I am back in Fargo and no trip is now complete without a pit stop at HoDo lounge. Jason has got to be the 'happiest' bar tender. He always has a smile on his face. Based on his recommendation, I got the red quinoa salad and it was amazing with quinoa, beets and a sherry vinaigrette (See my picture). I ordered the bison burger again and it was just as good as the last time, if not better. Their scotch collection is also impressive and I tried a Scapa 16 today. The big question on my mind is 'how do I convince them to open shop in Chicago?'.
(5)
Josh K.
This place has great art, high-quality cocktails, and a comfortable ambiance. I enjoyed most of the drinks (thus 5 stars), but was not a fan of the Yam-hattan. I love puns, and Yam-hatten is a great pun. Even better, it is a pun that delivers. The yam-hatten tastes EXACTLY like the whiskey-laden liquid sweet potato pie that it's name implies. Unfortunately, in my enthusiasm for the clever I forgot I don't like sweet potato pie. A few additional comments: It is surprisingly wonderful that there is an establishment where you can purchase a caipirinha in the middle of Fargo, North Dakota. The HoDo has high-quality pens. I think (hope) a place with such nice pens would be happy if the occasional patron took a couple back to California, spreading the word about Fargo's hotspot. If the above statement is inaccurate, a couple pens may or may not have accidentally wound up in my pocket when I left. I plan to surrender them to the appropriate authorities upon my next visit to Fargo.
(5)
Bret S.
Visited this place on the recommendation of a local friend. Dinner and a cocktail on a Thursday afternoon at 4. The place was busy and WAY understaffed. Even so, my server made no attempt to hustle and often just ignored me. It's incredibly frustrating to come go to a restaurant, watch others be seated after you and served before you. This place charges premium prices, so there is just no excuse for poor service. My bison burger was good but not prepared as I requested so it was delivered overcooked. No need to do that with Bison. The food was great, but honestly it left me wishing I had gone to Culvers instead and saved both time and money. I know this place is a local favorite, but I can't recommend it.
(3)
Ryan L.
The HoDo is a mainstay in downtown Fargo and shouldn't be missed. It's been going strong for a number of years and has lots going for it. The drink menu is deep and there's plenty of cocktail choices to pick from. Their selection of liquor and beer is very nice and they have a good amount of beers on tap as well (usually including plenty of local brews too). Honestly, the food in the lounge can be skipped. It used to be pretty good with just about anything worth eating, but about a year ago it changed. I think they tried to get too creative and trendy with their options; and it really is not good. I am generally one who can find anything on any menu and will try it and like it, but now I'd rather not even eat there. Just stick with the drinks. There's also plenty of opportunities to listen to live music at the HoDo. Word of caution though...it get very crowded there during music time. So be prepared to either get there early for a seat or stand. Either way, enjoy!
(3)
Easy C.
Priced for the $50 a day business traveler meal allowance. Otherwise it seems to be the hot spot for Fargo's social elite. The bartender was topnotch. Repeatedly and Skillfully preparing complex drinks with little effort. If you are looking to step out of your comfort zone to try something new then this fellow is the one to help you. I believe he would enjoy it, if the time is available. The special of the day was s $44 salmon dish. I settled on the $16 Norwegian salmon from bar menu. Normally priced at $23. The fish was prepared nearly perfectly. I happen to like a good seer on the outside. Which this did not have (did not ask). The tender inside maintained nearly all the juices and flavor. The mashed potatoes tasted great but at the expense of being overly oily / buttery. I did not notice any evidence of spice seasoning. Nevertheless the taste was present. The beans sat on a rich bed of savory sauce that bound the entirety of the dish together. If you are looking for an upscale dining experience while keeping your feet on the ground; Then this is the place. Enjoy
(4)
Christopher S.
I have been going to The Hodo sine they first opened. Some complaints I have heard in the past about The Hodo is that it is too upscale and snooty. With the exception of a couple of servers I have never felt that way. The Hodo has always been very welcoming. The Hodo has one of the best selection of Single Malt Scotch and liquor of all sorts of variety. The food menu is very surprising, very original and focuses on local food suppliers. I recommend the "fish and chips" as well as the Bison Burger. The Hodo has live entertainment up to twice a week and hosts a variety of shows for local causes.
(4)
John M.
You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. My favorites are the bison burger or the lavosh. I have a difficult time not going with either of these as they are so good. Add on top of the food, the amazing decor and ambience, and this is an excellent place to be. Further, you have the top notch bar and beer selection.
(5)
Ken S.
Sometimes you just want to go where everybody knows your name. This is that place for me. Whether you are from here or not, you need to know that this is an iconic social landmark that everyone needs to experience. From food to drinks to service to atmosphere, this place is hands down my number one here in Fargo. Not only is the owner Karen engaged in our community, she holds benefits and gifts space for a various amount of causes. My personal go to's would be the cuclear caley, the hodo cider, and the wild rice burger. Come have a good time and experience the best that Fargo has to offer. Just remember to be kind to your server and tip them well.
(5)
Stacy K.
Excellent, friendly, and very accommodating service (from both bartenders and servers) and their drinks are fantastic! Have been here several times with friends to enjoy their cocktails and have been greatly impressed every time. Fun place to come if you want to dress up and be classy. Also have some bands that perform live music and so make sure to follow them on Facebook for performance updates!
(5)
Jilian S.
The cocktail selection was great. Everyone at my table kept ordering more drinks. I only tried the fries which were surprisingly awesome. I was surprised there was some great live music. It was a little loud for our group since we were trying to carry on conversation rather than just take in the music. We had to lean in to the person next to us in order to be heard. Unfortunately the service was not great. We probably would have drank much more if our server has checked in on us more often. She was nice when she was present but drinks were forgotten upon her return and it seemed like ages before we were finally able to get our checks.
(4)
Frances G.
This is a perfect combo of unique art, delicious food, and a martini list that goes on for days. What seems to be one of the more popular hang outs in Fargo, this bar is happening with all walks of life. Its chic interior and abundant cocktail list creates such an upscale vibe that you almost feel a piano and lounge singer will suddenly appear. The service is just as cool and well versed in the cocktail department.
(4)
Tony T.
HoDo is a staple of downtown Fargo, it has an eclectic style that attracts a large range of patrons from hipsters to business pro's. Adding a sense of sophistication to the blue collar state by elevating many NoDak arts, including the culinary ones. Having come here for a good part of the past decade the HoDo has a special place in my heart. I have been gone for 2 years and recently stepped in on a Thursday night (which is a great night to experience live talent from local - and not so local- musicians). admittedly it can get quite loud and busy on these nights so if that's not your thing then I would skip Thursdays - keeping in mind that they do have hotel suites above the party is kept at bay and usually come to a mellow halt around 11pm and lounge remains open till 1am. The fare: Their rotating menu has many staples which sometimes change in way of preparation. Lounge menu is not as extensive as the dining room which is to be expected, however if there early enough one could order of either menu. The food is generally quite good and some of the better dining experiences available in the FM area. I recently ordered the fish and chips and must say I was somewhat disappointed. It was over cooked and overall not what it once had been. One thing I would not miss is the bison burger. Honestly one of the better burgers I have ever had (not that you would know me, but that's quite a statement) I notice many ppl complain about the pricing of this place however, I for one, couldn't see that it was overpriced in any way. Considering what you are getting it's quite fair if not down right reasonable. Any martini is going to be $10+ ANYWHERE; if you order a regular beverage they only serve quality goods and go all the way up to top shelf and pricing reflects that. On average the pricing is on par with surrounding area but serves a better quality. Service is good and staff is very friendly. Highlights: Overall great dining and nightlife experiences - bison burger - atmosphere - quality - rooftop bar in the summer months is a must!
(4)
alicia a.
Stopped in for a weekday lunch date with my husband. Great atmosphere, reasonable prices and a great selection of food choices that you can't get just anywhere. Our server was super attentive, but didn't approach when we had mouths full of food. She took the time to explain some of the less common options. Can't wait till we can sneak in for dessert some night!
(5)
Ashley H.
Great food, bad service. It could have been 5 stars. Everything took so long! They changed our server and didn't tell us, then when we figured it out it was almost like the new one was purposely ignoring us, even when it came time for the check. Good crowd, especially for Fargo!
(3)
Doug M.
I just had a quick, late lunch here during a quick stop in Fargo. I looked up close by, well received places in Yelp and this one got the pick. The lounge side is kind of a restaurant/bar cross, which I guess is what makes it a lounge. Actually, the ambiance was pretty nice. It is in a converted old industrial type bldg, and they left enough unfinished parts to make it interesting, but it still is well-appointed and comfortable. Large windows allow you to look out on the street life, too. Quite relaxing for a lazy mid-afternoon meal. They have a Chef's Lavosh on the menu, which the server said was a breakfast-style lavosh for this week. Since I like to try local places' specialties, I thought I'd give it a shot. But since I didn't know what a lavosh was, I looked it up first. Turns out that lavosh (or lavash) is a thin flatbread popular in the Caucasus region. So it's really like getting a flatbread or cracker bread pizza. It was actually pretty good bread/crust - denser and stiffer than normal thin pizza, but not like a cracker. The other difference was that I don't there wasn't any sauce. Instead, the base layer is havarti cheese - which gave a really good, melted, buttery! flavor. The toppings were thick cut bacon and scrambled eggs. Pretty tasty. Nothing more to add. It was a quick meal, relaxing space, lots of flavor.
(4)
Jon L.
Stopped in Friday for lunch after some decent Yelp reviews. Found a table close to the front windows and things were starting off good. Got our waters and checked out the menu. We had an idea what we wanted but after 15 minutes waiting for the waitress to return and get our order, I was already a little bugged. The waitress gave us a "everything is good" review of a few items, not helpful. I ordered the buffalo burger and my wife the chicken sandwich. After 30 more minutes, the food arrived. This was my first time ordering buffalo and I ordered it medium. I am not sure what medium should look like in a buffalo burger, by I would think there should be some pink in there somewhere. The burger tasted more well done. I didn't mind the flavor of the meat, but it was over spiced and salted. It ran out of any resemblance of pizzazz in short order. It came with fries that were just OK. On the side was a small condiment cup of pickled veggies for . . . .?? My wifes sandwich was just OK as well. We waited for another 15 minutes after we were done eating for the bill. Adding to the mounting frustration. We watched another young family come in during this time, sit down, and then 10 minutes later get up and walk out because they had not been severed yet. Really? You loose customers that are actually in your establishment because of your service? Big fail! The place was not even that busy. Service is one of the most correctable situations in a restaurant and I am continually surprised at how many places fail in this arena. We will not be back.
(2)
Susan M.
I enjoyed my meal of Halibut. Our wine was very good. The service was fine. I think the wait staff needs to be more familiar with menu. when we asked about the salmon.......they were not able to tell us what type of salmon they where serving.
(4)
Ana M.
