Wondering where to dine in Fargo, North Dakota? I’ve become somewhat of a Fargo foodie and am happy to share my top four restaurants in Fargo with you all.
As some of you may already know, I’ve spent the better part of the last half of my year working in production for the Cooking Channel. My work took me to places, near and far, in search of some of the best eats in the country. Most people probably don’t think twice about visiting Fargo OR North Dakota for that matter (considering it’s so commonly peoples’ LAST State to visit out of all 50). I’m here to say, those people are missing out. Fargo, along with North Dakota, has much to offer for those seeking with an open mind and an eager appetite. I’ve compiled a short post to help you, dear foodie, kick-off your Fargo travels with my top four restaurant recommendations (in no particular order).
But first, in defense of North Dakota (because I feel she needs help getting off of the ‘last state that people visit‘ train), let me just show you a touch of her beauty…
Introducing: Theodore Roosevelt National Park
This national park is comprised of badlands: rolling buttes and prairie land galore! Futhermore, she offers no shortage of wildlife and adventure. I witnessed more wild horses in this national park than any other place (thus far) in the United States. We also spotted herds of bison and antelope, coteries of prairie dog and a lone coyote stalking the high grasslands. Theodore Roosevelt National Park extends to all her visitors the most beautiful sunsets and a plentitude of camping opportunities under her vast starry skies. The nearby town of Medora is full of old western charm, history and activities (more to come in a future blog, stay tuned).
Now for the Top Four Restaurants in Fargo…
Top Four Restaurants in Fargo #1:
BernBaum’s
Location: 402 Broadway North, Downtown Fargo
Hours: Monday thru Saturday 7:00A-3:00P; Sundays 7:00A-2:00P
This restaurant’s Nordic-Jewish roots bring original and fresh flavored dishes to its culturally tailored breakfast and lunch menu. The deli-style decor, sprinkled with antique oddities, lends itself to a modern yet 50’s style dining experience. I tasted an array of delicious dishes, however, there are a few I can’t leave without the utmost praise:
♥ Classic Latke | $5.89
Potato Latke, apple compote + creme fraiche
♥ Knish of the Day | $4.99
A savory single-serving pie with varying fillings
♥ Myron’s Chicken or Vegetarian Matzo Ball Soup | $2.99 (cup); $4.99 (bowl)
Jewish soup with dumplings made from a mixture of matzah meal, beaten eggs, water, and a fat. A delightful comfort food!
♥ Sarah’s Blintzes (2) for dessert | $5.99
Cheese-filled crepes topped with lingonberry sauce
All in all, BernBaum’s had the most unique cuisine in Fargo at such a reasonable price. And, did I mention?… Phenomenal COFFEE! You’re sure to be warmed and spirited beginning your day with a stop at this stellar restaurant.
Top Four Restaurants in Fargo #2:
Rosey’s Bistro & Bar
Location: 212 Broadway N, Fargo, ND, 58102
Hours: Monday thru Wednesday 11:00A-10:00P; Thursday thru Saturday 11:00A-Midnight; Sundays Noon-4:00P
Fancy an elaborate, evolved twist on every child’s favorite: the grilled cheese sandwich? Scurry on over to Rosey’s Bistro and Bar straight away! Their menu is a bevy of varied grilled cheese sandwiches, complimented with a dipping-cup of one of their piping hot soups. When it was time to order, I began having second thoughts (what I had decided on seemed TOO simple). However, my friendly waiter reassured my decision when I asked for the Fontina Truffle and, with a genuine smile, he replied “That’s the best one!” Truer words have never been spoken. This grilled cheese was, and still remains, the best damn grilled cheese sandwich my tastebuds have ever experienced.
♥ Fontina Truffle | $12
Fontina cheese & truffle butter on toasted sourdough bread served with a crisp pickle & dipper of tomato soup.
My husband ordered (and absolutely loved) their…
♥ Chicken Bacon Florentine | $13
Oven-roasted chicken breast, house-made spinach & artichoke dip, candied bacon, sliced provolone & roasted tomatoes, garlic herb butter on toasted sourdough bread
I didn’t reckon I could be any happier with my meal, yet I was quickly mistaken when I sipped my French 75 (Minions Gin, fresh pressed lemon juice, homemade simple syrup and champagne). I was more than happy now: I was elated!
