acarmines54

Jun 15, 20203 min read

A Trip to North Dakota's Capital City

A short drive from Minot to Bismarck makes it a great day trip or weekend getaway. I’ve been to Bismarck about half a dozen times, so I’m going to tell you about all of the great things you can eat, drink, and do in North Dakota’s capital city.

Let’s Eat!

Bearscat Bakehouse

Bearscat is “a cowboy term for donuts” and the first time we ever had their donuts was in Bismarck. They have added a location in Minot as well. You'll find all sorts of specialty flavors, it's hard to pick just one!

Kobe’s

If you like sushi this is a great restaurant to hit while in Bismarck.

Stonehome Brewing

This is my absolute favorite place to eat in Bismarck. I highly recommend that you try the jalapeno popper pizza, with jalapenos, cream cheese, raspberry sauce, bacon, and honey drizzle, this is the best pizza I have ever had! They also have really great beers.

The Toasted Frog

In downtown Bismarck you have to try the fried pickles at The Toasted Frog! While you’re there you can’t miss out on their specialty martinis. I tried the Nutty Raspberry and the Hawaiian, and both were delicious.

FOMO 10/40 Creamery

A local ice cream and gelato shop on wheels! When visiting Bismarck check out their Facebook page to see where they are parked. We had ice cream at the park mid brewery tour this past summer.

Grab a Drink, or Two!

Laughing Sun Brewing

You can typically find their beer in a can or on draft in Minot, but visiting the brewery is half the fun. I love their sours, of course, but Laughing Sun turned me onto hazy IPAs with their Cloud Commander. My favorites are Red Dwarf, Space Probe Blue, and Cosmic Monk Belgian Style IPA.

Bismarck Brewing

At the Aleworks restaurant, go inside and upstairs to Bismarck Brewing. They have some really cool flavors of beer!

Dialectic Brewing

Dialectic is located in Mandan, which is only a short drive down the highway, and it’s my favorite brewery to go to when we head to Bismarck. I love to grab a pint and throw some darts. They also have really cool branded merchandise!

Buffalo Commons Brewing

This brewery is set up in a very unique location, when you pull up it doesn’t feel like there will be a brewery anywhere. It’s basically set up in a garage with some folding tables and chairs. It's a fun place to hang out and play games while drinking delicious, yet inexpensive, beer. They have a chalkboard that you can sign if you are lucky enough to find some space.

Luft

Luft is a rooftop beer garden in the heart of downtown Bismarck.

510.2 Speakeasy

So you kinda have to know where you’re going, or at least what you’re looking for to find this place. 510.2 is on the second floor of Humpback Sally’s right below Luft. You have to find the entrance, so I don’t ruin all the fun for you, all I’ll say is that you need to find a bookshelf. I had the "Getting Bruleed Tonight" and the "Down the Rabbit Hole," and would definitely recommend them both!

Things to Do

North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum

I went to the Heritage Center the first time I was ever in Bismarck. Admission is free! There are some very cool displays, and it was nice to learn some ND history since we had just recently moved here.