North Dakota is the least-visited state in the country, with agriculture as its primary industry. If you like food, over 90% of the state’s land, 39 million acres, is dedicated to family farms and ranches, making North Dakota an excellent destination for agritourism. North Dakota is the main producer of honey, dry edible beans and peas, spring and durum wheat, canola, and flaxseed in the United States. With such an excellent agricultural past, you can be sure to discover some very unique eateries in Medora, North Dakota.
Medora was created in 1883 by the Marquis de More, a French aristocrat who named the town after his wife. With all of the ranches and farms in the vicinity, he traveled to Dakota Territory to establish a meatpacking facility. He created meat refrigeration, which altered the way meat was delivered. Prior to his invention, live cattle were crammed onto train wagons and sent to Chicago for processing. After his idea, they processed meat in Medora at his meatpacking business and then delivered it to Chicago by train using slabs of ice in boxcars, resulting in an early design in chilled boxcars.
Medora, population 126, is now a wild west cowboy town and North Dakota’s most popular tourist attraction. The ideal time to visit is from Memorial Day through Labor Day to get the whole experience. At Medora, like in other tourist towns, you’ll discover some of the finest dining experiences.
The Medora adventure includes the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which sits on the border of the Badlands and offers a comprehensive outdoor experience via wildlife photography, hiking, and camping. Bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs live in the park.
History buffs will appreciate learning about Theodore Roosevelt’s life before he became the 26th President of the United States. People who adore the performing arts will enjoy the Medora Musical, which is fresh each season and honors Teddy Roosevelt.
Nonetheless, after the outdoor experience and the culture, you will need to eat, and Medora has various eateries. Therefore, while you’re there, here are seven must-try eateries in Medora, North Dakota.
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Medora, North Dakota’s Finest Restaurants
Best View Restaurant in Medora
Steak Fondue with a Pitchfork
3422 Chateau Rd.
It’s simple to understand why this dish was named a Food Network Best Of. Tjaden Terrace, located on a hill high above town, offers a panoramic view of the Badlands. Views of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the Little Missouri River, and old Medora may be seen for miles.
Chefs wore red bandanas and cowboy hats skewered steaks on a pitchfork five-high during the Pitchfork Steak Fondue. Then they fondued them in large vats of hot oil as we watched.
We selected our buffet-style supper from a variety of fresh sides. Coleslaw, baked beans, baked potatoes with all the fixings, fresh veggies and fruit, and garlic bread were among the options. For dessert, we couldn’t pass up the cinnamon-sugar doughnuts and brownies. Lastly, we choose the temperature of our fondued steak before eating at community picnic tables in the open air.
As we talked with new acquaintances, the Coal Diggers performed live music. Our table sung along to western tunes, recalling songs from our youth and creating new memories from this evening. We also observed a Teddy Roosevelt impersonator going around and chatting with the throng.
While supper can feed up to 400 people, the line went swiftly, and dinner was over in little over an hour, just in time for the Medora Musical.
Vegetarians may simply prepare a meal from the buffet alone. Buy the Pitchfork Steak Fondue Meal with Only the Fixins. But, the beans do contain bacon.
Every evening at 5:30 p.m., they offer one sitting before the Medora Musical or Special Concert Event. Pitchfork Steak, with or without the theatre, is one of the greatest Medora dining experiences.
The Tjaden Terrace entrance is just a few steps away from the Flaming Hills Amphitheater entrance. You just need to park once for supper to be ready for the Medora Musical.
Medora’s Finest Fine-Dining Choice
The Dining Room at Theodores
Medora, +1-701-623-4444301 Third Ave
Theodores, located within the Rough Rider Hotel, offers classic western cuisine with a contemporary twist. We ate a delicious supper while sitting in front of the lovely stone fireplace.
The bison Osso Bucco was delicious to the bone and came with braised au jus and a creamy horseradish sauce. The chef provided fresh veggies to accompany the dinner, which also included blue cheese mashed potatoes and caramelized onions.
Following dinner, we walked the old hotel and perused the lobby library, which has one of the most extensive collections of literature by and on Teddy Roosevelt.
Breakfast was also memorable. The lemon ricotta pancakes, topped with bourbon maple syrup and a mixed fruit compote, were airy and light as air. A little sprinkling of powdered sugar was put on top. I got one with sausage patties, but their bacon is also delicious.
Visit Theodores in Medora for a one-of-a-kind great dining experience.
Pro Tip: Theodores does not serve lunch. Make plans for a filling breakfast or a delectable supper.
Medora’s Finest Wine Bar
Uncorked by Medora
Pacific Avenue, +1-833-623-2675370 Pacific Avenue
Medora Uncorked is ideal for a glass of wine and some small plates or a light lunch.
We drank Aronia Berry wine from Wolf Creek Vineyards in Cole Harbor, North Dakota, with a BBQ Blueberry Meatball flatbread starter. Blueberries pair well with berry-based wines. Blueberry preserves were blended with a somewhat sweet barbecue sauce in this flatbread.
To make a topping, the meatballs were chopped and combined with the sauce. They added mozzarella cheese and a little dice of jalapenos for a touch of spiciness.