I travel a lot and always try to find the best places. Last night I came across the Hodu lounge, first thing I noticed was the great ambiance, I was alone so I sat at the bar. The bartender was super helpful as was the manager. I had the best cocktail I have ever tasted. The food was superb as well as the service. I was able to get a tour of the hotel (each room is different) and features a different artist. The rooms are beautiful. There is a roof top bar as well, which wasn't open on Sunday night, but I was able to go up and take a tour. All I can say is the next time i am in Fargo I will be staying there, and while I am here this time I will go as often as I can.
(5)
Jacob T.
Want to go downtown? Tired of hipsters? Fratboys? This might be the place for you. A little "classier" crowd in here. I think most locals assume it's too expensive. (It's really not). Dress up or come as you are. Very good service and the bar tenders really know their trade. Some of the most interesting bar food in town. Want to do shots and swill pitchers of lousy beer? Look elsewhere.
(5)
William C.
I've only heard great things about the HoDo and have been told several times to stop by this establishment when I'm in Fargo. Granted, this person that keeps telling me to go here, worked at the HoDo; so, I'm guessing he might have been slightly impartial (that's for you MT!!!). We decided to meet at the HoDo for late night drinks and a snack. It's a very comfy atmosphere with regular tables and chairs and the much more relaxed couches and cushy lounge chairs. We were able to score a pair of lounge chairs right by the front door (which was the only space available and allowed us to view the shenanigans of those walking down the sidewalk). The drink menu is EXTENSIVE. They have just about everything, including local and import beers. I grabbed a Sidecar and ordered Cavatelli Primavera for a quick bite. The Sidecar was fantastic; granted, it's hard to screw up a classic mixed drink. Good side drink with plenty of alcohol mixed in. The Cavatelli Primavera wasn't exactly what I had expected. I was expecting a much bigger portion (it was $11) and it came out on an appetizer plate with about a dozen bites. Other than the portion size, it was a great dish. Huge flavor from the cheese and mushrooms; the ingredients were very fresh. This is a great place to grab a drink and a quick bite to eat. I stopped here earlier the same day and got a Fargo Stone's Throw beer, FANTASTIC.
(4)
Bridget L.
What a find in Fargo! Very comfortable bar and superb dinner. Had the brussel sprouts which are now the new standard by which all others will be compared. ( Ask my husband, I eat a lot of brussel sprouts ). The bison flat iron steak with fingerling potatoes, mushrooms and wine sauce were excellent. This place is on par with restaurants I have visited in NYC. Live music in the lounge too. Really who needs NYC? The hotel sounds special with 17 rooms decorated by 17 local artists. Fargo, who knew?
(5)
Tim J.
This place is awesome. I was in town from Chicago on business, and I wanted to sample the local food. It was a Thursday night, the place was packed, but there was a spot at the bar. A great band was playing, and the mood was quite warm despite the frigid temps outside. I ordered the BBQ duck nuggets, which is one of their small plate options, as an appetizer. I highly recommend! For a drink, I ordered their excellent old fashioned which included a bourbon- infused pear. For my main course, I ordered the locally-produced buffalo steak. It was fantastic!
(5)
Rikki L.
Deducting a star. The HoDo really needs to work on their service, it's just plain bad at this point. Inexcusably bad. We waited far too long for beverages and even longer for food. Get it together.
(3)
Steve H.
Wow! This is a celebration restaurant. In fact, the last time my wife and I were there happened to be a prom night in Fargo. The food is absolutely fantastic. We've lived in some pretty food-y places (San Francisco, Houston, Ashland, OR) and this place ranks up there with the best. The Bison tenderloin was amazing, and my wife's vegetarian chef's special was great as well. Service was terrific, wine and beer selection excellent. Value in the meal well worth the price.
(5)
M. Carolina D.
This was one of the few places open this Sunday eve. I sat at the bar and I was immediately taken care of. I enjoyed the atmosphere, the awesome Mac n Cheese & Bison hot-dogs and my beer, plus the 80's music. I'd recommend this place to anybody that visits Fargo
(4)
David R.
Ok a Monday night in January good sized crowd. Great place, staff is friendly and helpful. Best salmon dinner off a bar menu I have ever had!! I would put this preparation against anything coast to coast. Kudos to the team here! Will come back every time I am in Fargo.
(5)
Billy W.
Good food; try the bison steak. I would have considered rating this restaurant 5 stars if the waitress had provided better service.
(4)
Angie M.
One of my favorite places to go to for martini's! The menu is so good, I can't even pick one to highlight! Another favorite about the HoDo is the window seating. They have such a great view of Downtown Fargo, that it is hard not just sit and people watch.
(4)
Britt N.
Always my favorite Fargo place! Beer- awesome! Cocktails? Amazing! Our favorites are the Cucular Callie and the Peachberry Watatui! Food? Also Amazing! Menu is Always changing! I have to have the bread plate with the sun dried tomato spread and the honey butter! Love going on Thursdays when there is live music- always awesome! Always great service too- Sara is especially awesome! :) I want to live in fargo again! I miss the HoDo!
(5)
Andria T.
It cracks me up to no end how many people think this place is pretentious. It's not pretentious, it's just nice. Granted, I haven't been there in a couple years, but last time I visited Fargo, HoDo and Lauerman's (closed after I left--some blamed me) were the only places I really wanted to re-visit. The martini list at the HoDo is a bit silly, but that's not really unique to them. Every drink these days seems to have a tini shoved onto the end of it. I go there for the beer (Guiness is perfectly poured every time and they have (had) Dead Guy Ale), the bar snacks and the vibe. If you want a $2 draft of Bud Light, go to Rooters, but I'd rather pay more for something decent. Maybe that makes me pretentious.
(5)
Marilee H.
While I love a dive bar more than anything in the world, sometimes my friends want a night out where one martini is equivalent to 5 PBRs. I know, I know. Hipster problems. That being said, you can't go wrong with the HoDo if you know what you're getting yourself into. I love spending summer days on the rooftop. It's decorated beautifully and the service is always great, but you do have to wait for a seat to open up if you come during a busy time. My go-to summer drink is the Clean Shave. It's cool and filled with citrus, and it's beyond refreshing on a hot day. The actual lounge is great as well. You can pick from bar seating, tables, booths, or comfortable chairs, but again, you will be waiting a while if you come during a weekend. If you're in the mood for a martini, I recommend the Nuts and Berries. It's a great winter choice. They also have delicious food items to choose from. Overall, you get what you pay for. The prices are fair for the quality of drinks and service. I've honestly never had a bad experience here. If you don't want to pay for a martini or craft brew, they do have domestics in stock (yes, even PBR). Just don't expect it to be priced at $1.75 for a pounder.
(4)
R H.
Cool building but that's about it. Totally overrated.
(2)
Tatiana M.
Small portions, so you can order several dishes!! Bison burger and meat and potatoes (bison elk meatloaf) are great. Loved the service. Loved the view.
(5)
Naomi O.
The perfect place for a nightcap or before you head out on the town! You can't go wrong with having a dirty martini or a glass (or two) of Prosecco. I am originally from the area, so this is a requirement when I visit. Enjoy!
(5)
Jennifer D.
Ahhh, HoDo Lounge. It's pretty much my home base in Fargo. The food and cocktails are pretty much amazing, although they are pretty pricey. The atmosphere is great, this is a good spot for after-work drinks or evening drinks. My favorite cocktail is the Three Twisters- blueberries, fresh basil...oh, it's SO GOOD. What I really love about this place though, are the bartenders. Particularly Sara and Josh. They make a fantastic drink and they're also great to talk to. I've killed many an evening on a business trip sitting at this bar chatting with them. I am just glad that I normally stay in the hotel so when I have a couple, I can just walk on upstairs. ;)
(5)
Rhonda G.
Now this is more like it. The hotel and restaurant had a few quirks, but here, shear perfection. Beautiful displays of art. This place actually has an energy that goes along with the atmosphere. Since it's all connected, you can order off the classic menu, but the bar menu is just as good if not better. I love the appetizer platter of sun dried tomato and a hummus dip with bread and lavash crackers. Basil had the fish and chips. It looked and tasted fabulous. I got something a little off the beaten path, a wild rice burger. This carnivore with vegan undertones was in heaven. What gave me wings was the awesome lemonade that I'm totally hooked on. Dessert was a shared plate of 4 small scoops of a variety of homemade sorbet. This settles so well, and it's in the most unique dish I've ever seen. Even the food is art here. What brought me here on a Thurs. was Alison Scott from the Twin Cities was performing. I've never seen her perform and we meet in Fargo! There's not enough room for a band so it was she and another musician. What an intimate venue for her. Local singer Brooks West was the warm up. So much talent in this place. It draws a great crowd. We managed to get a parking space and a seat in front. Talk about a night that was meant to be.
(5)
Keith P.
Awesome time! Great drinks, wonderful bar food (grilled oysters/prawns), and perfect service. Amber was fantastic...Will be back.
(5)
Joe H.
Is the Hodo going downhill? Non-service on the roof with an air of attitude. I have always loved the Hodo. I have always enjoyed their rooftop, and accepted the high prices. The staff are typically great, the quality of service, drinks, and ambiance make the price worthwhile. This time I left there seriously disappointed. We biked over there for a rooftop cocktail after a long but productive day at work. It was my first time up there this summer. There's now a sign in the lobby that says "rooftop at capacity, please see the host." I get it, an overcrowded space leads to bad service. The sign looked like it doesn't come down, which is fine. In the name of good service, right? So we waited patiently for the host to call upstairs and get the okay. "Enough room? OK, I'll send them up." Easily found a table on the rooftop. Waited and waited for something to quench my thirst after biking over from Moorhead. I couldn't help but notice the signed tab left at our table revealed that the last patron tipped a mere 10%. After 15 minutes I went to the bar station to see what was up. The bartender took my drink order. She brought our drinks over and asked if we wanted a menu. We did, but it never arrived. After 45 minutes we paid our tab at the bar station and left. We didn't get a single visit from a server. Bartender seemed to not care less. One lowball mojito and one glass of mid-grade malbec came to $18. We paid at the bar station and left really bummed out. This was one of our favorite places. I don't mind paying a high price for a quality experience. When I shell out the duckets and get bad service with attitude-Fail!
(1)
tae k.
First time in Fargo. Did not really know too much about the eating options but had a pretty good bison burger. The lobster bisque was also delicious. The place has somewhat of a hipster feel.
(4)
Michael C.
