Dining
Medora sits at the edge of the Badlands, but nobody goes hungry out here. Whether you're spending the day in the galleries, heading out on the trails, or settling in for the Medora Musical, you'll find everything from wood-fired plates to hand-cut steaks to the breakfast sandwich half the town will argue about. It starts with the restaurant right inside the Library.
Salt+Scoria
The restaurant inside the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
Wood-fired, native, and seasonal — Salt+Scoria begins with the land.
The name comes from two things you can find within sight of the table. Salt is for saltbush, the four-winged native plant that roots in the hardest soil and holds it in place. Scoria is the fire-formed red rock that gives the Badlands their color — and the Library its rammed-earth walls.
Together they point to a way of cooking shaped by the land rather than imposed on it: food that's wood-fired and smoke-kissed, drawn from native botanicals and ethically sourced game, and built on real partnerships with Native growers and local ranchers. Nothing on the plate is manufactured or far from its source.
This is the same Badlands ground that changed a young Theodore Roosevelt's life — and that Native peoples have known and cared for across generations. Both stories live in this food.
Good to know
- Open year-round, with hours that shift by season.
- No Library admission ticket is required to dine.
- Summer full service: daily, 11am–6pm, with a lite café menu morning and evening.
Chef Candace Stock cooks the way the land teaches. A member of the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) Nation who grew up on the White Earth Reservation in Minnesota, she trained at the Culinary Institute of America and cooked through East Coast kitchens and restaurants around the world before coming home to the Midwest.
She's a forager, a farmer, and a land steward as much as a chef — a fixture of the region's Indigenous food movement, known for Native Heritage dinners and community meals built around the Three Sisters, bison, elk, and wild rice. She cooks from a belief she returns to again and again: that food is medicine, and that people and the land are medicine for one another.
Her path to the Library began with a single meal — a land blessing in Medora, attended by Tribal Elders, that she drove out to cook. That dinner became the menu she now brings to Salt+Scoria.
Salt+Scoria opens onto the rest of the Library — and the Library opens onto the prairie. Order ahead at the counter or online, and a meal travels easily: a boxed lunch for the boardwalk, a seasonal bowl built around what's fresh, coffee for the walk outside.
Inside, long communal tables and tall windows frame the grassland and the red ridgelines beyond. Step into the open-air breezeway and the Badlands air is right there. Close to the building, a native medicinal garden grows many of the same wild plants Chef Candace forages and cooks with — part of the Library's ongoing Native Plant Project. Walk through, and the plants on your plate start to make a different kind of sense.
Other Dining Options
Beyond the Library, Medora's small downtown packs in more dining than you'd expect — saloons, steaks over open flame, a wine bar, and ice cream for a hot afternoon. Here's where to go.
Little Mo Saloon and Dining
Little Missouri Saloon & Dining Room
The Little Missouri Saloon & Dining Room is one of Medora’s most iconic western stops. With swinging saloon doors, live music, and a lively atmosphere, it captures the frontier spirit while serving up hearty meals.
What to Expect
- Menu Highlights: Hand-cut steaks, slow-smoked ribs, hearty burgers, and classic comfort food.
- Atmosphere: Rustic décor with a western saloon feel, often featuring live country and bluegrass music.
- Seating: Both indoor dining and an outdoor patio with sweeping views of the Badlands.
Why Visit
If you’re looking for a true taste of the Old West combined with friendly North Dakota hospitality, the Little Missouri is a must-stop. It’s a favorite among locals, travelers, and Medora Musical guests alike.
Farmhouse Café
The Farmhouse Café is a cozy spot known for its homestyle cooking and hearty portions. It’s a local favorite for breakfast and lunch, offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like a classic small-town diner.
What to Expect
- Menu Highlights: Fluffy pancakes, hearty omelets, biscuits and gravy, burgers, sandwiches, and daily specials.
- Atmosphere: Casual and family-friendly, with a laid-back vibe and friendly service that keeps visitors coming back.
- Seating: Comfortable indoor dining with a relaxed setting.
Why Visit
The Farmhouse Café is the go-to place to start your day in Medora. Whether fueling up before a hike or grabbing a midday meal, you’ll find reliable comfort food and a taste of small-town charm.
