About
When you need a hearty breakfast before a day of exploring West Yellowstone, make a beeline to Running Bear Pancake House.
This cozy, family-style spot is just right for breakfast on a chilly morning or before a day on the trails. Pancakes are the star, but the menu goes far beyond the classics.
Coffee lovers will appreciate the fresh brews, ground on-site each morning. Friendly staff add to the welcoming atmosphere.
The building has stood for decades, with roots dating back to 1965 when the Thompsons first opened the doors. Over the years, updates have kept the space fresh while serving locals and seasonal workers each summer.
Two teachers originally started the restaurant, and it has changed hands a few times since. In 1980, Mike and Dixie Klostrich took over, later passing it to their daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Matthew, who continue the tradition today.
Running Bear Pancake House may be cozy, but there’s plenty of room for larger groups, making it a worthwhile stop on your getaway.
Vibe
The laid-back vibe makes it easy to relax and enjoy a meal. Families with kids of all ages will feel right at home.
The atmosphere is homey, with staff who greet you with a smile and a story. You’ll not only feel welcome, but you can also kick back and relax.
Hand-painted bear murals add a whimsical touch to the decor, while the aroma of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls creates a warm and tantalizing experience.
In the summertime, the restaurant becomes a gathering place for seasonal workers and travelers alike, reinforcing its reputation as a true West Yellowstone staple.
Running Bear Pancake House: Menu & Drinks
You can expect to find classic diner favorites and comfort meals at this hotspot.
On chilly mornings, Snickers Hot Chocolate, hot apple cider, and caramel apple cider are local favorites. When the weather warms up, huckleberry lemonade hits the spot. Shakes like the Funky Monkey, with chocolate, banana, and peanut butter, double as dessert.
Specialty coffee drinks include mochas, lattes, and chai, alongside always-fresh classics.The pancake menu features buckwheat, buttermilk, crepes, and cinnamon roll pancakes. Toppings range from simple to indulgent.
Hearty omelets, sides, and baked goods like muffins, quick breads, and cinnamon rolls round out the breakfast menu. Breakfast specialties include the Cordon Bleu Skillet with hollandaise sauce. Everything is made from scratch with care, from fluffy pancakes and buttery biscuits to homemade soups and fresh-baked breads. Huckleberry and other local flavors appear throughout the menu, and the bakery case is always stocked with tempting treats—just be sure to get there early before the cinnamon rolls and muffins sell out!
Lunch brings options like the Monte Cristo, chicken strips, and fish and chips. The Homemade Meatloaf Sandwich is a hearty choice. Vegetarian dishes, soups, and salads are also available.
Whether you grab breakfast or lunch, Running Bear Pancake House will satisfy.
Local Tips
- Ask for a boxed lunch for the trail.
- Soy and almond milk are available.
- Open for breakfast and lunch only. Takeaway meals travel well.
- Grab baked goods early—they sell out fast.
- Open for breakfast and lunch during summer months only.
