Nothing short of excellent. Trout was great, pork n bean soup, beet salad, yea!! The drink menu was fantastic! We ordered A different cocktail every course. Just an absolutely great night. 6 of us, loud and free!!! A true celebration of Fargo organics. Will absolutely be back.
(5)
Kimberley C.
Loved the laid back vibe of this place. Yes, besides drinking yourself to smithereens at the bar, they actually have really decent food. Had the salad with walnuts/pears - it was divine! Truly excellent. Then the bison dish. The bison, as expected was a bit chewy and took longer to masticate to my satisfaction before swallowing. But after chewing and rejecting a few bites, I found the rest of the dish to be quite enjoyable. Bison is not for everyone, but I happen to love "gamey" meats. Decor: Industrial, casual Food: Good, not out of this world, but adequate good Service: Inattentive, scattered People: Corporate after hours crowd Parking: Free parking lot around the corner
(3)
Abbie F.
I normally don't call out people by their name but Jordan was awesome! She was the best server I've ever had there! Great recommendations, kept my water filled as well as my cocktails. She is a huge part of why the HoDo received as many stars as it did. Now onto the food and drinks. I probably sampled eight different drinks as my friends and I all tasted each other's selection. The Moscow Mule is by far my favorite! The copper mugs are awesome and they taste so delicious! There was a cucumber one in a big glass that was extremely refreshing. I also liked the yamhatten. It would be helpful when ordering the drinks if you knew how they came-rocks, straight up, etc. Food-overall everything was pretty tasty! The goat cheese ravioli were good but a little too rich for my taste buds. The hanger steak was delicious but too much red wine reduction in it so that the flavor of the steak was over powered with sauce. HoDo is a fun place to go and grab a drink and spend time with friends. I'm looking forward to the deck opening up!
(4)
Charisse S.
We need more restaurants like this in Fargo!! Amazing food! Well it's fine dining after all! Love the ambience too! I had the halibut with Italian rice... Highly recommend it-- haven't had anything like it not even in California where I moved from.
(5)
Jeanine L.
This was our first time eating in the restaurant and it was a fabulous experience. The atmosphere was fun, it was romantic and quiet, the server was excellent and the food was fantastic.
(5)
Megan P.
Great restaurant and bar in Downtown Fargo. Typically sit in the lounge since I'm always there for a casual dinner. Drinks: I always get the Hodo Cider to drink. Warm beverage with liquor during the winter is absolutely brilliant As for the menu, I always try to get the soup of day. If it's not something I'm in to, the Tomato Fennel is excellent. Entree items: General Tso's Chicken (they have a gluten free option), Wild Rice Burger is one of the best veggie burgers I've had and the Mac and Cheese! The service can sometimes be a little slow so if you are in a rush to be somewhere I would account for extra time.
(4)
Allison G.
One of my favorite places to eat downtown. It's higher end dining, with great quality food. I love the unique vibe, the exquisite art pieces, and the open atmosphere. My experience was great! Thank you!
(5)
John D.
Meh. Two stars for the food, which is hipster-ish, and includes a tasty buffalo burger. An additional bump for the atmosphere, which is lively and fresh. I'm judging the HoDo by New York standards, which may be unfair. I'd give it another star if I lived in Fargo, because there just aren't that many similar options (meaning restaurants that aren't cookie-cutter chains or diners). But if you're a tourist, as we were, you can do a lot worse, and you will.
(4)
Lea P.
I have Been coming here since they opened in 2002/2003?? They have always v had amazing cHefs and interesting locally sourced food. Great job!
(5)
William H.
Delicious! I was in Fargo for work, and my colleague and I ate here based on the Yelp reviews. Phenomenal meal - I can't recommend highly enough. Great variety on the menu, with an emphasis on locally sourced product. Given that we were in North Dakota, I had the bison steak, which was outstanding. The wine list also had great variety. This is THE place to eat if you are in Fargo.
(5)
Jen P.
Love the lounge, but the restaurant is trying too hard. My son & I ordered 2 apps, 2 steaks, and dessert. The wheat balls were inedible. By the time my meal came, I wished I had forced down the wheat balls. The appearance of the flat iron was disgusting, but the mushrooms were worse. I actually instagrammed my first-ever food pic because they looked so gross. Tried one bite of the steak & mushrooms and that was one bite too much. The cookie plate was mediocre at best. How do you screw up cookies? I won't go back. If you are looking for fine dining in the FM area, try Monte's.
(1)
John E.
I've meant to write a review before now, but here it is. I took my fiance to the HoDo for Valentine's Day; she deserves it for putting up with me. As it was my first time really eating at someplace like this downtown, I was a bit anxious that I'd be underdressed; I wore a nice blue button-down, dark jeans, and dress shoes and was happy to see that I was just dressy/casual enough to not stick out like a sore thumb. We had made reservations a couple of days before and opted to also do the wine pairing with dinner - a very good decision. The dishes were immaculately presented and delicious. There were a few things that I would've preferred in terms of what was served, but the choices I made were outstanding. That said, I've been fortunate enough to dine at Gordon Ramsay's pub in Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas and have enjoyed what would be termed 'fine dining'. I found the food for Valentine's Day at the HoDo to truly encompass that. For me, it's not a place I'd go every day as the cost was a little prohibitive, but absolutely well-worth the value of a very special date. My compliments go out to the very courteous wait staff, host/esses, cooks and Chef that make the restaurant one of the best dining establishments in the F/M area.
(4)
Michael R.
Very informative staff as far as what each dish is and the specific role each ingredient plays. Taste was very good. Didn't have an item I didn't enjoy. The look of the place was quite nice as well.
(5)
MoMo A.
I took my friends who were visiting from Amsterdam here, and WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT! We thought it would be great to go there, since they were having local singer/songwriters. What a mistake! Their music was horrible, but what took the cake was their attitude. They were loud; talking about women in a degrading way. We tried to focus on each other but it was hard not to hear their loud alcohol induced screaming. The last musician got up and started talking about his life and women. All his music was about his past depressing relationships women. Smelly cat, by Phoebe, from friends would have been welcomed in place of him and his other musicians friends. To add to our lovely time there (sarcasm), the server was crass, and didn't seem like she wanted to serve us. My friends who are vegetarians asked her if the wild rice veggie sandwich was any good and she raved about it. Sadly, it was not so great when they started eating their food. My partner and our other friend got go their bison burger, which they liked a lot. My chicken sandwich was another disappointment, it was filled with fat on the chicken and most of it was uneatable. Their food and service has gone down hill from about 9 months ago when we moved to Fargo.
(2)
Toni W.
Starting with the craft cocktails, French HoDo for me, 1st and Broadway for my companion, through a beet salad, to an incredible bone in pork chop with pork belly (seems like an odd combo, but not when you taste it) and sweet potato gnocchi and my companion's bison flat iron steak everything was on a par with meals I've had in NYC, Chicago, and my hometown foodie neighborhood of Lowertown, St. Paul. Dessert also to die for. I get to Fargo 2-3 times a year and now I'll need to budget for a meal at HoDo every time.
(5)
Hue K.
I really like this casual but cozy lounge/bar/restaurant.. It was Sunday evening and they had a live-music.. Pretty good singers and songs.. - Service was friendly but pretty slow.. - Great drinks!! Big drinks menu as well... I would definitely come here to hang out and relax with great drink.. Try HoDo Cider!! Especially when it's cold outside, this drink will warm you up and put you in a good mood. - Food: it seems that the chef wants to be a bit creative but execution wasn't done very well.. Most vegetables (side for main dish) are not well seasoned or cooked... Poutine was good. I suggest you try Oxtail Poutine. Mussels was good but it would have been better with thicker warm toast.. Elk rack: My friend said it wasn't tender as expected... Onion ring: OK.. nothing special. Pizza: interesting and good flavor but crust wasn't good. Complimentary bread: Cold bread... but good crackers and honey butter.. Overall, I enjoyed the ambiance but I wouldn't come here for $30-40 main dish... PS: I think it's a great place for a first or 2nd date night! :)
(4)
Tim L.
