Dining

Tupelo Grille

DiningOPERATIONAL★ 4.6
Wooden storefront along a small street in Glacier National Park housing a casual grill and bar.

At Tupelo Grille in Whitefish, Montana, Southern-inspired American dishes meet local ingredients. Plan for a lively, casual dining room and try Blackened Mahi Mahi, Shrimp & Grits, or Huckleberry BBQ Ribs.

New Orleans-style dishes such as gumbo & jambalaya served in a comfortable ambiance with a full bar.

Quick facts

Establishment Type
restaurant
Cuisine Type
  • seafood
  • sandwiches
  • dessert
Meals Served
  • Dinner
  • Brunch
Signature Dishes
Shrimp & Grits; Elk Meatloaf Sliders; Chicken and Dumplings; Fried Green Tomatoes

What to order

Establishment Type
restaurant
Cuisine Type
  • seafood
  • sandwiches
  • dessert
Meals Served
  • Dinner
  • Brunch
Signature Dishes
Shrimp & Grits; Elk Meatloaf Sliders; Chicken and Dumplings; Fried Green Tomatoes
Local Specialties
Eggs from Seville Colony Hutterites; sausage and bacon from Redneck in Kalispell; biscuits with huckleberry jam using Montana huckleberries
Popular Items
Shrimp & Grits; Elk Meatloaf Sliders; Chicken and Dumplings; Fried Green Tomatoes
Menu Recommendations
Shrimp & Grits; Elk Meatloaf; Chicken & Dumplings. Shrimp & Grits delivers jalapeño heat; Elk Meatloaf is hearty without being overpowering.
Dietary Options
  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-Free

Prices & reservations

Price Range Symbols
$$$$
Price Specifics
Dinner for two with an appetizer and a drink around $100. Brunch items range $12-$20; cocktails $15-$19; desserts and extra plates vary.
Reservations Policy
Reservations strongly encouraged for The Dining Room; reservations not accepted for The Lounge.
Typical Wait Times
Venue fills quickly; book ahead to avoid waits, especially peak times.
Payment Methods
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card

Hours & seating

Operating Hours
  • Monday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
  • Thursday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM
  • Friday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM
  • Saturday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Parking Details
Street parking in downtown Whitefish; spaces can be tight; plan ahead.
Accessibility
No explicit accessibility details provided; downtown Whitefish setting suggests general accessibility.

Visit strategy

Best For
  • Family dinners
  • Casual dinners
  • Lodge guests
Not Ideal For
Budget travelers seeking quick, cheap meals
Service Type
Table service
Service Speed
Moderate
Vibe
  • Warm
  • Casual
  • Eclectic
  • Inviting
  • Mountain-west hospitality
Noise Level
Moderate buzz with live music on weekends
Busiest Times
Reservations recommended; fills quickly at peak times
Best Visit Times
Evenings during dinner hours; Sunday brunch
Book If Skip If
Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner and peak season; booking ahead helps avoid long waits.
Order Strategy
Prioritize three signature dishes: Blackened Mahi Mahi, Shrimp and Grits, and Huckleberry BBQ Ribs; note the menu features local huckleberries and Southern-influenced American flavors. Mention vegetarian options, gluten-free choices, and limited vegan entrees. Reservations help avoid 30–60 minute weekend waits; plan for a lively dining room near Glacier's west entrance.
Tips Advice
  • Reserve seating for The Dining Room; The Lounge fills quickly with weekend live music.
  • Prioritize Shrimp & Grits, Elk Meatloaf Sliders, and Chicken & Dumplings for big flavor.
  • If gluten-sensitive, flag cross-contamination risk with staff and request separate prep when possible.

More details

Takeout Available
1
Delivery Available
1
Delivery Details
Delivery available via Uber Eats
Dress Code
Casual; jeans and sweatshirts acceptable
Beverage Program
Full bar with nearly 200 spirits and an award-winning wine list
Signature Cocktails
Tupelo Old Fashioned; Made in Montana
Parking Available
1
Family Friendly
1
Family Friendly Notes
Kid-friendly; casual vibe; live music in the lounge can be lively
Age Restriction
All ages welcome in the lounge
Bar Seating
1
Seasonal Rushes
Summer weekends; winter weekends with lounge music
Live Music
1
Special Events
Live music on weekends; lounge schedule varies seasonally
Unique Attractions
Original artwork; cozy lounge area; huckleberry jam biscuits
Unique Factor
New Orleans flavors with Montana ingredients in a mountain town
Nearby Facilities
Downtown Whitefish, MT; near Glacier National Park entrances
Recent Updates
Seafood Boil Special on Wednesdays; live music schedule listed on site
Best Time To Visit
Evenings, especially weekends in summer when The Lounge hosts live music; reserve for The Dining Room to secure a solid table.
Vibe Check
Tupelo Grille sits in Whitefish, MT, about 45 minutes to an hour from Glacier National Park's west entrance, depending on traffic and entry point. The scene is lively and casual, with a table-service setup. Dress is casual; post-hike attire is fine. Noise ranges from moderate to loud at peak times.
Crowd Factor
Weekend dinners draw a mix of locals and visitors; waits of 30–60 minutes are common. Weekdays are quieter; reservations are recommended during peak season or busy hours.
The Order Strategy
Skip the generic brunch; get Shrimp & Grits and Elk Meatloaf. For drinks, order Tupelo Old Fashioned; Made in Montana pairs well with steak.
The Vibe Check
This is post-hike luxury with lodge vibes—cozy, lively, and a touch upscale; expect energy in the lounge during live music
The Crowd Factor
Evenings and weekends draw crowds; book ahead to avoid waits
Eat Here If Skip If
EAT HERE IF: you crave Creole soul with Montana ingredients and lively lounge vibes. SKIP IF: you need fast, inexpensive bites.
Distance From Park
approximately 31 miles from park entrance
Review Summary
Diners laud Shrimp & Grits for heat and bright flavors; Elk Meatloaf earns praise for size and balance; Chicken & Dumplings remains a crowd-pleaser

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is gluten-free cuisine available?

Gluten-free options exist; inform staff to minimize cross-contamination.

Is takeout available?

Takeout is available.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Wi-Fi status is not listed.

Are reservations required?

Yes, reservations are strongly recommended for The Dining Room.

What is parking like?

Street parking is available in downtown Whitefish; spaces can be tight.

Do they offer vegetarian/vegan dishes?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan options exist, including pasta dishes and salads upon request.

Do they have seafood and local ingredients?

Yes, menu leans Southern with local Montana ingredients like eggs and Redneck sausage/bacon.

Barclay’s Burgers

Fries steal the show—crisp outside, fluffy inside, with a zesty fry sauce.

Sweet Retreat Creamery

Huckleberry Cheesecake swirls tart berries through graham crust; Cookie Monster packs Oreo crunch into cotton candy ice.

Spotted Bear Spirits

Big Mountain Mule sparks with heat and citrus; Midnight Forest Bourbon is silk-smooth.

Beldi

Seasonal Mediterranean plates using local Montana produce; GF options available, but GF environment not guaranteed.

Sunflower Cafe & BBQ

Sunflower Cafe & BBQ in Glacier fires up smoky ribs and crisp sides—alpine air, bold bites.

Sources

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated December 2025. Report an issue.