7 Rural Restaurants Around North Dakota That Are So Worth The Drive

North Dakota is a state that is mostly rural. While we do have our larger cities, most of the map is dotted with small towns among thousands of acres of farmland. You don’t have to go to one of those larger cities to get a good bite to eat, in fact, there are tons of hidden gems all over the ND small towns. There are even some that are as rural as they can get, and yet their food is fantastic. Here are five great examples of some awesome country restaurants in North Dakota. These places are so worth the drive.

Rusty's Saloon & Grill, 2331 Co Rd 136, St Anthony, ND 58566, USA

Rusty's Saloon & Grill/Facebook

Looking for one of the best places to eat in North Dakota? Rusty's Saloon and Grill definitely belongs on your bucket list. It's located in the teeny town of Saint Anthony, a place with just one road. Only about 30 people live here, and the whole town only has a few businesses, some farmhouses, and a church. But don't be fooled by its small town charm. Tons of people flock to Saint Anthony just to eat at Rusty's.

Rusty's Saloon & Grill/Facebook

This rustic spot serves delicious steaks and juicy burgers. This isn't your usual small-town bar and grill -- it's what you'd expect from a big city steakhouse, and yet it's out in the middle of nowhere. Rusty's Saloon & Grill is located at 2331 Country Road 136, Saint Anthony, ND 58566.

Advertisement

Four Corners Cafe & Catering, 2000 Hwy 85 SW, Fairfield, ND 58627, USA

halyna49/Tripadvisor

This quaint little cafe is located in the itty bitty town of Fairfield, not far outside of the Little Missouri National Grassland and on the edge of the badlands. Even though this spot is surrounded by fields and seems like just a truck stop, the Four Corners Cafe keeps customers coming back for their scrumptious North Dakota food.

Advertisement

Four Corners Cafe/Facebook

They are especially known for their homemade perogies, caramel rolls, and knoephla -- all North Dakota favorites! Make sure to order a pie to take home. These homemade desserts are so good, you'll want to eat it all week long. The Four Corners Cafe is located at 2000 Highway 85 SW, Fairfield, ND 58627.

The Lunchbox Eatery/Facebook

Eric Thorsell/Google

Editor's note: The Lunchbox Eatery is permanently closed. For more great places to eat, read our article about the best restaurants in North Dakota.

Fort Ransom may only have a population of 77, but that doesn't mean they can't have a restaurant that rivals those in big cities. The Lunchbox Eatery is all about homestyle from scratch foods. They use only the freshest of ingredients and have a constantly rotating menu of options that you'll love. Sandwiches, pasta, steaks, and even elk burgers are just a few of the many options you'll find, and all of them are positively scrumptious. The Lunchbox Eatery is located at 101 E Main St., Fort Ransom, ND 58033.

Pastime Club & Steakhouse, 118 Main St, Marmarth, ND 58643, USA

Andrew Filer/Flickr

Located on the main street of what once was a bustling western town is a restaurant that'll make you feel like you've stepped into a fine dining atmosphere from a big city. You'd never expect to find something like escargot available at a restaurant this far of a drive out of the way, and yet the Pastime Club has it!

Related Stories

Ely's Ivy Is A Celebration Of Local, Farm-To-Table Dining In Downtown Grand Forks, North Dakota

Don't Pass By This Unassuming Neighborhood Market Housed In A North Dakota Gas Station Without Stopping

Take A Drive To The Country To Dine At This Exceptional Rural Restaurant In North Dakota

karlb912/Tripadvisor

We particularly love their flavorful pasta dishes! Each bite bursts with flavor. If you're a seafood lover, order their fish platter. Their special lemon pepper halibut is to-die-for. And of course, the Pastime Club also serves exceptional steaks. No matter what you order, you can't go wrong! The Pastime Club & Steakhouse is located at 118 Main Street, Marmarth, ND 58643.

Advertisement

Coffee Cottage Cafe, 106 2nd St SE, Rugby, ND 58368, USA

ShanOC/Tripadvisor

Stop by this adorable little cafe in Rugby, ND for a delicious treat. Coffee Cottage Cafe does sell coffee, but that's just the beginning.

ShanOC/Tripadvisor

You definitely don't want to leave here without trying one of their fresh baked goods, especially their pie. There are also soups and sandwiches available and lots of things to buy and take home. It's a place full of country charm that anyone would enjoy. The Coffee Cottage Cafe is located at 106 US-2, Rugby, ND 58368.

Harbor Bar, Coleharbor, ND 58531, USA

Imelda K/Tripadvisor

Stop by The Harbor Bar for great eats and friendly company. This no-frills eatery serves delicious dishes that are worth going out of your way for.

Elizabeth G/Tripadvisor

This down-home eatery serves a variety of comfort food dishes, including burgers and prime rib. But the real star of the show is the thick, juicy steaks. You definitely won't leave feeling hungry! The Harbor Bar is located along Hwy 83 at 207 Frontage Road SE, Coleharbor, ND 58531.

Ranch Steakhouse, 1119 ND-20, Devils Lake, ND 58301, USA

Ranch Steakhouse/Google

What was once an old barn is now a delicious destination restaurant. Whether you're visiting for a special occasion or 'just because,' The Ranch Steakhouse will delight your taste buds.

Advertisement

The Ranch Steakhouse/Facebook

Their impressive menu is full of mouthwatering meals, from fresh salmon to juicy burgers. We're big fans of their BBQ ribs -- you'll never want to stop eating them! The Ranch Steakhouse is located at 1119 Highway 20 S, Devils Lake, ND 58301.

Have you eaten at any of these awesome places? What are your favorite rural restaurants in North Dakota? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you know another little-known gem, nominate them for a chance to be featured.

Looking for more delicious fun? One of the state’s most unusual and unique restaurants is out in the middle of nowhere in a town of fewer than 25 residents — and people love it.