Posted in North Dakota Dining June 03, 2021 by

These 7 Restaurants In North Dakota Don’t Look Like Much… But WOW, They’re Good

There are tons of hidden gems all over North Dakota, in the bigger cities and the smallest of towns, and even if they may look like your average mom-and-pop chop-shop from the outside, you’d be surprised what delicious surprises are just waiting for you to try them inside. Try something different and discover our picks for the seven best-hidden gem restaurants in North Dakota:

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
1. The Red Pepper - Grand Forks
The Red Pepper/Facebook
management/Tripadvisor
The Red Pepper is a place with a great story, and has been family-owned and operated for decades. It's well known for its "Grinder" sandwiches, shown here, as well as its mouthwatering tacos. This is one of North Dakota's best hidden gems, and it's definitely worth checking out.

The original Red Pepper is located at 1011 University Ave. in Grand Forks; there is a second Grand Forks location at 415 N. 42nd Street, and an even-newer Fargo location at 1105 19th Avenue North, North Dakota.
2. The White Maid - Napoleon
Google Maps
The White Maid/Facebook
This is one of the cutest diners in the state! It's definitely worth a visit. It sits right by the train tracks in Napoleon and has some of THE best food ever, from tasty burgers to North Dakotan favorites like knoefla soup. Their dessert treats are to die for, too. If you're in the area, this place is a must-try.

The White Maid can be found at 301 Main Avenue, in Napoleon.
3. Passage to India - Fargo
Passage to India/Facebook
Passage to India/Facebook
If you're looking for truly authentic Indian food in Fargo, then Passage to India is the place to go. Their buffet is full of amazing options and not one of them will disappoint. It is true to its name - it's a passage into real Indian cuisine you'll love.

Passage to India is located at 855 45th Street South, in Fargo.
4. Souris River Brewing - Minot
Souris River Brewing/Facebook
Souris River Brewing/Facebook
The hand-crafted beer is tough to beat, but the food is just as amazing. Souris River Brewing strives to use locally-grown ingredients, and the quality shows. Yum! You can enjoy local musicians and bands play at SRB and get a true taste of Minot. This is a place you should not pass up in the Magic City.

Check out Souris River Brewing at 32 3rd Street NE in Minot.
5. Vinyl Taco - Fargo
JesseWhite/TripAdvisor
hannypops/TripAdvisor
The name might leave you scratching your head in wonder, but this hole-in-the-wall type place needs to be on your restaurant bucket list. We promise you they aren't playing tacos on their turntables, but they do play some great music on actual vinyl while you enjoy their great authentic Mexican street food! Their menu is full of options from, of course, the tacos, to enchiladas, chimichangas, and more. Enjoy some sweet tunes and tasty meals right in downtown. There is no other place like it.

You can find Vinyl Taco at 520 1st Avenue North, in Fargo.
6. North 40 - Rolla
blindcreek42/TripAdvisor
Gail K/TripAdvisor
While this place may just look like your average sit-down diner, don't be fooled - their food is way above the rest. Whether you stop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you will have plenty of options to enjoy, and all of them are wonderful.

Stop at North 40 today at 207 Main Avenue East, in Rolla.
7. Frieds Family Restaurant - Mandan
Michael Bennett/Google Maps
Phillip L/TripAdvisor
Homestyle cooking that can't be beat: that's what you can find at Frieds Family Restaurant. They serve all the classics everyone enjoys, as well as authentic North Dakotan favorites. We highly recommend some of their homemade pies, too. Their menu is loaded with tons of amazing options, so you can't go wrong with this place.

Try them out at 1010 Boundary Street Northwest in Mandan.

Are you hungry yet? Which of your picks for the best hidden gem restaurants in North Dakota made the list? Which favorites of yours did we leave out? Tell us everything in the comments!

Address: 1011 University Ave, Grand Forks, ND 58203, USA
Address: 415 N 42nd St, Grand Forks, ND 58203, USA
Address: 1105 19th Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
Address: 301 Main Ave, Napoleon, ND 58561, USA
Address: 855 45th St S, Fargo, ND 58103, USA
Address: 32 3rd St NE, Minot, ND 58703, USA
Address: 520 1st Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
Address: 207 Main Ave E, Rolla, ND 58367, USA
Address: 1010 Boundary St NW, Mandan, ND 58554, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in North Dakota

June 08, 2021
Tori Jane

What are the most popular local restaurants in North Dakota? 

North Dakota is a state with a surprising amount of excellent local restaurants, pubs, and brewhouses. It’s pretty tough to narrow it down to just a few, however, some of the highest-rated local joints in North Dakota include J.L. Beers, in Fargo, which serves up delicious locally-sourced food, and Granite City Food & Brewery, also in Fargo, cannot be beaten. In Grand Forks, you can find the local legend that is the Ground Round Grill & Bar, where you probably will never find a better burger. 

Where are the best places to eat in North Dakota? 

Though “best” is certainly subjective, there are a few places that stand out to us as particularly special. Some of our very favorite places to get your nom on in South Dakota include such epic spots as The Toasted Frog, in Grand Forks, where the food is simply awesome. In Minot, there’s an incredible Thai restaurant called Little Blue Elephant, and it might be one of the best places in the whole state for chicken satay. The Blarney Stone Pub in Bismarck is the ultimate Irish pub, too. For more of our North Dakota favorites, this list might serve as an appetizer of inspiration. 

What are some local favorite North Dakota restaurants?

It’s pretty amazing just how many top-notch dining experiences there are to be had in the state of North Dakota. Pirogue Grill is a fabulous spot to stop in in the city of Bismarck and serves up delicious seasonal American cuisine. Where else can you find locally sourced bison on the menu? Meanwhile, in Fargo (which is quite the hub of excellent restaurants in and of itself), there’s the epic Sickie’s Garage Burgers and Brews. Don’t let the name fool you – this food is nothing short of excellent! Mezzaluna is also in Fargo and holds the honor of being one of the highest-rated restaurants in all of the Dakotas.

Address: 1011 University Ave, Grand Forks, ND 58203, USA
Address: 415 N 42nd St, Grand Forks, ND 58203, USA
Address: 1105 19th Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
Address: 301 Main Ave, Napoleon, ND 58561, USA
Address: 855 45th St S, Fargo, ND 58103, USA
Address: 32 3rd St NE, Minot, ND 58703, USA
Address: 520 1st Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102, USA
Address: 207 Main Ave E, Rolla, ND 58367, USA
Address: 1010 Boundary St NW, Mandan, ND 58554, USA