Running Bear Pancake House

Grizzly Bear with gravy, Cinnamon Roll Cakes, Walleye Tacos—breakfast to lunch heft.

When to come

Open 6 a.m.–2 p.m. daily. Arrive at opening (6:00 a.m.) to beat weekend lines; peak times hit during typical meal hours, especially mornings.

Dining

DiningOPERATIONAL★ 4.5

The Grizzly Bear bites back with a tender chicken-fried steak and thick, peppery gravy that clings to eggs and hashbrowns. Cinnamon Roll Cakes puff up fluffy and swirled with frosting, like a breakfast carnival in your mouth. Walleye Tacos snap with crisp fish and a jalapeño-creamy kiss, while huckleberry lemonade cuts any grease with bright, tart notes. This place wears its diner DNA on a bear-mascot sleeve and never pretends to be fancy—just real, hearty breakfast and lunch heat.

A brown bear perches in the rafters of this low-key spot serving up classic breakfasts & lunches.

Quick facts

Establishment Type
restaurant
Cuisine Type
  • mexican
  • bbq
  • breakfast
  • coffee
Meals Served
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Signature Dishes
Grizzly Bear; Cinnamon Roll Cakes; Walleye Tacos

What to order

Establishment Type
restaurant
Cuisine Type
  • mexican
  • bbq
  • breakfast
  • coffee
Meals Served
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Signature Dishes
Grizzly Bear; Cinnamon Roll Cakes; Walleye Tacos
Local Specialties
Huckleberries featured in lemonade and pancake toppings; grilled boneless trout and eggs
Popular Items
Grizzly Bear; Cinnamon Roll Cakes; Walleye Tacos
Menu Recommendations
Grizzly Bear and Cinnamon Roll Cakes for breakfast; Walleye Tacos for lunch; huckleberry lemonade or Jailhouse Rock Latte for beverages
Dietary Options
  • Vegetarian

Prices & reservations

Price Range Symbols
$ to $$
Price Specifics
Two Eggs w/ Meat: $14.95, Cordon Bleu Skillet: $14.95, Boxed Lunches: $12.95 - $14.95, Coffee: $2.95, Latte: $3.95
Reservations Policy
Walk-in only; no reservations
Typical Wait Times
Walk-in only; waits vary with season, but fast-friendly service helps keep lines moving
Payment Methods
  • Cash
  • Credit Card
Cash Only
No

Hours & seating

Operating Hours
  • Monday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Thursday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Friday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Saturday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Sunday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Seasonal Hours
Open year-round
Outdoor Seating
No
Parking Details
Street parking or nearby lot in West Yellowstone; expect tighter spots during peak season
Accessibility
On-site parking includes a designated wheelchair-accessible space; street parking and a private lot are also available for guests.

Visit strategy

Best For
  • Families with kids
  • Hungry travelers
  • Early risers
Not Ideal For
Travelers seeking quiet dining or laptop-focused work
Service Type
Table service
Service Speed
Fast-friendly
Vibe
  • Casual
  • Family-friendly
  • Homey
Noise Level
Moderate to lively due to family-friendly diner
Busiest Times
Peak during typical meal hours, especially weekend mornings
Best Visit Times
Arrive at opening 6:00 AM to beat the crush
Tips Advice
  • Hit Grizzly Bear and Cinnamon Roll Cakes for breakfast; they define the menu.
  • For lunch, Walleye Tacos deliver crisp fish with a bright jalapeño cream.
  • Takeout via Toast lets you dine where you want; grab huckleberry lemonade for a zingy counter-balance.
  • Peanut alert: Jailhouse Rock Latte contains peanut butter and bacon; Snickers drinks also carry peanuts.

More details

Park Area
West Yellowstone, Montana, near the Yellowstone West Entrance
Takeout Available
Yes
Delivery Available
No
Delivery Details
Takeout via Toast; Delivery via Uber Eats
Dress Code
Casual
Beverage Program
Espresso drinks including Jailhouse Rock Latte and Snickers Mocha; coffee, tea, hot chocolate, hot cider, lemonade
Tasting Flights
No
Tours Available
No
Bottle Sales
No
Parking Available
Yes
Dog Friendly Patio
No
Wi-Fi Available
No
Family Friendly
Yes
Family Friendly Notes
Kid-friendly with high chairs and a children's menu; bustling atmosphere
Bar Seating
No
Seasonal Rushes
Peak season waits up to 30-60 minutes
Live Music
0
Has Gift Shop
No
Unique Attractions
A brown bear perched in the rafters
Unique Factor
Bear figure in the rafters; hearty diner classics at park gateway
Nearby Facilities
West Yellowstone amenities and parking near the entrance
Recent Updates
Menu stable; no notable recent changes
Best Time To Visit
Open 6 a.m.–2 p.m. daily. Arrive at opening (6:00 a.m.) to beat weekend lines; peak times hit during typical meal hours, especially mornings.
The Order Strategy
Skip the generic breakfast; get Grizzly Bear and Cinnamon Roll Cakes; for coffee, Jailhouse Rock Latte; for non-coffee, choose huckleberry lemonade
The Vibe Check
This is a family-diner HQ: casual, bustling, and welcoming; not a place to grind on a laptop
The Crowd Factor
Weekend mornings bring more families; lines grow as the sun climbs
Eat Here If Skip If
EAT HERE IF: you want a hearty, park-gateway breakfast or lunch. SKIP IF: you need a quiet, solo meal or a formal scene
Distance From Park
approximately 28 miles from park entrance
Review Summary
Pancakes are light and fluffy; chicken-fried steak tender with rich gravy; generous portions and friendly service; prices align with value

Location

Yellowstone National Park breakfast plate with tortillas, avocado slices, shredded cheddar, and hash browns with a side of sour creamExterior view of Running Bear Pancake House near Yellowstone National Park, brick building under a bright blue sky.Inside a Yellowstone National Park restaurant dining room filled with guests enjoying breakfast.Breakfast scene inside a Yellowstone eatery with pancakes, bacon, and coffee on a table, hinting at a cozy pancake house.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a kid's menu?

Yes—kid-friendly options and high chairs are available.

Do they take reservations?

Walk-in only; no reservations.

Is takeout available?

Yes; takeout via Toast online ordering.

Are there gluten-free options?

Vegetarian options exist; gluten-free availability is not specified.

Is the venue dog-friendly?

Dog-friendly status is not listed; check on-site signage.

Rawhide Coffee

24oz iced latte with buttered rum + butter pecan—the cult pick.

Espresso West

Huckleberry bars: tart-sweet bite with a crumbly crust.

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 January 2026. Report an issue.