This little café is tucked away downtown just off 4th Avenue. The sidewalk art out front gives it a…read morefun and welcoming feel. We stopped in midmorning on a Saturday, and it was busy with a mix of locals and students. The counter staff was friendly and helpful. The pastry case made it tough to choose, but we went with a Pumpkin Cheesecake Cruffin, Maple Pecan Blondie, BLT Croissant, and coffee. Everything was fresh and tasty. They also sell loaves of bread and other baked goods to take home. The staff was warm and polite, and even those working behind the counter who weren't serving us took a moment to say thanks for coming in. Will definitely be visiting again.

My husband was obsessed with their pastries while we were staying in Bismarck. Excellent location…read morein the heart of downtown and a cute local shop vibe.

Anima Cucina is such a cute spot in Bismarck. I was greeted right away and seated promptly, and the…read moreservice throughout the meal was warm, friendly, and attentive. For a small restaurant, they also have an impressive wine selection. We started with the garlic bread, hot olives, and meatballs -- all of which were flavorful, balanced, and absolutely delicious. For entrées, our table had the breaded walleye, the Bolognese pasta, and the Porchetta. The walleye and Bolognese were outstanding, but unfortunately the Porchetta was a big letdown. The skin was chewy rather than crisp, with a thick layer of unrendered fat beneath it, and most concerning, it still had visible pig hair. I was expecting the classic combination of crackling skin, melting fat, and tender pork, but instead it was oddly undercooked on the outside, dry inside, and after biting into hair, I really lost my appetite for it. We finished with tiramisu and a torte, and both desserts were excellent -- a strong way to end the meal. Overall, Anima Cucina has a lot going for it: charming atmosphere, friendly staff, great starters, and standout entrées (other than the Porchetta). I'd happily return for the appetizers, pasta, fish, and desserts, but I'd avoid the Porchetta based on my experience.

Our most favorite place in all of Bismarck! Came here practically every morning over the summer…read morewhile we stayed here for work. Lovely staff, great vibes, lots of natural light, and excellent coffee! We miss this place!!!

Fireflour is the hands down the best pizza place in North Dakota, and one of the best pizza places…read morein America (and I've eaten pizza in California, new York, and Chicago)! I can't get enough of the Daisy pizza (Margherita pizza). I've been eating here almost every other day since December , a habit I plan to continue for the foreseeable future! The staff are kind and friendly ! And the service is very efficient!

Stopped in for lunch with my college student on a Friday, and it turned out to be the perfect…read moresolution for a meatless Friday meal. We were greeted right away as there was no one else in the restaurant. Its an open floor plan with two rooms. Im guessing its quite lively in the evenings. We shared the chopped salad and the Daisy pizza. The salad was good, though not a traditional chopped salad--it used that trendy wild greens mix that so many restaurants are leaning on these days. Personally, I'm not a huge fan, but the menu did specify it, so that one's on me for not paying closer attention. The pizza, however, was absolutely terrific. The crust was soft and chewy with just the right amount of char from the stone oven. The combination of the sauce, cheese, and fresh basil was spot on. They also drizzle a flavored oil over the top--we couldn't quite pinpoint what it was, but it added an extra layer of flavor that really elevated the pizza. We devoured the whole thing--three slices each! At around $20, the pizza might feel a bit pricey, but it's clear that everything is fresh and made from scratch, so it's well worth it. Service was attentive, though we were the only ones there at lunchtime. I imagine this place really comes alive in the evening. I'd definitely come back to try more of the menu--and next time, I'm not sharing my pizza.

Best bakery in Bismarck hands down. Everything is made fresh from scratch, if you crave and miss…read moretropical flavors, look no further. They have everything from simple Bavarian cream to guava and mango flavor! It's hard to choose but my favorite is the mango donut, a simple glazed donuts full of fresh mango filling, it's heaven! We met one of the employees of the bakery and he told us how they make sure to have quality ingredients and make sure nothing is old and stale. They also make Cuban and Puerto Rican sandwiches if you want something savory, he said to call him ahead of time so that we can have something fresh right when we eat. So thankful to have a diverse local business!

