I chased the cozy comfort of hotdish across the windswept plains, steering from diner to cafe in search of that perfect bite. Each stop promised a different memory, a casserole pan of stories and generosity layered under crispy tater tots.
You can almost hear the coffee mugs clink and smell the cream-of-something nostalgia. Come along, because three plates felt like home and the rest made the drive worth every mile.
Kroll’s Diner – Fargo, North Dakota
Kroll’s greets you with that chrome shine and a hearty “sit down and eat.” The hotdish arrives bubbling, tater tots crisped just right, with savory ground beef, corn, and a velvety cream sauce. Onion whispers through every bite, and the melty cheddar pulls like a friendly handshake.
You feel anchored here, like someone remembered how you like your plate without asking. The server slides extra pickles alongside, a quirky detail that oddly works.
Sip a bottomless coffee and let the steam fog your glasses.
This one tastes like family reunions and winter nights made easy. If you need comfort quickly, Kroll’s knows the playbook.
It felt like home, simple as that.
The Shack on Broadway – Fargo, North Dakota
The Shack on Broadway serves hotdish the way mornings want to begin. It comes in a skillet, hearty and unapologetic, with tots forming a crunchy roof.
Underneath, beef mingles with green beans and a creamy sauce that hugs every crumb.
You dig in and the edges crisp just enough to crackle. There is peppery heat, nothing wild, but enough to keep bites lively.
Toast on the side scoops the corners like a trusty sidekick.
People chat about snow totals, and you feel folded into their small talk. This plate is steady, reliable, and generously portioned.
While not fancy, it tastes like confidence at sunrise.
Pride Dairy – Bottineau, North Dakota
Pride Dairy leans into its creamery roots, and you can taste it. Their hotdish is silkier, the sauce richer, as if buttered nostalgia stirred the pot.
Tots are golden and light, supporting tender beef and sweet niblets of corn.
You might think ice cream after hotdish sounds odd, but it fits perfectly here. The room smells like waffle cones and fresh coffee.
Locals trade weather wisdom, and the staff smiles like neighbors.
This plate warms the ribs without weighing you down. It is balanced, humble, and undeniably comforting.
It felt like home, especially when a scoop followed, sealing the deal.
Sandy’s Donuts & Coffee Shop – Fargo, North Dakota
Sandy’s is known for donuts, but their limited hotdish special surprised me. It is smaller, almost a nod to nostalgia rather than a full meal.
Tots sparkle with salt, and the filling tastes like Sunday potluck memories.
You might pair it with a maple long john because why not. The sweetness and savory mingle in a way that feels playful.
Coffee here is strong enough to stand up to both.
While not the most complex, the hotdish hits a welcome note. It is a side of comfort in a shop built for smiles.
You leave feeling lighter and a bit delighted.
Red Pepper – Fargo, North Dakota
Red Pepper brings a zesty nudge to the classic. Their hotdish hints at taco flavors, with seasoned beef and a mild kick beneath the tot canopy.
Cheese melts into every gap, creating satisfyingly messy edges.
You get a paper boat, grab extra napkins, and lean into the fun. The spice is gentle, more wink than wallop, perfect for weeknight comfort.
It travels well, too, so car picnics are encouraged.
This one is for you if tradition needs a playful remix. It kept me smiling between bites and sips of soda.
Not home exactly, but close enough to call a cousin.
The Depot Cafe – Jamestown, North Dakota
The Depot Cafe feels like stepping into a postcard, and the hotdish delivers the same mood. Beef, peas, and a creamy base tuck beneath a roof of rustling tots.
Each forkful is tidy, savory, and happily predictable.
You listen to stories about the old line while you eat. The server calls you hun without trying, then tops off your mug.
There is pride in the pacing and the careful browning.
This tasted like home, like slow afternoons and dependable suppers. Nothing flashy, just faithful execution and heartfelt portions.
You leave warmed, steady, and strangely nostalgic.
Mezzaluna & The Drawing Room – Fargo, North Dakota
Mezzaluna with The Drawing Room turns hotdish into date night. Presented in a petite cocotte, it layers braised beef, wild mushrooms, and truffle-kissed cream.
Tots become delicate crowns, crisp but airy, with a cheddar veil.
You sip a balanced cocktail and watch the city lights wink. The flavors are deeper, like a slow conversation you do not want to end.
Each bite finishes clean, leaving room for another.
This is the elegant cousin of comfort. It respects tradition while polishing the edges.
Not exactly home, but it makes you proud of where the dish can go.
Board Room Coffee & Taphouse – Grand Forks, North Dakota
Board Room Coffee & Taphouse does community first, hotdish second, and somehow both win. A square pan arrives at the table for sharing, with tots shingled like careful siding.
Inside is beef, carrots, peas, and a creamy base that stays comforting even as it cools.
You pull a pint or a latte and settle into a friendly game. The dish fuels conversation more than silence.
Edges stay crisp longer than expected.
It tastes like neighborhood potlucks and easy laughter. While it did not quite echo home, it invited you to make one there.
I would gather friends and order it again.