The sun set and our winter hike in the south unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park came to an end. Our timing was perfect for finding our way back to the Jeep before darkness fell (which is very quickly in the rugged badlands)! The first stop after exiting the park, in the well known cowboy town of Medora, North Dakota, was Little Missouri Saloon & Dining! We were thirsty. And we were hungry!
Little Missouri Saloon & Dining is one of the oldest businesses in Medora, established in 1883, and offers a glance into the past of this significant little town. Located at 440 3rd Street, it’s easy to spot, just west of the school. It specializes in steaks, burgers, bison, and fresh made pizza. Through the years it’s seen several renovations, and now boasts a large balcony for summer dining, with a deep boardwalk underneath. There’s even a place to tie your horse!
Little Missouri Saloon & Dining is open year around, and has become a mainstay for us with our varied hours of exploring in the area. It’s a good place to relax after a dusty (or muddy, in our case) day on the hiking trail. There’s no need to dress up here, although with fine dining available, it would make a great place for a formal date as well.
“Where Everybody Knows Your Name”. It’s that kind of place! Though a favorite of tourists in the summer months, when it becomes very crowded and busy with an exciting energy, the real draw of Little Missouri Saloon & Dining is its down home community flavor. This is a place where locals gather. It’s the real deal. And yes, those are real cowboys and cowboy hats!
One of the reasons we keep going back to Little Missouri Saloon & Dining is the service. Here’s a place you can call the wait staff ‘friend’. We’ve always been greeted with a smile and friendly “Hello!” quickly after being seated, menus and water set before us. All servers we’ve encountered have been very good.
Sara remembers us on a first name basis, and greet her in the same fashion. She is thorough, knowledgable, super courteous, and fast! We enjoy our visits together. And then, there is the legend of Lesko! His upbeat manner, welcoming smile, and proficiency rock! In fact, he moves so quickly and fluidly (smiling all the while) it’s difficult to get a sharp image of him! When you stop in to Little Missouri Saloon & Dining, check to see if he is there.
We look forward to the day when we have time to relax and enjoy a steak at Little Missouri Saloon & Dining. We’ve heard they are excellent. The pasta and seafood are enticing as well. For our stops there, we’ve needed to rehydrate and refuel after venturing off the trail in the rugged badlands and have found pizza (it’s great!) and burgers to be perfect! Our favorites are the Bison Burger and the Elk Burger. Several sides are offered with each.
The environment is as interesting and entertaining as the food is good and the service is courteous and efficient. Here, at Little Missouri Saloon & Dining, one gets a taste of the true Medora community. And it is ranch centered! This is the heart of historic cattle drives, of the first ranches of the west, of the rugged lifestyle of which presidents are made. It is the home of tough, hard working people who will give you a huge welcome! We whole-heartedly recommend you spend time at Little Missouri Saloon & Dining in Medora, North Dakota.
Join in with us on one of our winter hikes in the badlands of North Dakota. Get Off The Beaten Path, Discover!
Have you ever seen feral horses and the wild bison in the winter? Check this out! Wild Horses and Friendly (not!) Bison
And then there are those places to take a nap! Sleepy Bison
Accompany us on our adventures, and tell us about yours, on our Facebook page: Beautiful Badlands ND
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