My wife and I wanted to splurge for our anniversary so we thought we would hit up the Ho Do since we had heard so many good things. A cute little downtown location great for a nice after dinner stroll, the HoDo has a great remodeled modern look that doesn't take away from the historic parts of the building that make it so lovely. My wife got the duck and loved it. She said she felt that everything on the plate went very well together and that it was a combination that she would never think to have. I had the bison which was very yummy and had great spice in the dish. It was so refreshing to have some good spice in Fargo that was very Santa Fe inspired. The service was very good. They treated us to some free appetizers for our special occasion. Very friendly and always there to keep the glasses full. Great experience overall.
(5)
Mary S.
Only thing that sucks is that its downtown, other than that this is a good little find in Fargo, clean and well kept, servers are fast.. Apps are good drinks are fantastic
(4)
Jimmy P.
I visited on a cold quite Tuesday and found a place at the bar. This is a casual place that looks to be a trendy hangout. I ordered a nice glass of Australian cabernet and the braised short rib. Both were delicious. The service is first class.
(4)
Nancy R.
Good food, couldn't find any other place to eat at during a 2 day trip. Right on Broadway so convenient to eat and then check out the Cruisin' Broadway.
(4)
Rey W.
I was excited to bring friends from Europe here for dinner. Sadly, however, the food was sub par and the waitstaff seemed discourteous. My friends from abroad were as disappointed in their meal as I was embarrassed to have brought them here for their final meal in Fargo. One member of our party described the lobster bisque as tasting as if it were "canned," while another noted how they could not eat the bland black rice burger or fries. Our waitress did not question why our plates were still full when she retrieved them, nor did she ask if we would like it to go, leading our group to feel like she already knew that the food wasn't very good. The cocktails were tasty, but failed to compensate for a lackluster and overpriced dinner.
(2)
Kathleen M.
What a fabulous restaurant with organic, sustainable, farm to table local food. They even list where the food comes from on the back of their inventive menu. We were treated like gold from the minute we entered on a Friday night about 7:10 without a reservation. What a balm of good vibes followed by even better food. We started by sharing the meat and charcuterie plate and quite frankly, it would have made a superb dinner on its own. All the cheeses were labeled and each one melted in my mouth. The pates and terrines were flavorful and rich with amazing cornichons, bread and fruit to pair with the meats and cheeses. I had the lamb with sweetbread and sweet potatoes and it was probably the best lamb I have ever had and I have had it everywhere. I was a bit nervous about the sweetbreads but thought, well, might as well try them. Delish! My only complaint was that I was too full to have dessert. Wah! This restaurant is beautiful with classy wait staff and magnificent food. This meal could have been served anywhere in the world and rival the restaurants. Make sure you visit this tremendous establishment if you are lucky enough to be close. HoDo your name made me laugh but the memory of your food makes me salivate.
(5)
Heather C.
After living in San Francisco and Los Angeles, I find that eating out in the Midwest is mostly a depressing chore, but after discovering HoDo in Fargo, I am deeply comforted. With an concerted effort toward local and organic, this superb restaurant ranks as the best meal I've ever had in a North Dakota restaurant. (The BEST meals in NoDak are always in someone's home.) Our server, Jet, was not only friendly and efficient but clearly, loved his job; staff enthusiasm can make all the difference in the world. Same goes for our fellow diners. We were not two steps in the restaurant before a man and his wife, seated in a window booth, expressed their glee: "You guys HAVE to get the cheese starter!" Loaded with artisan cheeses (from Wisconsin and Missouri), dried fruits, nuts, olives, crackers and breads - it was sheer heaven. Best of all, I'd brought with me a "traditional farmer" who is quite suspicious of anything organic, so-called "fancy" foods - anything not your basic meat and potatoes. He'd never seen a menu that thanked - not to mention listed - the farmers, ranchers and "other uncommon souls" that sourced the ingredients. I saw a light bulb go on and he's starting to understand what this food revolution is all about. I'm forever grateful to Hodo for that. I think his delectable Spring Prairie Farm Chicken helped a lot too. Our Lobster Ratatouille starter was also heavenly - rich and delicate. My Star Thrower Lamb (from Star Thrower Farms in Minnesota) was deeply delicious, albeit a tad undercooked. (I should have stated my preference when ordering.) Finally, I had the Chocolate Chipotle Cake and nearly fainted - incredible rich chocolate flavor with just a hint of smokey spice. The next day, we went back and took photos of their rooftop garden where they grow what they can. All I can say, is well done! I look forward to many fine meals at Hodo.
(5)
Jeremy L.
I had never been to Fargo, ND before and was very impressed with this restaurant. I had a whitefish dish which was superb and also had a great dessert. The restaurant was packed on a Tuesday night which is always a good sign. The bartender was very knowledgeable and it was great people watching. I would highly recommend. Not too dressy, would be fine in jeans and a button up shirt.
Update. I came back here twice more recently. The place is still awesome and the food incredible. The wheat balls are a must try. They even donate money to a local same sex marriage equality action group.
(5)
Sven O.
Some of the very best food Fargo has to offer! Consistently amazing! We have been going here for about 3 years now and I have yet to be unimpressed. Not to mention x2 James Beard Award nominated chefs in one kitchen, let alone the entire state!!!
(5)
Andrew P.
This place was fantastic. I am here traveling and just wrapped up an excellent meal at HoDo. The service was exceptional, after ordering a good beer, my server discussed other options for beers for my second round, and knew what she was talking about! One more beer oriented thing, their glasses were super clean, its always fantastic when the head of the beer leaves rings all the way down the glass. Also, they have a fantastic beer selection. I had the lobster bisque to start with the complimentary bread with two butters, rosemary and honey. It was exceptional, the perfect amount of hearty yet light. Then I followed up with the bison short ribs. Seriously, it was amazing, fall off the bone, wonderfully flavored, perfect complimentary sides. It was fantastic. This place had the standard (price range/level of chef) bonuses like little tastes of other things he was working on, a palette cleansing sorbet between soup and entree, and fresh made mint chocolates at the end. Overall this place was amazing, if I make it back to Fargo, I will absolutely return for both the service, and the food.
(5)
Allyse H.
We started with the lobster bisque because of the good things other reviewers said. It was good - not the best, but good! They brought out an amuse-bouche of an asian salad on a wonton - it was a delightful treat! After the soup we had a small collection of breads with a sweet butter. My boyfriend had the bison prime rib and I had the MN grass fed beef. They were similar in price, but his cut was much larger than mine. However, due to the sinewy nature of bison, most of it was inedible. Although other reviewers said the bison was spicy, there was no spice at all to it - good flavor, but no spice (I'm VERY sensitive to spice). The sides were interesting, but not amazing. The highlight of our meal was the homemade chocolate ice cream sundae with caramel for dessert - it had a dark chocolate taste and the caramel was to DIE for!! Overall a fun experience, but I wouldn't pay that much for those dishes again ($35/entree).
(4)
Dude R.
I like going to the HoDo with friends when I'm feeling fancy, but on the two occasions I ordered a mixed drink, they were REALLY strong. I mean, REALLY strong. I ordered the pizza of the week without asking what it was. When they brought it, it looked like a Canadian Bacon pizza, about five inches, and it was AWFUL. I left about half of it, and my buddy was like, "Are you gonna eat that?" So, I told him he could have it, he took one bite, and spit it out. We got a third opinion from another person at our table, and it was unanimous. I won't be eating at HoDo anymore, unless it's in the restaurant (this was in the bar), and I'll make sure I have a full stomach before I order a Long Island Tea.