Farmhouse Cafe
Theodore’s Dining Room
Located inside the historic Rough Riders Hotel, Theodore’s Dining Room offers an elevated dining experience in Medora. With refined regional cuisine and elegant surroundings, it’s a perfect choice for a special evening out.
What to Expect
- Menu Highlights: North Dakota bison dishes, hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, seasonal sides, and a well-curated wine list.
- Atmosphere: Upscale yet welcoming, with décor that honors Medora’s frontier heritage.
- Seating: Elegant indoor dining room with attentive service, ideal for couples, families celebrating a special occasion, or small groups.
Why Visit
Theodore’s Dining Room provides one of the finest dining experiences in western North Dakota. Combining history, atmosphere, and elevated cuisine, it’s a memorable way to enjoy the spirit of Medora while indulging in a carefully crafted meal.
Boots Bar & Grill
Boots Bar & Grill is a laid-back, family-friendly spot serving classic American fare in a casual setting. Known for generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a reliable choice for groups and families.
What to Expect
- Menu Highlights: Burgers, sandwiches, wings, wraps, and hearty salads, along with a full bar offering beers and cocktails.
- Atmosphere: Casual and lively, with a mix of locals and visitors. TVs often play sports, making it a relaxed spot to unwind after a day of exploring.
- Seating: Indoor dining with a cozy bar area and plenty of space for families and larger groups.
Why Visit
Boots is the kind of place where everyone can find something they like. It’s a perfect stop for a quick, casual meal or a laid-back evening with friends and family.
Boots Bar and Grill
Medora Uncork’d
Medora Uncork’d is the town’s wine bar and bistro, offering a more intimate and relaxed dining option. It’s a favorite for those looking to enjoy a glass of wine, craft beer, or a light meal in a cozy setting.
What to Expect
- Menu Highlights: Artisan flatbreads, small plates, fresh salads, and charcuterie boards paired with curated wines and local craft beers.
- Atmosphere: Warm and inviting, perfect for couples, friends, or anyone seeking a quieter dining experience.
- Seating: Indoor bistro-style seating with a relaxed, conversational environment.
Why Visit
Medora Uncork’d offers a change of pace from the classic Western saloons and steakhouses. It’s the perfect spot to unwind in the evening, enjoy good conversation, and savor carefully selected wines and bites.
L'Amour Bistro
Opening April 2026, L’Amour Bistro brings a fresh dining experience to Medora, offering a menu inspired by European bistro traditions alongside classic American favorites. With thoughtfully prepared dishes and a welcoming atmosphere, it provides a comfortable place for visitors and locals to gather for a meal in the heart of town.
What to Expect
- Menu Highlights: A blend of European-inspired bistro dishes and familiar American favorites, with options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Atmosphere: Relaxed and welcoming, offering a casual yet refined setting where guests can enjoy a meal at any time of day.
- Hours: Open daily from 6:30 am to 8:00 pm, making it a convenient stop for breakfast before a day of exploring or a relaxed evening meal.
Why Visit
L’Amour Bistro offers a new take on dining in Medora, blending European inspiration with classic comfort dishes. Whether starting your morning with breakfast, enjoying a midday meal, or gathering for dinner after a day in the Badlands, it provides a welcoming place to relax and dine in the heart of town.
Brioche French toast with fresh berries
Pitchfork Steak Fondue
Pitchfork Steak Fondue
The Pitchfork Steak Fondue is one of Medora’s most iconic dining experiences. Steaks are speared on pitchforks, cooked over an open flame, and served with classic western sides — all while overlooking the dramatic scenery of the Badlands.
What to Expect
- Menu Highlights: Hand-cut steaks prepared “fondue-style” on pitchforks, baked potatoes, baked beans, coleslaw, garlic toast, and a variety of desserts.
- Atmosphere: Open-air, outdoor dining with long picnic tables that create a festive, communal setting. Live entertainment and sweeping views of the Badlands make it uniquely memorable.
- Seating: Outdoor seating with panoramic views, timed to coincide with the evening Medora Musical for a seamless dinner-and-show experience.
