Guidebook for Whitefish
Food Scene
Folklore Coffee
403 E Second StWild Coffee Company
309 Central AveBackslope Brewing
1107 9th St WOur #1 FAVORITE dinner restaurant in Whitefish. Italian food, lively, delicious! Moderately priced relative to Whitefish. With good quantities of high quality food this restaurant = consistently the best value in Whitefish! Often has a 20-40 minute wait, which says something in a town with many eating establishments. Convenient location, near our home. Tight seating so less good for very large groups.
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Ciao Mambo
234 2nd StOur #1 FAVORITE dinner restaurant in Whitefish. Italian food, lively, delicious! Moderately priced relative to Whitefish. With good quantities of high quality food this restaurant = consistently the best value in Whitefish! Often has a 20-40 minute wait, which says something in a town with many eating establishments. Convenient location, near our home. Tight seating so less good for very large groups.
Popular cafe restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (but be sure to check the open hours, which maybe somewhat limited).
http://www.buffalocafewhitefish.com/
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Buffalo Cafe
514 E 3rd StPopular cafe restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (but be sure to check the open hours, which maybe somewhat limited).
http://www.buffalocafewhitefish.com/
Last Chair Kitchen & Bar
1705 E Lakeshore DrWe are too far from the ocean to have many seafood options. It’s Montana, the land of beef and potatoes. But it’s still one of my more favorites in Whitefish. And I prefer this sushi establishment over its competitor in Whitefish in both vibe and food. In the evenings the volume rises. The best sushi is in Big Fork, MT, about 45 min south.
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Indah Sushi
250 E Second StWe are too far from the ocean to have many seafood options. It’s Montana, the land of beef and potatoes. But it’s still one of my more favorites in Whitefish. And I prefer this sushi establishment over its competitor in Whitefish in both vibe and food. In the evenings the volume rises. The best sushi is in Big Fork, MT, about 45 min south.
MUDMAN Whitefish
105 U.S. 93 SOur Mexican and Latin American food is extremely limited. It’s Montana. But if you have a hankering, especially on the way back from Glacier NP, here it is.
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Vaqueros
535 Nucleus AveOur Mexican and Latin American food is extremely limited. It’s Montana. But if you have a hankering, especially on the way back from Glacier NP, here it is.
This is NOT close to Whitefish (it is 45 minute drive south to Lakeside, MT), BUT the Tamarack Ale House and Grill is worth mentioning since it is possibly the best local brewery in the general Flathead Valley area in terms of beer quality, AND it has an exceptionally good restaurant. We have taken family members here specifically for the moderately priced quality food, especially if we happen to be exploring further south in the Flathead Valley area (Big Fork, Lakeside, the family-oriented Blacktail Ski Resort, Flathead Lake, traveling to Polson or Missoula, etc).
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Tamarack Brewing Company
105 Blacktail RdThis is NOT close to Whitefish (it is 45 minute drive south to Lakeside, MT), BUT the Tamarack Ale House and Grill is worth mentioning since it is possibly the best local brewery in the general Flathead Valley area in terms of beer quality, AND it has an exceptionally good restaurant. We have taken family members here specifically for the moderately priced quality food, especially if we happen to be exploring further south in the Flathead Valley area (Big Fork, Lakeside, the family-oriented Blacktail Ski Resort, Flathead Lake, traveling to Polson or Missoula, etc).
Located outside of Bigfork, Montana near the Flathead Lake this small, unique cafe is NOT close to Whitefish (45-50 minute drive south). However, the Echo Lake Cafe is worth mentioning if you travel further south in the Flathead Valley, because the best BREAKFAST restaurant in the general Flathead Valley. (Near-by destinations include the Flathead Lake, Bigfork downtown, Jewel Basin hiking and the Swan Valley). https://www.echolakecafe.com/
[ For breakfast WITHIN Whitefish, visit the Buffalo Cafe or Loula's]
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Echo Lake Cafe
1195 MT-83Located outside of Bigfork, Montana near the Flathead Lake this small, unique cafe is NOT close to Whitefish (45-50 minute drive south). However, the Echo Lake Cafe is worth mentioning if you travel further south in the Flathead Valley, because the best BREAKFAST restaurant in the general Flathead Valley. (Near-by destinations include the Flathead Lake, Bigfork downtown, Jewel Basin hiking and the Swan Valley). https://www.echolakecafe.com/
[ For breakfast WITHIN Whitefish, visit the Buffalo Cafe or Loula's]
Best coffee, best service. Unfortunately this local coffee shop is NOT in Whitefish, but it does have the best quality coffee that we have tasted in the Flathead (there may be other gems unbeknownst to us).