Hotel: The hotel was great. Unique art in each room. In Room breakfast included in the room rate. The special deal we booked also included parking. The only minus was the odd 2nd floor check in and valet situation. But other than that, we were very happy with our stay. The location downtown is conveniently located near some interesting shops and restaurants. There isn't a ton in downtown Fargo, but the addition of this hotel definitely adds some flavor to the neighborhood. Hodo Restaurant: This meal was way better than I had anticipated. It's not that I didn't expect a great meal at the restaurant I'd heard so much about before heading out on this trip. But the rack of lamb I ordered here might just be one of the best I've ever had. I am not an expert in lamb or anything, but it WAS really that good. And the beans and peas side with pancetta was an unexpected revelation. We also ordered a cheese plate that was splendid, but I do acknowledge the fact that the chef did not play a role in making the cheese, only in selecting it. So most of my excitement is directed towards the lamb...which WAS really that good. Note: If you are a member of Minnesota Public Radio, show your card at the restaurant, and you save 20% on dinner. Incredible deal, and it's not even Minnesota.
(4)
Hanaels J.
The drinks are a bit over priced for what you get but you are also getting good brands and interesting martinis for the FM area. A great date bar where you get an older crowd. As the night progresses Columbia vest wearing folks in their 20's herd in. The crowd varies but get pretentious later on in the night.
(5)
J W.
I would give the food a 3.5 stars. This was my first dinner in Fargo. I figure I would perform some reconnaissance for my work colleagues when they arrive later in the week. I opted for the Lounge instead of the restaurant since I was alone. The waitress was very friendly and even apologized when she didn't check on me for a while. There was a wedding party she waited on. I didn't mind since I wasn't in a hurry. As for the food, I figured I would order a couple of apps to make my own tasting menu. I asked the waitress if they offered a tasting menu, but they did not. She indicated that if it were not for the wedding party, the chef may be up for it. So I ordered the soup of the day, seafood chowder, bison carpaccio, and home made pappadelle with wild mushrooms and truffles. Instead of bringing out each item one by one, the waitress brought out all 3 at once. So either the soup or pasta will get cold. The soup was pretty good and it had a good amount of seafood it in and for a chowder, it was pretty light. It didn't feel like eating a bowl of butter and flour! The bison carpaccio was also good, but when you eat it with the mustard and greens, you can barely tell it was bison and not beef. My favorite was the papadelle. I'm a sucker for home made pasta and truffles and this dish had both! My only complaint is that the dishes are tiny, which is fine, but for prices are not. The above three appetizers cost $40. I didn't expect Hungry Man dinner plates given the type of restaurant and the costly ingredients, but the amount was definitely below expectations. As for the James Beard thing, the chef was a regional nominee. While still amazing, he's not the winner. If he was, he could have charged $60 for the above three dishes!
(3)
Joshua S.
I have to write a review of this place because I'm annoyed by some of the "for Fargo" numbers on here. And trust me, I live in South Florida so I'm not necessarily "sticking up for Fargo" here. Broadway overall is a bar scene. If anyone remembers it back in the early 2000's before the renovation, well, it sucked. At first when the HoDo opened, I'll admit it was probably a little to high-class for the neighborhood. But, as the community developed on Broadway and the clientele improved from the old shooting-pool scene and rice burners dragging up and down, so did the bars. For the people saying "for Fargo" were you expecting something out of the movie Fargo? Maybe seeing cars outside was a little much? Maybe some good ole Mr. Ed's (horses) might been better there pa! I think maybe the fact that Fargo is a classy city shocks some. I dated a girl from Vegas who was confused with the whole Fargo-Moorhead concept, she honestly asked me "do you have to, like, park at the bridge and take a boat over". I was speechless. I think people just have an idea of what Fargo is like before they see it. Anyways, back to the HoDo. The HoDo is one of the classiest, funky bars I've seen anywhere. And I've been all over. Sometimes it's a mix of young professionals, those that think they are a little more special than they are, and then some hippies. But, everyone seems to get along because people in that area seem to have respect for one another. The lighting is nice and dark, there's a lounge up on the roof, and the open brick work inside makes it pretty unique. I'm assuming a lot of people were drawn to the HoDo due to the ambiance so it can't be too surprising that it wasn't .25 cent draws and PBR pounders for $1.50. Is the place a little spendier than others? Absolutely. But definitely not outrageous, definitely not too high for Fargo, and definitely worth it. You can't put a price on not having to deal with drunk college kids next door and it's a lot more relaxing than some of the other joints down Broadway. Anyways, no disrespect for those "for Fargoer's" but spend a little more time in the area and you might retract those statements.
(4)
Adrienn H.
We stopped in to the HODO after my sister's wedding ceremony last August. We only ordered drinks, and as the Maid-of Honor, that was my job. They reserved some tables for us on Saturday night and had 26 shots on our table in about 5 minutes. They were great!
(4)
Caley Jack S.
This place has some of the best bar food in town and they are open for lunch. Sure it cost a little more but they do draw a lot of the meat and produce from local farms. I highly recommend the Panko crusted fish n' chips and hangar steak. The drinks are also well priced contrary to some other reviews. $4 for a pint of good beer is NOT outrageous. Give this place a try, it doesn't matter what walk of life you are from. The staff has done a great job to provide a friendly atmosphere. Be aware that this place can get extremely busy on weekends so it is best to show up early.
(5)
Craig M.
I went here for a special occasion meal with a bunch of friends. The food was inventive, service was attentive and we had a nice night! Good times!
(4)
Joel M.
Mystery Machine Martini was amazing. The bartender a little slow.. but we brushed it off for the drinks tasting so good!
(5)
Marcos L.
Kitchen seems well run. Went 3x; all items were tasty & well presented. (But drop the overpowering honey stuff on the bread on the charcuterie platter - ick!) But there seems to be a problem with service & training, which usually means a problem with management. First time we sat at a table, & the server was fine. No complaints. Visit #2, sat at the bar. They apparently have the glass-washing station right under the bar. So the bartender collected up all the dirty glasses & lined them up in the bar gutter right in front of us. News flash to restaurant workers: It is not pleasant to sit looking at dirty dishes 18 inches away from your face while you are eating. Visit #3: more dirty glasses, piles of them, this time pretty much taking up about half the bar. Disgusting! Despite maybe 6 people on the floor (for maybe 8 tables), no one seemed to have time to clear these away or wash them. (I eat in/at bars a lot & yes they usually do glass-washing under the bar, but they do not line up the dirties right in front of drinking/dining customers, so when they do get to washing up you can kind of ignore it. Out of sight, as they say.) Also... a guy was mopping the floor in the lounge area at 9:30pm & banging things around, obviously pissed off about something. Oh my, that's sure to make everyone feel relaxed & at home! They need to work on the cocktail program. My litmus test of a bar's capacities is the basic Manhattan. It's amazing how this simple, century-old recipe confounds bartenders, especially those most convinced of their mixology skills. First visit, mine came on the rocks, though I hadn't been asked how I wanted it nor had I specified rocks. (Unless thus specified, a Manhattan is not a rocks drink.) It was also rather syrupy, which too is sadly common. The 2nd night I ordered the same drink "up" & things were going well until the guy shook it up with all his vim & vigor so as to give it that nice foamy loogie-like topping that never goes away & is the signature of the third-rate barman. (I asked for a spoon & a small glass to remove the loogie, & then pushed the offensive thing toward the dirty-glass lineup at the edge of the bar. The bartender left it there for the rest of the evening, perhaps believing that I wanted to admire it during my meal.) So there you have it: If you expect big-city service when you're paying big-city prices, you might find this place a little annoying. They do try hard, & the food really is excellent (kudos to the kitchen staff, really), & they have exposed brick walls & all. But despite that total on your bill, you're still in Fargo. Where apparently they don't like to wash glassware.
(3)
Brian L.
The best place to eat in Fargo, ND - hands down - has a very inventive chef - uses organic, locally grown product - casual atmosphere too.
(4)
Eddy S.
Somewhat confusing sorting through the reviews, so just know that I didn't go anywhere near the bar because it was crowded. I enjoyed the tasting menu and yes, this is certainly James Beard quality. Price was appropriate for such a meal, but that means its a bit high. But really, from what I can see, its a big step down from here in terms of restaurants in Fargo.
(5)
Tim A.
I feel like the bar staff at the Hodo goes the extra mile to serve martinis that customers will like - the martini list is longer than any lounge I've drank at in the midwest (Bradstreet included!) - and they're more than happy to put together your concoction if you relay the ingredients...
(4)
Kat V.
The HoDo feels out of place in Fargo - both in venue and clientele. The food menu trying to appear exotic, the martini's with blue cheese stuffed olives and the overly pretentious 20-to-30 somethings age group was just too much to take. I lived in Fargo-Moorhead for years. I worked in bars for Fargo-Moorhead for years. You can't be steps from a place like Rooters or down the block from RomantiX (fka ABC-X) and try to pull of the swanky, chic rep. Sorry, not buying it. Everything feels like a cheap knockoff. What do I mean by that? You can't sell me a $10 martini IN FARGO if the server is wearing a T-SHIRT and can't pronounce the name of the martini, the booze or other ingredients. You can't convince me your food is going to be good when I ask if something specific from the menu is good and the server says, "I don't know, I don't eat here..." Last, the customers. Oh man, the customers. Seriously, it is Fargo-Moorhead. One of the best parts of the FM area is it ISN'T Boston or NYC. You don't have to wear stilettos everywhere you go or a suit at all times. Comfort and common sense is the name of the game in the midwest and that is what I LOVE about the area. You walk into the HoDo and people are walking around like they got dressed up to come there! Seriously, fool we KNOW you work at the Zubaz kiosk at West Acres, why are you wearing a suit you bought at Gordman's?! Are you kidding me?! I want to like the HoDo I really do. It has so much potential to be a great place if it just stops trying so hard!
(3)
Mark M.
On my first visit, prior to moving to Fargo, I was lucky enough to have Sara behind the bar at which I was sitting. She made this stranger feel right at home and has continued providing great service there. Hodo is a great place to meet friends and sits on Broadway with big windows to enjoy your friends while you watch the night life outside pass by. There is a great energy and at times, some lively bands can be enjoyed as well. They added a drink to their menu that Sara and Josh worked to make for me - so how could you not love that?!? Don't pass through Fargo without doing HoDo! The HoDo IS the best of Fargo.
(4)
Bill S.
Best buffalo burger, bar none. Have them make you a sazerac - you'll be drinking one of the best in the Midwest, and certainly the only one in ND. They've got a so-so wine-by-the-glass list; tip: order a bottle and take home what you don't finish.
(5)
Jessica K.
Overrated...the rooftop wasnt open and it was 70 degrees...drinks were overpriced for fargo...nothing terribly special...still not sure what all the hype is about...
(2)
Mitchell W.
Fish and chips were pretty good but friendly staff is what sold me.
(5)
Lyndsey C.
Always a fun atmosphere. Great martinis and shots. Love the rooftop on nice nights!
(4)
TJ N.
This place was just right. It's a great idea to split a fancy hotel restaurant in half to create a more casual dining experience and that is EXACTLY wwhat I got. Not too shabby on any level. The service was prompt and friendly and the options for vegetarians was good and quite interesting. I had Spaghetti Squash with a Tomato and Beet Cruda and Green Freekeh Wheatballs. Innovate, hearty and spiced perfectly. Really think out of the box here. And to top it off some sumptious (I really mean it) pickled onion rings that were perfectly battered and deep fried and served with a spot on tasty curry aoili (only nitpick is it was a little too thick). I was a very satisfied customer and anytime I am back in Fargo (this was my first trip) I will most definitely make it a point to stop in!
