The Great Northern Bar & Grill

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