Why Visit
More than just a meal, the Pitchfork Steak Fondue is a Medora tradition. It combines good food, live entertainment, and unforgettable scenery — making it a highlight of any visit.
Badlands Pizza Parlor
The Badlands Pizza Parlor is a family-friendly favorite in Medora, perfect for casual dining after a day of exploring. With a focus on fresh pizza, pasta, and salads, it’s an easy choice for groups and kids.
What to Expect
- Menu Highlights: Hand-tossed pizzas with a variety of toppings, pasta dishes, fresh salads, and kid-friendly options.
- Atmosphere: Casual and lively, with the feel of a classic small-town pizza joint.
- Seating: Indoor dining with plenty of space for families and groups.
Why Visit
When you want a quick, crowd-pleasing meal, Badlands Pizza Parlor delivers. It’s especially popular with families and larger groups looking for a fun, relaxed place to share a meal together.
Sheriff Bear’s Burgers & Ice Cream
Sheriff Bear’s Burgers & Ice Cream brings a playful twist to Medora’s dining scene. With its fun theme and casual menu, it’s a great stop for families and anyone craving a classic burger-and-ice-cream combo.
What to Expect
- Menu Highlights: Juicy burgers, fries, shakes, and a wide selection of ice cream treats.
- Atmosphere: Lighthearted and family-oriented, with a whimsical sheriff theme that kids especially enjoy.
- Seating: Casual indoor dining with a quick-service style, ideal for a relaxed stop in town.
Why Visit
Sheriff Bear’s is the perfect spot for a fun, easygoing meal. Whether you’re grabbing lunch, cooling down with ice cream on a hot summer day, or treating the kids after a long hike, it adds a cheerful touch to Medora’s dining options.
Hidden Springs Java
Hidden Springs Java is a cozy coffee shop in the heart of Medora, offering specialty drinks and light snacks.
What to Expect
- Menu Highlights: Lattes, cappuccinos, iced coffees, teas, smoothies, and light baked goods.
- Atmosphere: Warm, casual, and welcoming, great for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon break.
- Seating: Indoor café-style seating with a relaxed vibe.
Why Visit
It’s the go-to spot for coffee lovers in town, providing a dependable caffeine fix along with a friendly local atmosphere.
Hidden Springs Java
Hatlee and Brae
Hatlee & Brae (Ice Cream, Coffee & Gifts)
Hatlee & Brae is a delightful combination of coffee shop, ice cream parlor, and gift boutique, making it a unique stop in Medora.
What to Expect
- Menu Highlights: Premium ice cream, specialty espresso drinks, milkshakes, and unique gift items.
- Atmosphere: Charming and eclectic, with a mix of sweet treats and shopping.
- Seating: Limited café seating, with emphasis on grab-and-go treats and browsing the gift shop.
Why Visit
It’s the perfect place to indulge in a sweet treat and pick up a one-of-a-kind Medora keepsake at the same time.
Fudge & Ice Cream Depot
A classic stop for those with a sweet tooth, the Fudge & Ice Cream Depot serves up hand-dipped ice cream and homemade fudge.
What to Expect
- Menu Highlights: Rich, creamy fudge in a variety of flavors, classic ice cream cones, sundaes, and floats.
- Atmosphere: Nostalgic and fun, evoking the feel of an old-fashioned ice cream shop.
- Seating: Mostly take-away with some outdoor seating options.
Why Visit
If you’re looking for something indulgent and traditional, this is the place for fudge lovers and ice cream fans alike
Medora C Store
The Medora C Store is more than just a convenience stop — it’s home to what many say is the best breakfast sandwich you’ll ever have. Each morning, locals and visitors alike line up early, and the sandwiches often sell out before the day is far along.
What to Expect
- Menu Highlights: Fresh-made breakfast sandwiches (arrive early — they go fast!), along with cold drinks, packaged snacks, sandwiches, and travel essentials.
- Atmosphere: Simple and functional, focused on quick service and take-away.
- Seating: None, designed for grab-and-go.
Why Visit
Start your day the right way: grab one of Medora’s most talked-about breakfast sandwiches before heading out on an adventure. With its mix of legendary morning eats and all the basics you need, the C Store is a staple for any visit.