(3)
Lois M.
Happened into this place with no expectations and was totally blown away! The food was amazing, staff was wonderful and the atmosphere was perfect. The menu titles were understated but when I read closer and then tasted the food it was creative, interesting, healthy and sustainably-sourced. Wow, wow, wow!! Josh and Jason were especially great.
(5)
T C.
Nice ambience. Service was friendly and attentive. But menu seemed overly ambitious and overpriced for the quality of food coming out: appetizer if rabbit and orecchiette. Orecchiette we're hard and chewy , sauce would have been great except it was soooo salty. Shaved asparagus salad was great , really good dressing. Chicken entree was pretty good flavor wise , but just given a half a great and a tiny chunk of thigh. Really?? My vegan husband ordered the "vegetarian" option on the menu: turned out to be veggies on a bed of lentils. Looked good until we tasted it-- soooo spicy, barely edible, and he has pretty high spice tolerance! Nicely Sent it back and asked for same thing, just less spice. And they came back with the same dish, albeit smaller portion, but now with a seafood taste to it ! So much for a vegetarian option... Overall,waaay too much money for the quality.
(3)
Natalie M.
While visiting Fargo for a business trip, I enjoyed a wonderful dinner at HoDo (in the Lounge). I tried the "meat and potatoes," which was a buffalo and elk meatloaf, served with several potato gnocchi. It was simply delicious, and expertly prepared (and presented). I wish I could take HoDo back home with me!
(4)
Ron L.
This is an outstanding restaurant with a wonderful wine list. We ate there on a one-night stopover in Fargo and were blown away with the quality of the food. This is a must-visit restaurant if you're in Fargo. Great service, great food and drink!
(5)
Dan And Susan T.
Food was outstanding and so were the drinks. Great place for a date, anniversary, or just an excellent meal with friends! Can get a little noisy when it gets busy.
(4)
Paul I.
I can only say I was not expecting the meal I got in this place. Fargo of all places. I travel for work and of all places I've been this is one of the best meals I've ever had. From the taste of the chef, an Indian inspired wild rice to the soup, a roasted red pepper and sambucca, to the main dish, a walleye fish with wild rice over a bed of veggies, to the cobbler dessert sampler, this was just excellent . The place is expensive. This meal was around 45 without wine.
(5)
Tristan C.
One monday evening, me and my gf decided it would be nice to hang out with a couple of her best friends and make it a night. So we head out to toscana which happen to close on monday night. Well their loss is Hodo's gain, because we are going out on a mission. To enjoy life and great food with great company. Walah, we decided to try Hodo restaurant because its only across Toscana in downtown Fargo. Hodo restaurant is an absolute epitome of Fargo fine dining. Apparently they have a chef that was nominated for best chef in midwest. So having read that article before I step in, I was a little bit skeptical about their food. They should better have a mindblowing food on their menu and great presentation too. They couldnt have met my expectation higher. Everything was perfect. Great service and great food. Their special of the day that night was lollipop lambchop. Four lamb chop with some special sauce that still linger in my mind everytime I recall the memories. We tried a nice roast chicken and also a very good steak. This restaurant close at 9 apparently and yet we stay until 10.30 without feeling rushed at all. Our server was very kind and very very proffesional. Their dessert was delectable and thumbs up for the chef. Whether or not you won the chef of the midwest title. I will give you your title, the best chef in Fargo.
(5)
Stanley B.
Seriously good food. Beautiful presentation, delicious flavors. I get here for business a few times a year an will be back. Highly recommend. They have a reasonable selection of wines by the glass. Good ambiance.
(4)
David B.
Need to work on timing between courses 4th time I've been here and there always seems to be a drag apps and entree's food is top line for Fargo but timing is always a little off - for the pricing timing should be spot on!
(4)
Ginger C.
Surprisingly, its a bit overrated. Some of the food is quite good and some of it is... well, "Meh". But here is one thing that is *consistent* at the HoDo: they are wholly incapable of serving their wine at the correct temperature(s). The owner and/or manager must think that the people of Fargo are a bunch of rubes who can't discern between pinot noir served properly at 61 degrees instead of their 74 degree serving temperature. The HoDo does have a wine cellar which is ostensibly "just for looks" (although they do -quite wrongly- store a lot of wine in it) because the manager keeps the temperature in there also at 74 degrees for parties. That is *far* too warm for storing any wine; any temperature 65ºF causes the wine to age prematurely, thus losing its flavor and balance. Storing wine in a refrigerator also is problematic because when chilled too cold, the wine also loses its flavor and aromas. But lets, for a moment assume they do not store their wine very long. You still won't want to drink it because their whites are served too cold (they are *all* refrigerated) and their reds are served too warm (at room temperature, which they keep at 74 ºF). This notion that reds should be served at room temperature is a myth, unless your room is a cave (i.e. deep in the earth. All the tourist caves I've visited are 62ºF year-round). The warmest any wine should ever be served is 65ºF, and only if it is a full bodied red, like a Bordeaux. Only cheap Champagne should be served refrigerated. Every other varietal has its own serving temperature somewhere between these two extremes but here is a guide to keep in mind: reds are served warmer than whites, ranging from 54ºF-65ºF with the lighter, fruitier ones served at the colder temperature and the fuller the body, the warmer the correct serving temperature. Whites should be served anywhere from 41ºF-52ºF; with the oakier fuller bodied ones properly served warmer than the light fruity wines. The right serving temperature for your favorite varietal can easily be found with a Google search, but here is a definitive list, for the reference of anyone interested: finewinereserve.com/guid… The bottom line is this: if you are ordering a glass of wine at Chubs Pub, the Nestor or the Empire Tavern for $3, you can quite fairly expect it to be a cheap glass of wine served at the wrong temperature. But if you are paying upwards of $9/glass in Fargo, the wine should be both properly stored and served at the correct temperature for its varietal. You're paying for that. My impression of the HoDo is that it is far more about appearance than substance and for this reason, the restaurant is popular with young would-be hipsters. If you want an excellent meal served with good wine, you can get that in elsewhere in Fargo, and in some cases, for a much lower price than you will pay at the HoDo. All that said, if you order anything at the HoDo, get the martinis. They are superb.
(3)
Bitsy B.
The food was great, the service solid. If you go, don't miss the game meat. The bison was good. The elk was great. Two critiques... The selections of wines by the glass - particularly whites - was weak. And the kitchen needs to not misnamed it's amuse bouches. The teacup of soup they brought out to us was tasty. Clearly some take on their bouillabaisse. But to call it 'Peruvian Seafood Stew' was absurd. Saffron? In Latin America?
(4)
Jeff D.
A little piece of city life in Fargo.
(5)
Fan H.
I had some of the worst experience in this place. They give me a menu that has only those cheap stuff before I asked for another menu probably because I'm Asian and I was wearing a T-shirt rather than dressed up at that time. Then I ordered fish (which is supposedly to be the fanciest dish). After a long waiting, the waitress came with the dish and hovered around where I sat and asked another customer if she ordered dish before she finally found its rightful owner. And then she asked, without restraining her surprise, "You ordered FISH??" only after my confirmation did she leave the dish on my table. This is the first time I got treated with such a degree of disrespect in a restaurant and it really hurts. Their attitudes towards what they thought as "underprivileged people" are absolutely disgusting. One piece of solemn advice: DON'T GO TO THIS PLACE!
(1)
Sara D.
