman will always be, no matter the year. The Haufbrau is the place to leave your mark behind, let someone know you were there, even if in your own simple way.

The Haufbrau, a vortex in what used to be known as the Barmuda Triangle, is one of the two remaining bars in this original trio. Since the closure of The Scoop, only The Molly Brown and the Haufbrau House continue on in the mysterious area where nights might be lost, but many friends made. With the support of a loyal fanbase and an incredible open mic venue for community artists, the Hauf stays an important piece of Bozeman nightlife, surely one to last. Since opening in 1961, they have consistently served local favorites, including delicious burgers and sandwiches, fresh fries and cold, refreshing drinks. With more beers on tap and mixed drink options than you could imagine, it is the perfect place to pop into any night of the week for dinner and a local show.

Entering the front door is an experience in itself. The pull of music is immediate, but guests often find themselves distracted by the entryway walls, littered with tiny scraps of paper, once stapled-up posters that have long since been removed, hung by people who by now have likely come and gone, too. A part of them has been left behind in the smallest of ways. New posters pile atop the old remnants, announcing upcoming shows and concerts, lost pets, and even blacksmithing lessons—a little something for everyone to be a part of.

On any given night inside the bar, glowing with neon lights and signs, you can almost always find a cool band sharing their tunes with guests. With Sunday through Wednesday reserved for open mic night, musicians or comedians wanting to try out new sets can set up shop and continue all night long. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are reserved for hot new bands that both Montana State students and alumni are eager to see live, which brings in a crowd of different people there to enjoy the same moment together.

Upon taking a seat at a high top or more cozy table, you’ll find an endless amount of names and images etched into each and every wood surface throughout the bar. Tables, benches, chairs, no matter the use, are scattered with initials, silly pictures, and unknown messages meant to remain in the memories of the night they were carved. At quick glance, you’ll notice circles on almost every available spot on the walls and ceilings. Upon closer reflection, you’ll see that they, too, are tables, each branded in the center with a distinct year. Surrounding those prominent numbers are all the many people who sat there and found it necessary to leave something behind. Any uncarvable surface finds itself adorned with stickers or permanent markers, not to be forgotten.

Tacked and stuck upon these carvings sits the unique artwork adorning the walls. Above the area where the bands play, a nude Greek Goddess stands poised upon the waves, her outstretched arm directing a beam of light straight at the artists below. As if to remind them that even in the midst of artistic transcendence, there’s room for a little humor, signs scattered throughout the venue deliver unexpected wisdom. One in particular catches the eye: “You can always re-take a class, but you can never re-live a party.” Not to mention the endless amount of ‘No Dogs Allowed’ signs, despite furry friends often sleeping on the cool checkered floor. Other quirky works of art catch the eye, and no matter the number of times you may have stopped in, there is always something new to see.

Past the music and the bar sits an old-style candy dispenser, a keno machine, and a pool table for anyone looking to play, except on nights when a popular band takes center stage. On those evenings, the pool table is moved, the bar darkened, and the music blasted as the Hauf fills with excited fans looking to support a local up-and-coming band. On these nights, the Hauf truly comes to life, with lights and music bringing passersby on the corner of Main Street and 8th Ave. to a standstill, luring them in.

As alluring as the interior of the Hauf is, the outside is not to be ignored. Against a dark Montana night, the bright white, vertical sign catches the eye, shining down on an incredible blue and white tag made just for the Hauf. In a parking lot bustling with nightlife you’ll find guests of all ages walking from one bar to the next, sharing in the buzz of a classic Bozeman night. Although the triangle might be gone, the spirit of the Barmuda continues on, thanks to the life of the party, the Haufbrau.