There are restaurant chains all over the country, some that expand throughout the entire 50 states and then some. We all know about them — but what some people don’t know, and are totally missing out on, are some of the great regional chains that come from North Dakota. These smaller chains are sometimes exclusively in the state and us North Dakotans know how great they are. Here are 6 ND-based chains that the rest of the country absolutely needs:
- Sickies Garage
Sickies Garage/Tripadvisor
Craig C/Tripadvisor Sickies Garage is a car-themed restaurant that began in Bismarck, North Dakota a few years back and has expanded to Fargo, East Grand Forks in Minnesota, and two major cities in South Dakota. They’re all about beer and burgers and their claim to fame is having 50 different types of burgers to go with 50 different brews. These burgers range from classic bacon cheeseburgers to burgers that use entire grilled cheese sandwiches for buns or even donuts. You won’t find such a variety in burgers anywhere else!
- Sandy’s Donuts
Bryan L/Tripadvisor
Osmiller1/Tripadvisor Who doesn’t love a nice, fresh-baked donut in the morning? Sandy’s Donuts is the best of the best and only North Dakotans get the privilege of having them in their state. Sandy’s Donuts began in West Fargo and now has a downtown Fargo location as well as delivery all the way to Grand Forks. Their donuts are truly legendary and you’ll want to get there early, otherwise, you’ll likely find empty cases.
- Kroll’s
CallPat/Tripadvisor
PAboyinFL/Tripadvisor How could we not mention Kroll’s? This timeless North Dakota chain of diners is known by those who live in the state for their “sit down and eat” commercials and their tasty German food. They have four locations throughout North Dakota: Fargo, Minot, Bismarck, and Mandan. Their knoephla soup is as good as when grandma makes it and they have all the usual diner fare, as well. It’s a classic North Dakota eatery.
- Rhombus Guys
ShanOC/Tripadvisor
ShanOC/Tripadvisor Ditch the national pizza chains and head for this special local pizzeria. Rhombus Guys has two locations in North Dakota, one in Grand Forks and one in Fargo, and a location in Minnesota, in Mentor. Their two North Dakota locations have awesome rooftop seating in the heart of the cities’ downtown. Their pizza is absolutely scrumptious and can come with many different toppings. The entire restaurant isn’t just a place to eat — it’s an experience.
- The Red Pepper
ShanOC/Tripadvisor
The Red Pepper/Tripadvisor This quirky, unusual restaurant is all about its character. The Red Pepper’s first location in Grand Forks doesn’t look like much, but it’s become a staple to the city and beyond. They don’t have any forks available — and never will — and are known for their massive, drool-worthy grinders. These sandwiches are loaded with taco meat, shredded cheese, sliced meats and cheeses, and whatever else you may want. They also have tacos and other options on their menu. Other than their first location, they have two other Grand Forks locations and a Fargo location. Can’t get to those locations? No worries — they can send you a grinder kit in the mail.
- Space Aliens
Lyn R/Tripadvisor
kawidd/Tripadvisor Travel to outer space and experience out-of-this-world good ribs and fries at Space Aliens. This combination restaurant and arcade chain began in Bismarck, North Dakota and has a location in Fargo and one in Minnesota. Their BBQ ribs are award-winning and you’ll definitely want to try some of their amazing Outer Space Fries. The kids can have fun in the arcade making this the perfect family restaurant.
What other North Dakota restaurant chains do you wish were elsewhere in the country? Are there any chains from other places you would like to have here in this state?
Sickies Garage/Tripadvisor
Craig C/Tripadvisor
Sickies Garage is a car-themed restaurant that began in Bismarck, North Dakota a few years back and has expanded to Fargo, East Grand Forks in Minnesota, and two major cities in South Dakota. They’re all about beer and burgers and their claim to fame is having 50 different types of burgers to go with 50 different brews. These burgers range from classic bacon cheeseburgers to burgers that use entire grilled cheese sandwiches for buns or even donuts. You won’t find such a variety in burgers anywhere else!
Bryan L/Tripadvisor
Osmiller1/Tripadvisor
Who doesn’t love a nice, fresh-baked donut in the morning? Sandy’s Donuts is the best of the best and only North Dakotans get the privilege of having them in their state. Sandy’s Donuts began in West Fargo and now has a downtown Fargo location as well as delivery all the way to Grand Forks. Their donuts are truly legendary and you’ll want to get there early, otherwise, you’ll likely find empty cases.
CallPat/Tripadvisor
PAboyinFL/Tripadvisor
How could we not mention Kroll’s? This timeless North Dakota chain of diners is known by those who live in the state for their “sit down and eat” commercials and their tasty German food. They have four locations throughout North Dakota: Fargo, Minot, Bismarck, and Mandan. Their knoephla soup is as good as when grandma makes it and they have all the usual diner fare, as well. It’s a classic North Dakota eatery.
ShanOC/Tripadvisor
Ditch the national pizza chains and head for this special local pizzeria. Rhombus Guys has two locations in North Dakota, one in Grand Forks and one in Fargo, and a location in Minnesota, in Mentor. Their two North Dakota locations have awesome rooftop seating in the heart of the cities’ downtown. Their pizza is absolutely scrumptious and can come with many different toppings. The entire restaurant isn’t just a place to eat — it’s an experience.
The Red Pepper/Tripadvisor
This quirky, unusual restaurant is all about its character. The Red Pepper’s first location in Grand Forks doesn’t look like much, but it’s become a staple to the city and beyond. They don’t have any forks available — and never will — and are known for their massive, drool-worthy grinders. These sandwiches are loaded with taco meat, shredded cheese, sliced meats and cheeses, and whatever else you may want. They also have tacos and other options on their menu. Other than their first location, they have two other Grand Forks locations and a Fargo location. Can’t get to those locations? No worries — they can send you a grinder kit in the mail.
Lyn R/Tripadvisor
kawidd/Tripadvisor
Travel to outer space and experience out-of-this-world good ribs and fries at Space Aliens. This combination restaurant and arcade chain began in Bismarck, North Dakota and has a location in Fargo and one in Minnesota. Their BBQ ribs are award-winning and you’ll definitely want to try some of their amazing Outer Space Fries. The kids can have fun in the arcade making this the perfect family restaurant.
Those who move away from North Dakota probably miss some of these chains. Here are other things North Dakotans always miss when they go away.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
