These North Dakota Soul Food Spots Serve Sunday Comfort From Open To Close
Most people think soul food stops at the Mason-Dixon line, but North Dakota has quietly built a collection of spots that serve up Sunday comfort with the same warmth you’d find in Memphis or Atlanta.
I’ve spent months tracking down restaurants that understand the difference between good food and food that hugs you back.
These places open their doors on Sundays and keep them open late, serving everything that makes soul food special: smoky ribs, creamy mac and cheese, greens that have been simmered just right, and biscuits that crumble in all the best ways.
1. Juicy House of Ribs & SoulFood – Fargo
Smoky ribs practically fall off the bone here, and the line out the door tells you everything you need to know about quality.
This newcomer has quickly become a Sunday staple, with generous portions that could feed a small army and service so friendly it feels like a family reunion.
The sides deserve their own standing ovation. Mac and cheese arrives creamy and golden, while the greens simmer with just enough spice to keep things interesting.
Sunday hours mean you can bring the whole crew after church or make it your lazy afternoon destination.
2. The Fire Pit by Darrell – Bismarck
A pitmaster with Mississippi family roots runs this downtown spot, and you can taste decades of Southern tradition in every bite of slow-smoked meat.
The room buzzes with energy most evenings, filled with people who know good barbecue when they smell it drifting down the block.
I stopped by last month and ordered the full spread: ribs, pulled pork, mac and cheese, greens, and cornbread that crumbled just right.
Everything arrived hot and perfectly seasoned, proof that authentic soul food has found a permanent home in Bismarck.
Sunday hours run straight into the evening, so late Sunday suppers are always an option.
3. Greg’s BBQ Soul Food – Mandan
Small spaces often hold the biggest flavors, and this warm little spot proves it every Sunday. Smoked rib plates arrive with soul-food sides that rotate weekly, keeping regulars guessing and coming back to see what’s cooking next.
Catfish Fridays have become legendary around town, but Sunday hours pull in the after-church crowd looking for porch-supper energy without leaving the building.
The portions are generous, the prices fair, and the vibe proudly Southern in the best possible way. You’ll leave full and already planning your next visit.
4. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store – Bismarck
Chicken and dumplings taste like Sunday afternoon at grandma’s house, and the fried apples bring just enough sweetness to balance the savory comfort. Biscuits arrive warm and fluffy, begging for butter and honey.
Sunday hours start early and stretch long, making this spot perfect for families who want to linger over breakfast or settle in for a leisurely supper.
The predictably cozy atmosphere never disappoints, and the menu stays true to comfort-first cooking that soothes the soul.
Every visit feels like coming home, even if you’ve never been before.
5. Slim Chickens – Fargo
Crispy chicken done right makes any Sunday feel special, and this spot nails the balance between crunchy coating and juicy meat every single time.
Southern-inspired flavors shine through without any fuss or pretension, just good food served quickly.
Hearty sides round out soulful meals that satisfy without breaking the bank. I grabbed a meal here after a long day last week, and the chicken was so good I went back for seconds the next evening.
Open straight through Sunday evening means you can swing by whenever the craving strikes.
6. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen – Fargo
Louisiana spice hits different when you’re craving authentic flavor fast, and those warm biscuits could make a grown person weep with joy. Red beans and rice bring the kind of comfort that only comes from recipes perfected over generations.
Sunday service runs all day, so whenever the craving hits hard, you know exactly where to go. The familiar menu delivers consistent quality, and the Louisiana-inspired seasonings pack enough punch to wake up your taste buds.
Fast food has never felt this soulful or satisfying.