Dining

Great Bear Cafe

DiningCLOSED TEMPORARILY★ 4.8
Exterior of a rustic cafe in Glacier National Park with Elk & Buffalo Burgers sign and wooden porch.

Great Bear Cafe fuels Glacier mornings with a chorus of texture and warmth. The Beef Burger arrives juicy with a bold char, toppings popping with acid from picks; Biscuits & Gravy cloaks a fluffy biscuit in a rich, greedy gravy. The Smoked Turkey Sandwich with Boar's Head meat rides alongside a standout macaroni salad, while the Huckleberry Cream Soda adds a tart, local twist. Coffee is solid, and the vibe stays casual and family-friendly after a day on the trail.

Quick facts

Establishment Type
restaurant
Cuisine Type
  • american
  • burgers
  • sandwiches
  • dessert
Meals Served
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Signature Dishes
Beef Burger, Biscuits & Gravy, Smoked Turkey Sandwich

What to order

Establishment Type
restaurant
Cuisine Type
  • american
  • burgers
  • sandwiches
  • dessert
Meals Served
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Signature Dishes
Beef Burger, Biscuits & Gravy, Smoked Turkey Sandwich
Local Specialties
Huckleberry Cream Soda
Popular Items
Beef Burger; Biscuits & Gravy; Smoked Turkey Sandwich
Menu Recommendations
Beef Burger: juicy patty with a crisp char and adaptable toppings; Biscuits & Gravy: fluffy, rich, generous portions; Coffee and Huckleberry Cream Soda: solid pairings
Dietary Options
  • Vegetarian options

Prices & reservations

Price Range Symbols
$$
Reservations Policy
Walk-in only
Typical Wait Times
Longer waits during peak hours due to limited seating
Cash Only
0

Hours & seating

Operating Hours
Mon, Tue: 8:00 AM–3:00 PM; Wed, Thu: Closed; Fri–Sun: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM
Closed Days
Wednesday, Thursday
Happy Hour Times
Happy hour food offered; exact times not specified.
Seating Types
  • indoor
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Parking Details
Free street parking and a free parking lot nearby
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms. Ramps present; doors wide enough for mobility devices; seating arranged to accommodate wheelchairs.

Visit strategy

Best For
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Post-hike meals
Not Ideal For
Diners with highly specific dietary needs beyond vegetarian options; those seeking a quiet, intimate setting
Service Type
Table service
Service Speed
Moderate pace; expect occasional waits during peak times
Vibe
  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Family-friendly
Noise Level
Moderate buzz, conversation-friendly
View Type
  • Across from Glacier National Park Visitor Center
  • Views of passing trains
Busiest Times
Peak breakfast and lunch hours; weekends busier; seating limited
Best Visit Times
Before 9:00 AM or after 1:30 PM on busy days; outdoor patio can ease the crowd
Tips Advice
  • Arrive before 9:00 AM or after 1:30 PM to dodge peak times.
  • Beef Burger and Biscuits & Gravy are must-orders.
  • Outdoor patio seating is dog-friendly and can ease a crowded dining room.
  • Takeout kerbside pickup saves time when the line is long.
  • Try the Huckleberry Cream Soda for a local twist.

More details

Park Area
Glacier National Park, Montana
Takeout Available
1
Delivery Available
0
Dress Code
Casual
Beverage Program
Coffee is highlighted; Huckleberry Cream Soda is a local specialty; other beverages not detailed
Tasting Flights
0
Tours Available
0
Bottle Sales
0
Parking Available
1
Dog Friendly Patio
1
Wi-Fi Available
0
Family Friendly
1
Family Friendly Notes
Kid-friendly; kids' menu; casual vibe; dog-friendly patio
Bar Seating
0
Live Music
0
Has Gift Shop
0
Unique Attractions
Views of passing trains from the dining area; located across from the Visitor Center
Unique Factor
Beef Burger and Biscuits & Gravy anchor the menu; dog-friendly patio and local Huckleberry Cream Soda
Nearby Facilities
Free street parking and a free lot; indoor/outdoor seating; near Glacier trails
Best Time To Visit
Visit before 9:00 AM or after 1:30 PM to dodge peak waits; weekends can be busier due to higher foot traffic.
The Order Strategy
Skip the generic breakfast; get the Huckleberry Elk Burger. For coffee, order the local brew; for a finish, grab the Huckleberry Cream Soda.
The Vibe Check
Post-hike HQ: casual, cozy, and welcoming. Not ideal for long laptop sessions.
The Crowd Factor
The line hits the sidewalk by 11:00 AM on peak days; outdoor seating available as a fallback.
Eat Here If Skip If
EAT HERE IF: Families with kids and hikers seeking hearty comfort food. SKIP IF: You want a quiet, formal dinner.
Distance From Park
approximately 24 miles from park entrance
Review Summary
Great Bear Cafe earns praise for fresh flavors and generous portions. The Beef Burger and Biscuits & Gravy stand out; some diners wish for a broader vegetarian/dietary lineup. Overall, the 4.8/5 shows strong consistency.

Location

Juicy bacon cheeseburger with melted cheese and greens served at a Glacier National Park eatery.Bear-themed mural inside Glacier National Park highlighting a mountain landscape (canyon colors) in a cafe setting.Interior of a rustic cafe in Glacier National Park, with wooden floors, metal chairs, and two-by-two tables.Hamburger with onions, lettuce, and cheese served at Glacier National Park eatery

Frequently asked questions

Is it open daily?

Hours are Mon-Tue 8:00 AM–3:00 PM and Fri-Sun 8:00 AM–8:00 PM; Wed-Thu are closed.

Is there a kids' menu?

Yes, the cafe is family-friendly and offers a kids' menu.

Are there vegetarian options?

Vegetarian options are available.

Is there outdoor seating and a dog-friendly patio?

Indoor and outdoor seating are available, with a dog-friendly patio.

Is there takeout?

Kerbside pickup, dine-in, and takeaway options are available.

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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.