Fresh Air Fare: Forks’ Grand Guide to Dining Outside

Looking to raise your fork in our two Forks beneath grand summer skies? From expansive riverfront decks perfect for lingering over a long lunch to intimate café tables lining our downtown streets – and plenty of welcoming patios in between – our community offers an array of outdoor dining spots ready to impress. Below, you’ll find a curated selection of standout places to enjoy great food, fresh air and the best of the season.

DOWNTOWN

BRICK & BARLEY

9 North 3rd Street, Grand Forks // BrickandBarleyGF.com

One of Downtown's most popular bar and grills, Brick & Barley has a true tap house focus. The kitchen produces fresh and delicious food items that pair perfectly with their 48 quality beers on tap. Bricks’ menu features everything from burgers and tacos to pizza and pasta. Weekend brunch items include chicken & waffles, huevos rancheros and breakfast pizza. Parklet adjacent to the restaurant.

THE TOASTED FROG

124 North 3rd Street, GrandForks // TheToastedFrog.com

The area's hottest chefs offer up cool culinary creations like Jamaican jerk chicken wood-fired pizza, gorgonzola butter topped filet mignon, mahi-mahi tacos and Thai chili pork tenderloin. Of course, the Cooking Channel featured fried cheesy pickles are a must-order, as are one of their marvelous martinis. Off-street café tables lining the sidewalk.

RHOMBUS GUYS

312 Kittson Avenue, Grand Forks // RhombusGuysPizza.com

This funky three-level restaurant turns out gourmet pies so impressive they were named Best Pizza in the State by Business Insider. You’ll find everything from the familiar favorites (pepperoni, sausage and peppers) to the delightfully unexpected (pulled pork, shrimp and pickles). It’s proof that pizza can still surprise you in the most delicious ways. Large rooftop deck overlooking Downtown.

ELY'S IVY

22 South 3rd Street, Grand Forks // ElysIvy.com

If you're on the hunt for something exotically delicious, this eatery serves up the dishes. Chef Franz and his crew invite everyone to take a walk on the wild side with unique offerings such as tempura fried cauliflower, grilled kangaroo loin, chicken schnitzel and a camel burger so scrumptious, it'll make hump day your favorite time of the week. Their commitment to farm‑to‑table freshness means every plate starts with thoughtfully sourced ingredients that elevate each bold creation. Ely’s popular Saturday brunch keeps the creativity flowing with dishes like walleye eggs Benedict and caramel maple pecan French toast. Patio adjacent to the restaurant and a downtown pocket park.

THE HUB PUB

205 North 3rd Street, Grand Forks // HubPubGF.com

A cornerstone of the local bar scene since 1940, The Hub Pub has earned its reputation for serving up seriously satisfying comfort food. Their secret‑recipe sloppy Joes, hearty hamburgers, fabulous flatbreads and stellar sandwiches all keep regulars coming back for more. For those who like to imbibe, don’t skip The Hub’s signature fishbowls. These oversized, crowd‑favorite cocktails arrive with plenty of personality and enough volume to make them a memorable part of any visit. Patio adjacent to the restaurant.

BONZER'S

420 DeMers Avenue, Grand Forks // BonzersPub.com

If you want to indulge in a little merriment, head to Downtown's famed Bonzer's Sandwich Pub the "schooner" the better! One of the best ways to kick off a grand weekend in Forks is by enjoying some of Bonzer's award-winning chili, scrumptious sandwiches and schooners filled with awesome ales or their legendary Long Island teas. Off-street café tables lining the sidewalk.