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City Brew Coffee
1405 U.S. Highway 2 EastBest coffee, best service. Unfortunately this local coffee shop is NOT in Whitefish, but it does have the best quality coffee that we have tasted in the Flathead (there may be other gems unbeknownst to us).
Drinks & Nightlife
Whitefish, and the Flathead Valley in general has MULTIPLE breweries, but this is a favorite due to it's small, intimate character, and unique brews. This low-key pub is more like a coffee-house in vibe, where you can hang out with your laptop, or casually chit chat with friends without fighting excessive decibels. There is a spacious outside grassy area for nice days. It is best to visit in the afternoon or early evening. It closes relatively early in the evening, so this is not for late-night rendezvous.
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Bonsai Brewing Project
549 Wisconsin AveWhitefish, and the Flathead Valley in general has MULTIPLE breweries, but this is a favorite due to it's small, intimate character, and unique brews. This low-key pub is more like a coffee-house in vibe, where you can hang out with your laptop, or casually chit chat with friends without fighting excessive decibels. There is a spacious outside grassy area for nice days. It is best to visit in the afternoon or early evening. It closes relatively early in the evening, so this is not for late-night rendezvous.
Probably the biggest and broadest collection of microbrews in Whitefish. Reasonably priced, with daily sales of select beers. They serve some pub food.
For best Whitefish-based brewery: go to Bonsai Brewery north of the railroad tracks (not in downtown), mentioned below, but it is NOT open late at night.
For best brewery with good food in the Flathead Valley, then Tamarack Brewery, Ale House and Grill, Lakeside, MT. Not open especially late.
Popular with local regulars: The Great Northern Bar and Grill (not to be confused with the Great Northern Brewery just up the same street, which is very different).
There are 2+ breweries in Whitefish, and others in Kalispell, Bigfork, Lakeside
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Montana Tap House
845 Wisconsin AveProbably the biggest and broadest collection of microbrews in Whitefish. Reasonably priced, with daily sales of select beers. They serve some pub food.
For best Whitefish-based brewery: go to Bonsai Brewery north of the railroad tracks (not in downtown), mentioned below, but it is NOT open late at night.
For best brewery with good food in the Flathead Valley, then Tamarack Brewery, Ale House and Grill, Lakeside, MT. Not open especially late.
Popular with local regulars: The Great Northern Bar and Grill (not to be confused with the Great Northern Brewery just up the same street, which is very different).
There are 2+ breweries in Whitefish, and others in Kalispell, Bigfork, Lakeside
A classic Montana watering-hole popular with the locals and with ski patrol. Known for friendly socialization and inexpensive beer without the frills. Frequent live bands make this Whitefish's night-life staple. But this particular recommendation is actually for the pub food! The unassuming window grill at the back provides surprisingly decent quality and variety at budget prices, open late, and can be easily ordered to go (if you are not into the bar scene). This makes a decent quick-food option. Most other restaurants in Whitefish are either high-end, or else bars of variable quality.
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The Great Northern Bar & Grill
27 Central AveA classic Montana watering-hole popular with the locals and with ski patrol. Known for friendly socialization and inexpensive beer without the frills. Frequent live bands make this Whitefish's night-life staple. But this particular recommendation is actually for the pub food! The unassuming window grill at the back provides surprisingly decent quality and variety at budget prices, open late, and can be easily ordered to go (if you are not into the bar scene). This makes a decent quick-food option. Most other restaurants in Whitefish are either high-end, or else bars of variable quality.
Essentials
Groceries, Gas, Healthcare, Gyms — near by and/or our favs in Whitefish proper.
Super 1 Foods
6475 US-93Safeway
6580 U.S. 93Safeway Fuel Station
Small local business that is a cross between a convenience store and a neighborhood grocery store. Just the basics, but they do have a great wine selection. Can rent movies from a box here. Small deli. Small fresh produce section.
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Markus Foods
9 Baker AveSmall local business that is a cross between a convenience store and a neighborhood grocery store. Just the basics, but they do have a great wine selection. Can rent movies from a box here. Small deli. Small fresh produce section.
