Dining

The Buffalo Bar

DiningOPERATIONAL★ 4.5
Rustic wooden bar exterior with blue siding and string lights in Yellowstone National Park town area, open sign visible.

Step into a homey Montana tavern where weathered wood and vintage memorabilia frame a crowd that loves watching games and passing the time. The Bison Burger is the centerpiece: a charred crust gives way to a juicy center, while Cheese Curds snap with a briny bite that lingers. The Pot Roast Sandwich delivers a rich, braised depth, and Buffalo Wings offer bronzed, savory bites. Expect a lively, friendly scene with live music on weekends and a steady hum of conversations around you.

Homey tavern with rustic, western decor & video slot machines serving burgers, beer & bar bites.

Quick facts

Establishment Type
restaurant
Cuisine Type
  • american
  • burgers
  • sandwiches
  • breakfast
  • coffee
Meals Served
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Late-Night Bites
Signature Dishes
Bison Burger; Cheese Curds; Pot Roast Sandwich; Buffalo Wings; Huckleberry BBQ Burger

What to order

Establishment Type
restaurant
Cuisine Type
  • american
  • burgers
  • sandwiches
  • breakfast
  • coffee
Meals Served
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Late-Night Bites
Signature Dishes
Bison Burger; Cheese Curds; Pot Roast Sandwich; Buffalo Wings; Huckleberry BBQ Burger
Local Specialties
Local Montana ingredients; Bison-forward menu; regional flight of local beers
Popular Items
Bison Burger, Cheese Curds, Pot Roast Sandwich, Buffalo Wings
Menu Recommendations
Bison Burger — charred crust, juicy interior; Cheese Curds — crisp crust with molten center; Pot Roast Sandwich — rich braise; Buffalo Wings — bronzed and savory; Huckleberry BBQ Burger — smoky-sweet glaze
Dietary Options
  • Vegetarian

Prices & reservations

Price Range Symbols
$20-$30
Price Specifics
Entrees: $18.99 (Pork Carnita Tacos), $14.99 (Grilled Salmon Tacos), $12.99 (Taco Salad), $13.00 (Hamburger), $14.99 (Mushroom Swiss Burger); Buffalo Ribeye (16 oz): $55.99
Reservations Policy
Walk-in only. No reservations are taken.
Typical Wait Times
Crowded on busy weekends; best to arrive early or go between 2–3 PM on weekdays to minimize waits.
Payment Methods
  • Cash
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
Cash Only
0

Hours & seating

Operating Hours
  • Monday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM
  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM
  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Seasonal Hours
Open year-round
Closed Days
Open daily.
Happy Hour Times
Daily 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, with drink and appetizer specials.
Seating Types
  • patio
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Parking Details
Parking not explicitly detailed; likely street parking or nearby public lot.
Accessibility
The dining room is spacious with a mix of seating arrangements, including banquettes. Specific details regarding wheelchair access, step-free entry, or accessible restrooms are not clearly documented but the general layout suggests potential accessibility.

Visit strategy

Best For
  • Casual meals after a day in Yellowstone
  • Sports-watching with friends
  • Families with kids
Not Ideal For
Quiet, upscale dining; if you seek a hushed, intimate meal
Service Type
Table service
Service Speed
Pace varies with crowd; quick during off-peak and slower on game days
Vibe
  • Homey tavern with rustic, western decor
  • Sports-bar energy
  • Local favorite atmosphere
  • Casual, social crowd
Noise Level
Moderate buzz during busy times, especially when sports or live music is on
View Type
  • Parking lot view
Busiest Times
Weekends and peak tourist seasons
Best Visit Times
Weekdays 2–3 PM; early arrival on weekends
Tips Advice
  • Skip the line by hitting the 2–3 PM window on weekdays.
  • Pair the Bison Burger with the regional flight of local beers.
  • Takeout is available; order online and snag a seat at the park entrance or enjoy a quick bite in the lot.

More details

Park Area
West Yellowstone, MT
Alcohol Served
full_bar
Takeout Available
1
Delivery Available
0
Delivery Details
Available for on-demand pickup. Delivery service availability may vary.
Dress Code
Casual
Beverage Program
Full bar with local beers, hand-crafted cocktails, and ciders; Huckleberry Margarita; Bloody Marys
Local Beers
Regional flight of local beers; local Montana beers
Signature Cocktails
Huckleberry Margarita
Tasting Flights
1
Tours Available
0
Bottle Sales
0
Parking Available
0
Dog Friendly Patio
1
Wi-Fi Available
0
Family Friendly
1
Family Friendly Notes
Kid-friendly options like breaded chicken bites and grilled cheese; lively but welcoming
Bar Seating
1
Seasonal Rushes
Summer peak
Live Music
1
Special Events
Live bands on weekends; Trivia Tuesdays
Has Gift Shop
0
Unique Attractions
Old West decor with vintage memorabilia and weathered wood walls
Unique Factor
Bison-forward Western bar fare with a regional beer flight in a classic West Yellowstone tavern
Nearby Facilities
West Yellowstone area; parking nearby (street/public lots) typical for town
Best Time To Visit
Weekdays between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM to beat the rush; arrive early on weekends for a table.
The Order Strategy
Skip the standard burger and go straight for the Bison Burger. For drinks, order the regional beer flight; for cocktails, pick the Huckleberry Margarita.
The Vibe Check
This is Local Favorite HQ: rustic, lively, and unpretentious. It’s not a laptop-friendly zone; bring friends, hats, and big appetites.
The Crowd Factor
The line grows on weekends; aim for 2–3 PM on weekdays or plan for a brief wait on busy nights.
Eat Here If Skip If
EAT HERE IF: you want rugged Western charm with solid burgers and local beer. SKIP IF: you’re after a quiet, refined dining scene.
Distance From Park
approximately 28 miles from park entrance
Review Summary
Texture notes highlight crisp cheese curds and tender pot roast; bison burgers deliver a juicy, well-seasoned bite. Crowds can swell on weekends, but the place remains a must-visit for a hearty, Western American bite with a friendly, buzzing vibe.

Location

Interior of a rustic buffalo-themed bar in Yellowstone National Park, with mounted heads and warm wooden decor.Yellowstone National Park dining scene with a steak dinner, potatoes, and bread on a rectangular plate and a salad in the background.Steak dinner plate with mashed potatoes and bread served at a Yellowstone National Park dining area.Interior at Yellowstone National Park's Buffalo Bar, showing a mounted bison head above the bar.

Frequently asked questions

Is there vegetarian options?

Salads and some appetizers exist, but options are limited; plan accordingly.

Is there takeout?

Yes, online ordering is available for takeout.

Do they take reservations?

No reservations; walk-in only.

Is it kid-friendly?

Yes; kid-friendly bites like breaded chicken and grilled cheese are on the menu.

Is there gluten-free options?

Gluten-free options aren’t clearly listed; check with staff on individual dishes.

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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 January 2026. Report an issue.