HALF BROTHERS BREWING COMPANY

17 North 3rd Street, Grand Forks // HalfBrothersBrewing.com

A standout in the local craft beer scene, Half Brothers blends creativity, community and seriously good suds under one roof. Their rotating lineup ranges from crisp, easy‑drinkers to bold, experimental pours, all brewed with care. The kitchen keeps pace with their Mom’s pizzas, known for blistered crusts and inventive toppings that pair perfectly with whatever’s on tap. The kitchen keeps pace thanks to their beloved Mom’s pizzas, celebrated for blistered crusts and inventive toppings that pair effortlessly with whatever’s on tap. Add in a welcoming vibe, occasional live music, plus a full stock of board games and Half Brothers becomes the kind of place where a quick stop often turns into a full evening well spent. Spacious back patio complete with umbrella‑topped tables.

THE SPUD JR.

116 South 3rd Street, Grand Forks // TheSpudJr.com

Thanks to The Spud, everyone can enjoy our famously flavorful Red River Valley potatoes. But that’s not all, they also serve up an assortment of mouthwatering burgers, decadent grilled sandwiches and the tastiest poutine this side of the Canadian border. Their weekend brunch features a variety of delicious dishes such as biscuits & gravy, S’mores waffles, breakfast poutine and a French toast sanny loaded with eggs, ham, bacon and cheddar. Off-street picnic and café tables lining the sidewalk.

URBAN STAMPEDE COFFEEHOUSE

324 Kittson Avenue, Grand Forks // TheUrbanStampede.com

A downtown favorite for decades, Urban Stampede blends small‑town charm with big‑city coffee culture. Known for its expertly crafted espresso drinks and historic, brick‑and‑beam character, it’s the kind of spot where locals settle in for conversation, creativity or a quiet moment with a great cup in hand. The menu features thoughtfully sourced beans, house‑made pastries and sandwiches, plus plenty of personality in every pour. Off-street café tables lining the sidewalk.

RHOMBUS GUYS PIZZA

EASTSIDE

THE BLUE MOOSE BAR & GRILL

507 2nd Street NW, East Grand Forks // TheBlueMoose.net

The cozy cabin meets eclectic urban atmosphere is perfect for all occasions. Just some of The Moose's signature dishes are the pan-fried walleye, chicken Meisner, PBEB (peanut butter, fried egg and bacon) burger, baby back ribs and their famous Bourbon Street pasta. They also feature a large tapas menu that includes spinach con queso, Cajun meatballs, stuffed jalapenos and Asian lettuce wraps. Large deck overlooking The Greenway and Red River.

BERNIE'S

121 DeMers Avenue, East Grand Forks // BerniesEastGrandForks.com

Bernie’s menu features a variety of classic Midwestern fare sprinkled with owner (and Food Network star) Molly Yeh’s unique heritage and culinary creativity. Diners can dig into a rotating selection of hearty hotdishes alongside an irresistible lineup of fresh‑baked pastries, cookies, bars and breads – many of which pull double duty as the foundation for some truly standout sandwiches. Patio overlooking The Greenway and Red River.

MIKE'S PIZZA & PUB

411 2nd Street NW, East Grand Forks // MikesPizzaEGF.com

Alongside an extensive weekday lunch buffet, Mike’s turns out mouthwatering ribs, chicken, shrimp, sandwiches and New York–style pizza. And don’t overlook their ice‑cream creations, ranging from classic scoops to over‑the‑top sundaes, that add a sweet finish to every dining experience. Patio overlooking The Greenway and Red River.

BLUE MOOSE BAR & GRILL

NORTHSIDE & MIDTOWN

SPEEDWAY 805 BAR & GRILL

805 North 42nd Street, Grand Forks // SpeedwayGrillandBar.com

Family owned and operated since 1988, Speedway specializes in high quality yet reasonably priced steaks, prime rib, seafood, chicken, barbecue ribs and burgers. Be sure to ask for a side of their zesty and delicious Speedway Sauce that jazzes up everything you dip it in or put it on. Fenced in patio area adjacent to the restaurant.

VARSITY ICE HOUSE

1405 DeMers Avenue, Grand Forks // VarsityIceHouse.com

Varsity Ice House brings big flavor and big fun, serving up cold drinks, mouthwatering burgers and the juiciest chicken tenders in Forks. Tons of TVs in every direction keep sports fan locked into the action, while gaming machines and pool tables add an extra layer of entertainment that turns a simple night out into a full‑on hangout spot. Patio adjacent to restaurant.