Though I only went once time I was very impressed with the HoDo. We went for a birthday party and had apps and drinks and the apps were really good, simple and not overdone. We got a hummus plate and split it and had a glass of wine. A great place to go for a relaxed low key night, but also make it a special night out. The servers were attentive and I walked out very impressed.
(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)
Jeff S.
Had the duck, which was excellent (especially with the mushroom compote). But...what's with the New York prices?
(4)
Rhonda G.
I didn't want to leave the hotel the first night so this made sense. The service from Nathan was excellent .He was training someone in. The bison in a sauce was the only steak offered. Pre-sliced,seasoned just right, the best, served with broccolini. I love how there is no salt and pepper shaker. Can't argue with a confident chef. This is not the place to eat and run, as I'm known for. A couple of things weren't perfect, which is what you'd expect in a 5 star restaurant. The potatoes were odd, layered in a brick form, could have been creamier. The lobster bisque was a totally pureed bronze color. Not what I expected. I ordered a napoleon for dessert. I know that this is a pastry. Not here, it looked more like a smores. So the soup and dessert weren't worth the value. They have a creme brulee of the day. Now you're talking my language. Unfortunately, the flavor was mint. The only thing I love mint in is tabouli, so I didn't chance it. This is a place for folks who enjoy fine wine. But for this teetotaler they have the best lemonade I ever had. I love how this place will get reviews from all over the country, and different points of view.
(4)
J C.
B-runch. Good food - exactly what you'd expect from the HoDo: too small portions, too expensive, but fairly unique and pretty good tastes. The only caveat I'd attach for me to do the brunch there again has to do with ND law-no bloody mary's before noon on Sunday. Grr...I'd hold off until closer to that hour...that would tip the scales for me. I had Huevos Rancheros, made from locally produced, organic ingredients. It tasted great, but I personally found the dark black sauce unappealing to look at, similar to used motor oil drizzled over the meal (tasted fine). The chorizo was delish. Recommended, just go there knowing what you're getting and you'll enjoy it as much as anything else in town...
(4)
Dave S.
I've been here about 4 or 5 times now. All but one visit was with business guests from NY and Seattle. They all loved it, or were being polite. I'll just give you my review. It's been delicious every time I visit. My last visit was with a client who actually owns a winery in Washington state, so he was making his own wine parings with the dishes. The meal was very well paced. The wine pairings by our client were great, and the server was very helpful with the food selection. I actually ordered the Mystery Dish on my last visit. I just stated some preferences and let them come up with whatever they wanted. You can choose vegetarian, state a preference for how you like your meat cooked, or other random preferences. I said, spicy, not sweet, and medium rare meats. They brought out blackened salmon and prawns with some greens and fingerling potatoes. They had two sauces, one being a little sweeter mango sauce. Now, I said I don't care for sweet, but this sweetness was a nice contrast to the rest of the dish. It wasn't overdone at all, but rather nicely balanced. It felt like a nice wide variety of flavors that were just well done. I normally don't like salmon--it tastes too "fishy". But this time it was flavorful, but not with that decomposing flavor. Another favorite dish I had before was the mustard crusted pheasant. I know it seems odd to go to a nice restaurant for pheasant, but the HoDo has yet to disappoint me. I wouldn't call myself a foodie by any stretch of the imagination, but the HoDo just has good food that I enjoy and and atmosphere that is conducive to conversation. The beer tap list is also acceptable, though typically short.
(5)
Paula D.
Ate at this place last night and it was amazing. The atmosphere was beautiful with original art, creative lighting and a lovely wrought iron wine cellar. The bartender was very knowledgeable about the history of the hotel and the area. Food: Faaaabulous! I had an awesome napoleon with seafood and avocado. It was a delight to look at and to eat. Every appetizer and salad was great and the service was impeccable.
(5)
CJ N.
This was an absolute must-go place, based on a local's recommendation. We had a quick drink at the bar. It was cold out, so I asked if there was a hard cider that was warmed up. They served the most amazing concoction! We drank, conversed with the friendly bartender, and had dinner nearby. What a gem in Fargo!
(5)
Jennifer S.
Let me start by saying this review is based on the food and food only. We have never actually ate in the restaurant, but have tried the food in the lounge, same kitchen. For a restaurant of supposed this caliber, I would expect that when your menu says "fried green tomato" you would serve that and not try to sneak in red ones and not tell the guest. Maybe most people don't know the difference, but the difference is HUGE. We were very disappointed. James Beard nominee my foot. If you are going to have to make that change, tell us. We would have opted for something else. It was insulting they tried to sneak it by us. We are in the lounge nearly every week. Too bad we won't be trying the food anymore.
(2)
Wayne F.
Wow, I had Fargo all wrong. During my trip I didn't see a single wood chipper or hear an authentic "you betcha," which, though disappointing, made me realize that my preconceived notions of Fargo life might be a little off base. However, my greatest moment of joy came when I discovered that I was also wrong about the food here. I had feared it would be reminiscent of my time spent in Anchorage (bland, meaty, poisonous, etc.) and as a result, I had my doubts about this HoDo place -- thankfully, the HoDo proved me wrong. The decor was very modern and artsy, but still comfortable. My server was personable and made an effort to recommend particular menu items but not in a pushy way. The meal was timed perfectly so that I was never waiting for too long for the next course or crowded with excess dishes because two dishes came out at the same time. Everything my server brought to me was absolutely fantastic. As she placed my ravioli in front of me she asked, "are you ready to try the best ravioli in the world?" Oh, trust me, I'm always ready. She may have overshot just a tad, but it was certainly very good and definitely better than I ever would have expected in North Dakota. Ohhh the Midwest, how wrong I was about you! Please forgive me! It's a little spendy, but nothing more than what I would expect to pay back home -- and totally worth it (which is more than I can say about some of the restaurants back home).
(4)
Nathan L.
The HoDo Restaurant is my favorite place to eat in Fargo. The food is always creative and flavorful, most organically and locally grown. Seriously, the servers can tell you what area farm your dinner came from! The ambiance is stylish and exhibits local art. The service is top notch; personable and attentive, but still fun and never too pretentious. The specialty is the bison tenderloin, which is incredible and I'd highly recommend it. It seems to be a staple on the menu, but the menu does change frequently with the change of seasons. Definitely worth the extra few bucks above a chain restaurant. I'm going back for my birthday! Sooo good!
(5)
Conrad C.
Good bison burger and decent local brew. It was a tad on the expensive side for a lunch spot, but it has a nice open space and tries to maintain an interesting menu.
(3)
Matt M.
this is a cool place a Bit on the hipster Side that Pushes into the Upscale End of the spectrum ,High end Hi Balls to Drat Beer Great Food friendly Bartenders i only wish i had made it to the Rooftop Patio and Stayed in the Hotel ,Hopefully Next time!
Takes Reservations : Yes 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 : Upscale Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Roman G.
Nothing short of excellent. Trout was great, pork n bean soup, beet salad, yea!! The drink menu was fantastic! We ordered A different cocktail every course. Just an absolutely great night. 6 of us, loud and free!!! A true celebration of Fargo organics. Will absolutely be back.
(5)Kimberley C.
Loved the laid back vibe of this place. Yes, besides drinking yourself to smithereens at the bar, they actually have really decent food. Had the salad with walnuts/pears - it was divine! Truly excellent. Then the bison dish. The bison, as expected was a bit chewy and took longer to masticate to my satisfaction before swallowing. But after chewing and rejecting a few bites, I found the rest of the dish to be quite enjoyable. Bison is not for everyone, but I happen to love "gamey" meats. Decor: Industrial, casual Food: Good, not out of this world, but adequate good Service: Inattentive, scattered People: Corporate after hours crowd Parking: Free parking lot around the corner
(3)Abbie F.
