The Great Northern Bar & Grill

Smash Burger crackles with char, juicy center. Fish Tacos: crispy cod with sriracha aioli.

When to come

Weekdays outside happy hour; early evening is best to beat crowds. For live music, plan around Thursday-Saturday shows and summer Tue/Wed sets.

Dining

DiningOPERATIONAL★ 4.3

Opened in 1919, this classic bar hung with vintage signs offers live music, burgers & a summer deck.

Quick facts

Establishment Type
restaurant
Meals Served
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Signature Dishes
Smash Burger; Fish Tacos; Becky's Lasagna
Local Specialties
Huckleberry Spinach Salad; Buffalo; Kokanee Beer (Glacier Fresh)

BEFORE YOU ADD THIS STOP

Is this the right food or drink stop for your day?

Why make this stop?

Unique Factor
Historic 1919 bar with a long-running live music scene in downtown Whitefish

What to order or pick up

Menu Recommendations
Smash Burger; Fish Tacos; Huckleberry Spinach Salad

Fit it into your day

Best Visit Times
Weekdays outside peak hours; early evening for seating
Reservations Policy
Walk-in only. No reservations accepted.

What to order

Establishment Type
restaurant
Meals Served
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Signature Dishes
Smash Burger; Fish Tacos; Becky's Lasagna
Local Specialties
Huckleberry Spinach Salad; Buffalo; Kokanee Beer (Glacier Fresh)
Popular Items
Smash Burger is the crowd favorite
Dietary Options
  • Vegetarian options (salads)

Prices & reservations

Price Specifics
Kids menu items $9; merch $3 (koozies), tees $18-20, long sleeves $20-22, zip hoodies $49-51; gift certificates $20-100
Typical Wait Times
Arrive early on busy weekends for seating; waits likely during peak hours and live music.
Payment Methods
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card

Hours & seating

Operating Hours
  • Monday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
  • Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
  • Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
  • Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
  • Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
  • Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
  • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Happy Hour Times
Daily 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Parking Details
Street parking around the venue; expect limited spaces at peak times.
Accessibility
Accessibility details not provided in the research; some indoor seating and a deck with a summer stage.

Visit strategy

Best For
  • Casual dinner
  • Pre/post-park hang
  • Live music nights
Service Type
Table service
Service Speed
Pace varies with crowd
Vibe
  • Casual
  • Lively
  • Local gathering hub
  • No-frills Montana bar vibe
Noise Level
Moderate to loud during live music and happy hour
View Type
  • Classic downtown Whitefish street views
Busiest Times
Saturday mornings, happy hour, and live music events
Tips Advice
  • Hit the deck in summer for ivy-draped ambiance.
  • Go early to grab a seat before the weekend rush.
  • Try Kokanee on tap for a local-brew pairing.

More details

Dress Code
Casual
Beverage Program
Full bar with 29 beers on tap, including local craft beers
Local Beers
Local craft beers on tap
Parking Available
Yes
Family Friendly
Yes
Family Friendly Notes
Kids welcome before 9 PM; kids menu available
Age Restriction
All ages before 9 PM; after 9 PM may be restricted
Bar Seating
Yes
Seasonal Rushes
Ski season nights
Live Music
1
Special Events
Live music Thursday-Saturday year-round; Tuesday and Wednesday in summer
Has Gift Shop
Yes
Unique Attractions
Deck with ivy and flowers and a covered summer stage
Nearby Facilities
Downtown Whitefish area with street parking nearby
Recent Updates
Summer live music schedule; Tue/Wed shows; cover charges may apply
Best Time To Visit
Weekdays outside happy hour; early evening is best to beat crowds. For live music, plan around Thursday-Saturday shows and summer Tue/Wed sets.
The Order Strategy
Skip the generic bar bites, get the Smash Burger. For beer, order Kokanee on tap.
The Vibe Check
Post-hike hangout with a casual, friendly crowd; it is loud when music starts
The Crowd Factor
Busiest during weekend mornings and happy hour; plan around 4:30-6:30 PM
Eat Here If Skip If
EAT HERE IF: you want an authentic Whitefish bar experience with live music. SKIP IF: you need a quiet, upscale dinner.
Distance From Park
approximately 31 miles from park entrance
Review Summary
Beloved Whitefish staple with good food and lively music; crowds cite strong burgers and solid bar bites amid a friendly, communal vibe

Location

Grilled chicken sandwich with lettuce and crinkle-cut fries at Glacier National Park, eaten at a lodge-style restaurant setting.Indoor bar and pool hall scene inside a rustic lodge-style eatery in Glacier National Park.Interior of a rustic bar in Glacier National Park with wooden walls and vintage signs, centered by a table tennis setup.Exterior view of a rustic bar and grill in Glacier National Park, lit at night with a large circular sign and wooden facade.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a kids menu?

Yes, children are welcome before 9 PM and a kids menu is available.

Is there outdoor seating?

Yes, there is a summer deck with ivy and flowers.

Is there parking nearby?

Street parking around the venue; expect limited spaces during peak times.

Is there a dress code?

Casual attire is fine; post-hike outfits are acceptable.

Are reservations needed?

Walk-in only; no reservations are taken.

What’s the vibe during live music?

Lively and friendly; expect a crowd that talks with a bit more volume.

What is the price range like?

Prices vary; kids menu $9; apparel and gift items range from $3 to $51 for hoodies.

Beldi

Seasonal Mediterranean plates using local Montana produce; GF options available, but GF environment not guaranteed.

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated December 2025. Report an issue.