(4)
Joshua H.
the best place we have found. out of chicago,london,minneapolis. The hodo from the bar to dining to the hotel, no penny is spared. They truly understand and practice something unique. When i think of this place i can only thing positive and warm. Thank you for being such a great staple in Fargo's society!
(5)
Erin J.
I always find a friendly face @ the HoDo. Loungy atmosphere, Martini's like no other...only meaning that they will make you any kind of martini that you want. Although they are a little on the classy end for fargo, i always have a great time tippin em back and coversing with the locals.
(4)
Armani D.
This place is nice, but it is definitely a much older crowd. I don't think I saw anyone that appeared to be less than 45 years old. I went on different nights, and it still attracted the same boring, older clients. I'd pick this place to go here with company not to socialize however.
(3)
Jamie S.
Overall, I enjoyed the food and cocktails. Well executed preparation and nice variety with some eclectic dishes that added to my interest. One miss was the prep on my burger which I requested medium and clearly was closer to well done. One slight misstep out of all the food we ordered is acceptable. So why the 3 stars? This was lunch Only two other tables were occupied yet it took 2 hours to get our courses and finish eating. Two hours??? Worst part? Once we were finally served and the bill paid there was a nice parking ticket waiting for us. Clearly the City of Fargo thinks a meal should not last over 90 minutes either.
(3)
Berrius B.
The HoDo is a charming place to grab a martini, craft beer, fine scotch, or other drink or food. It has a prime location on Broadway, and the decor is elegant, yet not stuffy. There is lots of natural light, and a free Wi-Fi signal. The service is usually good, but moderate at its worst. I have sampled only a bit of the menu in the bar area, and it's pretty good. I always go here whenever in Fargo.
(4)
Max K.
One of my favorite bars in FM. It has a magical ability to transport you away from the cold tundra to a hip martini bar of the east coast. In the Winter, nothing can warm me up better than the HoDo Cider... Amazing! All other times of the year go for the Sarah (she named the drink after herself, but I'll keep using it!) Its a Jameson Ginger Ale with Cucumbers. Light and refreshing and delicious! Believe it or not it pairs really nicely with the Generals Crazy Chicken or maybe its called Dirty chicken. Either way, their take on General Tso's chicken out does that of any of the chinese places in town. Kudos! Top waitress goes hands down to Raelynn - She's always in a great mood and seems genuinely happy to see us there and when it comes to liquor or trying a new drink, she always has suggestions that are sure to please.
(5)
Tristan C.
One thursday evening, after watching the circque du soleil show in Fargodome, I decided to stroll in hodo lounge for a couple of drinks and nice little dinner. Its a bar with a kick. We came in at the right time I guess, around 10 and the bar was packed although not very much. There is a band called the believer whose singing and themselves and the crowd. We ordered the lobster pot pie which I find a little bit salty. A very nice beer battered wall-eye and the calamari appetisers. Very very good food, great service and you should absolutey stay for some drinks and mingling.
(4)
Tony J.
Great place for this ATLien! It has a feel of cabbage town, but the crowd is spread across too many personalities. Let's call a spade a spade - it's the only place of it's type in the area and anyone with a sense of hipness or curiosity goes there, so it feels like everyone is just staring and not "people watching"...there is a difference! I stay in the hotel and rush here for the happy hour, so it's as good as it gets in Fargo..if there is better then I'm all ears!
(5)
sara r.
I travel to Fargo 3x's/yr. Lunch & Dinner at the HoDo is the highlight of my trip. it is the only eatery in Fargo for folks with a (semi) sophisticated palette. My favs are the wild rice burger & the fargoized philly cheese steak sandwich. believe me. before this place opened it was either the green mill or the olive garden. I also dig that they utilized produce & meat from local farms before CSA's were cool.
(5)
Pranjal S.
OMG, james beard award winner in FARGO and he kicks ass.. yes, most people in Fargo will tell you its overpriced and portions are too small, and they are totally right, but what they dont tell you is that if you've been anywhere else in the country and have had award winning 5 course meal with wine pairings, it wont be less than 120 bucks and you can get it in FARGO, same quality organic home grown food with some amazing californian wines at 75 bucks a plate!!! The chef was so nice to me, he designed a veggie 5 course meal for me.. having sorbet between the courses is really fantastic!
(5)
Aaron B.
Was in Fargo for work and checked this place out. I had never been to Fargo and was throughly impressed with the HoDo. They had great beers on tap, a large martini selection, good wines, a wonderful 12 piece live band that rocked and a very diverse and eclectic crowd. The only thing keeping them from 5 stars was the food. It was good but not spectacular and very pricey. When in town again I am definitely going back!
(4)
Nathan L.
By far the best bar in Fargo. The HoDo has style and class in a friendly and exciting environment. The staff is fun and really tries to make sure you're receiving great service. The art is great and make sure you take a couple seconds to observe the tile mosaic mural on the wall to the bathroom. The artist took pieces of debris from the building's renovation and incorporated them into the mural. Look for old room numbers, glasses, pool balls, a busted cell phone, and a bowling ball! Also, there's a small door on the bottom left side where people leave momentos. Very cool. I love that there are no TV's in this bar. Just good old fashioned socializing. My cheap friends don't want to go because they don't sling $2 mugs of domestic swill, but maybe I just need new friends. Everyone should quit complaining about the prices! This is top shelf liquor at prices that would be unheard of if this was in a big city. The HoDo should definitely be in your plans if you're heading to Fargo!
(5)
Jim L.
Never been to Fargo but some other reviewers suggested it. Not sorry at all. In fact, very pleasantly surprised. Nice menu. Sat at the bar and had a drink then dinner. Had to get the bison burger since I was a newbie to ND. Very good. The lobster bisque as a starter was pretty good. I'd order it again. My friend had the meatloaf special and raved about it. Don't know what else is in town, but this place is worthy of a visit. Go and I really doubt you would not be happy with your choice.
(4)
Jessica M.
So, my friends and I were only here once on a Sunday night. We came in ten minutes before closing (at midnight) and the bartender happily served us and told us to take our time. There were at least two other parties still in the bar and no one seemed rushed. The bartender made a point of coming over to chat a few times and was generally very sweet and pleasant. The decor is really interesting, and the drinks were really good and cheap by my standards. If I'm ever in Fargo again, I'll definitely make a return trip.
(5)
Tony B.
Had a great Bison as in "Buffalo" Burger here, the place was hip, food was great, serving sizes are on the smaller side, which IMO is good. Quality food and good service. I would go back again. I would consider this on the upscale side for Fargo.
(4)
julie p.
Friendly folks, lovely space, good beer selection, decent bar snacks menu... what more could you want? OK, they need some kind of specials (I'm cheap!) but aside from that, thumbs up. Ask them about their desserts. Sooo tasty.
(4)
Erik N.
I can't understand the hate! This place is an oasis in a desert of fast food and cheap Tex-Mex. The food is reasonably priced and well plated. They usually have an entertainining live act late in the week. The bar is fully stocked and have a decent tap. I travel alot and look for something out of the norm. Hodo Lounge fits the bill.
(4)
Fawn Q.
oatmeal cookie shot was so delicious that I was taking a very slow motion shot while sipping and savoring this amazing concoction a bit $$$ for Fargo, but well made cocktails and shots
(3)
Susanberry W.
Bison burger yum! Awesome atmosphere...fun when its slower and you can have fun catchin up with a friend and fun when its busier and runnin into friends and meetin new people! Wine menu thumbs up martini menu thumbs up hanging out on the rooftop two thumbs up :)
(5)
Jen C.
Get's super packed on a Saturday night, but don't let that deter you from ordering a fun and yummy adult beverage! My favs: Spanish Coffee, some other coffee (forgot the name but has White Chocolate Godiva liquor and Chambord), or chocolate port!
(5)
Brooke S.
cute little bar in the hotel donaldson. exposed brick and airy expanse make the ambiance cool and big city. a nice selection of wine and cocktails.
(4)
Guillermo P.
This is bar is ok, right in downtown Fargo. It's more laid back and finer than other bars in Fargo. Drinks are not too bad and and prices are ok for a bar this caliber, the music varies from night to night. The better bar it's the roof top bar in the same building but in the roof top of the hotel. Most drinks are 5$ but the atmosphere it's better since you are outside. Lots of ladies go up there so, if you are looking for older crow, good atmosphere, girls in the late 30's and ok drinks, head up there it's good to start the night there.
(3)
Bill L.
Great Beer on Tap. Delicious Drinks. Try the Cucular Caley. Food is great too. Evidently if you are from a larger city don't drink here...not ever...nothing could ever live up to your expectations. Seriously, this is a great place that offers a welcoming atmosphere, drinks, food, art, and music.
(5)
Michael M.
When I first checked Trip advisor the advertised rate was $5 to $15. I figured that $15 with drinks, appetizers, tax, gratuity, etc. would cost me about $30 per person. The price ended up being $75 per person which was a significant difference. So budget accordingly. We did have appetizers, 1 drink each, sparkling water, and entrees. OK, I got caught off guard with the price. Now having gotten that off my chest, I must say that the experience over-all was excellent. Food was excellent, service was friendly and fantastic. Also, we were repeatedly treated to "nice" surprises all of which are a reflection of an establishment that is committed to excellence. The quality of this establishment deserves no less than 5 stars. If quality, flavor, presentation, and service are important to you, then you certainly get what you pay for. I would highly recommend. Just budget accordingly. I hope to visit again.
(5)
J L.
Loved it! If ever find yourself in Fargo, you need to dine here. We had a wonderful meal in the rooftop lounge area. Excellent food and pleasant atmosphere.
(4)
Dan S.
Not sure what all the hating is about here. Yes it might be more expensive than the other bars on the Broadway strip but it offers what none of the other bars can, atmosphere. It's averaged size and there's usually some great music going on. It also has a reputation to hold up considering the hotel that is connected to it. Great place.
(4)
Rebekah K.
This is where the beautiful people of Fargo go to see and be seen, while pretending they live in a real city. The service is possibly the slowest I have ever ever seen; the waitress repeatedly walked away while I was trying to pay and avoided eye contact. I was with a group of locals who assured me service was ALWAYS terrible. They have an extensive fake martini menu but they are all pretty tired and lame, and very slightly better taps than the other bars in Fargo. Does anyone still think a chocolate martini is hip? Prices are $8 a martini and around $5 for a beer so they do not have the one plus had by every other bar in Fargo; cheap drinks. This place is so very 1999. Some cute art on the wall. Every bathroom was out of toilet paper and we left before midnight; I only give them two stars for having the first decent beer I was able to find in Fargo. I have been told over and over everyone in North Dakota only tips $2. This place totally validates that policy.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : Yes Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Abhishek M.