I normally don't call out people by their name but Jordan was awesome! She was the best server I've ever had there! Great recommendations, kept my water filled as well as my cocktails. She is a huge part of why the HoDo received as many stars as it did. Now onto the food and drinks. I probably sampled eight different drinks as my friends and I all tasted each other's selection. The Moscow Mule is by far my favorite! The copper mugs are awesome and they taste so delicious! There was a cucumber one in a big glass that was extremely refreshing. I also liked the yamhatten. It would be helpful when ordering the drinks if you knew how they came-rocks, straight up, etc. Food-overall everything was pretty tasty! The goat cheese ravioli were good but a little too rich for my taste buds. The hanger steak was delicious but too much red wine reduction in it so that the flavor of the steak was over powered with sauce. HoDo is a fun place to go and grab a drink and spend time with friends. I'm looking forward to the deck opening up!
(4)Charisse S.
We need more restaurants like this in Fargo!! Amazing food! Well it's fine dining after all! Love the ambience too! I had the halibut with Italian rice... Highly recommend it-- haven't had anything like it not even in California where I moved from.
(5)Jeanine L.
This was our first time eating in the restaurant and it was a fabulous experience. The atmosphere was fun, it was romantic and quiet, the server was excellent and the food was fantastic.
(5)Megan P.
Great restaurant and bar in Downtown Fargo. Typically sit in the lounge since I'm always there for a casual dinner. Drinks: I always get the Hodo Cider to drink. Warm beverage with liquor during the winter is absolutely brilliant As for the menu, I always try to get the soup of day. If it's not something I'm in to, the Tomato Fennel is excellent. Entree items: General Tso's Chicken (they have a gluten free option), Wild Rice Burger is one of the best veggie burgers I've had and the Mac and Cheese! The service can sometimes be a little slow so if you are in a rush to be somewhere I would account for extra time.
(4)Allison G.
One of my favorite places to eat downtown. It's higher end dining, with great quality food. I love the unique vibe, the exquisite art pieces, and the open atmosphere. My experience was great! Thank you!
(5)John D.
Meh. Two stars for the food, which is hipster-ish, and includes a tasty buffalo burger. An additional bump for the atmosphere, which is lively and fresh. I'm judging the HoDo by New York standards, which may be unfair. I'd give it another star if I lived in Fargo, because there just aren't that many similar options (meaning restaurants that aren't cookie-cutter chains or diners). But if you're a tourist, as we were, you can do a lot worse, and you will.
(4)Lea P.
I have Been coming here since they opened in 2002/2003?? They have always v had amazing cHefs and interesting locally sourced food. Great job!
(5)William H.
Delicious! I was in Fargo for work, and my colleague and I ate here based on the Yelp reviews. Phenomenal meal - I can't recommend highly enough. Great variety on the menu, with an emphasis on locally sourced product. Given that we were in North Dakota, I had the bison steak, which was outstanding. The wine list also had great variety. This is THE place to eat if you are in Fargo.
(5)Jen P.
Love the lounge, but the restaurant is trying too hard. My son & I ordered 2 apps, 2 steaks, and dessert. The wheat balls were inedible. By the time my meal came, I wished I had forced down the wheat balls. The appearance of the flat iron was disgusting, but the mushrooms were worse. I actually instagrammed my first-ever food pic because they looked so gross. Tried one bite of the steak & mushrooms and that was one bite too much. The cookie plate was mediocre at best. How do you screw up cookies? I won't go back. If you are looking for fine dining in the FM area, try Monte's.
(1)John E.
I've meant to write a review before now, but here it is. I took my fiance to the HoDo for Valentine's Day; she deserves it for putting up with me. As it was my first time really eating at someplace like this downtown, I was a bit anxious that I'd be underdressed; I wore a nice blue button-down, dark jeans, and dress shoes and was happy to see that I was just dressy/casual enough to not stick out like a sore thumb. We had made reservations a couple of days before and opted to also do the wine pairing with dinner - a very good decision. The dishes were immaculately presented and delicious. There were a few things that I would've preferred in terms of what was served, but the choices I made were outstanding. That said, I've been fortunate enough to dine at Gordon Ramsay's pub in Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas and have enjoyed what would be termed 'fine dining'. I found the food for Valentine's Day at the HoDo to truly encompass that. For me, it's not a place I'd go every day as the cost was a little prohibitive, but absolutely well-worth the value of a very special date. My compliments go out to the very courteous wait staff, host/esses, cooks and Chef that make the restaurant one of the best dining establishments in the F/M area.
(4)Michael R.
Very informative staff as far as what each dish is and the specific role each ingredient plays. Taste was very good. Didn't have an item I didn't enjoy. The look of the place was quite nice as well.
(5)MoMo A.
I took my friends who were visiting from Amsterdam here, and WHAT A DISAPPOINTMENT! We thought it would be great to go there, since they were having local singer/songwriters. What a mistake! Their music was horrible, but what took the cake was their attitude. They were loud; talking about women in a degrading way. We tried to focus on each other but it was hard not to hear their loud alcohol induced screaming. The last musician got up and started talking about his life and women. All his music was about his past depressing relationships women. Smelly cat, by Phoebe, from friends would have been welcomed in place of him and his other musicians friends. To add to our lovely time there (sarcasm), the server was crass, and didn't seem like she wanted to serve us. My friends who are vegetarians asked her if the wild rice veggie sandwich was any good and she raved about it. Sadly, it was not so great when they started eating their food. My partner and our other friend got go their bison burger, which they liked a lot. My chicken sandwich was another disappointment, it was filled with fat on the chicken and most of it was uneatable. Their food and service has gone down hill from about 9 months ago when we moved to Fargo.
(2)Toni W.
Starting with the craft cocktails, French HoDo for me, 1st and Broadway for my companion, through a beet salad, to an incredible bone in pork chop with pork belly (seems like an odd combo, but not when you taste it) and sweet potato gnocchi and my companion's bison flat iron steak everything was on a par with meals I've had in NYC, Chicago, and my hometown foodie neighborhood of Lowertown, St. Paul. Dessert also to die for. I get to Fargo 2-3 times a year and now I'll need to budget for a meal at HoDo every time.
(5)Hue K.
I really like this casual but cozy lounge/bar/restaurant.. It was Sunday evening and they had a live-music.. Pretty good singers and songs.. - Service was friendly but pretty slow.. - Great drinks!! Big drinks menu as well... I would definitely come here to hang out and relax with great drink.. Try HoDo Cider!! Especially when it's cold outside, this drink will warm you up and put you in a good mood. - Food: it seems that the chef wants to be a bit creative but execution wasn't done very well.. Most vegetables (side for main dish) are not well seasoned or cooked... Poutine was good. I suggest you try Oxtail Poutine. Mussels was good but it would have been better with thicker warm toast.. Elk rack: My friend said it wasn't tender as expected... Onion ring: OK.. nothing special. Pizza: interesting and good flavor but crust wasn't good. Complimentary bread: Cold bread... but good crackers and honey butter.. Overall, I enjoyed the ambiance but I wouldn't come here for $30-40 main dish... PS: I think it's a great place for a first or 2nd date night! :)
(4)Tim L.
My wife and I wanted to splurge for our anniversary so we thought we would hit up the Ho Do since we had heard so many good things. A cute little downtown location great for a nice after dinner stroll, the HoDo has a great remodeled modern look that doesn't take away from the historic parts of the building that make it so lovely. My wife got the duck and loved it. She said she felt that everything on the plate went very well together and that it was a combination that she would never think to have. I had the bison which was very yummy and had great spice in the dish. It was so refreshing to have some good spice in Fargo that was very Santa Fe inspired. The service was very good. They treated us to some free appetizers for our special occasion. Very friendly and always there to keep the glasses full. Great experience overall.