The walls were coated with accordion-pleated metal, and the ceiling was draped beautifully in fabric. The proprietors were particularly proud of their self-poured concrete bar top. Red lights added a gentle glow to the sleek industrial decor.
Apart from the bar and table service, one section has sofas. The soothing music and cozy chairs made it seem like you were drinking wine with friends in your living room. Check out their events page to see when live music will be playing to match your wine.
Wine, music, and delicious cuisine make this one of the top restaurants in Medora.
Have you discovered a wine that you adore? You may also restock your wine cellar here.
The best hamburger in Medora
The Maltese Burger
Third Street +1-701-623-4444440
With these burgers, we required a lot of napkins. The Maltese Burger was a walk-up window that served a range of tasty burgers, ranging from beef to chicken. The menu focuses on burgers and fries, however they do offer a few additional sides.
Order the fries, but instead of ketchup, request a side of aioli for dipping. The aioli gave the fries a rich garlic flavor.
We ate outside at tables with umbrellas to protect us from the sun. If the weather isn’t cooperating, get your burgers to go. It’s a nice place to stop for a quick lunch in the sun before seeing the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Maltese Burger may not be elegant, but it is one of the greatest eateries in Medora.
Pro Tip: Whether you are visiting the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame before or after lunch, Maltese Burger is the ideal lunch stop.
Medora’s Finest Breakfast Restaurants
Cafè Farmhouse
701-623-3105314 Pacific Avenue
Look for the signage indicating The Farmhouse Caf in Gallery 1 of the Teddys Village building. The caf is a light, open space with shiplap walls and polished concrete flooring. Wacky signage, such as three-foot-high letters spelling out EAT, add to the enjoyment. Water glasses made from mason jars with handles were the perfect dinnerware for this rustic but contemporary setting.
We discovered both classic and inventive contemporary brunches. A typical substantial farmhouse meal included two eggs any manner, hash potatoes, your choice of breakfast meat, plus toast, pancakes, or French toast.
The Badlands nachos were a unique take on classic morning fare. They began with sweet potato waffle fries and topped them with scrambled eggs, onions, sausage, and cheese. To end the nachos, the chef drizzles maple syrup, which was a fantastic complement to the sweet potatoes.
The Farmhouse Café, one of the best places to dine in Medora, serves the most important meal of the day.
Pro Tip: You won’t have space for the maple-glazed bacon doughnut after breakfast, so order one anyway and save it for later. You will not be sorry.
Medora’s Finest Rooftop Deck Eating
Little Missouri Saloon & Restaurant
Third Street, +1-701-623-4404440
Medora, founded in 1883, became a supply hub for area farmers and cattle ranchers. The history of this restaurant is what makes it distinctive. Little Missouri Saloon & Dining, which opened in 1883, is also one of Medora’s oldest enterprises.
Customers pin dollar dollars in and around cowboy hats to adorn the beams. As the walls get clogged, Little Missouri Saloon & Dine sends the dollar bills to local charity.
Apart from the history, another distinguishing element of Little Missouri Saloon & Dining is the rooftop deck eating. It’s the ideal spot for dinner, a drink with friends, and people-watching on the street.
Bison or elk burgers would be a gratifying alternative for individuals who appreciate wild game. Moreover, basic burgers, spaghetti, pizzas, and steaks are served in big servings. This greatest of Medora restaurant will not leave you hungry.
Pro Hints:
- If the weather cooperates, sit on the roof-deck patio for a view of the town while you dine.
- There’s even a place to tie up your horse if you decide to stop by while out on a ride.
Medora’s Finest Pizza
Pizza Parlor & Saloon Badlands
Third Street, +1-701-623-4444285
Whether you need a break from cooking over a campfire while camping in Theodore Roosevelt National Park or a change from gourmet dining at the Rough Riders Hotel just across the street, Badlands Pizza Parlor & Saloon is the ideal family-friendly spot.
The restaurant has plenty of open space with both tables and booths. The light fixtures are designed like vintage lanterns, with shades that add to the low illumination. With the addition of the wood paneling, the dining room has the look of a wild west saloon. Large photographs of Frontier Days from 1916 flank the dining room’s partition.
The pizzas include titles like Janie Got a Gun and Cowboy Combo. The dough on the bottom of the pizza is crunchy, and the ample quantity of toppings and gooey cheese make it a delicious lunch or supper option.
Try the cauliflower crust pizza if you need a gluten-free pizza. With bell peppers, tomatoes, green olives, caramelized onions, pepperoncini, sweet chiles, mozzarella cheese, and a splash of balsamic, the Janie Got a Gun is an excellent alternative for vegetarians. Vegetarians could like it on a cauliflower crust as well.
With your pizza, pair it with an ice-cold beer, either bottled or draft, foreign or domestic. If you prefer wine, Badlands Pizza provides that as well.
They provide appetizers, salad, sandwiches, fried chicken, and a handful of pasta dishes in addition to pizza. Badlands is a must-try restaurant in Medora for its unique combination of the old west and Italy.
Pro Tip: Badlands Pizza Parlor & Saloon is only open seasonally, so if you’re in Medora in the spring or autumn, call ahead to see if they’re open.