Dining

The Great Northern Bar & Grill

DiningOPERATIONAL★ 4.3
Interior of a rustic Glacier National Park bar and grill, with wooden benches, long tables, and vintage signage.

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)

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
Menu Recommendations
Smash Burger; Fish Tacos; Huckleberry Spinach Salad
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
Reservations Policy
Walk-in only. No reservations accepted.
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
Not Ideal For
Guests seeking a quiet, refined dining experience; scenes can be loud during live music
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
Best Visit Times
Weekdays outside peak hours; early evening for seating
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
1
Family Friendly
1
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
1
Seasonal Rushes
Ski season nights
Live Music
1
Special Events
Live music Thursday-Saturday year-round; Tuesday and Wednesday in summer
Has Gift Shop
1
Unique Attractions
Deck with ivy and flowers and a covered summer stage
Unique Factor
Historic 1919 bar with a long-running live music scene in downtown Whitefish
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.

Barclay’s Burgers

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Sweet Retreat Creamery

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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.