Country Suites By Carlson, Bismarck, ND

BISMARCK. A bit "out of this world" at first glance, this sci-fi joint earns kudos for creative decor ­ as...

BISMARCK. A bit "out of this world" at first glance, this sci-fi joint earns kudos for creative decor ­ as the quirky collection of alien statues no doubt attests. Of course, a restaurant is only as good as its menu, and this intergalactic oddity is no exception, featuring award-winning BBQ ribs, fire-roasted pizzas, quesadillas, and Cajun-style burgers. If adult beverages are in order, check out the Bar from Mars, where drinks like the Cosmic Bulldog, Mars Mudslide, and Lunar Island Tea are as potent as they are potable.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10:30pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11:30pm; Sun 11am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

BISMARCK. This warm and inviting Bismarck legend still gets high marks for its homestyle cuisine. The homey atmosphere...

BISMARCK. This warm and inviting Bismarck legend still gets high marks for its homestyle cuisine. The homey atmosphere ­ the place features rustic fireplaces and is decorated with period antiques ­ is one-upped only by the menu, whose dishes range from fresh fish and seafood to prime rib and USDA steaks.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-9pm; Fri 11am-10pm; Sat 3pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

BISMARCK. The Radisson Bismarck's featured restaurant, the Terrace offers diners a casual yet upscale setting for...

BISMARCK. The Radisson Bismarck's featured restaurant, the Terrace offers diners a casual yet upscale setting for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You'll find no pretense or tedious themes here, just a pleasant atmosphere, innovative fare, and topnotch service. Convenient to the civic center, this is a good place to go for a hearty meal before after or after a big event, and the cozy Off Broadway is a nice place to gather with friends for a few post-workday cocktails.

Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-10:30pm; Sat-Sun 6:30am-10:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

BISMARCK. Perhaps better known as "Kroll's Kitchen," this casual restaurant is a local legend if ever there was one....

BISMARCK. Perhaps better known as "Kroll's Kitchen," this casual restaurant is a local legend if ever there was one. Cozy and inviting, the downtown location stays busy, especially at lunch, when business folks clamor in for camaraderie and a bite of Russian- and German-influenced comfort food. Indeed, word has it that the knoephla (a delicious soup of dumplings, potatoes, chicken broth and cream) and fleischkuechle (spiced ground beef served on deep-fried dough) are nothing short of perfect, and it's not uncommon for the owners to field shipping requests to points all over the map.

Hours: Mon-Sat 5:30am-8pm; Sun 6am-7:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

BISMARCK. One of the area's more noted special-occasion places, Peacock Alley is housed in the old Patterson Hotel...

BISMARCK. One of the area's more noted special-occasion places, Peacock Alley is housed in the old Patterson Hotel building, its decor evoking a certain turn-of-the-century charm that is enhanced by old black and white photos. The menu runs the gamut, featuring everything from hearty pastas and fresh fish and seafood to grilled steaks and a sprinkling of Cajun-influenced fare. Peacock Alley's bar area is a popular gathering spot for downtown's professional crowd.

Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-1am; Sat 10am-1am; Sun 10am-2pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , Diner's Club

BISMARCK. An open-plan kitchen and cozy environs combine with professional service and innovative American cuisine at...

BISMARCK. An open-plan kitchen and cozy environs combine with professional service and innovative American cuisine at this friendly eatery, which has earned high marks from Bismarck's more sophisticated palates. Featured dishes include mouthwatering steaks, succulent chops, and fresh fish and seafood ­ all them prepared on wood-fired grill. Looking to go the Old Country route? Well, word has it that their homemade pasta dishes are easily among the best in the area.

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-1am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

BISMARCK. This is the place to start your day, to take a break, or to wind down. In the early hours, you can order the...

BISMARCK. This is the place to start your day, to take a break, or to wind down. In the early hours, you can order the wake-up call of your preference, and frappuccinos and iced coffees are available for mid-day refreshment. Choose from hot chocolates, mochaccinos, and cappuccinos to reward yourself after a long day. From flavored coffees and cafe lattes to teas and ciders, the menu on the wall has it all. An enticing selection of muffins, biscotti, and pastries also tempts taste buds.

Hours: Daily 5:30am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

MANDAN. One of the area's ­ perhaps the state's ­ more noteworthy eateries, Fried's is a friendly little...

MANDAN. One of the area's ­ perhaps the state's ­ more noteworthy eateries, Fried's is a friendly little roadside stop where the homestyle cooking and friendly service combine to make any meal here a special one. Walls hung with a cornucopia of arts and crafts and diner-like booths create a casual setting that makes folks from all walks of life feel at home. Of course, the made-to-order eats earn their fair share of praise as well, with the fare including hearty country breakfasts, homemade breads and pies, regional faves like chicken-fried steak and mashed potatoes, and their famous knoephla soup. Got a craving for kraut? Then, you'll want to keep in mind that, at Fried's, Wednesday is "German Day."

Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-8pm; Sat 7am-3pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

FORT YATES. Though immensely popular with casino guests, Feast of the Rock has no problem seeing to the needs of the...

FORT YATES. Though immensely popular with casino guests, Feast of the Rock has no problem seeing to the needs of the causal (and hungry!) visitor as well. Indeed, this unpretentious restaurant offers up full-scale, all-you-can-eat buffets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From fresh salad fixings and delicious meats and veggies to tempting omelet (sorry, at breakfast only) and pasta stations, their buffet spreads are sure to send you into sensory overload. A menu featuring selected dishes is available as well. Reservations are encouraged for large groups.

Hours: Daily 7am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

FORT YATES. Prairie Knights' signature restaurant, the acclaimed Hunters Club offers a unique, lodge-like setting ­...

FORT YATES. Prairie Knights' signature restaurant, the acclaimed Hunters Club offers a unique, lodge-like setting ­ the Western-themed mural and deer antler chandeliers attest to that. The menu, meanwhile, is anything but rustic, offering a cosmopolitan array of American-influenced fare: potato-crusted walleye, sautéed scallops over angel hair pasta, Jack Daniel's and Dijon peppercorn-sautéed steak Diane, and pecan-crusted filet mignon. First-rate desserts and gourmet coffees serve as perfect conclusions for such an unforgettable experience. Reservations are encouraged on the weekend.

Hours: Tue-Thu, Sun 5pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club