I am back in Fargo and no trip is now complete without a pit stop at HoDo lounge. Jason has got to be the 'happiest' bar tender. He always has a smile on his face. Based on his recommendation, I got the red quinoa salad and it was amazing with quinoa, beets and a sherry vinaigrette (See my picture). I ordered the bison burger again and it was just as good as the last time, if not better. Their scotch collection is also impressive and I tried a Scapa 16 today. The big question on my mind is 'how do I convince them to open shop in Chicago?'.
(5)Josh K.
This place has great art, high-quality cocktails, and a comfortable ambiance. I enjoyed most of the drinks (thus 5 stars), but was not a fan of the Yam-hattan. I love puns, and Yam-hatten is a great pun. Even better, it is a pun that delivers. The yam-hatten tastes EXACTLY like the whiskey-laden liquid sweet potato pie that it's name implies. Unfortunately, in my enthusiasm for the clever I forgot I don't like sweet potato pie. A few additional comments: It is surprisingly wonderful that there is an establishment where you can purchase a caipirinha in the middle of Fargo, North Dakota. The HoDo has high-quality pens. I think (hope) a place with such nice pens would be happy if the occasional patron took a couple back to California, spreading the word about Fargo's hotspot. If the above statement is inaccurate, a couple pens may or may not have accidentally wound up in my pocket when I left. I plan to surrender them to the appropriate authorities upon my next visit to Fargo.
(5)Bret S.
Visited this place on the recommendation of a local friend. Dinner and a cocktail on a Thursday afternoon at 4. The place was busy and WAY understaffed. Even so, my server made no attempt to hustle and often just ignored me. It's incredibly frustrating to come go to a restaurant, watch others be seated after you and served before you. This place charges premium prices, so there is just no excuse for poor service. My bison burger was good but not prepared as I requested so it was delivered overcooked. No need to do that with Bison. The food was great, but honestly it left me wishing I had gone to Culvers instead and saved both time and money. I know this place is a local favorite, but I can't recommend it.
(3)Ryan L.
The HoDo is a mainstay in downtown Fargo and shouldn't be missed. It's been going strong for a number of years and has lots going for it. The drink menu is deep and there's plenty of cocktail choices to pick from. Their selection of liquor and beer is very nice and they have a good amount of beers on tap as well (usually including plenty of local brews too). Honestly, the food in the lounge can be skipped. It used to be pretty good with just about anything worth eating, but about a year ago it changed. I think they tried to get too creative and trendy with their options; and it really is not good. I am generally one who can find anything on any menu and will try it and like it, but now I'd rather not even eat there. Just stick with the drinks. There's also plenty of opportunities to listen to live music at the HoDo. Word of caution though...it get very crowded there during music time. So be prepared to either get there early for a seat or stand. Either way, enjoy!
(3)Easy C.
Priced for the $50 a day business traveler meal allowance. Otherwise it seems to be the hot spot for Fargo's social elite. The bartender was topnotch. Repeatedly and Skillfully preparing complex drinks with little effort. If you are looking to step out of your comfort zone to try something new then this fellow is the one to help you. I believe he would enjoy it, if the time is available. The special of the day was s $44 salmon dish. I settled on the $16 Norwegian salmon from bar menu. Normally priced at $23. The fish was prepared nearly perfectly. I happen to like a good seer on the outside. Which this did not have (did not ask). The tender inside maintained nearly all the juices and flavor. The mashed potatoes tasted great but at the expense of being overly oily / buttery. I did not notice any evidence of spice seasoning. Nevertheless the taste was present. The beans sat on a rich bed of savory sauce that bound the entirety of the dish together. If you are looking for an upscale dining experience while keeping your feet on the ground; Then this is the place. Enjoy
(4)Christopher S.
I have been going to The Hodo sine they first opened. Some complaints I have heard in the past about The Hodo is that it is too upscale and snooty. With the exception of a couple of servers I have never felt that way. The Hodo has always been very welcoming. The Hodo has one of the best selection of Single Malt Scotch and liquor of all sorts of variety. The food menu is very surprising, very original and focuses on local food suppliers. I recommend the "fish and chips" as well as the Bison Burger. The Hodo has live entertainment up to twice a week and hosts a variety of shows for local causes.
(4)John M.
You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. My favorites are the bison burger or the lavosh. I have a difficult time not going with either of these as they are so good. Add on top of the food, the amazing decor and ambience, and this is an excellent place to be. Further, you have the top notch bar and beer selection.
(5)Ken S.
Sometimes you just want to go where everybody knows your name. This is that place for me. Whether you are from here or not, you need to know that this is an iconic social landmark that everyone needs to experience. From food to drinks to service to atmosphere, this place is hands down my number one here in Fargo. Not only is the owner Karen engaged in our community, she holds benefits and gifts space for a various amount of causes. My personal go to's would be the cuclear caley, the hodo cider, and the wild rice burger. Come have a good time and experience the best that Fargo has to offer. Just remember to be kind to your server and tip them well.
(5)Stacy K.
Excellent, friendly, and very accommodating service (from both bartenders and servers) and their drinks are fantastic! Have been here several times with friends to enjoy their cocktails and have been greatly impressed every time. Fun place to come if you want to dress up and be classy. Also have some bands that perform live music and so make sure to follow them on Facebook for performance updates!
(5)Jilian S.
The cocktail selection was great. Everyone at my table kept ordering more drinks. I only tried the fries which were surprisingly awesome. I was surprised there was some great live music. It was a little loud for our group since we were trying to carry on conversation rather than just take in the music. We had to lean in to the person next to us in order to be heard. Unfortunately the service was not great. We probably would have drank much more if our server has checked in on us more often. She was nice when she was present but drinks were forgotten upon her return and it seemed like ages before we were finally able to get our checks.
(4)Frances G.
This is a perfect combo of unique art, delicious food, and a martini list that goes on for days. What seems to be one of the more popular hang outs in Fargo, this bar is happening with all walks of life. Its chic interior and abundant cocktail list creates such an upscale vibe that you almost feel a piano and lounge singer will suddenly appear. The service is just as cool and well versed in the cocktail department.
(4)Tony T.
HoDo is a staple of downtown Fargo, it has an eclectic style that attracts a large range of patrons from hipsters to business pro's. Adding a sense of sophistication to the blue collar state by elevating many NoDak arts, including the culinary ones. Having come here for a good part of the past decade the HoDo has a special place in my heart. I have been gone for 2 years and recently stepped in on a Thursday night (which is a great night to experience live talent from local - and not so local- musicians). admittedly it can get quite loud and busy on these nights so if that's not your thing then I would skip Thursdays - keeping in mind that they do have hotel suites above the party is kept at bay and usually come to a mellow halt around 11pm and lounge remains open till 1am. The fare: Their rotating menu has many staples which sometimes change in way of preparation. Lounge menu is not as extensive as the dining room which is to be expected, however if there early enough one could order of either menu. The food is generally quite good and some of the better dining experiences available in the FM area. I recently ordered the fish and chips and must say I was somewhat disappointed. It was over cooked and overall not what it once had been. One thing I would not miss is the bison burger. Honestly one of the better burgers I have ever had (not that you would know me, but that's quite a statement) I notice many ppl complain about the pricing of this place however, I for one, couldn't see that it was overpriced in any way. Considering what you are getting it's quite fair if not down right reasonable. Any martini is going to be $10+ ANYWHERE; if you order a regular beverage they only serve quality goods and go all the way up to top shelf and pricing reflects that. On average the pricing is on par with surrounding area but serves a better quality. Service is good and staff is very friendly. Highlights: Overall great dining and nightlife experiences - bison burger - atmosphere - quality - rooftop bar in the summer months is a must!
(4)alicia a.
Stopped in for a weekday lunch date with my husband. Great atmosphere, reasonable prices and a great selection of food choices that you can't get just anywhere. Our server was super attentive, but didn't approach when we had mouths full of food. She took the time to explain some of the less common options. Can't wait till we can sneak in for dessert some night!
(5)Ashley H.
Great food, bad service. It could have been 5 stars. Everything took so long! They changed our server and didn't tell us, then when we figured it out it was almost like the new one was purposely ignoring us, even when it came time for the check. Good crowd, especially for Fargo!
(3)Doug M.
I just had a quick, late lunch here during a quick stop in Fargo. I looked up close by, well received places in Yelp and this one got the pick. The lounge side is kind of a restaurant/bar cross, which I guess is what makes it a lounge. Actually, the ambiance was pretty nice. It is in a converted old industrial type bldg, and they left enough unfinished parts to make it interesting, but it still is well-appointed and comfortable. Large windows allow you to look out on the street life, too. Quite relaxing for a lazy mid-afternoon meal. They have a Chef's Lavosh on the menu, which the server said was a breakfast-style lavosh for this week. Since I like to try local places' specialties, I thought I'd give it a shot. But since I didn't know what a lavosh was, I looked it up first. Turns out that lavosh (or lavash) is a thin flatbread popular in the Caucasus region. So it's really like getting a flatbread or cracker bread pizza. It was actually pretty good bread/crust - denser and stiffer than normal thin pizza, but not like a cracker. The other difference was that I don't there wasn't any sauce. Instead, the base layer is havarti cheese - which gave a really good, melted, buttery! flavor. The toppings were thick cut bacon and scrambled eggs. Pretty tasty. Nothing more to add. It was a quick meal, relaxing space, lots of flavor.
(4)Jon L.
Stopped in Friday for lunch after some decent Yelp reviews. Found a table close to the front windows and things were starting off good. Got our waters and checked out the menu. We had an idea what we wanted but after 15 minutes waiting for the waitress to return and get our order, I was already a little bugged. The waitress gave us a "everything is good" review of a few items, not helpful. I ordered the buffalo burger and my wife the chicken sandwich. After 30 more minutes, the food arrived. This was my first time ordering buffalo and I ordered it medium. I am not sure what medium should look like in a buffalo burger, by I would think there should be some pink in there somewhere. The burger tasted more well done. I didn't mind the flavor of the meat, but it was over spiced and salted. It ran out of any resemblance of pizzazz in short order. It came with fries that were just OK. On the side was a small condiment cup of pickled veggies for . . . .?? My wifes sandwich was just OK as well. We waited for another 15 minutes after we were done eating for the bill. Adding to the mounting frustration. We watched another young family come in during this time, sit down, and then 10 minutes later get up and walk out because they had not been severed yet. Really? You loose customers that are actually in your establishment because of your service? Big fail! The place was not even that busy. Service is one of the most correctable situations in a restaurant and I am continually surprised at how many places fail in this arena. We will not be back.
(2)Susan M.
I enjoyed my meal of Halibut. Our wine was very good. The service was fine. I think the wait staff needs to be more familiar with menu. when we asked about the salmon.......they were not able to tell us what type of salmon they where serving.
