November 16th, 2017
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For the third week in a row, our panel of judges were out on the town with a thirst for cocktails and a focus on presentation, flavor, and creativity. This week’s adventures took us to a couple of hotspots in south Fargo, as the four judges sat down first at Barbacoa, and then later paid a visit to Lucky’s 13 Pub.
Barbacoa
Located on the corner of 32nd Avenue and 42nd street south, Barbacoa is one of the dining and drink options that is managed by the fine folks who also bring us…
November 8th, 2017
The second week of our Cocktail Showdown is another great illustration of the wide range of establishments that are participating. It’s also a good illustration of the wide range of experiences our vibrant downtown nightlife has to offer. This week’s cocktails are offered up by one of the more recent additions to Downtown, Proof Artisan Distillers tasting room, and The Empire Tavern, a downtown staple since 1936.
Proof Artisan Distillers opened in 2015 and is located on 4th Avenue…
November 2nd, 2017
Our annual search for the best that the local cocktail scene has to offer is once again underway, and it is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever. This year brings a lineup of contestants that is split between seasoned veterans and relative newcomers, and a list of venues that features some of our tried and true favorites plus several establishments that are brand new to the showdown.
Our first order of business this year was a visit to what some would call a downtown institution.…
January 20th, 2017
The moment of truth has arrived. After seven weeks of sampling and judging some of the finest libations in the area the results for this year’s Cocktail Showdown have arrived. Christopher Larson, Raul Gomez and Sabrina Hornung were presented the opportunity to try some of the finest cocktails in town crafted by some of the finest mixologists in the area. Participants were judged on a one to five scale on creativity, presentation, and flavor.
Best Overall: Elijah Larson of Proof Artisan…
December 22nd, 2016
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For our seventh and final week of the Cocktail Showdown, we headed back to Rustica at 315 Main Avenue in Moorhead, but this time sat down in the Tavern side of the building.
Chalkboard menus hang on exposed brick walls and copper tap handles catch the eye and enhance the rustic, comfortable feel. The wood fired pizza oven tucked away in the corner is often a very active area of the room, cranking out delicious and creative pizzas, especially during their happy hours of 5-6 and 9-11,…
December 22nd, 2016
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Fargo Billiards and Gastropub
At 28,500 square feet and on the corner of 32nd Avenue and 43rd street south, Billiards is home to the largest billiard parlor in the country, features seven- and nine-foot tables, a great outdoor patio with full bar and sand volleyball courts, and so much more. Several private party rooms are available for rental, original artwork by Kim Bromley is displayed throughout the building, there are two all-ages spaces for dining and pool and their Monday through…
December 7th, 2016
Barbacoa
Located on the corner of 32nd avenue and 42nd street in South Fargo, Barbacoa has been “bringing the flavors of the south a bit further north” since they opened in October of 2015. Featuring a menu of south-of-the-border flavors, with a focus on barbeque, their taco options have quickly become the talk of the town.
The bartop alone is worth a visit to the lounge area of the restaurant. American pennies serve as a backdrop for designs created by various coins from several…
December 3rd, 2016
By Chris Larsoncjlarson75@gmail.com
For Week Four of our 2016 Cocktail Showdown, we visited two of the higher volume bars in town. With expectations of large servings of strong concoctions, we sat down with Alison and Dylan at Dempsey’s Public House before ending our evening with Steph and Heather at The Empire Tavern. Whether in the order we chose, in reverse order, or with stops before or in between, these two establishments are staples of the Downtown Fargo scene and while neither…
November 22nd, 2016
By Chris Larson
cjlarson75@gmail.com
Rustica Eatery and Tavern
As the name suggests, Rustica is all about delivering a plain, simple and somewhat rural atmosphere. While the menu delivers elevated comfort foods with creative twists and pleasant surprises, the vibe throughout the room is anything but pretentious. It’s the rare kind of place you could either experience a nice evening out with that special someone, or sit down with a friend and converse over a pint, cocktail, or glass of…
November 16th, 2016
By Chris Larson Cjlarson75@gmail.com
Proof Artisan Distillers
Located at 414 4th Avenue North in Downtown Fargo, Proof is a distillery that also houses both a tasting room and a restaurant that serves small plates as well as entrees. The tasting room and restaurant hours are Thursday 4pm to 10pm and 4pm to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The room features an ambiance unlike anything else in town with its windows looking in on the beautiful copper still and an impressive reclaimed bar…
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