Diving In: 7 Cool Dive Bars in Greater Grand Forks

Our awesome downtown makes Grand Forks the city I know and love. There are so many great daytime restaurants that quietly transition to serve as great hangout bars once the sun goes down. However, there is a quieter, more local side to Grand Forks that requires a trip off the beaten path to find. I’m talking dive bars. Between the bar itself and the patrons that frequent them, these bars have a ton of character. Here are a few of my favorite dives:

This is my favorite spot in Grand Forks. Inside this dimly lit, island-themed bar, you’ll find a menagerie of interesting things.  Ceiling tiles serve as time capsules, bearing the signatures and artwork of previous Cay-goers. The walls hold random tropical décor – the perfect change of pace from our landlocked reality. The bar holds endless cold beer to fuel a happy night of friends and food. The kitchen, most importantly, contains the best wings in the world. I’m serious – I’ve eaten many wings in my day, and these are the best I have ever had. Trust me, full order of shark wings (don’t worry, they aren’t made of shark but the sauce is an award-winning combination of buffalo and barbecue). You won’t regret it!

No, we aren’t talking about the popular restaurant eatery with a face made of pancakes and Sunnyside up eggs. Denny’s is a very modest bar located right off South Washington Street. This place is full of warm faces and a boasts a great environment to share a few drinks with friends and strangers. The bartenders are very friendly and extremely generous with their pours. There is a table if you’re looking to shoot pool and a jukebox if you’re looking to play some tunes. My only complaint is that those four walls can’t tell stories!

Judy’s may just be the most charming bar in Grand Forks. The building itself is small and quaint, giving it a very homey feeling. The walls and tabletops are absolutely littered with pictures through the decades, showing proof of the bar’s fortitude in the Grand Forks community. Find any local bellying up to the bar, and they can probably show you a picture of themselves laminated in one of the booths! Judy’s has a strong connection to UND Hockey, which they stay true to by running a bus to every home game. On top of all that, you just can’t beat the prices that they have behind the counter. This is a must-stop hole in the wall bar!

You’ve probably driven by The Diamond a hundred times, but may have never stopped in. That should change this weekend! This bar is a great place if you’re looking to have a conversation with someone. It’s well-lit and the bartenders know their stuff. The blackjack table and slot machines are always rolling and if you’re looking to shoot some pool, there is usually pretty good competition looking to take you on!

The Bun is a dive on the north side of town. Whenever I think of a hometown bar, this is the dive that comes to mind. North Dakota Nice is alive and well at The Bun. If you’re looking to meet a stranger over a drink, this is the bar for you. Bartenders remember your name and there are always bright smiles around the room. The drinks are great and if you’re feeling lucky, you can always try your hand at the blackjack table!

While Sledster’s is tucked in downtown, it is definitely still a dive bar. The front of Sledster’s faces the street, but most people cruise through the back alleyway behind the bar to get in. This is a special place to stop in for a few shots – which Sledster’s is known for! If you can’t decide, just spin the wheel behind the wall to help you choose. The locals are great, and they host raves in the basement on the weekends for those who feel like dancing!

McMenamy’s is much like the other dives in Grand Forks – people will be eager to strike up a conversation with you and the bartenders will remember your name. There is not much to the interior of this bar, but don’t let the looks fool you; a good time is waiting for you in this dive. My personal favorite thing about McMenamy’s is the bingo. There are games several times during the week, and it’s a great place to stamp a card while you sip a drink. Highly recommend!

If you find yourself making small talk while you’re out and about, ask someone what brought them to North Dakota. I think you’ll be shocked at just how many people tell you “I was stationed here at one point during my career and I knew this is where I wanted to retire”.