You don't have to go to an expensive steakhouse in a big city to have a good experience at a steakhouse. There are plenty of other good places to get a perfectly cooked cut of meat in small towns, even those out in the middle of nowhere that require a bit of a trip. Here are 6 steakhouses across North Dakota that are so good, you wouldn't expect it.

1. Pioneer Bar & Steakhouse - Velva

In the small town of Velva in north central North Dakota, there is a charmingly rustic restaurant on Main Street called the Pioneer Bar & Steakhouse. They serve up absolutely drool-worthy steaks, from 12 ounce T-bones to perfect filet mignon.

The Pioneer Bar & Steakhouse is located at 8 Main Street, Velva, ND 58790.

2. Hacienda Steakhouse - Burlington

The Hacienda Steakhouse is meant to look like an old hacienda, or Spanish ranch or estate, and is themed inside and out with plenty of old west feel. Their meat entrees are large and tasty in every way, and you can go with a classic steak or even get a rack of ribs. Either way, all of it is great and in such a unique atmosphere for North Dakota.

The Hacienda Steakhouse is located at 135 Colton Ave., Burlington, ND 58722.

3. Pastime Club & Steakhouse - Marmarth

The town of Marmarth was once big and bustling but now it gives off the appearance of a ghost town. People still live there, however, and one of the few businesses still alive and well is the Pastime Club & Steakhouse. This place is well worth a long drive out in the middle of nowhere in the southwest corner of North Dakota. They make absolutely fantastic steaks, burgers, and even things like pasta and - believe it or not - escargot. This small town restaurant has the menu of the finest dining establishments in the world, and the food is just as good.

The Pastime Club & Steakhouse is located at 118 Main St., Marmarth, ND 58634.

4. The 109 Steakhouse - Lignite

Only around 230 people live in Lignite, North Dakota, but despite its size it has an awesome restaurant people come far and wide for. The 109 Club & Steakhouse, or just The 109 Steakhouse, makes a truly perfect prime rib among other fantastic steak options. There's a reason they are constantly given great reviews and high ratings - and that's because their food and service is just that good.

The 109 Steakhouse is located at 118 Main St., Lignite, ND 58752.

5. The Ranch Steakhouse - Devils Lake

The Ranch has been around since the 1940s when Devils Lake was probably considered a bigger city. Today it remains in its location just on the outside of Devils Lake inside the same, classic barn it was opened in all those years ago. The Ranch has became known for its legendary steaks in all sorts of cuts and types as well as the rest of their loaded menu of scrumptious options. It's one of the oldest restaurants in North Dakota and continues to thrive because it's just that perfect.

The Ranch Steakhouse is located at 1119 Highway 20 S., Devils Lake, ND 58301.

6. Pitchfork Steak Fondue - Medora

The teeny town of Medora, population 132, brings in visitors from all over the world for its famous musical, close proximity to North Dakota's one and only national park, and fun, quirky experiences like the Pitchfork Steak Fondue. This is part of the musical experience and is a dinner you won't forget. This is probably one of the only steak places that makes their steaks fondue-style on real, actual pitchforks. It's an outdoor restaurant on top of a terrace with a gorgeous view of the badlands as an added bonus, and it's open seasonally in the summer.

The Pitchfork Steak Fondue is located at Tjaden Terrace, Chateau Rd., Medora, ND 58645.

Where is your favorite small town restaurant? Steakhouses, ice cream parlors, diners - North Dakota has them all across its many, many small towns. Here are some more eateries in ND that are true hidden gems.