Their ambience is an elegant industrialism and their service is impeccable. Their prices are moderate (in comparison to the others on this list), but worth every penny to your senses (I promise). And, unlike the popular grilled-cheese chain MELT, their portions were spot-on for my liking: not an overload that goes to waste yet the perfect balance.
Top Four Restaurants in Fargo #3:
Wurst Bier Hall
Location: 630 1st Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102
Hours: Sunday thru Thursday 11:00A-11:00P; Friday & Saturday 11:00A-Midnight
If the name didn’t give it away, this eatery is: Sausages! Beer! Sausages! Beer! Sausages! And yep, beer! If I were to describe Wurst Bier Hall in one word, it’d inevitably be “wild“. Their menu withholds exotic wild-game sausages, including a rabbit with rattlesnake & jalapeno wurst (which my husband undoubtedly ordered for lunch). They also tout a lively beer garden where guests can opt to tackle Das Boot: a 90oz+ glass boot filled to the brim with your beer of choice. Their hipster-esque artwork, their industrial floor and ceilings and their wild atmosphere lend itself to having a good time. The employees are just as wild as the rest of my imageries (in the best possible way). They’re an out-going, funny-as-hell and fun-loving bunch. Not only did our crew have a riot at Wurst Bier Hall, but we also chowed down on a nonsensical amount of food – I couldn’t breathe after inhaling SO much.
Menu highlights:
♥ Hawaiian Gourmet Wurst | $7
(Fresh) NDSU • From Fargo, ND
Comes with a side of sauerkraut + jalapeños
♥ Rabbit with Rattlesnake & Jalapeño Exotic Wurst | $9.75
(Smoked) Ft. Lupton, CO
Comes with a side of sauerkraut + jalapeños
♥ Spaetzle Mac & Chees | $3.75
Spaetzle dumplings in a creamy beurre blanc cheese sauce
♥ Iron Horse Pale Ale – American
5% ABV • 32 IBU • Fargo Brewing Company • Fargo, ND
♥ Broken Rudder Red Ale – Irish
5% ABV • 25 IBU • Drekker Brewing Company • Fargo, ND
Most importantly, Wurst Bier Hall’s prices are…wait for it… wildly cheap so you can affordably order various menu items to sample and share with the rest of your party.
Top Four Restaurants in Fargo #4:
Boiler Room
Location: 210 Roberts Alley, Fargo, ND
Hours: Monday thru Thursday 11:00A-Midnight or later; Friday 11:00A-2:00A; Saturday 9:00A-Midnight or later. *Their kitchen close daily at 11:30P
This upscale tavern, tucked away in the back of a downtown alley, has the most delightful and comfort-style brunch fare (that’s served ALL DAY). Personally, I was lured by their special Rumchata French Toast and their abundant Bloody Mary Self-Serving Bar. That doesn’t go without saying, I was heavily tempted by each and every one of their menu items and certainly sampled their renowned Scotch Eggs and a smidgeon of their (large) Breakfast Casserole. Each dish was just as satisfying as the last. So much so that I have no other option but to acclaim it: THE ULTIMATE BRUNCH SPOT.
Just to add to their already exceeding coolness, the Boiler Room contains a hidden bar within its walls (Marge’s Bar) that will be opening soon! I got a sneak peak and it’s such a cozy and wacky gem.
♥ Rumchata French Toast | $12
Boiler Room’s signature rumchata french toast topped with banana butter sauce – served with scrambled eggs and bacon
♥ Scotch Eggs | $10
Boiler Room’s famous hardboiled eggs wrapped in sausage and deep fried – served with spicy maple aioli
♥ Breakfast Casserole | $13
House made cheesy tater tots with scrambled eggs, sausage gravy, cheddar cheese, bacon, and a drizzle of spicy maple aioli
There you have it foodie fanatics: my top four restaurant recommendations when visiting Fargo, ND. Fargo’s industrial, small-town feel will welcome any guests with open arms and its people will be sure to let you know that you’re invited to the party (Fargo is ALL about the party, people)! Despite the frigid (and I mean FRIGID) winters, the original eats and plentiful drinks combined with the warmth of its amiable population will have you leaving in good-spirits nonetheless.
A few sneak peak photos of behind the scenes while filming for the Cooking Channel:
Have more questions regarding my work in the tv/film industry? Get some answers to popularly asked questions here.
→ Also, special thanks to my husband (Doug Michaels) for snapping the majority of the photos for this blog post. You da real MVP, boy! 😉
As always….
Thank you so much for reading and happy travels,
Mindy
