University staple Taco Montes closing down

Local restaurant Taco Montes is closing its doors after 11 years serving the Bozeman community. 

“We have some unfortunate news,” wrote the restaurant in a Facebook post published Jan. 13. “In February we will be shutting our doors and closing down. We would like to thank this amazing community for all your support over the last 11 years. It has been an honor and a privilege serving you.” 

“Our closing is more or less the result of business dying off over the last several years,” said Nan Conwell, a Taco Montes manager. “We probably could have stayed open for another year or so, but we failed to get our lease renewed,” they said. 

Conwell attributed the loss over the last few years to dwindling business. “Students just don’t have the money anymore. Actually, most of our regulars are [MSU] administration,” they said. 

On its website, the restaurant describes itself as being known for “unique, scratch-made tacos and nachos with freshly-made salsas” and is known for its non-traditional operating hours that feature a late night opening from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, in addition to its typical weekday daytime hours.

The restaurant shared well-wishes from MSU alumni on its social media pages, with one commenter,@cemberf, stating: “So, so sad. Literally the first place I went when I was a freshman. Wishing you guys the best for whatever comes next.” 

“Waking up to find out a core part of Bobcat culture was closing was one of the most heartbreaking experiences,” MSU student Stella Crutcher said in an interview with the Exponent. “Running into friends on late nights, the vibrant staff and killer music, not to mention the best tacos I’ve ever put in my mouth.” 

She also described Taco Montes as “aplace where I went alone, with friends for lunch, or at 2 a.m. after a great night. A vital aspect of multiple core memories with friends, I’ll never forget the late night afterparty at Taco Montes.” 

“I’ve had a million tacos in my life, and easily Taco Montes was one of the best,” said MSU sophomore Alivia Elsom. “Not only was their food amazing, but the vibes were so good too. It was nice having a good place so close to campus. I’ll miss you Taco Montes.”

In an additional statement published on Facebook, Taco Montes thanked its patrons and teased plans for the future: "We hope to reopen in a new location in the future, so keep an eye out for that!" 

In conjunction with the Jan. 13. farewell message on Facebook, the restaurant shared that its final day of operation will be Feb. 15. According to Conwell, this final day will include a going away party with live music at the restaurant. They also encouraged people to come in on Feb. 14 for a special Valentine’s Day taco.

Taco Montes is owned and operated by Hal Pedersen, who has run the business out of its College Street location since 2014. At the time of publication, Pedersen could not be reached for comment.