This post, featuring the best restaurants in Medora for families, may contain affiliate links. Additionally, the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation sponsored our trip to Medora. Read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.
We recently had a fantastic family getaway to Medora, North Dakota – and I can’t wait to help you do the same! This small, Western-style town is packed with fun things to do for kids of all ages. Kids will delight in everything from spotting bison in Theodore Roosevelt National Park to splashing in the lazing river at Point to Point Park. Meanwhile, parents will appreciate how family- and budget-friendly the town is. In fact, Medora loves families! Many local eateries and attractions are committed to helping make Medora an affordable getaway with kids. This foodie parent’s guide to the best restaurants in Medora for families outlines everything you need to know to refuel your family and keep those adventures going!
If you’re planning a family trip to Medora, North Dakota, with kids, you’re in luck! There are plenty of fun, kid-friendly things to do and places to eat in town. But if you’re not traveling with kids, this article should still help you find the best foodie spots in Medora. Keep reading to learn more about where to eat in Medora with (or without) kids!
Hidden Springs Java (Breakfast + Lunch)
Start your day in Medora at Hidden Springs Java, a cozy spot offering everything from fresh coffee to kid-friendly smoothies. Whether you’re a fan of a quick pastry or prefer a more substantial breakfast, they’ve got something for everyone. My family isn’t big on breakfast, so we stuck with their baked goods and espresso drinks, but they also have bagels and plenty of non-caffeinated options.
My daughter loved the cotton candy smoothie, while I couldn’t get enough of their miel—it’s a must-try! Don’t forget to check out the little gift shop tucked in the back. During our recent trip, we happily started each day here. As one of the best restaurants in Medora for families, it is undoubtedly a great spot to kick off your adventures in Medora!
READ NEXT: Exciting 5-Day Itinerary for Medora, North Dakota, with Kids
The Farmhouse Cafe (Breakfast + Lunch)
For a home-style meal in Medora, stop by The Farmhouse Cafe. Whether you’re craving breakfast or lunch, their menu has something for everyone, including a dedicated kids’ menu. The extensive menu makes it one of the best restaurants in Medora for families.
We grabbed lunch to-go before heading out for a hike, but the food wasn’t the most car-friendly. As such, I’d recommend sitting down in the cafe if you have time. I loved my fry-bread taco! The cozy atmosphere and hearty meals make it a perfect spot to refuel between hikes or activities.
Sheriff Bear’s Burgers (Seasonal – Lunch, Dinner, Ice Cream)
Wonder where to eat a quick lunch or dinner in Medora with your kids? Head to Sheriff Bear’s Burgers in downtown Medora for a fun and tasty family dinner! This seasonal walk-up spot is perfect for burgers, garlic parm fries, hot dogs, and milkshakes.
Plus, it’s right next to the Town Square Patio Stage, so you can grab a bite while enjoying live music. Or, catch the free Great American Folk Show offered most evenings in the summer. Sheriff Bear’s also offers shaded seating and a laid-back atmosphere, making it ideal for kids and adults alike. Just watch out for bees buzzing around! We saw quite a few when food was present.
Point to Point Provisions (Seasonal – Lunch + Dinner)
Point to Point Park is one of the best things to do in Medora with kids. It’s PACKED with activities that will keep little ones entertained all day. Conveniently, Point to Point Provisions is located right on-site when hunger strikes! It’s a great option when you’re looking for kid-friendly restaurants in Medora for an easy lunch or dinner.
One of the best restaurants for a quick lunch in Medora, this snack hub has everything families need to stay fueled throughout the day—hot dogs, walking tacos (these are amazing!!), ice cream, and even edible cookie dough! It’s a great stop for a quick bite between activities. The concessions are located near the ticket booth for Point to Point Park.
Little Missouri Saloon & Dining Room (Lunch + Dinner)
For a memorable dinner in town with kids, head to Little Missouri Saloon & Dining Room. This historic saloon and restaurant in Medora has a vibrant dining room and unique entrees, like bison and elk. It also has Medora’s largest craft beers on tap list. It’s a family favorite for menu items like the bison burger (which I loved!) and bison pepperoni pizza. Plus, there’s a dedicated kids’ menu to please the whole crew.
