1. Darcy’s Café

“Better than your grandma’s, as good as your mom’s.” While no one can beat my Grandma Roxy’s cooking, Darcy’s Café is that homestyle feel you’re looking for in the long cold months, after traveling, or being at college away from mom’s cooking. The cinnamon rolls are to die for, and they have the cutest seated bar to grab a quick bite at. You’ll want to beat the crowd though, this place is jam packed on the weekends, and for good reason. Typically, they fill up on Saturdays and Sundays during their breakfast time, so if you can sneak in before the rush or on a sporadic weekday morning, take your chance. If you’re a coffee fanatic, I’d look into buying their mug that gets you $1 refills too!

2. The Spud Jr.

Located in East Grand Forks, just over the Demers bridge, the Spud Jr. is a revival you won’t want to miss. If you’re 21+ you’ll want to make sure you stop by for their Tower Bloody during brunch on Saturdays or Sundays! They stack pickles, olives, cheese curds, a beef stick, bacon, boneless wings, grilled cheese, and plenty more into this delicious, and quite-filling drink! If Bloody Marys or Caesars aren’t your thing, they also have chicken and waffles, eggs benedicts, and bottomless mimosas! If you’re a football fan this is also a great spot to snag a seat and watch the game. The East wall is almost entirely dedicated to the games on Sundays, but keep in mind, since this restaurant is in East Grand Forks, you’re going to be surrounded by a dedicated Vikings crowd!

3. Scooter’s Coffee

“Scoot in and scoot out” is the customer friendly motto behind Scooter’s Coffee. I hadn’t been here before but got the recommendation from a friend to try this place out and I think it may be my new go-to before work. Grabbing something both quick and yummy can be hard to come by, but Scooters pulls it off—and with the sweetest workers too! I would highly recommend the Iced Peppermint Mocha or the Spicy Sausage Burrito, but they also have cake bites and muffins if you’re looking for something on the sweeter side. Scooter’s is perfect for those early birds on the go. I recommended Scooters to some clients of mine, and they grabbed coffee before they headed out of town early in the morning and loved it!

4. The Happy Camper Coffee

The Happy Camper is a mobile coffee camper that travels around the Greater Grand Forks area and serves coffee, baked goods, and acai bowls. You’ll want to stay updated about their spots o the week, because they pop up throughout different locations to reach different crowds. You can stay up to date with their locations on Facebook or Instagram. During the warmer summer months they’re at the Town Square Farmers Market on Saturdays. There’s usually a line, so get there early or enjoy the other vendors while they make your order.

5. Bernie’s

Also just over the bridge in East Grand Forks, this relatively new establishment offers a twist on traditional Scandinavian cuisine. If you’re from the Midwest and looking for something that tastes like home, you’ll want to stop here. Or, if you’re not from the Midwest but want to see what tater tot hotdish is all about, add Bernie’s to the list. It smells delicious when you step in; there’s pastries galore, plus they have their smorgasbord and breakfast sandwiches. If coffee isn’t your vice, Bernie’s has smoothies and house made soda too. When I babysit, I take the kiddos here for the orange dream smoothie & we love it!

With plenty of options to fit your taste, Grand Forks won’t leave you hungry when it comes to breakfast, but you will leave wanting seconds! Worry not though, there’s plenty more where these came from, and as you explore the city, the more you’ll find. Plus, there’s a lot of food development around the corner for Grand Forks, so keep your eyes peeled for our local hidden gems