SOUTHSIDE

EAGLES CREST GRILL

5301 South Columbia Road, Grand Forks // EaglesCrestGrill.com

Located at King’s Walk Golf Course, Eagles Crest is a scenic place to dine and unwind. The expansive menu features standout dishes like the fried walleye sub, Philly steak wrap, taco lavosh, smothered chicken breast, Jack Daniels–glazed jumbo shrimp and fall‑off‑the‑bone BBQ pork loin ribs. It’s also home to the best Sunday brunch buffet in Forks, turning a leisurely weekend morning into a full‑flavored tradition. Large patio overlooking King’s Walk Golf Course.

SAKURA JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE

3250 32nd Avenue South, Grand Forks // SakuraGrandForks.com

Sakura brings the show to your table with large hibachi grills where chefs prepare fresh, sizzling meals right before your eyes. Beyond the hibachi excitement, the menu spans a wide range of traditional Japanese favorites, including shrimp tempura, steak teriyaki, chicken katsu, yaki udon, and some of the finest sushi creations in town. Enclosed patio adjacent to the restaurant.Southgate Casino Bar & Grill (2525 S Washington St, GF, 701-775-7941) – Looking to spend the day with a tasty brew or two, some crispylicious lavosh and the most tender tips in town? Southgate always delivers! This lively local hangout pairs great food with plenty of entertainment, including gaming machines and pool tables, plus spirited Bingo nights where daubers fly and big buck$ are always within reach. Patio adjacent to the restaurant.

BUFFALO WILD WINGS

2712 South Columbia Road, Grand Forks // BuffaloWildWings.com

B‑Dubs brings the flavor and the fanfare, serving up crave‑worthy burgers, sandwiches, wraps and of course their legendary chicken wings tossed in a lineup of bold, housemade sauces. With TVs covering every angle and plenty of cold beer on tap, it’s the kind of place where game day turns into an all‑out event. Patio adjacent to the restaurant.

JL BEERS

2531 South Columbia Road, Grand Forks // JLBeers.com

In addition to their fantastic fresh‑cut fries and perfectly crisp potato chips, this cozy spot stacks up a variety of delicious between‑the‑bun creations, including the famous Humpty Dumpty Burger topped with cheese, bacon, and a perfectly fried egg. JLB also offers 40 varieties of beer on tap, so you're sure to find the perfect pint. Patio adjacent to the restaurant.

TAVERN UNITED

1000 South 42nd Street, Grand Forks // CanadInns.com

Located inside Canad Inns Destination Centre and connected to the Alerus Center, this world‑class sports pub serves up a lineup of crowd‑pleasing favorites. You’ll find everything from potato nachos and beer‑battered fish to BBQ ribs, blackened sirloin strips, smash burgers and their signature TU poutine. With bold flavors and a lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to fuel up before or after an Alerus Center event. Patio adjacent to the restaurant.

SIN BIN KITCHEN BAR CASINO

4401 South Washington Street, Grand Forks // SinBinGF.com

Along with an assortment of awesome appetizers and pizzas, this neighborhood hangout serves up delicious fried shrimp, walleye and chicken baskets that always hit the spot. And if you like to kick back with a drink, SIN BIN keeps the good times rolling with daily Happy Hour specials from 3 to 6 PM. Patio adjacent to the restaurant.

EAGLES CREST GRILL

Al fresco dining in Greater Grand Forks isn’t just a seasonal perk, it’s a celebration of community, flavor and the simple joy of being outside. Whether your perfect evening means settling into a cozy patio, discovering a new local favorite or soaking up sunshine with friends, there’s a table here for every taste. As the weather warms, it’s the perfect time to step out, savor something delicious and embrace the vibrant outdoor dining scene that makes our Forks shine.

DINING AROUND FORKS