Welcome to Dickinson Southeast—the neighborhood where the city’s prairie hospitality meets a quietly thriving food scene. Whether you're a hungry college student, a family looking for a casual bite, or a traveler curious about local flavors, Southeast Dickinson has you covered. From hearty breakfasts to late-night tacos, the restaurants, cafés, and food trucks in this corner of the city create a true culinary adventure—one that’s authentic, affordable, and uniquely local.
Standout Restaurants in Dickinson Southeast
The Southeast neighborhood is home to a variety of dining establishments, many clustered around key arteries like 3rd Avenue East, 21st Street East, and just off Interstate 94. Here’s where to head for memorable meals:
- Sanford’s Grub & Pub (167 14th St W, just off I-94)
- Cuisine: American comfort food, burgers, and pub favorites
- Price range: $10–$25 per entrée
- Why Go: Sanford’s is a local institution for generous portions, a lively bar, and quirky décor that make meals here feel like an event. The burgers are especially popular, loaded with toppings and served with crispy fries. Great for groups and families.
- Los Cabos Family Mexican Restaurant (2175 6th St W)
- Cuisine: Authentic Mexican
- Price range: $8–$18 per entrée
- Why Go: With festive murals, sizzling fajitas, and some of the city’s best margaritas, Los Cabos is a go-to for Tex-Mex and traditional Mexican dishes. The carne asada and enchiladas draw rave reviews from locals.
- Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant (331 15th St W)
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Price range: $9–$20 per entrée
- Why Go: A staple near the IGA, Guadalajara serves up flavorful tacos, burritos, and house-made salsas in a friendly and colorful setting. Don’t skip the chimichanga!
- Buffalo Wild Wings (1791 3rd Ave W)
- Cuisine: American, Sports Bar
- Price range: $9–$22 per entrée
- Why Go: Perfect spot for catching the game or meeting friends; famous for their wings (bone-in or boneless!) and dozens of sauce options.
Charming Cafés & Breakfast Spots
Start your morning or enjoy a leisurely afternoon with rich coffee, homemade pastries, and all-day breakfast classics at these celebrated cafés:
- The Brew (270 16th St W)
- Cuisine: Café, bakery
- Price range: $4–$12
- Why Go: Sip on locally roasted coffee, indulge in cinnamon rolls larger than your palm, or order a classic breakfast burrito. The cozy, sun-filled interior is perfect for studying, work, or a quiet lunch.
- Country Kitchen Restaurant (528 12th St W)
- Cuisine: Diner, American
- Price range: $7–$15 per plate
- Why Go: A breakfast institution near 12th St W, Country Kitchen plates up fluffy omelets, biscuits and gravy, and hearty skillet scrambles. Their bottomless coffee keeps the conversations flowing.
Bakeries & Treats: Sweet Spots to Know
For those with a sweet tooth or anyone in need of fresh breads, Dickinson Southeast’s bakeries do not disappoint.
- Party Central & Sweet Treats Bakery (1765 3rd Ave W)
- Offerings: Custom cakes, cookies, cupcakes
- Price range: $2–$5 per pastry
- Why Go: Whether for a birthday or just because, Sweet Treats delivers delicious baked goods with friendly service. Their frosted sugar cookies are famous among locals.
- Albertsons Bakery (302 1st St W, inside Albertsons)
- Offerings: Fresh loaves, bagels, doughnuts
- Price range: $1–$8
- Why Go: For quick, affordable pastries on the go, the bakery counter inside Albertsons supermarket is a neighborhood staple.
Food Trucks & Unique Eats
No foodie adventure is complete without a taste of street food. Dickinson Southeast’s food truck scene pops up at the Prairie Hills Mall, Harmony Park, and local events through the spring, summer, and fall.
- La Casa Del Burrito Food Truck
- Cuisine: Mexican street food
- Favorites: Carne asada fries, breakfast burritos, elote (Mexican street corn)
- Why Go: This family-run truck is known for generous portions, mouthwatering carne asada, and friendly service. Locals often spot the truck along 3rd Ave E or at the mall’s south parking lot.
- The Rolling Stove
- Cuisine: American comfort, specialty sandwiches
- Favorites: Philly cheesesteaks, loaded fries, fried pickles
- Why Go: The Rolling Stove is beloved for creative twists on classic American sandwiches—follow their social media for their rotating locations and specials.
Local Food Traditions
Southeast Dickinson celebrates its prairie and North Dakotan roots, which shine through in annual events and neighborhood food traditions:
- Summer Farmers Markets: Held in the Prairie Hills Mall lot (located at 1681 3rd Ave W), the market buzzes with local bakers, kombucha stands, food trucks, and vendors peddling everything from homemade lefse to German sausage.
- Friday Night Fish Fry: Many local churches and VFW halls, including those near 12th St E, host community fish fry nights during Lent and other special occasions, welcoming everyone for home-cooked meals and a sense of camaraderie.
Hidden Gems Worth the Hunt
Beyond the well-trodden favorites, Southeast Dickinson rewards those who seek out lesser-known gems—perfect for a foodie on a mission.
- King's BBQ Chinese Restaurant (552 12th St W)
- Cuisine: Chinese, American
- Price range: $8–$15
- Why Go: This unassuming spot on 12th St W offers classic Chinese-American comfort food, from crispy egg rolls to fried rice. Their sesame chicken is addictive, and the lunch specials are unbeatable.
- Phở Dakota (in the Prairie Hills Mall Food Court)
- Cuisine: Vietnamese, Noodle soups
- Price range: $9–$16
- Why Go: An unexpected treat in a mall food court, Phở Dakota serves steaming bowls of beef phở, spring rolls, and boba teas. It’s fast, affordable, and always satisfying.
Where to Eat by Street & Intersection
For a little local guidance, here’s where the best bites in Dickinson Southeast cluster:
- 3rd Ave E & Prairie Hills Mall: Food court eats, rotating food trucks, Sweet Treats Bakery, and quick bites.
- 12th St W & 15th St W: Home to classic diners, multicultural cuisines, and neighborhood bakeries—perfect for a progressive meal.
- 21st St E corridor: Your best bet for hearty dinners and affordable lunches, all within easy reach of residential neighborhoods.
Final Bites
Dickinson Southeast may not shout about its food scene, but those in the know find an unfussy, welcoming, and delicious patchwork of tastes. From Mexican comfort food and legendary breakfast cafes to food truck fare and sweet treats, there’s a spot for every craving and every budget. Next time you’re hungry, venture southeast—you just might find your new favorite plate in Dickinson!