Welcome to Glacier Country!
Here in these parts, the official drink is a state-wide favorite called “The Whiskey Ditch.” Combine 2 oz of whiskey with 2 oz water and you got yourself a classic.
A beer with a view is nothing short of reality in Whitefish. As the vast mountain ranges go on for miles, you’ll be warm and cozy at these top picks with an Irish Coffee in your hands.
From local favorites to family-friendly watering holes, there’s a bar for everyone here in Whitefish, Montana. So let’s take a look at some of the best bars in Whitefish.
Best Bars in Whitefish – Our top picks:
- Bonsai Brewing Project
- Spotted Bear Spirits
- Unleashed: A Winery
- Bulldog Saloon
- The Firebrand Bar
- The Great Northern Bar and Grill
- Casey’s
- Craggy’s Range Bar and Grill
1. Bonsai Brewing Project
We simply had to start the list with the Bonsai Brewing Project. Not only does it have the seal of approval from families, but they’re also dog friendly too. Your furry friends will definitely tell you this is among the best bars in Whitefish!
Keep in mind that Bonsai closes its doors for the winter months, to eagerly await sunny weather for their guests to enjoy the spacious beer garden and patio area. Locals and tourists flock to Bonsai Brewing on Thursdays to watch various DJs play music from their own vinyl collections, and if you’re feeling creatively retro, you can join their DJ list as well.
The atmosphere is homey, comfortable, and familiar in the coziest way. The owners have art from their family members decorating the walls. With these sentimental touches, Bonsai Brewing Project is like a home away from home.
Best for: Beer lovers looking for a barrel-aged sour, and wild ale. Also, families and Fido.
Must-Try: Any of the IPAs are soul-soothing. Definitely try the poke bowl, pork tacos, or the Fortune Burger.
2. Spotted Bear Spirits
This chic distillery can soften the grizzliest days you can’t seem to bear, with a cherry on top.
Spotted Bear Spirits is a women-owned business that functions on only the best organic ingredients. They source their produce and veggies straight from the local farming community. Now that’s fresh!
Since they have a distillery on-site, they’re only allowed to stay open until 8 pm. Think of this spot as your pre-drink bar, with high-quality mixers and zero chance of a hangover. How? They have a two-drink limit per person. You won’t be obliterated, rack up a pricey bill (drinks are between $8-$15), or be hungover for your day on the slopes.
Best for: A classy pre-drink session in a welcoming environment with fresh ingredients.
Must-Try: Our favorites are the huckleberry mules, or the salt and pepper martinis.
3. Unleashed: A Winery
For all the wine-connoisseurs looking for their match, Unleashed has you covered.
This winery is all dog-themed, in case you didn’t catch it with the name. You can purchase wines and souvenirs on site all with canine-punned humor. Our favorite wine name was the “Ruff Day Chardonnay,” amongst some other contenders like the “Camp Hound Blackberry Merlot,” and “Red Hydrant Malbec.” How flavorsome does the Blackberry Merlot sound?
There are some assorted bites to pair with your wines, like their cheese boards. You can never go wrong with yummy cheese and full-bodied wine.
Best for: Vino enthusiasts and dog lovers who want to wind down after an adventurous day.
Must-Try: The 2 for $10 Cheese Board and their Hydrant Malbec.
4. Bulldog Saloon
This budget-friendly pick has been around for over 100 years! It was built in 1903 and housed doctors’ offices for decades before it became a secret hosting space for boxing matches, and mason meetings. Since 1983, it’s been family-owned and plans to stay this way for generations to come.
Bulldog Saloon is your one-stop shop for a sports bar atmosphere, juicy burgers and fries, and an ice-cold brew.
Stepping into the saloon will have you going back in time to the days when John Wayne roamed the streets and soda fountains were bubbling.
Best for: Anyone and everyone who’s in the mood for an old-school good time.
Must-Try: The burgers are the staple here at Bulldog Saloon, but we recommend you try their BFB, or Big Fat Burger. There’s no way you’re walking out of this watering hole hungry.
5. The Firebrand Bar
