The 10 Best Restaurants In Grand Forks North Dakota

Grand Forks’ location on the banks of the Red River ensures that a constant stream of travelers stop in the city for a tasty bite while passing through the picturesque area. Catering to all, the North Dakota city is home to several all-American diners as well as fine dining establishments and international restaurants. Updating our previous guide, we’ve taken another look at where to eat out in Grand Forks.

1. Big Sioux Cafe

Cafe, Restaurant, American, Coffee

Despite being more of a trucker’s stop than a restaurant, Big Sioux Cafe is the place to go for a deliciously filling and extremely cheap breakfast or brunch at any time of the day. Open around the clock, this cafe is full of hungry insomniacs at 3am and laughing families at 11am. The soup of the day is always a great lunch choice, especially on Wednesday’s when it’s the chicken tortilla soup, and the pancakes are simply enormous. Order a steaming cup of milky hot chocolate and soak up the strangely lively atmosphere here even in the dead of night, or go all out with the trucker’s special of hash browns, veggies, sausage, bacon, ham and eggs.

2. Bonzer’s Sandwich Pub

Sandwich Shop, Mexican, Salad Bar, Beer

The only sandwich pub in the city, Bonzer’s revels in creating the perfect casual atmosphere for enjoying a beer and a bite after work, at lunch or over the weekend. A full bar, a football table and an over 21 only policy separates the adults from the kids and ensures entertainment for all. Serving an array of sandwiches, submarines, sides, salads, homemade soups, award-winning chili and Mexican favorites; the food here is simple yet delicious and sure to satisfy even the most demanding of appetites. Go for the tender roast beef with blue cheese dressing, lettuce and onions on rye for a healthy(ish) and mouth-wateringly good sandwich certain not to disappoint.

3. Darcy’s Cafe

Cafe, Snacks, Soup, American

A hole-in-the-wall style cafe, Darcy’s may not be much to look at but the breakfasts, brunches and lunches keep the crowds flocking through its doors. Choose to sit at the U-shaped counter, at a table or in a booth and tuck into a variety of breakfast favorites such as eggs Benedict or the American classic of biscuits and gravy. Open from 6am weekdays and slightly later at the weekends, Darcy’s is a popular breakfast spot but also serves great soups, sandwiches, burgers and hand-cut steaks for lunch and dinner too. Ask your waiter for the daily specials or go for the new apple nut cinnamon roll French toast.

4. Paradiso Mexican Restaurant

Restaurant, Mexican

Perfect for large groups and birthday parties, Paradiso Mexican restaurant can just as easily cater for 20 as it can for two. Book a table on a Wednesday for all you can eat fajitas or stop by on a Sunday to take advantage of the kids eat free offer. The menu is full of unique variations on the traditional feast of enchiladas, fajitas, seafood, tacos and all other Mexican fare. Order the Paradiso sampler platter to start and follow with either the golden chicken breast tenderloins served with honey-mustard dipping sauce and seasoned fajita fries, or the fully loaded seafood enchilada served with Spanish rice and refried beans. For those with room left, the fried ice cream balls are an absolute must-try.

5. Parrot’s Cay Tavern & Grill

Bar, American, Pub Grub

Whether you’re after a beer and a bar snack or a full three course meal, Parrot’s Cay Tavern & Grill will do the job. With different deals each day, stop by on a Monday for a 99 cent cheeseburger, a Tuesday for a $3 beer or a Wednesday for a full portion of wings and a pitcher of beer for $12. Wings are the specialty at Parrot’s and come in buffalo or shark-style with a choice of flavorings including BBQ, jerk, Thai, garlic ranch and blackened. Order a portion to complement a jerk chicken dinner, brisket platter, fish and chips supper or a lahvosh.

6. Red Pepper

Red Pepper

Called ‘the best late night food in the USA’ by Esquire magazine, Red Pepper certainly has a national reputation for serving up incredibly tasty, simple, home cooked Mexican cuisine. This family-run eatery has been doing business near North Dakota University in downtown Grand Forks since 1961 and its high quality fare hasn’t slipped once. Famous for its grinder sub sandwiches; the tostadas, enchiladas, burritos and tacos are all incredibly tasty too. For a wholesome lunch or late night snack go for a bowl of chicken tortilla soup or a hot ham and cheese burger and try the homemade white sauce.

Red Pepper, 1011 University Avenue, Grand Forks, ND, USA, +1 701 775 9671

7. Rhombus Guys

Pizzeria, Restaurant, Vegetarian, Vegan

Primarily a pizza joint, The Rhombus Guys offers its diners generous portions, a pleasing atmosphere and a menu so diverse that they are spoilt for choice. Consistently voted the best pizzeria in Grand Forks, anyone who loves a cheesy slice of tomato goodness needs to stop by here whilst in the city. Go for the unique T-Rex where the crunchy crust is topped with marinara sauce, delicious mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage and Canadian bacon, or keep it simple with a four cheese or margarita. The exposed brick walls, ambient lighting and large, colorful paintings create the shabby chic, trendy atmosphere that adds to this restaurant’s appeal.

8. Sanders 1907 Restaurant

Bar, Restaurant, Sushi, American

A foodie’s paradise in the city, Sanders 1907 is a classic American restaurant with European influences in its cooking and preparation methods. Weekly changing special menus ensure that regulars always have something new to try, and the incredibly well-stocked bar means that there will always be the perfect bottle to match each dish. Order the succulent roast caraway duck served with red cabbage and a German side dish called spaetzle, or ask for the chef’s recommendation if you’re struggling to choose between the delectable dishes on offer yourself. Having opened in 1982, this restaurant has continued to grow in favor among locals and is well worthy of a quick detour to enjoy all it has to offer hungry diners.

9. Toasted Frog

Toasted Frog

As the name would suggest, The Toasted Frog serves an abundance of eclectic mains and adventurous appetizers. Tuck into a delicious plate of lightly breaded frog legs or go for the safer (but equally yummy) roasted pork belly with blueberry compote. Famed also for their martinis, the drinks list is almost endless. Stick to the amphibious theme and order the hibernating frog or go for an after dinner banana cream pie martini. Tables at the Toasted Frog fill up fast so to avoid disappointment diners should call ahead to reserve a spot.

The Toasted Frog, 124 N 3rd St Main, Grand Forks, ND, USA, +1 701-772-3764

10. Wild Hog Smokehouse Bar & Grill

Diner, Restaurant, American, Beer, Mexican

For the true all-American diner experience head to the Wild Hog Smokehouse Bar & Grill in the midst of this metropolis. The menu is hugely diverse but all diners should order a portion of the pterodactyl wings at least to share if they can’t quite manage to go it alone. The restaurant’s signature dish, these giant wings are smoked and served with a choice of delicious, lip-tingling sauces. Other classic fare on the menu includes a selection of sandwiches and salads, pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs and smoked chicken. Portions are generous and prices are reasonable, making the Wild Hog the perfect recipe for a cheap and tasty lunch or dinner out with friends or family.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.