Glacier National Park is a stunning 1583 square mile treasure. It is located in northwestern Montana and its northern border is part of the United States/Canadian Border. It is huge and in my opinion, the most beautiful place in the United States. Where does a nature loving foodie find a good meal while exploring the vastness of this great park? Here are some great options for you.
The Boat Club at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
The Lodge at Whitefish Lake is described as, "A truly a special place, The Lodge is situated between Whitefish Lake and the 28-acre Viking Creek Wetland Preserve, with breathtaking scenery at every turn and no shortage of Montana adventures to experience. If relaxation and leisure are more your style, our first-class amenities and luxurious spa allow you to get comfortable and just be. Inspired by the grand lodges of the past, The Lodge offers genuine western hospitality sure to create cherished moments and lasting memories." We stayed our first night in "Glacier Country" at the Lodge. It is about 40 minutes from the west entrance of Glacier National Park to the Lodge at Whitefish Lake.
For the great room rates at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake, check out Booking.com.
We ate dinner at the Boat Club in the Lodge. With its rustic western feel and wall of windows looking out at Whitefish Lake, the Boat Club Bar was the perfect place for us to have a light meal after driving up from Missoula. They offer a good selection of hearty salads, specialty sandwiches, pizzas, burgers and appetizers. Their wine, beer and cocktail options are extensive.
Montana Tap House
The next morning, after doing a short hike and a bike ride, we headed into the town of Whitefish to explore. Whitefish is a charming town with a great western vibe. The streets are dotted with quaint shops and art galleries. We stopped at Montana Tap House for a taste of local brews and a bite of lunch before heading to our accommodations closer to Glacier National Park. Montana Tap House offers traditional bar food, including their version of calzones and pizza. After a morning of exercise, pizza and beer always hit the spot.
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Belton Chalet
Belton Chalet is just outside the west entrance to Glacier National Park. Built by the Great Northern Railroad, the Belton Chalet has welcomed guests to Glacier National Park since 1910. This historic lodge greeted train passengers from across the country. Today it provides culinary delights to weary visitors of the Park. After a day of exploring and hiking, you can count on a beautifully crafted cocktail and a meal of the highest quality, all while still wearing your hiking boots. Dinner reservations are available through Open Table. If you would like to stay at this national landmark, click here Belton Chalet for reservations in 2022 and 2023. This is the closest accommodations to the west entrance of Glacier National Park. Alas, we did not stay there, we stayed at the Great Northern Resort, just south of the Belton Chalet.
Book West Glacier accommodations at great prices through Booking.com.
Eddie's Grocery Cafe
Located at the Apgar Village on the southwest side of Glacier National Park is Eddie's Cafe. For 60 years, Eddie's has been serving Brunch, Lunch and Dinner to hungry visitors. With both indoor and outdoor dining, they are open from 11:30 to 8:00 pm daily with a "down home" menu of hearty favorites, including vegetarian options. Do not miss the Huckleberry Cobbler, it was the best I ate in my three weeks in Montana.
Two Medicine Grill
During our visit to Glacier National Park, the Going to the Sun Road was closed for maintenance and repairs. To get to the eastern side of the park, we took Hwy 2 through the scenic Flathead National Forrest to the east entrance of Glacier National Park. We stopped at Two Medicine Grill for a delicious, "old school" diner breakfast. They are serving up deliciousness to hungry visitors from 6:30 am to 2:30 pm daily. Taking this drive around the park, with a stop at this Two Medicine Grill to fuel up, can be a way to avoid some of the crowds in the park. Most people drive the Going to the Sun Road south to north, this way you drive in the opposite direction from the bulk of visitors.
Flathead Lake Brewing Company Pub House
Located on the east side of Flathead Lake in Bigfork, MT, the Flathead Lake Brewing Company Pub House has something for everyone. A beautiful outdoor dining deck over looking Flathead Lake is perfect on summer days. A spacious indoor dining area with a large fireplace is cozy on cool days. The menu includes, salads, bar bites, sandwiches, tacos, and a few larger entrees. The bar showcases the brews from Flathead Lake Brewing Company . It also offers crafts cocktails and wine. We stopped for lunch on our way to Missoula after several days exploring Glacier National Park.
Bonus Restaurants in Missoula:
Catalyst Cafe
If you are looking for a great place to get breakfast or lunch in Missoula, Catalyst Cafe is your place. Open since 1991, this charming cafe is perfect for a hearty breakfast before flying home or a local, fresh lunch after you land in Missoula. They offer vegetarian and vegan options and brew a great cup of coffee. At Catalyst Cafe specialize in local produce, serving a variety of soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. Breakfast is served all day and includes, customizable omelets, breakfast plates as Huevos Rancheros, breakfast sandwiches and burritos, waffles, and oatmeal.
Plonk
If you have an early flight out of Missoula, make your last meal in Montana special by dining at Plonk. Rated one of the best restaurants in Missoula, this gem offers an eclectic menu that has something for everyone, including vegetarian and vegan options. Ingredients are locally sourced where possible, and choices like, Beef Tenderloin, Chicken Piccata and Chickpea and Lentil Curry. They have a great happy hour that runs from 3-6pm and 10:30 to midnight for night owls.
I hope you find this article helpful. If you have had a great meal near Glacier National Park and I did did not mention the restaurant, please leave it in the comments so I can try it on my next visit.
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Looking for more information about visiting United States National Parks and hiking,
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Thanks for the article Tina! Glacier National park is still on my bucket list!