(5)Mary S.
Only thing that sucks is that its downtown, other than that this is a good little find in Fargo, clean and well kept, servers are fast.. Apps are good drinks are fantastic
(4)Jimmy P.
I visited on a cold quite Tuesday and found a place at the bar. This is a casual place that looks to be a trendy hangout. I ordered a nice glass of Australian cabernet and the braised short rib. Both were delicious. The service is first class.
(4)Nancy R.
Good food, couldn't find any other place to eat at during a 2 day trip. Right on Broadway so convenient to eat and then check out the Cruisin' Broadway.
(4)Rey W.
I was excited to bring friends from Europe here for dinner. Sadly, however, the food was sub par and the waitstaff seemed discourteous. My friends from abroad were as disappointed in their meal as I was embarrassed to have brought them here for their final meal in Fargo. One member of our party described the lobster bisque as tasting as if it were "canned," while another noted how they could not eat the bland black rice burger or fries. Our waitress did not question why our plates were still full when she retrieved them, nor did she ask if we would like it to go, leading our group to feel like she already knew that the food wasn't very good. The cocktails were tasty, but failed to compensate for a lackluster and overpriced dinner.
(2)Kathleen M.
What a fabulous restaurant with organic, sustainable, farm to table local food. They even list where the food comes from on the back of their inventive menu. We were treated like gold from the minute we entered on a Friday night about 7:10 without a reservation. What a balm of good vibes followed by even better food. We started by sharing the meat and charcuterie plate and quite frankly, it would have made a superb dinner on its own. All the cheeses were labeled and each one melted in my mouth. The pates and terrines were flavorful and rich with amazing cornichons, bread and fruit to pair with the meats and cheeses. I had the lamb with sweetbread and sweet potatoes and it was probably the best lamb I have ever had and I have had it everywhere. I was a bit nervous about the sweetbreads but thought, well, might as well try them. Delish! My only complaint was that I was too full to have dessert. Wah! This restaurant is beautiful with classy wait staff and magnificent food. This meal could have been served anywhere in the world and rival the restaurants. Make sure you visit this tremendous establishment if you are lucky enough to be close. HoDo your name made me laugh but the memory of your food makes me salivate.
(5)Heather C.
After living in San Francisco and Los Angeles, I find that eating out in the Midwest is mostly a depressing chore, but after discovering HoDo in Fargo, I am deeply comforted. With an concerted effort toward local and organic, this superb restaurant ranks as the best meal I've ever had in a North Dakota restaurant. (The BEST meals in NoDak are always in someone's home.) Our server, Jet, was not only friendly and efficient but clearly, loved his job; staff enthusiasm can make all the difference in the world. Same goes for our fellow diners. We were not two steps in the restaurant before a man and his wife, seated in a window booth, expressed their glee: "You guys HAVE to get the cheese starter!" Loaded with artisan cheeses (from Wisconsin and Missouri), dried fruits, nuts, olives, crackers and breads - it was sheer heaven. Best of all, I'd brought with me a "traditional farmer" who is quite suspicious of anything organic, so-called "fancy" foods - anything not your basic meat and potatoes. He'd never seen a menu that thanked - not to mention listed - the farmers, ranchers and "other uncommon souls" that sourced the ingredients. I saw a light bulb go on and he's starting to understand what this food revolution is all about. I'm forever grateful to Hodo for that. I think his delectable Spring Prairie Farm Chicken helped a lot too. Our Lobster Ratatouille starter was also heavenly - rich and delicate. My Star Thrower Lamb (from Star Thrower Farms in Minnesota) was deeply delicious, albeit a tad undercooked. (I should have stated my preference when ordering.) Finally, I had the Chocolate Chipotle Cake and nearly fainted - incredible rich chocolate flavor with just a hint of smokey spice. The next day, we went back and took photos of their rooftop garden where they grow what they can. All I can say, is well done! I look forward to many fine meals at Hodo.
(5)Jeremy L.
I had never been to Fargo, ND before and was very impressed with this restaurant. I had a whitefish dish which was superb and also had a great dessert. The restaurant was packed on a Tuesday night which is always a good sign. The bartender was very knowledgeable and it was great people watching. I would highly recommend. Not too dressy, would be fine in jeans and a button up shirt.
(4)Barry B.
HoDo's is attached to the Hotel Donaldson in Fargo, ND and is known for it's farm to table approach to dining. My party of three arrived on a very quiet Tuesday evening. We were one of only three tables with diners. It is a casual place- as the server was in jeans (pretty worn ones, at that). We enjoyed a glass of Malbec and placed our orders. Mine began with a starter of the soup of the day. A butternut squash soup. It was good, but a bit salty. It also was not creamy- more of a cross between a cream and a broth, leaning more toward broth. It was a fine soup, but not stellar. My main course was the bison- a house specialty. It was beautiful to look at as well as the eat. Tender, medium rare, and sliced. It was served with "beets, puffed wild rice, black trumpets,beet & carrot jus, celery root purée" as the menu states. These accompaniments were very rich in flavor- maybe a bit too rich. The puffed rice was a certainly a surprise. I never expected the crunch. While more flavorful, it reminded me of Rice Crispies cereal. My dinner companions had the Kingklip- which I was told was tasty but not overly special (though the spaghetti squash was very good) and the chicken- which also was viewed favorably. They started with soup as well- one had the squash as I did and the other had the lobster bisque. All in all, the meal was enjoyable, not 5-star, but certainly different than one would otherwise expect. Service was fine. I would go again, as they change their menu quarterly.
(3)Tracy K.
My husband and I dined at the HoDo restaurant and ordered the salmon tartare appetizer, lobster bisque soup, bison prime rib and vegetable sauté. We had red wine with diner and order two bells beers after diner, my husband ordered the hops slam and I had the two hearted. The salmon tartare was very good, the lobster bisque soup was great and it had a sharp bite to it which I enjoyed, and the bison prime rib entree was amazing! The au jus they used made the meat deliciously tender and probably the best steak I've had in a very long time. I wish more restaurants would use an au jus as for me this makes a steak edible. Sometimes at restaurants you just get a huge slab of meet on your plate with no sauce or flavor... This was the opposite of that and it was amazing. Service was outstanding. After eating we enjoyed a drink in the HoDo lounge and it was bustling with people. What a great evening!
(4)Proteus D.
Update. I came back here twice more recently. The place is still awesome and the food incredible. The wheat balls are a must try. They even donate money to a local same sex marriage equality action group.
(5)Sven O.
Some of the very best food Fargo has to offer! Consistently amazing! We have been going here for about 3 years now and I have yet to be unimpressed. Not to mention x2 James Beard Award nominated chefs in one kitchen, let alone the entire state!!!
(5)Andrew P.
This place was fantastic. I am here traveling and just wrapped up an excellent meal at HoDo. The service was exceptional, after ordering a good beer, my server discussed other options for beers for my second round, and knew what she was talking about! One more beer oriented thing, their glasses were super clean, its always fantastic when the head of the beer leaves rings all the way down the glass. Also, they have a fantastic beer selection. I had the lobster bisque to start with the complimentary bread with two butters, rosemary and honey. It was exceptional, the perfect amount of hearty yet light. Then I followed up with the bison short ribs. Seriously, it was amazing, fall off the bone, wonderfully flavored, perfect complimentary sides. It was fantastic. This place had the standard (price range/level of chef) bonuses like little tastes of other things he was working on, a palette cleansing sorbet between soup and entree, and fresh made mint chocolates at the end. Overall this place was amazing, if I make it back to Fargo, I will absolutely return for both the service, and the food.
(5)Allyse H.
