Hungry Bear Bar and Grill — Restaurant in Polson

We stopped in at Hungry Bear for our 49th anniversary dinner. The staff was energetic, young, and very competent. The food was also good and the selection was a bit elevated from typical bar type food. My husband had the prime rib special which was done just how he likes it. I had the Cowboy (french dip sandwich on sourdough). The drink selection is also good. The huckleberry mule was especially yummy. The owners have done a lot in the past several years to update the restaurant and the log cabin feel has the right elements to fit in to the forest around it. The red umbrellas and tablecloths add a jaunty flair. HOWEVER, please, please wash the windows. The setting should be seen without dingy hard water stains and debris. The high windows understandably have UV film to protect from heat but they can still be washed. It give the whole place an unkept feeling that isn't accurate. There was also issues with the power when we were there but that isn't unusual in the area and the staff...

I came in at 8:30pm on a Saturday night. It was pretty quiet, not a lot of cars in the parking lot. The hostess greeted us, then checked with the cook to see if they were “taking anymore” customers. The cook said NO, so we were turned away. Mind you, this is 1/2 hour before closing time, but were turned away due to having “at least an hour wait”. Every restaurant I’ve worked at, will take orders up until closing time, regardless of wait time. That’s what ya do in the restaurant industry. I’m guessing the “cook” had better places to be. I understand this is the only eatery around this area, and the workers think they can just close when they want, but hopefully it gets bought by someone else who has a better work ethic. Luckily on this night, we drove to Seeley, showed up at Casa Caro literally 2 minutes before closing time, and were greeted and served with smiles. Needless to say we tipped them very well!! Edited to add: we were a party of 2 very hungry and...

This business used to be a drive-by, but recent new ownership has really brought this establishment up to one of the best in the entire valley.

The staff is friendly, the food is really very good, while still being affordable, and they realize that their clientele is both local and tourists. There seems to be something for everyone on the menu, and special requests aren't a problem. There's a good selection of the local microbrews on tap, at prices affordable enough so that you will want to hang around a while and have a second one.

The atmosphere is casual, rustic and has a local vibe. I think that there could be a few more vegetarian options on the menu, but there is a veggie burger, some large salads, and pizza options, so I can't complain too much. This could be my new once -a-week indulgence to survive the long Swan Valley winters.

Give it a try. I don't think that you will be...