The Wave Aquatic and Fitness Center
1250 Baker AveNorth Valley Hospital
1600 Hospital WayWhitefish Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine
Arts & Culture
Dick Idol Signature Gallery
238 Central AveConrad Mansion
330 Woodland AveThere are several live-theater companies in the Flathead Valley, for both children and adults. Check out the online schedules of Whitefish theater company, Bigfork Playhouse, FVCC (the local community college in Kalispell with a robust theater program for Montana), and the local high schools (particularly Flathead HS and Glacier HS)
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Whitefish Theatre Co
1 Central AveThere are several live-theater companies in the Flathead Valley, for both children and adults. Check out the online schedules of Whitefish theater company, Bigfork Playhouse, FVCC (the local community college in Kalispell with a robust theater program for Montana), and the local high schools (particularly Flathead HS and Glacier HS)
Entertainment & Activities
Whitefish Mountain Resort
1015 Glades DrParks & Nature
A short walk from our home, enjoy direct public access to lake shore and water recreation. There is a wonderful view of the ski resort. Launch your boat, kayak, canoe, raft, or other flotation device. Shallow wading area great for families and children. Facilities include picnic tables, benches, grassy areas, bathroom facilities and pay-showers (open in summer), potable water (in summer), a small camping area, and a boat launch ramp. Most of Whitefish lake shore line is privately owned, so this is one of the few public access points (the other main point, being the city's Whitefish Beach).
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Whitefish Lake State Park
1615 W Lakeshore DrA short walk from our home, enjoy direct public access to lake shore and water recreation. There is a wonderful view of the ski resort. Launch your boat, kayak, canoe, raft, or other flotation device. Shallow wading area great for families and children. Facilities include picnic tables, benches, grassy areas, bathroom facilities and pay-showers (open in summer), potable water (in summer), a small camping area, and a boat launch ramp. Most of Whitefish lake shore line is privately owned, so this is one of the few public access points (the other main point, being the city's Whitefish Beach).
Convenient walking in nature (light hiking), trail-running, mountain-biking.
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Lion Mountain Trailhead
Mountainside DriveConvenient walking in nature (light hiking), trail-running, mountain-biking.
Spencer Trail
Spencer TrailExcellent mountain biking -- some quite advanced.
Largest lake west of the Mississippi River. Waves can reach 7 feet high in stormy weather, but it is often calm, clear, and glassy. On a clear or partly cloudy day, it is worth simply the drive around the lake. Due to its microclimate, it allows commerical sweet cherry orchards along the eastern lake edge (ripening in July, or late July, most years)
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Flathead Lake
Largest lake west of the Mississippi River. Waves can reach 7 feet high in stormy weather, but it is often calm, clear, and glassy. On a clear or partly cloudy day, it is worth simply the drive around the lake. Due to its microclimate, it allows commerical sweet cherry orchards along the eastern lake edge (ripening in July, or late July, most years)
Flathead Lake Cherry Growers
236 S Finley Point RdGorgeous, increasingly so as you get further into the backcountry -- but worth a shorter trip as well. Yes, there are still glaciers there, but they are small and high, so hiking increases your chances of seeing one. About 35 minute drive to West Glacier (near main west entrance of the park). If you have more time, it is worth driving the several hours (either through the park or on the highways around the southern edge) to the Eastern side of the Park as well.
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Glacier National Park
Going-to-the-Sun RoadGorgeous, increasingly so as you get further into the backcountry -- but worth a shorter trip as well. Yes, there are still glaciers there, but they are small and high, so hiking increases your chances of seeing one. About 35 minute drive to West Glacier (near main west entrance of the park). If you have more time, it is worth driving the several hours (either through the park or on the highways around the southern edge) to the Eastern side of the Park as well.
Getting Around
It is possible to take the train to Essex (south border of Glacier National Park), have a romantic meal at the historic Izaac Walton Inn ( and cross-country ski or backcountry ski) and ride the train back to Whitefish in one day -- great for a special date.
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Whitefish Depot station
500 Depot StIt is possible to take the train to Essex (south border of Glacier National Park), have a romantic meal at the historic Izaac Walton Inn ( and cross-country ski or backcountry ski) and ride the train back to Whitefish in one day -- great for a special date.