When passing through a town like Marmarth, North Dakota, you probably aren't expecting any sort of establishments still in operation. Most of the buildings there have been abandoned and sit as creepy, empty shells along the unpaved roads of the town. It is located in the furthest reaches of the southwest corner of the state and is on the very southern tip of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, right along the Little Missouri River.
Despite this isolation, an absolutely amazing restaurant is hiding among the abandoned buildings, and is one of only few businesses still in business there. Everything about it is completely unexpected!
The town of Marmarth is not much more than this - abandoned buildings and dirt roads, far from other towns and among the wild badlands of North Dakota.
Even on the main street where the road is paved, empty shells of what used to be still stand.
Even though 143 people still live in Marmarth, when it was founded, that number was well over 1,000. Some reports even claim it was higher than 5,000 people. There was a theater, auditorium, and many shops and houses, but after the oil boom - which caused the large population - ended, the people left everything behind and moved on. This resulted in the town you see today, full of history but empty of life.
Despite this, there is a place that is thriving here, known as the Pastime Club & Steakhouse.
People never leave here unimpressed. This restaurant, though remote in location, serves food that is nothing short of gourmet. We all known what usual small town bar & grills serve in North Dakota, but this place is nothing like that - it goes above and beyond!
The food that they serve in that little building among this dusty town will completely blow you away.
The menu is extensive and has everything from mouthwatering, juicy burgers to gourmet escargot. No, I'm not kidding; they really serve that there, and it's actually amazing.
The dishes are impeccable and the service is unbeatable, making Pastime Club one of North Dakota's best hidden gems.
Did you have any idea this place was out there? I sure didn't! Next time I visit the Theodore Roosevelt National Park I'll be sure to make a stop, that burger is calling to me. To find it, head to 118 N Main Street in Marmarth, about an hour and a half drive south of Medora.
If this place surprised you, check out more North Dakota restaurants hiding in small towns across the state. You never know what you can find out there, especially when it comes to good eats.
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