(4)Ana M.
I travel a lot and always try to find the best places. Last night I came across the Hodu lounge, first thing I noticed was the great ambiance, I was alone so I sat at the bar. The bartender was super helpful as was the manager. I had the best cocktail I have ever tasted. The food was superb as well as the service. I was able to get a tour of the hotel (each room is different) and features a different artist. The rooms are beautiful. There is a roof top bar as well, which wasn't open on Sunday night, but I was able to go up and take a tour. All I can say is the next time i am in Fargo I will be staying there, and while I am here this time I will go as often as I can.
(5)Jacob T.
Want to go downtown? Tired of hipsters? Fratboys? This might be the place for you. A little "classier" crowd in here. I think most locals assume it's too expensive. (It's really not). Dress up or come as you are. Very good service and the bar tenders really know their trade. Some of the most interesting bar food in town. Want to do shots and swill pitchers of lousy beer? Look elsewhere.
(5)William C.
I've only heard great things about the HoDo and have been told several times to stop by this establishment when I'm in Fargo. Granted, this person that keeps telling me to go here, worked at the HoDo; so, I'm guessing he might have been slightly impartial (that's for you MT!!!). We decided to meet at the HoDo for late night drinks and a snack. It's a very comfy atmosphere with regular tables and chairs and the much more relaxed couches and cushy lounge chairs. We were able to score a pair of lounge chairs right by the front door (which was the only space available and allowed us to view the shenanigans of those walking down the sidewalk). The drink menu is EXTENSIVE. They have just about everything, including local and import beers. I grabbed a Sidecar and ordered Cavatelli Primavera for a quick bite. The Sidecar was fantastic; granted, it's hard to screw up a classic mixed drink. Good side drink with plenty of alcohol mixed in. The Cavatelli Primavera wasn't exactly what I had expected. I was expecting a much bigger portion (it was $11) and it came out on an appetizer plate with about a dozen bites. Other than the portion size, it was a great dish. Huge flavor from the cheese and mushrooms; the ingredients were very fresh. This is a great place to grab a drink and a quick bite to eat. I stopped here earlier the same day and got a Fargo Stone's Throw beer, FANTASTIC.
(4)Bridget L.
What a find in Fargo! Very comfortable bar and superb dinner. Had the brussel sprouts which are now the new standard by which all others will be compared. ( Ask my husband, I eat a lot of brussel sprouts ). The bison flat iron steak with fingerling potatoes, mushrooms and wine sauce were excellent. This place is on par with restaurants I have visited in NYC. Live music in the lounge too. Really who needs NYC? The hotel sounds special with 17 rooms decorated by 17 local artists. Fargo, who knew?
(5)Tim J.
This place is awesome. I was in town from Chicago on business, and I wanted to sample the local food. It was a Thursday night, the place was packed, but there was a spot at the bar. A great band was playing, and the mood was quite warm despite the frigid temps outside. I ordered the BBQ duck nuggets, which is one of their small plate options, as an appetizer. I highly recommend! For a drink, I ordered their excellent old fashioned which included a bourbon- infused pear. For my main course, I ordered the locally-produced buffalo steak. It was fantastic!
(5)Rikki L.
Deducting a star. The HoDo really needs to work on their service, it's just plain bad at this point. Inexcusably bad. We waited far too long for beverages and even longer for food. Get it together.
(3)Steve H.
Wow! This is a celebration restaurant. In fact, the last time my wife and I were there happened to be a prom night in Fargo. The food is absolutely fantastic. We've lived in some pretty food-y places (San Francisco, Houston, Ashland, OR) and this place ranks up there with the best. The Bison tenderloin was amazing, and my wife's vegetarian chef's special was great as well. Service was terrific, wine and beer selection excellent. Value in the meal well worth the price.
(5)M. Carolina D.
This was one of the few places open this Sunday eve. I sat at the bar and I was immediately taken care of. I enjoyed the atmosphere, the awesome Mac n Cheese & Bison hot-dogs and my beer, plus the 80's music. I'd recommend this place to anybody that visits Fargo
(4)David R.
Ok a Monday night in January good sized crowd. Great place, staff is friendly and helpful. Best salmon dinner off a bar menu I have ever had!! I would put this preparation against anything coast to coast. Kudos to the team here! Will come back every time I am in Fargo.
(5)Billy W.
Good food; try the bison steak. I would have considered rating this restaurant 5 stars if the waitress had provided better service.
(4)Angie M.
One of my favorite places to go to for martini's! The menu is so good, I can't even pick one to highlight! Another favorite about the HoDo is the window seating. They have such a great view of Downtown Fargo, that it is hard not just sit and people watch.
(4)Britt N.
Always my favorite Fargo place! Beer- awesome! Cocktails? Amazing! Our favorites are the Cucular Callie and the Peachberry Watatui! Food? Also Amazing! Menu is Always changing! I have to have the bread plate with the sun dried tomato spread and the honey butter! Love going on Thursdays when there is live music- always awesome! Always great service too- Sara is especially awesome! :) I want to live in fargo again! I miss the HoDo!
(5)Andria T.
It cracks me up to no end how many people think this place is pretentious. It's not pretentious, it's just nice. Granted, I haven't been there in a couple years, but last time I visited Fargo, HoDo and Lauerman's (closed after I left--some blamed me) were the only places I really wanted to re-visit. The martini list at the HoDo is a bit silly, but that's not really unique to them. Every drink these days seems to have a tini shoved onto the end of it. I go there for the beer (Guiness is perfectly poured every time and they have (had) Dead Guy Ale), the bar snacks and the vibe. If you want a $2 draft of Bud Light, go to Rooters, but I'd rather pay more for something decent. Maybe that makes me pretentious.
(5)Marilee H.
While I love a dive bar more than anything in the world, sometimes my friends want a night out where one martini is equivalent to 5 PBRs. I know, I know. Hipster problems. That being said, you can't go wrong with the HoDo if you know what you're getting yourself into. I love spending summer days on the rooftop. It's decorated beautifully and the service is always great, but you do have to wait for a seat to open up if you come during a busy time. My go-to summer drink is the Clean Shave. It's cool and filled with citrus, and it's beyond refreshing on a hot day. The actual lounge is great as well. You can pick from bar seating, tables, booths, or comfortable chairs, but again, you will be waiting a while if you come during a weekend. If you're in the mood for a martini, I recommend the Nuts and Berries. It's a great winter choice. They also have delicious food items to choose from. Overall, you get what you pay for. The prices are fair for the quality of drinks and service. I've honestly never had a bad experience here. If you don't want to pay for a martini or craft brew, they do have domestics in stock (yes, even PBR). Just don't expect it to be priced at $1.75 for a pounder.
(4)R H.
Cool building but that's about it. Totally overrated.
(2)Tatiana M.
Small portions, so you can order several dishes!! Bison burger and meat and potatoes (bison elk meatloaf) are great. Loved the service. Loved the view.
(5)Naomi O.
The perfect place for a nightcap or before you head out on the town! You can't go wrong with having a dirty martini or a glass (or two) of Prosecco. I am originally from the area, so this is a requirement when I visit. Enjoy!
(5)Jennifer D.
Ahhh, HoDo Lounge. It's pretty much my home base in Fargo. The food and cocktails are pretty much amazing, although they are pretty pricey. The atmosphere is great, this is a good spot for after-work drinks or evening drinks. My favorite cocktail is the Three Twisters- blueberries, fresh basil...oh, it's SO GOOD. What I really love about this place though, are the bartenders. Particularly Sara and Josh. They make a fantastic drink and they're also great to talk to. I've killed many an evening on a business trip sitting at this bar chatting with them. I am just glad that I normally stay in the hotel so when I have a couple, I can just walk on upstairs. ;)
(5)Rhonda G.
Now this is more like it. The hotel and restaurant had a few quirks, but here, shear perfection. Beautiful displays of art. This place actually has an energy that goes along with the atmosphere. Since it's all connected, you can order off the classic menu, but the bar menu is just as good if not better. I love the appetizer platter of sun dried tomato and a hummus dip with bread and lavash crackers. Basil had the fish and chips. It looked and tasted fabulous. I got something a little off the beaten path, a wild rice burger. This carnivore with vegan undertones was in heaven. What gave me wings was the awesome lemonade that I'm totally hooked on. Dessert was a shared plate of 4 small scoops of a variety of homemade sorbet. This settles so well, and it's in the most unique dish I've ever seen. Even the food is art here. What brought me here on a Thurs. was Alison Scott from the Twin Cities was performing. I've never seen her perform and we meet in Fargo! There's not enough room for a band so it was she and another musician. What an intimate venue for her. Local singer Brooks West was the warm up. So much talent in this place. It draws a great crowd. We managed to get a parking space and a seat in front. Talk about a night that was meant to be.
(5)Keith P.
Awesome time! Great drinks, wonderful bar food (grilled oysters/prawns), and perfect service. Amber was fantastic...Will be back.
(5)Joe H.
Is the Hodo going downhill? Non-service on the roof with an air of attitude. I have always loved the Hodo. I have always enjoyed their rooftop, and accepted the high prices. The staff are typically great, the quality of service, drinks, and ambiance make the price worthwhile. This time I left there seriously disappointed. We biked over there for a rooftop cocktail after a long but productive day at work. It was my first time up there this summer. There's now a sign in the lobby that says "rooftop at capacity, please see the host." I get it, an overcrowded space leads to bad service. The sign looked like it doesn't come down, which is fine. In the name of good service, right? So we waited patiently for the host to call upstairs and get the okay. "Enough room? OK, I'll send them up." Easily found a table on the rooftop. Waited and waited for something to quench my thirst after biking over from Moorhead. I couldn't help but notice the signed tab left at our table revealed that the last patron tipped a mere 10%. After 15 minutes I went to the bar station to see what was up. The bartender took my drink order. She brought our drinks over and asked if we wanted a menu. We did, but it never arrived. After 45 minutes we paid our tab at the bar station and left. We didn't get a single visit from a server. Bartender seemed to not care less. One lowball mojito and one glass of mid-grade malbec came to $18. We paid at the bar station and left really bummed out. This was one of our favorite places. I don't mind paying a high price for a quality experience. When I shell out the duckets and get bad service with attitude-Fail!
(1)tae k.
First time in Fargo. Did not really know too much about the eating options but had a pretty good bison burger. The lobster bisque was also delicious. The place has somewhat of a hipster feel.
(4)Michael C.