We started with the lobster bisque because of the good things other reviewers said. It was good - not the best, but good! They brought out an amuse-bouche of an asian salad on a wonton - it was a delightful treat! After the soup we had a small collection of breads with a sweet butter. My boyfriend had the bison prime rib and I had the MN grass fed beef. They were similar in price, but his cut was much larger than mine. However, due to the sinewy nature of bison, most of it was inedible. Although other reviewers said the bison was spicy, there was no spice at all to it - good flavor, but no spice (I'm VERY sensitive to spice). The sides were interesting, but not amazing. The highlight of our meal was the homemade chocolate ice cream sundae with caramel for dessert - it had a dark chocolate taste and the caramel was to DIE for!! Overall a fun experience, but I wouldn't pay that much for those dishes again ($35/entree).
(4)Dude R.
I like going to the HoDo with friends when I'm feeling fancy, but on the two occasions I ordered a mixed drink, they were REALLY strong. I mean, REALLY strong. I ordered the pizza of the week without asking what it was. When they brought it, it looked like a Canadian Bacon pizza, about five inches, and it was AWFUL. I left about half of it, and my buddy was like, "Are you gonna eat that?" So, I told him he could have it, he took one bite, and spit it out. We got a third opinion from another person at our table, and it was unanimous. I won't be eating at HoDo anymore, unless it's in the restaurant (this was in the bar), and I'll make sure I have a full stomach before I order a Long Island Tea.
(3)Lois M.
Happened into this place with no expectations and was totally blown away! The food was amazing, staff was wonderful and the atmosphere was perfect. The menu titles were understated but when I read closer and then tasted the food it was creative, interesting, healthy and sustainably-sourced. Wow, wow, wow!! Josh and Jason were especially great.
(5)T C.
Nice ambience. Service was friendly and attentive. But menu seemed overly ambitious and overpriced for the quality of food coming out: appetizer if rabbit and orecchiette. Orecchiette we're hard and chewy , sauce would have been great except it was soooo salty. Shaved asparagus salad was great , really good dressing. Chicken entree was pretty good flavor wise , but just given a half a great and a tiny chunk of thigh. Really?? My vegan husband ordered the "vegetarian" option on the menu: turned out to be veggies on a bed of lentils. Looked good until we tasted it-- soooo spicy, barely edible, and he has pretty high spice tolerance! Nicely Sent it back and asked for same thing, just less spice. And they came back with the same dish, albeit smaller portion, but now with a seafood taste to it ! So much for a vegetarian option... Overall,waaay too much money for the quality.
(3)Natalie M.
While visiting Fargo for a business trip, I enjoyed a wonderful dinner at HoDo (in the Lounge). I tried the "meat and potatoes," which was a buffalo and elk meatloaf, served with several potato gnocchi. It was simply delicious, and expertly prepared (and presented). I wish I could take HoDo back home with me!
(4)Ron L.
This is an outstanding restaurant with a wonderful wine list. We ate there on a one-night stopover in Fargo and were blown away with the quality of the food. This is a must-visit restaurant if you're in Fargo. Great service, great food and drink!
(5)Dan And Susan T.
Food was outstanding and so were the drinks. Great place for a date, anniversary, or just an excellent meal with friends! Can get a little noisy when it gets busy.
(4)Paul I.
I can only say I was not expecting the meal I got in this place. Fargo of all places. I travel for work and of all places I've been this is one of the best meals I've ever had. From the taste of the chef, an Indian inspired wild rice to the soup, a roasted red pepper and sambucca, to the main dish, a walleye fish with wild rice over a bed of veggies, to the cobbler dessert sampler, this was just excellent . The place is expensive. This meal was around 45 without wine.
(5)Tristan C.
One monday evening, me and my gf decided it would be nice to hang out with a couple of her best friends and make it a night. So we head out to toscana which happen to close on monday night. Well their loss is Hodo's gain, because we are going out on a mission. To enjoy life and great food with great company. Walah, we decided to try Hodo restaurant because its only across Toscana in downtown Fargo. Hodo restaurant is an absolute epitome of Fargo fine dining. Apparently they have a chef that was nominated for best chef in midwest. So having read that article before I step in, I was a little bit skeptical about their food. They should better have a mindblowing food on their menu and great presentation too. They couldnt have met my expectation higher. Everything was perfect. Great service and great food. Their special of the day that night was lollipop lambchop. Four lamb chop with some special sauce that still linger in my mind everytime I recall the memories. We tried a nice roast chicken and also a very good steak. This restaurant close at 9 apparently and yet we stay until 10.30 without feeling rushed at all. Our server was very kind and very very proffesional. Their dessert was delectable and thumbs up for the chef. Whether or not you won the chef of the midwest title. I will give you your title, the best chef in Fargo.
(5)Stanley B.
Seriously good food. Beautiful presentation, delicious flavors. I get here for business a few times a year an will be back. Highly recommend. They have a reasonable selection of wines by the glass. Good ambiance.
(4)David B.
Need to work on timing between courses 4th time I've been here and there always seems to be a drag apps and entree's food is top line for Fargo but timing is always a little off - for the pricing timing should be spot on!
(4)Ginger C.
Surprisingly, its a bit overrated. Some of the food is quite good and some of it is... well, "Meh". But here is one thing that is *consistent* at the HoDo: they are wholly incapable of serving their wine at the correct temperature(s). The owner and/or manager must think that the people of Fargo are a bunch of rubes who can't discern between pinot noir served properly at 61 degrees instead of their 74 degree serving temperature. The HoDo does have a wine cellar which is ostensibly "just for looks" (although they do -quite wrongly- store a lot of wine in it) because the manager keeps the temperature in there also at 74 degrees for parties. That is *far* too warm for storing any wine; any temperature 65ºF causes the wine to age prematurely, thus losing its flavor and balance. Storing wine in a refrigerator also is problematic because when chilled too cold, the wine also loses its flavor and aromas. But lets, for a moment assume they do not store their wine very long. You still won't want to drink it because their whites are served too cold (they are *all* refrigerated) and their reds are served too warm (at room temperature, which they keep at 74 ºF). This notion that reds should be served at room temperature is a myth, unless your room is a cave (i.e. deep in the earth. All the tourist caves I've visited are 62ºF year-round). The warmest any wine should ever be served is 65ºF, and only if it is a full bodied red, like a Bordeaux. Only cheap Champagne should be served refrigerated. Every other varietal has its own serving temperature somewhere between these two extremes but here is a guide to keep in mind: reds are served warmer than whites, ranging from 54ºF-65ºF with the lighter, fruitier ones served at the colder temperature and the fuller the body, the warmer the correct serving temperature. Whites should be served anywhere from 41ºF-52ºF; with the oakier fuller bodied ones properly served warmer than the light fruity wines. The right serving temperature for your favorite varietal can easily be found with a Google search, but here is a definitive list, for the reference of anyone interested: finewinereserve.com/guid… The bottom line is this: if you are ordering a glass of wine at Chubs Pub, the Nestor or the Empire Tavern for $3, you can quite fairly expect it to be a cheap glass of wine served at the wrong temperature. But if you are paying upwards of $9/glass in Fargo, the wine should be both properly stored and served at the correct temperature for its varietal. You're paying for that. My impression of the HoDo is that it is far more about appearance than substance and for this reason, the restaurant is popular with young would-be hipsters. If you want an excellent meal served with good wine, you can get that in elsewhere in Fargo, and in some cases, for a much lower price than you will pay at the HoDo. All that said, if you order anything at the HoDo, get the martinis. They are superb.
(3)Bitsy B.
The food was great, the service solid. If you go, don't miss the game meat. The bison was good. The elk was great. Two critiques... The selections of wines by the glass - particularly whites - was weak. And the kitchen needs to not misnamed it's amuse bouches. The teacup of soup they brought out to us was tasty. Clearly some take on their bouillabaisse. But to call it 'Peruvian Seafood Stew' was absurd. Saffron? In Latin America?
