10 popular spots serving up FORKSful of flavor

Visit Greater Grand Forks was interested in learning more about what our Facebook Friends' FORKS Favs are when it comes to dining out. What better way to find out than doing an unscientific poll offering a chance to win a $50 gift card to the local eatery of their choice?! Listed below, in no particular order, were the Top 10 vote getters.

HARRY'S STEAKHOUSE

Voted one of Open Table's most romantic restaurants in the nation, this Downtown mainstay is legendary for its stellar service, classic cuisine and creative cocktails. In addition to a prime selection of fine bovine, top-grade chefs here prepare an array of succulent seafood, superb side dishes, amazing appetizers and decadent desserts. Harry’s also serves up the best lobster dip this side of Maine! Popular entrees are the roasted garlic butter & herb ribeye, beef stroganoff and seafood trio complete with sea scallops, jumbo shrimp scampi and a perfectly fried lump crab cake. Must-order sides include truffle mac & cheese, creamed corn pancetta and Harry’s style hash browns crowned with applewood smoked bacon, bleu cheese crumbles and caramelized onions.

THE PARROT'S CAY

No need to contact a travel agent if you wanna experience some tropical heat, just head south on Washington Street…to The Parrot’s Cay! Along with numerous crazy good Cajun creations, really feel the burn with an order of spicy Shark Wings, which were included on BuzzFeed’s Top Ten Wings to Try Before You Die list. According to diehard parrotheads, nothing goes better with some Jimmy Buffet music than a pitcher of cold beer and The Cay’s Bayou Sampler complete with crawdads, grilled shrimp and fried alligator bites.

SKIES 322

An evening at Skies 322 comes complete with a second story view of Downtown, stellar wine cellar and exquisite cuisine like jumbo lump crab cakes, filet mignon with gorgonzola cream sauce, chicken parmesan and New Zealand king salmon finished with their legendary Prairie Sauce. Sunday Brunch, served from 10 AM to 2 PM, features everything from brioche French toast to capicola eggs Benedict and the best Bellini this side of Venice.

THE BLUE MOOSE

Surrounded by knotty pine and neon, this cozy-meets-eclectic eatery has a vibe perfect for all occasions. Along with The Moose’s signature Bourbon Street pasta, fusion Reuben and PBEB (peanut butter, fried egg and bacon) burger, other popular menu items include the fried walleye sandwich, chicken Meisner and flat iron steak. They also have a large tapas menu with an array of tasty small plates including spinach queso, stuffed mushrooms, tequila lime chicken and Louisiana poutine.

CHARRAS & TEQUILA

Taco Tuesday (every other day of the week, as well) was made for chipping, dipping and sipping at Charras Grand Forks. If you're craving one awesome made-at-your-table avocado dish, holy guacamole is Charras' delish! When it comes time for the main course, I say order up some of their quesabirrias or street tacos...with a lime margarita chaser. They are also the spot to find the hottest tamales and shrimp a la diabla in town!

THE TOASTED FROG

This 21+ trendy yet inviting restaurant and lounge boasts an extensive martini list to accompany fabulous gourmet food. Our area’s hottest chefs offer up cool culinary creations like mahi-mahi tacos, gorgonzola butter filet mignon and a game-changing elk burger adorned with fresh arugula, tomato and caramelized onion aioli. Of course, the Molly Yeh endorsed/Cooking Channel featured fried cheesy pickles are a must-order. When it comes to dessert, there’s always room for s’mores…with an espresso martini chaser.

HELIX

Fabulous food and fine wine intertwine at Helix. It’s a perfect place to chat with friends over charcuterie and a glass of chardonnay or spend one romantic Saturdate with your partner canoodling over pasta and pinot grigio. Helix’s cool yet cozy ambiance attracts 21+ patrons of all persuasions. Some of the most popular dishes are the shrimp & scallop bucatini, mango peanut pork belly and NY strip steak enveloped in a velvety housemade steak sauce. Be sure to save some room because an order of their banana bread pudding – topped with salted caramel, vanilla ice cream and candied pecans – is a must try.

TEXAS ROADHOUSE

If y'all like your steak sizzling, buttery buns hot, cocktails cold and baked potato loaded, Texas Roadhouse is an inexpensive spot to enjoy one delicious dinner for two or a feast for the whole family.

GROUND ROUND GRILL & BAR

Got a hankering for the beefiest burger on the Southside of town? Then hoof it over to the Ground Round! This casual neighborhood bar and grill also serves up mouthwatering steak, seafood, pasta and on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, fabulous Chinese cuisine from legendary local chef Gam Wong. If you feel like getting a little saucy, dive into an order of GR’s famous Buffalo wings or St. Louis ribs, with a Long Island tea chaser.

ELY'S IVY

If you’re on the hunt for something uniquely delicious, this eatery serves up the dishes. Chef Franz and his crew invite everyone to walk on the wild side with unique, always evolving menu offerings such as jack fruit pulled pork, bison strip loin and one scr’hump’tious camel burger. Ely’s also serves up tasty tamer fare like honey pan fried walleye, chicken picatta and ancho rubbed filet mignon. Saturday Brunch offerings include made-from-scratch eggs Benedict, quiche and caramel maple pecan French toast.

Additional information on these and all our grand restaurants, events, activities, stores and more, may be found at VisitGrandForks.com. We also invite you to follow Visit Greater Grand Forks on Facebook and Instagram.