Hotel: The hotel was great. Unique art in each room. In Room breakfast included in the room rate. The special deal we booked also included parking. The only minus was the odd 2nd floor check in and valet situation. But other than that, we were very happy with our stay. The location downtown is conveniently located near some interesting shops and restaurants. There isn't a ton in downtown Fargo, but the addition of this hotel definitely adds some flavor to the neighborhood. Hodo Restaurant: This meal was way better than I had anticipated. It's not that I didn't expect a great meal at the restaurant I'd heard so much about before heading out on this trip. But the rack of lamb I ordered here might just be one of the best I've ever had. I am not an expert in lamb or anything, but it WAS really that good. And the beans and peas side with pancetta was an unexpected revelation. We also ordered a cheese plate that was splendid, but I do acknowledge the fact that the chef did not play a role in making the cheese, only in selecting it. So most of my excitement is directed towards the lamb...which WAS really that good. Note: If you are a member of Minnesota Public Radio, show your card at the restaurant, and you save 20% on dinner. Incredible deal, and it's not even Minnesota.
(4)Hanaels J.
The drinks are a bit over priced for what you get but you are also getting good brands and interesting martinis for the FM area. A great date bar where you get an older crowd. As the night progresses Columbia vest wearing folks in their 20's herd in. The crowd varies but get pretentious later on in the night.
(5)J W.
I would give the food a 3.5 stars. This was my first dinner in Fargo. I figure I would perform some reconnaissance for my work colleagues when they arrive later in the week. I opted for the Lounge instead of the restaurant since I was alone. The waitress was very friendly and even apologized when she didn't check on me for a while. There was a wedding party she waited on. I didn't mind since I wasn't in a hurry. As for the food, I figured I would order a couple of apps to make my own tasting menu. I asked the waitress if they offered a tasting menu, but they did not. She indicated that if it were not for the wedding party, the chef may be up for it. So I ordered the soup of the day, seafood chowder, bison carpaccio, and home made pappadelle with wild mushrooms and truffles. Instead of bringing out each item one by one, the waitress brought out all 3 at once. So either the soup or pasta will get cold. The soup was pretty good and it had a good amount of seafood it in and for a chowder, it was pretty light. It didn't feel like eating a bowl of butter and flour! The bison carpaccio was also good, but when you eat it with the mustard and greens, you can barely tell it was bison and not beef. My favorite was the papadelle. I'm a sucker for home made pasta and truffles and this dish had both! My only complaint is that the dishes are tiny, which is fine, but for prices are not. The above three appetizers cost $40. I didn't expect Hungry Man dinner plates given the type of restaurant and the costly ingredients, but the amount was definitely below expectations. As for the James Beard thing, the chef was a regional nominee. While still amazing, he's not the winner. If he was, he could have charged $60 for the above three dishes!
(3)Joshua S.
I have to write a review of this place because I'm annoyed by some of the "for Fargo" numbers on here. And trust me, I live in South Florida so I'm not necessarily "sticking up for Fargo" here. Broadway overall is a bar scene. If anyone remembers it back in the early 2000's before the renovation, well, it sucked. At first when the HoDo opened, I'll admit it was probably a little to high-class for the neighborhood. But, as the community developed on Broadway and the clientele improved from the old shooting-pool scene and rice burners dragging up and down, so did the bars. For the people saying "for Fargo" were you expecting something out of the movie Fargo? Maybe seeing cars outside was a little much? Maybe some good ole Mr. Ed's (horses) might been better there pa! I think maybe the fact that Fargo is a classy city shocks some. I dated a girl from Vegas who was confused with the whole Fargo-Moorhead concept, she honestly asked me "do you have to, like, park at the bridge and take a boat over". I was speechless. I think people just have an idea of what Fargo is like before they see it. Anyways, back to the HoDo. The HoDo is one of the classiest, funky bars I've seen anywhere. And I've been all over. Sometimes it's a mix of young professionals, those that think they are a little more special than they are, and then some hippies. But, everyone seems to get along because people in that area seem to have respect for one another. The lighting is nice and dark, there's a lounge up on the roof, and the open brick work inside makes it pretty unique. I'm assuming a lot of people were drawn to the HoDo due to the ambiance so it can't be too surprising that it wasn't .25 cent draws and PBR pounders for $1.50. Is the place a little spendier than others? Absolutely. But definitely not outrageous, definitely not too high for Fargo, and definitely worth it. You can't put a price on not having to deal with drunk college kids next door and it's a lot more relaxing than some of the other joints down Broadway. Anyways, no disrespect for those "for Fargoer's" but spend a little more time in the area and you might retract those statements.
(4)Adrienn H.
We stopped in to the HODO after my sister's wedding ceremony last August. We only ordered drinks, and as the Maid-of Honor, that was my job. They reserved some tables for us on Saturday night and had 26 shots on our table in about 5 minutes. They were great!
(4)Caley Jack S.
This place has some of the best bar food in town and they are open for lunch. Sure it cost a little more but they do draw a lot of the meat and produce from local farms. I highly recommend the Panko crusted fish n' chips and hangar steak. The drinks are also well priced contrary to some other reviews. $4 for a pint of good beer is NOT outrageous. Give this place a try, it doesn't matter what walk of life you are from. The staff has done a great job to provide a friendly atmosphere. Be aware that this place can get extremely busy on weekends so it is best to show up early.
(5)Craig M.
I went here for a special occasion meal with a bunch of friends. The food was inventive, service was attentive and we had a nice night! Good times!
(4)Joel M.
Mystery Machine Martini was amazing. The bartender a little slow.. but we brushed it off for the drinks tasting so good!
(5)Marcos L.
Kitchen seems well run. Went 3x; all items were tasty & well presented. (But drop the overpowering honey stuff on the bread on the charcuterie platter - ick!) But there seems to be a problem with service & training, which usually means a problem with management. First time we sat at a table, & the server was fine. No complaints. Visit #2, sat at the bar. They apparently have the glass-washing station right under the bar. So the bartender collected up all the dirty glasses & lined them up in the bar gutter right in front of us. News flash to restaurant workers: It is not pleasant to sit looking at dirty dishes 18 inches away from your face while you are eating. Visit #3: more dirty glasses, piles of them, this time pretty much taking up about half the bar. Disgusting! Despite maybe 6 people on the floor (for maybe 8 tables), no one seemed to have time to clear these away or wash them. (I eat in/at bars a lot & yes they usually do glass-washing under the bar, but they do not line up the dirties right in front of drinking/dining customers, so when they do get to washing up you can kind of ignore it. Out of sight, as they say.) Also... a guy was mopping the floor in the lounge area at 9:30pm & banging things around, obviously pissed off about something. Oh my, that's sure to make everyone feel relaxed & at home! They need to work on the cocktail program. My litmus test of a bar's capacities is the basic Manhattan. It's amazing how this simple, century-old recipe confounds bartenders, especially those most convinced of their mixology skills. First visit, mine came on the rocks, though I hadn't been asked how I wanted it nor had I specified rocks. (Unless thus specified, a Manhattan is not a rocks drink.) It was also rather syrupy, which too is sadly common. The 2nd night I ordered the same drink "up" & things were going well until the guy shook it up with all his vim & vigor so as to give it that nice foamy loogie-like topping that never goes away & is the signature of the third-rate barman. (I asked for a spoon & a small glass to remove the loogie, & then pushed the offensive thing toward the dirty-glass lineup at the edge of the bar. The bartender left it there for the rest of the evening, perhaps believing that I wanted to admire it during my meal.) So there you have it: If you expect big-city service when you're paying big-city prices, you might find this place a little annoying. They do try hard, & the food really is excellent (kudos to the kitchen staff, really), & they have exposed brick walls & all. But despite that total on your bill, you're still in Fargo. Where apparently they don't like to wash glassware.
(3)Brian L.
The best place to eat in Fargo, ND - hands down - has a very inventive chef - uses organic, locally grown product - casual atmosphere too.
(4)Eddy S.
Somewhat confusing sorting through the reviews, so just know that I didn't go anywhere near the bar because it was crowded. I enjoyed the tasting menu and yes, this is certainly James Beard quality. Price was appropriate for such a meal, but that means its a bit high. But really, from what I can see, its a big step down from here in terms of restaurants in Fargo.
(5)Tim A.
I feel like the bar staff at the Hodo goes the extra mile to serve martinis that customers will like - the martini list is longer than any lounge I've drank at in the midwest (Bradstreet included!) - and they're more than happy to put together your concoction if you relay the ingredients...
(4)Kat V.
The HoDo feels out of place in Fargo - both in venue and clientele. The food menu trying to appear exotic, the martini's with blue cheese stuffed olives and the overly pretentious 20-to-30 somethings age group was just too much to take. I lived in Fargo-Moorhead for years. I worked in bars for Fargo-Moorhead for years. You can't be steps from a place like Rooters or down the block from RomantiX (fka ABC-X) and try to pull of the swanky, chic rep. Sorry, not buying it. Everything feels like a cheap knockoff. What do I mean by that? You can't sell me a $10 martini IN FARGO if the server is wearing a T-SHIRT and can't pronounce the name of the martini, the booze or other ingredients. You can't convince me your food is going to be good when I ask if something specific from the menu is good and the server says, "I don't know, I don't eat here..." Last, the customers. Oh man, the customers. Seriously, it is Fargo-Moorhead. One of the best parts of the FM area is it ISN'T Boston or NYC. You don't have to wear stilettos everywhere you go or a suit at all times. Comfort and common sense is the name of the game in the midwest and that is what I LOVE about the area. You walk into the HoDo and people are walking around like they got dressed up to come there! Seriously, fool we KNOW you work at the Zubaz kiosk at West Acres, why are you wearing a suit you bought at Gordman's?! Are you kidding me?! I want to like the HoDo I really do. It has so much potential to be a great place if it just stops trying so hard!
(3)Mark M.
On my first visit, prior to moving to Fargo, I was lucky enough to have Sara behind the bar at which I was sitting. She made this stranger feel right at home and has continued providing great service there. Hodo is a great place to meet friends and sits on Broadway with big windows to enjoy your friends while you watch the night life outside pass by. There is a great energy and at times, some lively bands can be enjoyed as well. They added a drink to their menu that Sara and Josh worked to make for me - so how could you not love that?!? Don't pass through Fargo without doing HoDo! The HoDo IS the best of Fargo.
(4)Bill S.
Best buffalo burger, bar none. Have them make you a sazerac - you'll be drinking one of the best in the Midwest, and certainly the only one in ND. They've got a so-so wine-by-the-glass list; tip: order a bottle and take home what you don't finish.
(5)Jessica K.
Overrated...the rooftop wasnt open and it was 70 degrees...drinks were overpriced for fargo...nothing terribly special...still not sure what all the hype is about...
(2)Mitchell W.
Fish and chips were pretty good but friendly staff is what sold me.
(5)Lyndsey C.
Always a fun atmosphere. Great martinis and shots. Love the rooftop on nice nights!
(4)TJ N.
This place was just right. It's a great idea to split a fancy hotel restaurant in half to create a more casual dining experience and that is EXACTLY wwhat I got. Not too shabby on any level. The service was prompt and friendly and the options for vegetarians was good and quite interesting. I had Spaghetti Squash with a Tomato and Beet Cruda and Green Freekeh Wheatballs. Innovate, hearty and spiced perfectly. Really think out of the box here. And to top it off some sumptious (I really mean it) pickled onion rings that were perfectly battered and deep fried and served with a spot on tasty curry aoili (only nitpick is it was a little too thick). I was a very satisfied customer and anytime I am back in Fargo (this was my first trip) I will most definitely make it a point to stop in!
