Best Local Places to Eat Near Glacier National Park
06/01/2021
It's easy to work up an appetite when you are surrounded by the vistas, wildlife, and over 700 miles of hiking trails in Glacier National Park. So put aside the protein bars and dehydrated meals – it's time for a hearty plate at one of these local favorites. Whether meal time has you on the east side of the park or the west, you can find tasty eats and an extra treat or two for the whole crew. Here are some of our favorite local places to eat near Glacier National Park.
The East Side
The east side of Glacier National Park is only a few hours' drive from Bigfork or Columbia Falls, and it packs some big views into an easy day trip. Though it's a rural area, you'll find some surprising bites to order up.
Two Sisters Cafe
For a laid-back local spot on the east side of the park between Many Glacier and St. Mary, Two Sisters Cafe dishes up the hearty-eating staples that fuel you during a long day of adventuring. This small, family-run cafe doesn't skimp on flavor, and both carnivores and herbivores can find something to savor here.
Cattle Baron Supper Club
Sometimes something as simple as a hike in the Many Glacier area can be a momentous occasion worth marking with a special meal. That's where the Cattle Baron Supper Club comes in. As its name implies, this is a steakhouse made for nobility. Located in Babb, Montana, this spot has a quality of steak that you might not expect from such a small town. Sink your teeth in and enjoy.
The West Side
The west side of the park is easily accessible from the Flathead Valley, and views of the fruity colored pebbles under Lake McDonald's crystal water are worth savoring, just like a local meal at one of these favorites.
Glacier Highland Restaurant
Glacier Highland is a staple of the West Glacier community, just across the road from the train station. This is a great stop for breakfast on your way back from a sunrise hike, or before you hit the trail for the day. You can also grab lunch or dinner, which wouldn't be complete without a slice of their famous huckleberry pie. And enjoy every bite knowing that each dish is prepared fresh to order, bringing even bigger flavor to the table.
Great Northern Railway Cafe
Situated in a refurbished rail car, the Great Northern Railway Cafe is hard to miss. Breakfast, sandwiches, light bites, coffee, and wine are all on the menu, offering a dose of health and refinement for when you need a break from greasy small-town eats. Grab a hummus plate or a panini and enjoy the views into Glacier from their outdoor seating.
The North Fork
A lesser-traveled (but growing in popularity) part of the park, the North Fork, is remote, which makes a sweet treat there tastes even sweeter.
Polebridge Mercantile
Word of the huckleberry bear claws at the Polebridge Mercantile has spread in recent years, rightfully elevating this former secret up the North Fork to the heights of popularity. And it lives up to the hype. If your explorations take you up the western edge of the park, stop for a bite – whether a pastry and coffee or a meal at the community watering hole – and take in a different view of Glacier.
When you've eaten well, it pays to be well-rested too. Find accommodation that will poise you for relaxation and new experiences when you book a stay at one of the conveniently located Highline Adventures properties near Glacier National Park.