1. Harry’s Steakhouse

Yes, you read that right. A steakhouse is the first place I’d recommend for dessert experts. When I first went to Harry’s Steakhouse to celebrate my husband’s 40^th birthday, I did not expect to keep thinking about their chocolate cake! Don’t get me wrong, all of the food was incredibly delicious. But when my friends asked me about our experience, I couldn’t stop talking about the chocolate cake. Heavy and rich with a cheesecake-like texture, bittersweet chocolate with the perfect touch of sweetness, and drizzled with caramel sauce, this cake was like a mocha latte in dessert form. I told my mocha-loving friend she absolutely must go to Harry’s just to eat that chocolate cake. Harry’s dessert menu changes all the time, so I hope you’re lucky enough to stop in when this is being served!

2. The Other Half Coffee and Taphouse

Since the Other Half Coffee and Taphouse opened their doors, I’ve been obsessed with their seasonal coffee flights and never really cared about the rest of their menu. But then I learned about their bowl of cookies and knew instantly this would become a classic Grand Forks dessert. The Other Half is known for local partnerships and this cookie bowl is no exception. Two slightly warmed Real Good Cookies are topped with velvety scoops from You Betcha Ice Cream. It’s like supporting three locally-owned businesses with one purchase! Come prepared with a friend (or your kids) to share this dessert bowl because you may have a hard time finishing two giant cookies and three scoops of ice cream by yourself (but hey, everyone needs a challenge).

A side note on You Betcha Ice Cream – this creamy deliciousness used to only be available during popup events, but now you can score it from a few different businesses (like See Dick Run or the Farmer’s Market) in town whenever you have a craving.

3. Widman’s Candy Shop

I couldn’t talk about Grand Forks sweet shops without talking about Widman’s. Home of the world-famous Chippers (chocolate-covered potato chips), this downtown Grand Forks store has been in business for four generations. Widman’s offers so many choices, but my personal favorite is the half-dipped peanut butter Chipper. I’m not usually crazy about peanut butter, but this sweet-and-salty concoction changed how I feel. If you’re not a fan of Chippers, an entire old-fashioned candy store case of chocolate and sugary confections awaits your sampling pleasure – malted milk balls, chocolate-covered caramels, fruit wedges, and more! If you need something special to send to your sweet tooth friend, they also offer assorted chocolate gift boxes and dessert trays. In the fall, pick up some of their famous caramel apples. You won’t regret it!

4. Tea and Crepe

Before we had Tea and Crepe in downtown Grand Forks, I hosted crepe and pajama girls’ night at my place. My friend, Kaia, gave me this idea since she spent time in France for school and work. If you’re unfamiliar with crepes, they are simply thin pancakes, usually served with a filling. At Tea and Crepe, they offer a bevy of delicious and global flavors like red bean and matcha that will make you think about Japan. For chocolate fiends, try the aptly-named chocolate lover crepe. In the mood for something fruity and tropical? Take a bite of the mango tango. My favorite flavor is matcha red bean, which makes my Asian taste buds so happy. This crepe gets filled with matcha gelato, matcha custard cream, red bean, and a few other toppings that make it a perfectly balanced dessert.

Not into crepes? Don’t worry! They also offered hand-crafted Thai ice cream rolls and make them fresh on the counter in front of you (which is really fun for kids to watch). My favorite flavor is Purple Haze which is taro flavored, and you can choose your own toppings. They also serve up bubble tea, which is perfect if you want something not too sweet. Whenever my mom visits from Malaysia, she always asks me to bring her to Tea and Crepe. She loves the matcha red bean crepe, too. (Like mother, like daughter, I guess!)

5. Nichole’s Fine Pastry & Cafe, Fargo

Okay, okay. I know this is not in Grand Forks, but it’s the perfect day trip if you’re looking for a little adventure. Believe me, it’s worth the drive! This quaint pastry shop was featured on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” last year. With 19 years of success, there’s no question their desserts are good enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. It’s hard for me to choose my favorite menu item, but during the summer months, their fruit tart is my go-to. Their almond croissant is the best and I can’t forget to gush about their decadent mousse cake. Believe me, my friends know a trip to Fargo with Fifi always requires a stop at Nichole’s Fine Pastry!