Ever heard of a mermaid bar? No, not a mermaid-themed bar but an actual mermaid bar, where tropical drinks are served alongside large glass panels opening into a deep pool where mermaids swirl about in the water. Sounds like a fever dream, but it is real and thriving.

On a recent trip to eastern Montana, I spent the night in Great Falls. That evening, my guide wanted to take me to one of her personal favorite spots unique to the city: Sip ‘n Dip. She had mentioned it was a mermaid bar, but I couldn’t exactly picture what it looked like and had no idea what I was in for until I arrived.

Unassuming on the outside, the bar sits on the second floor of a large building. Immediately upon entering, we were met with live music, tropical-themed décor, the general buzz of conversation and, of course, blue panels behind the bar where a woman dressed as a mermaid swam and interacted with patrons.

It was almost impossible to find seats with guests at every table, showing just how popular this bar really is. We found some seats in front of the live musician, who sang covers of classic songs, from The Killers to Jimmy Buffet. Each drink on the menu embodied laid-back island vibes, most featuring some type of rum. I ordered the Blue Hawai‘ian, a spiced rum concoction with pineapple juice, sweet and sour mix and Blue Curaçao; and as a Floridian, I felt it truly tasted like a tropical vacation wrapped up in a glass.

The bar serves a delicious cocktail in a fishbowl, great to enjoy with friends. I watched one of the bartenders make one of these massive drinks for another group and was amazed at just how big it was.

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Sip ‘n Dip. The mermaid waved at us from the pool and even blew heart-shaped bubbles underwater. She knew how to keep things fun and happy, twirling through the water and, at one point, flipping upside down with her chin on her hands, as if a real mermaid casually people-watching.

The servers, no matter how busy the bar was, made sure to check on us throughout the evening to see if we were content with our drinks or wanted more. Everyone was so nice there, and I am so glad I got to visit this iconic bar while in Montana.

— Aoife O’Riordan, associate editor