The past year has seen our social lives reduced to a mere mirage of what they were before. No nighttime bowling stints, no dinner dates, no late nights at the bar, and certainly very little drinking outside our homes.
Now that things are opening back up, many establishments in Grand Forks, North Dakota, have opened up, and the nightlife is getting back on its feet. People have a vigor for life and there are a myriad of activities you could take part in at any point in the night. We have covered 10 highly-rated night spots that should definitely be on your bucket list if you are around Grand Forks.
Great for a Date Night

Cloud 9
Sky’s Cloud 9 is known as the best fine-dining restaurant in Grand Forks and is a great place to go if you want to impress your date. Start your evening at the dining room, where you can enjoy a full menu selection from starters to desserts. The chef’s board features specials from the renowned house chef, and the vegan plate has a variety of options for vegetarians and vegans. After dinner, you can move your date to the relaxed lounge and enjoy a selection of wines and cocktails as you get to know each other.
River Cinema 15 Movie Theater
It has been a while since many people enjoyed movies on the big screen. If you and your date have a thing for movies, drop in at the River Cinema 15. This theater has 15 auditoriums fitted with rocker seats, lounge seats with adjustable headrests, and DTS sound. The servers in the theater are great and the snacks fresh and affordable, so you and your date can truly enjoy your night. The theater has movies that start at 10 p.m., so it’s an ideal late-night drop-in spot after dinner at a restaurant.
Half Brothers Brewing Company
If you want to show your date the true heart of Grand Forks while enjoying locally brewed beer and getting to know local bands, then Half Brothers is where you need to be. This spot offers patrons a chance to experience North Dakota culture while enjoying an ambiance that promotes conversation, so you can get to know the person seated across from you. Half Brothers’ Beertenders and Foodtenders will give you the background to any food or drink you choose.
At the end of the night, you can send your date home with a four-pack of great beer to remember you by.
For a Night Out With Pals
Bonzer’s Sandwich Pub
Bonzer’s Sandwich has been serving the Grand Forks community for close to 40 years. It is a well-loved spot for adult group hangouts. You can sit inside and enjoy the famous Submarine Sandwich, or sit outside and chase down a drink with the cool breeze.
The Loft
The Loft is a great bar to chill out with your coworkers at the end of a long day or patronize with your pals on the weekend. Located upstairs on the second floor of a downtown building, the bar offers visitors magnificent views of the Grand Forks skyline. There are a variety of food and drink options, all at affordable prices, and combo options if you are with a group.
What makes this a great hangout spot are the entertainment options. You can have a blast playing pool, bubble hockey, darts, video games, or watching a game on one of the over 40 HD TVs in the lounge.
Southgate Casino Bar & Grill
If you are looking to spike your adrenaline by spending a little money in Grand Forks, then Southgate Casino Bar & Grill is the place to be. Take your single or coupled friends and enjoy gaming options like blackjack, pull tabs, and bingo. This spot also offers great food with appetizers and salads that will excite any palate.
To Get Out and Mingle
Diamond Lounge
This is a popular dive bar in Grand Forks known for its splendid music, lively dance floor, and bartenders who will make sure you are well-lubricated for the night. Diamond Lounge is an ideal spot for hanging out with friends and strangers alike without the harried atmosphere of a nightclub. Stop by on a weekend and enjoy concerts by live bands. Ask for Jackie if you want great service from an experienced bartender.
Dreamer’s Lounge
Dreamer’s Lounge is known for its relaxed ambiance that stimulates conversation while enjoying a good drink and a game. The lounge is located at the Ramada Inn and is ideal if you want to meet new people and get to know each other in a low-pressure environment. You can make friends or even meet a date at this spot and play pool, card games, or introduce them to your favorite jams at the jukebox.
Brick & Barley Bar and Restaurant
All beer lovers in Grand Forks make their way to Brick & Barley. The restaurant has over 40 beer taps and the stock changes so that your palate is always scintillated. There are multiple food options, from pizzas to fries to burgers and sandwiches. Drop in at Brick & Barley to enjoy some food, beer, and pleasant conversation with fellow patrons.
For Any Occasion
The Toasted Frog Restaurant
The Toasted Frog has been a staple in Grand Forks for many years and offers everything from wines and cocktails to meaty and vegetarian mains to chef specials. The Toasted Frog opens throughout the week except Sundays and is a spot to enjoy with a date, spouse, or a group of friends. If you are struggling with conversational topics, the restaurant’s name is sure to provide a good enough prompt to move things along!
Pick a Spot!
At Rydell, we ensure you get to your destination safely and comfortably. Grand Forks has a nighttime activity for every taste! Buy or lease a new or used Chevrolet with us to take you to your favorite casino, club, restaurant, or movie theater. Whether you want to enjoy the night with that special someone or looking forward to a girls’ night out, there is a spot for you. Contact us to find your newest Chevy truck, sedan, or SUV to make your nightlife complete.