(4)Joshua H.
the best place we have found. out of chicago,london,minneapolis. The hodo from the bar to dining to the hotel, no penny is spared. They truly understand and practice something unique. When i think of this place i can only thing positive and warm. Thank you for being such a great staple in Fargo's society!
(5)Erin J.
I always find a friendly face @ the HoDo. Loungy atmosphere, Martini's like no other...only meaning that they will make you any kind of martini that you want. Although they are a little on the classy end for fargo, i always have a great time tippin em back and coversing with the locals.
(4)Armani D.
This place is nice, but it is definitely a much older crowd. I don't think I saw anyone that appeared to be less than 45 years old. I went on different nights, and it still attracted the same boring, older clients. I'd pick this place to go here with company not to socialize however.
(3)Jamie S.
Overall, I enjoyed the food and cocktails. Well executed preparation and nice variety with some eclectic dishes that added to my interest. One miss was the prep on my burger which I requested medium and clearly was closer to well done. One slight misstep out of all the food we ordered is acceptable. So why the 3 stars? This was lunch Only two other tables were occupied yet it took 2 hours to get our courses and finish eating. Two hours??? Worst part? Once we were finally served and the bill paid there was a nice parking ticket waiting for us. Clearly the City of Fargo thinks a meal should not last over 90 minutes either.
(3)Berrius B.
The HoDo is a charming place to grab a martini, craft beer, fine scotch, or other drink or food. It has a prime location on Broadway, and the decor is elegant, yet not stuffy. There is lots of natural light, and a free Wi-Fi signal. The service is usually good, but moderate at its worst. I have sampled only a bit of the menu in the bar area, and it's pretty good. I always go here whenever in Fargo.
(4)Max K.
One of my favorite bars in FM. It has a magical ability to transport you away from the cold tundra to a hip martini bar of the east coast. In the Winter, nothing can warm me up better than the HoDo Cider... Amazing! All other times of the year go for the Sarah (she named the drink after herself, but I'll keep using it!) Its a Jameson Ginger Ale with Cucumbers. Light and refreshing and delicious! Believe it or not it pairs really nicely with the Generals Crazy Chicken or maybe its called Dirty chicken. Either way, their take on General Tso's chicken out does that of any of the chinese places in town. Kudos! Top waitress goes hands down to Raelynn - She's always in a great mood and seems genuinely happy to see us there and when it comes to liquor or trying a new drink, she always has suggestions that are sure to please.
(5)Tristan C.
One thursday evening, after watching the circque du soleil show in Fargodome, I decided to stroll in hodo lounge for a couple of drinks and nice little dinner. Its a bar with a kick. We came in at the right time I guess, around 10 and the bar was packed although not very much. There is a band called the believer whose singing and themselves and the crowd. We ordered the lobster pot pie which I find a little bit salty. A very nice beer battered wall-eye and the calamari appetisers. Very very good food, great service and you should absolutey stay for some drinks and mingling.
(4)Tony J.
Great place for this ATLien! It has a feel of cabbage town, but the crowd is spread across too many personalities. Let's call a spade a spade - it's the only place of it's type in the area and anyone with a sense of hipness or curiosity goes there, so it feels like everyone is just staring and not "people watching"...there is a difference! I stay in the hotel and rush here for the happy hour, so it's as good as it gets in Fargo..if there is better then I'm all ears!
(5)sara r.
I travel to Fargo 3x's/yr. Lunch & Dinner at the HoDo is the highlight of my trip. it is the only eatery in Fargo for folks with a (semi) sophisticated palette. My favs are the wild rice burger & the fargoized philly cheese steak sandwich. believe me. before this place opened it was either the green mill or the olive garden. I also dig that they utilized produce & meat from local farms before CSA's were cool.
(5)Pranjal S.
OMG, james beard award winner in FARGO and he kicks ass.. yes, most people in Fargo will tell you its overpriced and portions are too small, and they are totally right, but what they dont tell you is that if you've been anywhere else in the country and have had award winning 5 course meal with wine pairings, it wont be less than 120 bucks and you can get it in FARGO, same quality organic home grown food with some amazing californian wines at 75 bucks a plate!!! The chef was so nice to me, he designed a veggie 5 course meal for me.. having sorbet between the courses is really fantastic!
(5)Aaron B.
Was in Fargo for work and checked this place out. I had never been to Fargo and was throughly impressed with the HoDo. They had great beers on tap, a large martini selection, good wines, a wonderful 12 piece live band that rocked and a very diverse and eclectic crowd. The only thing keeping them from 5 stars was the food. It was good but not spectacular and very pricey. When in town again I am definitely going back!
(4)Nathan L.
By far the best bar in Fargo. The HoDo has style and class in a friendly and exciting environment. The staff is fun and really tries to make sure you're receiving great service. The art is great and make sure you take a couple seconds to observe the tile mosaic mural on the wall to the bathroom. The artist took pieces of debris from the building's renovation and incorporated them into the mural. Look for old room numbers, glasses, pool balls, a busted cell phone, and a bowling ball! Also, there's a small door on the bottom left side where people leave momentos. Very cool. I love that there are no TV's in this bar. Just good old fashioned socializing. My cheap friends don't want to go because they don't sling $2 mugs of domestic swill, but maybe I just need new friends. Everyone should quit complaining about the prices! This is top shelf liquor at prices that would be unheard of if this was in a big city. The HoDo should definitely be in your plans if you're heading to Fargo!
(5)Jim L.
Never been to Fargo but some other reviewers suggested it. Not sorry at all. In fact, very pleasantly surprised. Nice menu. Sat at the bar and had a drink then dinner. Had to get the bison burger since I was a newbie to ND. Very good. The lobster bisque as a starter was pretty good. I'd order it again. My friend had the meatloaf special and raved about it. Don't know what else is in town, but this place is worthy of a visit. Go and I really doubt you would not be happy with your choice.
(4)Jessica M.
So, my friends and I were only here once on a Sunday night. We came in ten minutes before closing (at midnight) and the bartender happily served us and told us to take our time. There were at least two other parties still in the bar and no one seemed rushed. The bartender made a point of coming over to chat a few times and was generally very sweet and pleasant. The decor is really interesting, and the drinks were really good and cheap by my standards. If I'm ever in Fargo again, I'll definitely make a return trip.
(5)Tony B.
Had a great Bison as in "Buffalo" Burger here, the place was hip, food was great, serving sizes are on the smaller side, which IMO is good. Quality food and good service. I would go back again. I would consider this on the upscale side for Fargo.
(4)julie p.
Friendly folks, lovely space, good beer selection, decent bar snacks menu... what more could you want? OK, they need some kind of specials (I'm cheap!) but aside from that, thumbs up. Ask them about their desserts. Sooo tasty.
(4)Erik N.
I can't understand the hate! This place is an oasis in a desert of fast food and cheap Tex-Mex. The food is reasonably priced and well plated. They usually have an entertainining live act late in the week. The bar is fully stocked and have a decent tap. I travel alot and look for something out of the norm. Hodo Lounge fits the bill.
(4)Fawn Q.
oatmeal cookie shot was so delicious that I was taking a very slow motion shot while sipping and savoring this amazing concoction a bit $$$ for Fargo, but well made cocktails and shots
(3)Susanberry W.
Bison burger yum! Awesome atmosphere...fun when its slower and you can have fun catchin up with a friend and fun when its busier and runnin into friends and meetin new people! Wine menu thumbs up martini menu thumbs up hanging out on the rooftop two thumbs up :)
(5)Jen C.
Get's super packed on a Saturday night, but don't let that deter you from ordering a fun and yummy adult beverage! My favs: Spanish Coffee, some other coffee (forgot the name but has White Chocolate Godiva liquor and Chambord), or chocolate port!
(5)Brooke S.
cute little bar in the hotel donaldson. exposed brick and airy expanse make the ambiance cool and big city. a nice selection of wine and cocktails.
(4)Guillermo P.
This is bar is ok, right in downtown Fargo. It's more laid back and finer than other bars in Fargo. Drinks are not too bad and and prices are ok for a bar this caliber, the music varies from night to night. The better bar it's the roof top bar in the same building but in the roof top of the hotel. Most drinks are 5$ but the atmosphere it's better since you are outside. Lots of ladies go up there so, if you are looking for older crow, good atmosphere, girls in the late 30's and ok drinks, head up there it's good to start the night there.
(3)Bill L.
Great Beer on Tap. Delicious Drinks. Try the Cucular Caley. Food is great too. Evidently if you are from a larger city don't drink here...not ever...nothing could ever live up to your expectations. Seriously, this is a great place that offers a welcoming atmosphere, drinks, food, art, and music.
(5)Michael M.
When I first checked Trip advisor the advertised rate was $5 to $15. I figured that $15 with drinks, appetizers, tax, gratuity, etc. would cost me about $30 per person. The price ended up being $75 per person which was a significant difference. So budget accordingly. We did have appetizers, 1 drink each, sparkling water, and entrees. OK, I got caught off guard with the price. Now having gotten that off my chest, I must say that the experience over-all was excellent. Food was excellent, service was friendly and fantastic. Also, we were repeatedly treated to "nice" surprises all of which are a reflection of an establishment that is committed to excellence. The quality of this establishment deserves no less than 5 stars. If quality, flavor, presentation, and service are important to you, then you certainly get what you pay for. I would highly recommend. Just budget accordingly. I hope to visit again.
(5)J L.
Loved it! If ever find yourself in Fargo, you need to dine here. We had a wonderful meal in the rooftop lounge area. Excellent food and pleasant atmosphere.
(4)Dan S.
Not sure what all the hating is about here. Yes it might be more expensive than the other bars on the Broadway strip but it offers what none of the other bars can, atmosphere. It's averaged size and there's usually some great music going on. It also has a reputation to hold up considering the hotel that is connected to it. Great place.
(4)Rebekah K.
This is where the beautiful people of Fargo go to see and be seen, while pretending they live in a real city. The service is possibly the slowest I have ever ever seen; the waitress repeatedly walked away while I was trying to pay and avoided eye contact. I was with a group of locals who assured me service was ALWAYS terrible. They have an extensive fake martini menu but they are all pretty tired and lame, and very slightly better taps than the other bars in Fargo. Does anyone still think a chocolate martini is hip? Prices are $8 a martini and around $5 for a beer so they do not have the one plus had by every other bar in Fargo; cheap drinks. This place is so very 1999. Some cute art on the wall. Every bathroom was out of toilet paper and we left before midnight; I only give them two stars for having the first decent beer I was able to find in Fargo. I have been told over and over everyone in North Dakota only tips $2. This place totally validates that policy.
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