I couldn't believe it when I heard that Bismarck had an actual Puerto Rican bakery and had to see…read morefor myself! So, on my friend's birthday, a group of us went to check it out. From the moment we wandered in, the owner was incredibly friendly and helpful. Not only did he explain what every dessert in the case was and how it was made, he let us try their fresh baked breads and described their sandwiches and the grocery area of the store as well! It was a personal tour and we were so grateful! One of my friends has family in Mexico/travels there frequently and was delighted to find some of her favorite soda as well as desserts (albeit with different names) here. And she left well stocked! Of course I had to ask if they had a vegetarian sandwich (as he was describing how they make their sandwich meat) and he paused a beat and then exclaimed, "That's not latin!" Oh it was so funny, we all had a great laugh! He went on to say he'd be happy to put some veggies on a sandwich for me if I wanted. We did ask how he came to North Dakota and he explained it was because of the hurricane in Puerto Rico awhile back. We told him how happy we were he chose Bismarck of all places. It can't be easy! We all left loaded down with bakery boxes and items from the grocery portion of the store. And were all delighted at how amazing their prices were! Seriously - this place has great prices. I got tres leches, a giant slab of the most amazing vanilla cake, a cup of what tasted like horchata that was a cross between pudding/jello in texture, and a cork screw shaped pastry filled with bavarian cream that I've seen reviewers call a cannoli but he was specific in the fact that it was absolutely not a cannoli. (I believe he called it a quesito but I could be wrong.) The owner also stressed that the desserts in the case change in variety daily so what may be there one day won't be there the next. All in all - this business is fantastic in every way (right down to the fact that the room was absolutely spotless and sparkling clean) and we will be back next time we are in Bismarck! Please turn out and support this wonderful new business!

Stopped in here for a quick ice cream before heading back to the hotel. What a fun gem to find…read morehidden behind hotel row. The vibe is super fun and reminds me a lot of Central Perk from Friends. Tables and couches arranged in cozy conversational corners. We ended up staying because we liked the ambience. We each had a gelato with a topping that came in around $15 including tip. I had salted caramel and my guest had the butter brickle. Both were very tasty and we would likely come back to try some other flavors or just enjoy the vibe with some coffee. The staff was both friendly and helpful and offered samples of the gelato to help us decide.

Super cute ice cream place combined with a coffee joint! Loved the affogato! We liked it so much,…read morewe came back a few times while studying in Bismarck. Lots of sitting area with chess tables and areas to study. Staff is nice :)

I was in town for work and wanted something for dinner that wouldn't make me feel terrible, no…read morefried foods, a real meal. It was -17 degrees in and I was able to walk in for dinner. I'm sure this place is usually much busier, but I'm happy I lucked out. The staff were so friendly and attentive from the second you walk in, with such a warm welcome by the host. The restaurant felt cozy and still had plenty of diners despite the cold. I had the beet salad with goat cheese and pecans, and the bison braised short ribs. Both were excellent. I make a similar beet dish at home, so it was nice to have something simple, comforting, and genuinely delicious -- it felt like eating at home. The beef was incredibly tender and fell apart easily with just my fork. I also had the vanilla crème brûlée for dessert. It was pretty good, but it was cold, and I usually prefer it a little warm and smoother. Not quite the cozy dessert I was hoping for. That said, they had a great dessert selection, and I'm excited to come back and try something else.

It's been 18 years since we've been here. Always liked the ambiance of the place. We returned for…read moreour 25th anniversary and was treated well by our server. She was on point with the drinks and serving. Sometimes I did not know she was near until the plate disappeared or the glasses filled. I had the ND bison short ribs and hubby had the walleye. Both delicious. We both chose the dill mash potato. I am thinking that maybe a fondant potato would pair nicely with the bison short ribs but all in all in was a very nice experience for our anniversary. Thank you!

A very good place and great beer and food! The burnt ends and wings are absolutely awesome! Great…read morebeer selection and service is fantastic! Great atmosphere and axe throwing! Definitely one of the better places in this town!

Now we put the kids down at bed at round 8pm sherbet at 5 and we arrived to North Dakota pretty…read morelate so we got a hotel and when we put the kids down for bed we went to the bar we went to this one because of its name the laughing sun so funny .but we had a great time we were worried about our kids alone but they did great they didn't even know we left. But the alcohol was very nice I can't remember what I got but it was very very good I only had one because it was late But a great experience and a good state!.

Wow, what an amazing cocktail bar in Bismarck! It really has great ambience with the bar seating…read moreand lounge chair's scattered throughout the bar. Their cocktails are delicious and they keep the menu fresh by switching it up every few months while still keeping the classics. The mixologists know what they are doing, are very patient, and do a great job of explaining the cocktails to ensure you get what you're looking for. What a great addition to downtown Bismarck! We will absolutely be back!

This is hands down the best craft cocktail bar in Bismarck. The ambiance is really cozy and…read moreinviting. You enter an unpretentious door and go downstairs to the lounge. Smooth jazz music surrounds you as you sit on one of the four overstuffed couchs. If you're not lucky enough to snag a couch or a comfy chair, there are also half a dozen bar height tables, and 10 cushy seats at the bar. The drinks are really creative, as are the "glasses." The Tubby Taft gives a whole new meaning to the term "bathtub" gin. They don't have any food options but you can order/bring in food from either Nara Ramen or The Firepit both located above Oscar's. Service was almost instantaneous and really friendly and knowledgeable. Parking is also available in the same lot as Nara and the Firepit.