1. The Other Half Coffee and Taphouse (Grand Forks)

Wait…coffee AND beer? You read that correctly, friend! This unique taphouse was the brainchild of two established local entrepreneurs: Sandi Luck of Bully Brew Coffee, and Kathryn Gunderson of Half Brothers Brewing. Anyone who thinks that coffee and beer don’t pair well together hasn’t tried their Bully Brew Coffee Brown Ale. In addition to featuring local brews, coffee, and food, they also offer fun sampler options like an affogato flight featuring local You Betcha Ice Cream. You’re gonna be reading the word local a lot in this article.

2. The Spud Jr. (East Grand Forks)

As the name “Spud” suggests, this place does potatoes in a big, beautiful way. If you like your starches and beer golden-brown, this place is heaven on earth. The open secret at this bar involves sliding a door on a bookcase that hides the Prohibition Comedy and Event Room, where you can indulge in some late-night laughs over a locally made pint or two. If you aren’t a beer person and you’re still reading this, first thank you so much and second, The Spud has a wonderful Sunday brunch with bottomless mimosas.

3. Up North Pizza Pub (East Grand Forks)

I know this article is about beer but humor me for a second. What goes better with an ice-cold beer than hand-tossed, straight-from-the-oven pizza? With over 40 beers (and wine on tap too!) to choose from, you’re going to find the perfect pairing with one of their unique and delicious pizza offerings. How unique? Try their “Drunken Rooster”, which is made with pheasant sausage, whiskey glazed apples, pistachios, and béchamel sauce. I’m allergic to pistachios and I get it anyway, if that tells you anything about how good it is and/or how dumb I am.

4. The Shire Bar and Grill (East Grand Forks)

They serve beer at the River Cinema Movie Theatre, you guys. How neat is that? But if you’re not in the mood for catching a movie, you can still be transported into your favorite stories by visiting The Shire! Yes, that’s a Lord of The Rings reference, and it’s apparent as soon as you walk in where a statue of Gollum is perched over the entrance. Once inside, you’re greeted with serious nostalgia. Movie props and décor as far as the eye can see. They make you an offer you can’t refuse with great local beers on tap and a menu full of wonderful movie puns. You’ll leave saying, “I’ll be back!”

5. Rhombus Guys Brewery (Grand Forks)

Still reading? Even after that terrible Terminator reference I just made? You’re a real champion and I appreciate you. Let me tell you about Rhombus Guys Brewery – Grand Forks’ first local brewery! Located in what used to be the Metropolitan Opera House, the building was constructed in 1890 and still retains its original charm. They have a wide array of brews to choose from, but a couple of my favorites are the Greenway Double IPA, named after the beautiful 2200 acres of nature a short walk away, and Chemical X, which was brewed by Rhombus Guys’ female staff for International Women’s Day. It’s said to resemble a Danish pastry, so try it and let me know what you think

6. Ely’s Ivy (Grand Forks)

Named after the beautiful flowing ivy that hugs its exterior walls and the elephants that decorate its bar, Ely’s Ivy specializes in weekly rotating menus made from scratch with local ingredients. They work with local producers like Szymanski Farms (MN), South 40 Beef (ND), and The Pasture North Dakota to curate farm to table experiences as unique as they are. What’s that you say? This is a beer article? Of course, all of their taps are dedicated to local microbrews, so all of your libations are just as handcrafted as the food. They feature beers from all around the region, which makes them a perfect place to try a beer flight or two.

7. Brick and Barley (Grand Forks)

There are 48 beers on tap at Brick and Barley! 48! Cracking into the beer menu makes you feel like you’ve begun reading War and Peace; but don’t be intimidated! Fortune favors the bold, so dig deep and try something new and exciting! Their helpful staff is more than happy to help you find something you’ll like. In addition to their great food and beer selection, they also host trivia every Wednesday evening and karaoke Thursday evenings, each beginning at 7pm.

8. Half Brothers Brewing (Grand Forks)

When the half-sibling owners started Half Brothers, they set out to craft not only unique and delicious beer, but a place that fosters the arts and community. After a very successful Kickstarter campaign, Half Brothers is now accomplishing what they set out to do. They have live music every weekend in their recently completed basement venue, and their walls are covered in art made by local artists. They serve pizza by the enormous slice, as well as many other interesting options for the foodie in your life. Need a beer recommendation? Try one of their many sour beers! Their delicious Morning Dreams fruited Berliner Weisse has converted even the most adamant sour beer haters.