(4)Jeff D.
A little piece of city life in Fargo.
(5)Fan H.
I had some of the worst experience in this place. They give me a menu that has only those cheap stuff before I asked for another menu probably because I'm Asian and I was wearing a T-shirt rather than dressed up at that time. Then I ordered fish (which is supposedly to be the fanciest dish). After a long waiting, the waitress came with the dish and hovered around where I sat and asked another customer if she ordered dish before she finally found its rightful owner. And then she asked, without restraining her surprise, "You ordered FISH??" only after my confirmation did she leave the dish on my table. This is the first time I got treated with such a degree of disrespect in a restaurant and it really hurts. Their attitudes towards what they thought as "underprivileged people" are absolutely disgusting. One piece of solemn advice: DON'T GO TO THIS PLACE!
(1)Sara D.
Though I only went once time I was very impressed with the HoDo. We went for a birthday party and had apps and drinks and the apps were really good, simple and not overdone. We got a hummus plate and split it and had a glass of wine. A great place to go for a relaxed low key night, but also make it a special night out. The servers were attentive and I walked out very impressed.
(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)Jeff S.
Had the duck, which was excellent (especially with the mushroom compote). But...what's with the New York prices?
(4)Rhonda G.
I didn't want to leave the hotel the first night so this made sense. The service from Nathan was excellent .He was training someone in. The bison in a sauce was the only steak offered. Pre-sliced,seasoned just right, the best, served with broccolini. I love how there is no salt and pepper shaker. Can't argue with a confident chef. This is not the place to eat and run, as I'm known for. A couple of things weren't perfect, which is what you'd expect in a 5 star restaurant. The potatoes were odd, layered in a brick form, could have been creamier. The lobster bisque was a totally pureed bronze color. Not what I expected. I ordered a napoleon for dessert. I know that this is a pastry. Not here, it looked more like a smores. So the soup and dessert weren't worth the value. They have a creme brulee of the day. Now you're talking my language. Unfortunately, the flavor was mint. The only thing I love mint in is tabouli, so I didn't chance it. This is a place for folks who enjoy fine wine. But for this teetotaler they have the best lemonade I ever had. I love how this place will get reviews from all over the country, and different points of view.
(4)J C.
B-runch. Good food - exactly what you'd expect from the HoDo: too small portions, too expensive, but fairly unique and pretty good tastes. The only caveat I'd attach for me to do the brunch there again has to do with ND law-no bloody mary's before noon on Sunday. Grr...I'd hold off until closer to that hour...that would tip the scales for me. I had Huevos Rancheros, made from locally produced, organic ingredients. It tasted great, but I personally found the dark black sauce unappealing to look at, similar to used motor oil drizzled over the meal (tasted fine). The chorizo was delish. Recommended, just go there knowing what you're getting and you'll enjoy it as much as anything else in town...
(4)Dave S.
I've been here about 4 or 5 times now. All but one visit was with business guests from NY and Seattle. They all loved it, or were being polite. I'll just give you my review. It's been delicious every time I visit. My last visit was with a client who actually owns a winery in Washington state, so he was making his own wine parings with the dishes. The meal was very well paced. The wine pairings by our client were great, and the server was very helpful with the food selection. I actually ordered the Mystery Dish on my last visit. I just stated some preferences and let them come up with whatever they wanted. You can choose vegetarian, state a preference for how you like your meat cooked, or other random preferences. I said, spicy, not sweet, and medium rare meats. They brought out blackened salmon and prawns with some greens and fingerling potatoes. They had two sauces, one being a little sweeter mango sauce. Now, I said I don't care for sweet, but this sweetness was a nice contrast to the rest of the dish. It wasn't overdone at all, but rather nicely balanced. It felt like a nice wide variety of flavors that were just well done. I normally don't like salmon--it tastes too "fishy". But this time it was flavorful, but not with that decomposing flavor. Another favorite dish I had before was the mustard crusted pheasant. I know it seems odd to go to a nice restaurant for pheasant, but the HoDo has yet to disappoint me. I wouldn't call myself a foodie by any stretch of the imagination, but the HoDo just has good food that I enjoy and and atmosphere that is conducive to conversation. The beer tap list is also acceptable, though typically short.
(5)Paula D.
Ate at this place last night and it was amazing. The atmosphere was beautiful with original art, creative lighting and a lovely wrought iron wine cellar. The bartender was very knowledgeable about the history of the hotel and the area. Food: Faaaabulous! I had an awesome napoleon with seafood and avocado. It was a delight to look at and to eat. Every appetizer and salad was great and the service was impeccable.
(5)CJ N.
This was an absolute must-go place, based on a local's recommendation. We had a quick drink at the bar. It was cold out, so I asked if there was a hard cider that was warmed up. They served the most amazing concoction! We drank, conversed with the friendly bartender, and had dinner nearby. What a gem in Fargo!
(5)Jennifer S.
Let me start by saying this review is based on the food and food only. We have never actually ate in the restaurant, but have tried the food in the lounge, same kitchen. For a restaurant of supposed this caliber, I would expect that when your menu says "fried green tomato" you would serve that and not try to sneak in red ones and not tell the guest. Maybe most people don't know the difference, but the difference is HUGE. We were very disappointed. James Beard nominee my foot. If you are going to have to make that change, tell us. We would have opted for something else. It was insulting they tried to sneak it by us. We are in the lounge nearly every week. Too bad we won't be trying the food anymore.
(2)Wayne F.
Wow, I had Fargo all wrong. During my trip I didn't see a single wood chipper or hear an authentic "you betcha," which, though disappointing, made me realize that my preconceived notions of Fargo life might be a little off base. However, my greatest moment of joy came when I discovered that I was also wrong about the food here. I had feared it would be reminiscent of my time spent in Anchorage (bland, meaty, poisonous, etc.) and as a result, I had my doubts about this HoDo place -- thankfully, the HoDo proved me wrong. The decor was very modern and artsy, but still comfortable. My server was personable and made an effort to recommend particular menu items but not in a pushy way. The meal was timed perfectly so that I was never waiting for too long for the next course or crowded with excess dishes because two dishes came out at the same time. Everything my server brought to me was absolutely fantastic. As she placed my ravioli in front of me she asked, "are you ready to try the best ravioli in the world?" Oh, trust me, I'm always ready. She may have overshot just a tad, but it was certainly very good and definitely better than I ever would have expected in North Dakota. Ohhh the Midwest, how wrong I was about you! Please forgive me! It's a little spendy, but nothing more than what I would expect to pay back home -- and totally worth it (which is more than I can say about some of the restaurants back home).
(4)Nathan L.
The HoDo Restaurant is my favorite place to eat in Fargo. The food is always creative and flavorful, most organically and locally grown. Seriously, the servers can tell you what area farm your dinner came from! The ambiance is stylish and exhibits local art. The service is top notch; personable and attentive, but still fun and never too pretentious. The specialty is the bison tenderloin, which is incredible and I'd highly recommend it. It seems to be a staple on the menu, but the menu does change frequently with the change of seasons. Definitely worth the extra few bucks above a chain restaurant. I'm going back for my birthday! Sooo good!
(5)Conrad C.
Good bison burger and decent local brew. It was a tad on the expensive side for a lunch spot, but it has a nice open space and tries to maintain an interesting menu.
(3)Matt M.
this is a cool place a Bit on the hipster Side that Pushes into the Upscale End of the spectrum ,High end Hi Balls to Drat Beer Great Food friendly Bartenders i only wish i had made it to the Rooftop Patio and Stayed in the Hotel ,Hopefully Next time!
(4)