Forksful of Comfort Foods that are Uniquely Grand

If Grand Forks had a “comfort food headquarters,” Darcy’s Café would be it. This tiny, bustling diner is the kind of place where the coffee is always hot, the portions are unapologetically generous and the menu reads like a love letter to Midwestern classics.

What to order:

• Hot meatloaf sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy—heartier than a January in Nodak and so soul‑soothing it’ll have you saying “oh yah, that’ll do”
• Chicken wild rice soup that’s creamy, cozy and just might just dethrone your mom’s version
• Giant omelets and crispy hash browns stuffed with everything from German sausage and sauerkraut to their famous Sioux Omelet loaded with tons of veggies, cheese and all the meats
• Biscuits and gravy that could convert a skeptic
• Cinnamon roll pancakes big enough to share (but only if you want to)

Darcy’s is the kind of place where regulars know the servers by name and newcomers instantly feel like they’ve stumbled into a local secret.

Cross the river and you’ll find one of the area’s most iconic comfort‑food destinations. Blue Moose is known for its warm lodge‑style atmosphere, family‑friendly vibe and a menu full of hearty, satisfying dishes.

What to order:

• Walleye in finger or fillet form (crispy, flaky and beloved)
• Mac & Cheese Attack features four different cheeses and is lips’mac’king good
• Burgers stacked high with toppings like their famous PB&E adorned with peanut butter, crispy bacon and a perfectly fried egg
• Spinach queso that’s rich, velvety and impossible to resist

It’s the perfect spot for thawing out after a winter walk along the river.

Rhombus Guys is practically a rite of passage for UND students and a staple for locals. Their pizzas are creative, comforting and built for sharing — or not sharing, depending on your mood.

What to order:

• T-Rex pizza (a carnivore’s dream)
• Tater Tot Hotdish pizza that tastes like a church‑basement classic—only louder, sassier and proudly showing up in full pie
• The Barry is Detroit‑style satisfaction at its coziest: chewy caramelized‑edge dough loaded with brick and mozzarella, double pepperoni, hot honey, marinara and fresh basil
• Rhombus Sticks because carbs on carbs brushed with garlic butter is peak comfort

The rooftop patio is a summer favorite but the pizza hits just as hard in winter.

If you ask ten locals where to get the best fried pickles in town, nine will say The Toasted Frog…and the tenth hasn’t been there yet. This Downtown favorite blends comfort food with a little flair.

What to order:

• Fried cheesy pickles with a white chocolate martini chaser—a chaotic little joyride for your taste buds
• Frog BLT featuring grill‑kissed sourdough bread stacked with balsamic‑soaked tomatoes, thick‑cut bacon, peppery arugula and caramelized onion aioli that turns a classic into pure, messy bliss
• Grilled filet mignon crowned with a rich, toasty pecan‑gorgonzola that melts into every bite
• Pear pie for four (or two, no judgement) that’s topped with creamy caramel and cinnamon ice cream

It’s comfort food with personality — and an extensive cocktail list to match.

Southgate is the kind of place where the lights are low, the vibes are easy and the food tastes like someone finally decided bar grub deserved a glow‑up.

What to order:

• Lahvosh loaded with meaty, cheesy goodness while still keeping that crave‑worthy crispy crunch
• Deluxe sirloin beef tips smothered in sauteed red and green peppers, onions and their signature Au Jus, served alongside buttery toast for cozy, stick‑to‑your‑ribs satisfaction
•  Baby red potatoes coated in a rich, velvety cream sauce that turns this simple side into pure, spoon‑scraping bliss
• The Big Gate Burger stacks two seasoned patties with grilled onions, mushrooms, bacon, Swiss, cheddar and a swipe of signature sauce for a messy, glorious, all‑in

It’s the kind of spot where comfort food doesn’t just fill you up—it cheers you on.

Located in the heart of East Grand Forks, this Molly Yeh-owned eatery is the place to go when you want comfort food sprinkled with culinary creativity. The menu reads like Grandma’s cherished cookbook got a glamorous makeover from a Food Network star — all the nostalgia you love, upgraded with bold flavors and a modern twist.

What to order:

• Knoephla soup packed with potatoes, spices and just the right amount of cream
• Loaded tots that are pure indulgence — golden, crispy bites piled high with melty cheese, savory toppings and enough flavor to make them the star of the table every single time
• Pickle grilled cheese (yes, you heard that right)
• Bernie’s seasonal lefse plate brings warm, nostalgic comfort in its simplest form — soft, delicate lefse served with classic accompaniments and crispy bacon
• Cookies, bars, croissants, cakes and fresh‑baked breads bringing full‑blown bakery joy in every bite

Harry’s brings a more polished ambiance but don’t let the white tablecloths fool you — this place knows comfort. Their top-grade beef is a local favorite and the sides are the kind of dishes you fantasize about later.

What to order:

• Beef stroganoff made with short rib, a dreamy cream sauce and locally produced, perfectly cooked pasta
• Baked French onion soup that’s pure comfort in a bowl—melty, toasty, steamy goodness that hugs you hard
• Harry’s style hashbrowns adorned with applewood smoked bacon, bleu cheese crumbles and caramelized onions—that signature crispy‑golden crunch that turns a simple side into a full‑blown comfort‑food craving
• Lobster dip so rich, creamy and bursting with sweet chunks of lobster meat it could make a New Englander rethink their family recipe

It’s the perfect spot for a cozy date night or a celebratory meal.

No comfort‑food list in Grand Forks is complete without Red Pepper. It’s not fancy. It’s not trying to be. And that’s exactly why people love it.

What to order:

• Grinders piled high with the good stuff: layers of deli meats, cheese, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, onions, taco meat and a generous swipe of their signature red and white sauces all overflowing from a soft sub roll
• Tasty tacos tucked into fluffy buns or crunchy shells
• The Garbage Plate for those feeling adventurous—varying ingredients but consistently delicious
• Anything drenched in their legendary creamy‑meets‑spicy white sauce

It’s the kind of food that tastes even better at midnight.

For dessert, Widman’s is a Grand Forks institution. Their chocolate‑covered potato chips (aka Chippers) are legendary but all the sweet treats found here are drop dead delicious.

What to order:

• Chippers in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, peanut butter and almond bark variety
• Rich, creamy toffee crafted with a depth of flavor you won’t find anywhere else
• Chocolate‑covered sunflower seeds and soy nuts deliver that local flavor
• Amy’s sea salt caramels bring the sweet‑meets‑salty delight that hits just right
• Chocolate‑covered jalapeños, olives and pickles — quirky specialties Widman’s is known for

Widman’s Candy delivers melt‑away sweetness with a little spark of joy tucked into every bite.

In Grand Forks and East Grand Forks, comfort food isn’t just about indulgence. It’s about:

• Surviving winters that last longer than some relationships
• Celebrating UND hockey winsGathering with family after church
• Gathering with friends after the bar
• Supporting local spots that have been around for decadesFinding warmth, familiarity and joy in the kind of food that feels like it was made just for you

Our two towns understand that food is community — and comfort food is the glue that holds it together.