​License to grill

Ypsilanti North Dakota is nestled in the James River valley 15 miles southeast of Jamestown. With a population of a little over 100. It is home to a grain elevator, The 50 Plus Club, and The Ypsi Bar and Grill.

Ypsilanti is a known stop on charity bike runs and the Ypsilanti Community Club hosts an annual Ribfest and cook-off.

The Ypsi Bar and Grill has gained a reputation in the area for its hand-pattied burgers. The most popular menu items are the newly added Cali burger which includes lettuce, onion, and tomato or the steak sandwich. The latter includes a 6 oz. marinated steak fillet with fried onions, green peppers, and mushrooms, with cheese, served on a hoagie roll. All sandwiches are served with french fries.

The meat served here was primarily sourced from LaMoure Lockers based out of nearby LaMoure, North Dakota. My cohort ordered the Steak sandwich and was impressed with the overall flavor and tenderness of the meat.

The menu features a plethora of appetizers. One can anticipate old favorites as well as breaded cauliflower, pickle chips, and fried gizzards. Though we did not try the gizzards, we were told that the recommended dipping sauce was ranch.

The bar is housed in one Ypsilanti’s original buildings. The decor is an eclectic western theme complete with reproductions of vintage wanted posters, steer horns, and embellished steer skulls. Think western saloon with a modern twist.

Heidi Riddle, one of the owners of the bar, is the woman behind the skulls. In fact, she got such positive feedback on the skulls that she has since started to sell them at Rustic Roots floral and gift shop in LaMoure, and Branded Envy, a western store in Bismarck, under the Bonehill Brand.

“I guess it's that need for some sort of artistic therapy that drew me to the skull idea. I use gemstones, Swarovski crystals, leather, paint, feathers, beads. I draw inspiration from jewelry pieces, western tack designs, even a serape blanket.” says Riddle,” My favorite is lace. It's so feminine, and I love the contrast between the rough and natural state of the skull and something elegant and delicate.”

The kitchen is open until 9pm Sunday through Thursday, and opens at 11am everyday with the exception of Sunday, when it opens at noon. During the weekend the kitchen stays open until 10pm.

The Ypsi bar features four beers on tap. The beers of the moment are Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy, Michelob Ultra, Sam Adam’s Boston Lager, and Blue Moon.

The bar features a beautiful wraparound porch, giving drinkers and diners the option to enjoy themselves outside. This is an exceptional treat in the evening -- diners can have a front row seat on the prairie sunset and eventual starry sky on a clear calm night.

Ypsilanti has made a name for itself with its annual RibFest hosted by the Ypsilanti Community Club. The third annual RibFest will be Saturday August 20. It is an open grilling contest and participants are welcome to use charcoal, wood or gas grills.

All ribs must be raw and uncooked at check in--prior marinating or seasoning is not allowed.

Check-in and set up for the competition will start at 8am and judging will take place at 5pm. Ribs will be judged on aroma, appearance, tenderness, and most importantly, taste. At the end of the day one lucky winner will walk away with $1,000.

Entertainment for the day will include live music at 8:30pm from The Great Outdoors and wild west re-enactments.

IF YOU GO:

Third annual Ypsilanti Community Club Ribfest

Saturday, August 20,

207 1st Street, Ypsilanti North Dakota

To pre-register or for more information about the cook-off, call: (701) 489-3166