The Northern Lights Saloon
Juicy Bison Burger leads the charge, Chicken Teriyaki Burger adds zing, and Huckleberry Pie seals the deal.
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An idea to explore—not a must-do.
The full road crossing depends on seasonal access—even in summer.
An idea to explore—not a must-do.
An idea to explore—not a must-do.
Go early or on weekdays to dodge crowds; summer weekends bring loud, live energy.
Dining
The Northern Lights Saloon is a casual American bar and grill in Montana that leans on local ingredients. It offers a rustic old-west vibe, live music, and seating both outdoors and indoors. Signature dishes include huckleberry pie, brisket and ribs, Rainbow Bowl with pulled pork, burgers, and salmon or steak.
Quick facts
- Establishment Type
- restaurant
- Meals Served
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Signature Dishes
- Bison Burger; Chicken Teriyaki Burger; Huckleberry Pie
- Local Specialties
- Bison burgers; huckleberry-infused items like huckleberry pie and huckleberry whiskey
BEFORE YOU ADD THIS STOP
Is this the right food or drink stop for your day?
Why make this stop?
- Unique Factor
- Historic 1916 cabin saloon in Glacier National Park; Bison burgers and huckleberry pie anchor the menu
What to order or pick up
- Menu Recommendations
- Bison Burger and Huckleberry Pie; savor the huckleberry sauce
Fit it into your day
- Best Visit Times
- Early in the day or weekdays; avoid peak dinner hours
- Reservations Policy
- Walk-in only; no reservations.
What to order
- Establishment Type
- restaurant
- Meals Served
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Signature Dishes
- Bison Burger; Chicken Teriyaki Burger; Huckleberry Pie
- Local Specialties
- Bison burgers; huckleberry-infused items like huckleberry pie and huckleberry whiskey
- Popular Items
- Bison Burger; Huckleberry Pie
- Dietary Options
- Vegetarian: Unknown
- Vegan: Unknown
- Gluten-Free: Unknown
Prices & reservations
- Typical Wait Times
- Long wait times during peak hours; weekends busier.
Hours & seating
- Seating Types
- outdoor
- Outdoor Seating
- Yes
- Parking Details
- Street parking; limited due to remote location.
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible car park exists. Indoor seating available with outdoor picnic tables under the oak. The outdoor area is family- and dog-friendly. Some paths may be uneven due to rustic setting.
Visit strategy
- Best For
- Families with kids
- Groups after a hike
- Live music nights
- Service Type
- Table service
- Service Speed
- Friendly but occasionally slow during peak hours
- Vibe
- Casual dive
- Fun and funky
- Cozy camping and saloon vibe
- Old West aesthetic
- Noise Level
- Lively with a moderate buzz; loud during live music
- View Type
- Mountain views
- Outdoor setting
- Busiest Times
- Weekends in peak season; Saturday mornings can be busy
- Book If Skip If
- Bookings are not typically needed for general dining; advance reservations are not standard; weddings may require prior arrangement.
- Order Strategy
- Primarily walk-in seating; no standard reservations for dining; expect longer waits during live music events and peak summer weekends; to avoid crowds, arrive before 6 pm or on weekdays; weddings may require advance booking.
- Tips Advice
- Eat the Bison Burger first; it's the crowd favorite.
- Don’t skip the Huckleberry Pie; request extra huckleberry sauce.
- Arrive early or after 7 PM to dodge peak times; outdoor seating works great for families and dogs.
More details
- Alcohol Served
- full_bar
- Takeout Available
- Yes
- Dress Code
- Come as you are.
- Beverage Program
- Full Bar with local craft cocktails; regional craft beers on tap; huckleberry whiskey from local distilleries
- Local Beers
- Local craft beers on tap
- House Made
- Huckleberry whiskey from local distilleries
- Signature Cocktails
- Huckleberry Whiskey cocktails
- Parking Available
- Yes
- Dog Friendly Patio
- Yes
- Family Friendly
- Yes
- Family Friendly Notes
- Family-friendly; outdoor space; kids can play
- Bar Seating
- Yes
- Seasonal Rushes
- May–September peak season; weekends busiest
- Live Music
- 1
- Special Events
- Live music on weekends 6-9 PM in summer
- Unique Attractions
- Historic 1916 cabin saloon in Glacier NP with mountain views and outdoor picnic seating under a large oak
- Nearby Facilities
- Outdoor seating under the oak; shaded picnic tables; remote location; street parking
- Best Time To Visit
- Go early or on weekdays to dodge crowds; summer weekends bring loud, live energy.
- Vibe Check
- Casual, rustic old-west atmosphere with a lively, community-focused energy; regular live music enhances the dining experience.
- Crowd Factor
- Popular with locals and visitors; busiest in summer, especially on weekends; outdoor oak-shaded picnic seating draws crowds; indoor booths available; dog-friendly reports exist in reviews, though the venue’s policy asks guests to leave pets at home.
- The Order Strategy
- Skip the generic burger, get the Bison Burger. For cocktails, order a Huckleberry Whiskey cocktail.
- The Vibe Check
- Post-hike HQ: lively, outdoorsy, and dog-friendly; perfect for a group stretch and a story swap.
- The Crowd Factor
- The line forms on weekends; aim for 11:00 AM to snag outdoor seating, or order takeout for park entrance.
- Eat Here If Skip If
- EAT HERE IF: Hikers and families seeking hearty, frontier-style dining. SKIP IF: You need a quiet, refined dining experience.
- Review Summary
- The offerings anchor a park-side dining experience: Bison Burger and Huckleberry Pie are standout dishes. Live music elevates the casual, outdoorsy vibe, and value is solid for the setting, though expect slower service during peak times.
Location
Photos
Frequently asked questions
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes. The outdoor space under the big oak is family-friendly and dog-friendly.
Are gluten-free options available?
Gluten-free options are not confirmed.
Do they take reservations?
Walk-in only; no reservations accepted.
Do they accept credit cards?
Credit cards are accepted.
Is there indoor seating?
Yes; indoor seating available along with outdoor picnic tables.
Is there live music?
Yes; regular live music on weekends during the summer.
Is there parking nearby?
Street parking is available but limited due to remote location.
More at Glacier National Park
Beldi
Seasonal Mediterranean plates using local Montana produce; GF options available, but GF environment not guaranteed.
Josephine’s Bar & Kitchen
Lamb Chops: crisp-char crust, juicy center.
Clydesdale Creamery
Huckleberry Peanut Butter Milkshake—thick, berry-bright, peanut punch.
Canyon Critter Coffee
Huckleberry puffs shine. Breakfast burritos and cold brew hit the spot.
Sweet Peaks Ice Cream – Whitefish
Homemade ice cream with Montana milk; bold huckleberry and Lemon Dill flavors.
Sources
- goto-where.com
- thenorthernlightssaloon.com
- wheree.com
- flatheadbeacon.com
- wheree.com
- Google Reviews
- YourNPGuide Editorial
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.