We loved sitting on the balcony, soaking in the stunning views of the North Dakota badlands—such a treat! With live music on many nights, it’s a relaxed and fun spot to unwind after a busy day. Finally, as one of the best restaurants in Medora for families, it’s open year-round!
Badlands Pizza Buffet
Are your kids wondering where to eat in Medora that is designed to their taste? Let me introduce you to Badlands Pizza Buffet! One of the most kid-friendly restaurants in Medora, it’s an easy dinner right in the heart of downtown Medora.
This buffet is packed with endless pizza options, crispy fried chicken, fresh salads, and sweet desserts, making it a hit with kids and parents alike. It’s a lovely hometown spot to refuel after a full day of hiking or exploring. There is a full line of soda for everyone to choose their favorite drink, or adults can opt for a draft beer. The huge dining room can accommodate several large groups, making it an ideal option for big families or multigenerational travelers.
Alternatively, if you’d rather dine on the go, you can grab a whole pizza to take back to your hotel or campsite. Quick, convenient, and delicious—Badlands Pizza Buffet is a must-try restaurant for families visiting Medora!
Pitchfork Steak Fondue (Seasonal – Dinner Only)
You can’t miss Pitchfork Steak Fondue for a genuinely one-of-a-kind family dining experience in Medora. This was, hands down, my favorite meal in Medora! And, I honestly think, this is my top pick for the best restaurant in Medora for families with kids.
Cowboy chefs cook 12 oz New York Strip steaks by spearing them on pitchforks and fondueing them to perfection! Served buffet-style, the meal includes baked beans, potatoes, coleslaw, fruit, and desserts (like cinnamon-sugar donuts!). Live music, yard games, and stunning views of the North Dakota badlands make it an unforgettable evening.
Kids 12 and under eat free with a hot dog meal, making it a budget-friendly restaurant for families in Medora to boot. Pair this meal with the Medora Musical (they share a parking lot) for the ultimate summer night in Medora with kids.
Cowboy Lyle’s Candy Barn (Seasonal, May – September)
End your day in Medora with a sweet stop at Cowboy Lyle’s Candy Barn (located right across from Sheriff Bear’s Burgers!). This charming shop is a treat for all ages, offering everything from Jelly Belly jelly beans to fine handmade chocolates and nostalgic candies.
Named after Medora Musical legend Cowboy Lyle Glass, who performed for over 45 years, this candy store is a must-visit in town. Kids will love filling bags with a mix of their favorite treats, and adults can indulge in chocolate-covered cashews or almond candies (which we loved!). It’s the perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth and enjoy a bit of Medora’s local charm!
More Kid-Friendly Places to Eat in Medora with Kids
During our recent weekend trip, we didn’t get the chance to fit in all the best restaurants in Medora for families. So, if you’re looking for a few more ideas for kid-friendly places to eat in Medora, here are a few we left for next time. Plenty of restaurants in Medora cater to families with kids! Here are a few more places to eat in Medora to add or swap into your family trip:
- Chateau Nuts for a quick snack or a tasty souvenir (we went here – it was a fun stop and the nuts are DIVINE!)
- Brunch with President Roosevelt (summer only)
- Gospel Brunch (summer only)
- Theodore’s Dining Room for an upscale meal during your family vacation (open year-round)
- Boots Bar & Grill offers American fare for lunch and dinner (open year-round, serves families until 9 pm)
- Cowboy Café, the local restaurant of choice for breakfast in Medora, serves hearty options (open year-round, cash only)
- Fudge Depot Ice Cream for ice cream cones, sundaes, and fresh-made fudge
- Medora Fudge & Ice Cream Depot for ice cream and other sweets
- Hatlee & Brae for even more ice cream by the scoop
READ NEXT: How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Family Trip to Medora, North Dakota
Keep Eating + Exploring Medora, North Dakota, with Kids!
I hope this article featuring some of the best restaurants in Medora, North Dakota, helps you plan your upcoming family trip. We had so much fun exploring the many things to do and places to eat in Medora for families. Medora is a destination we highly recommend for families, especially those searching for a budget-friendly Midwest getaway or a national park vacation. You can read more about our trip, including tips for visiting this area and our favorite things to do in Medora with kids, by clicking here!
Unless otherwise noted, all images in this article featuring the best restaurants in Medora for families were taken by and belong to the blog’s author, Antonia Grant. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.
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