It's not very often you encounter a place where both the barbecue and the brews are worth writing home (or in this case, a whole article) about, but when you do, oh man... it's something special, isn't it? It always feels great to take that first bite into the best ribs or brisket you've ever had in your life while eyeballing a house-brewed IPA to wash it down with, but we found this little joint in Bismarck where you can do that to your heart's content (or should we say your stomach's?). The locals all know where you can find the best ribs in North Dakota, and if you ask a few people - go ahead, we'll wait - chances are they're all going to tell you to head to the same place: Laughing Sun Brewery, on Front Avenue. Check it out:

It all started with a dream and a wish; in 2009, there were no breweries in Bismarck to speak of.

In 2012, brewmaster Mike Frolich opened a hip little spot with every intention to create a community based around amazing beers, local music, artists, and the best barbecue anyone's ever had. It was - and still is - an outrageous success, and it's hard to find a night here where there's nothing going on.

As soon as you walk in, your senses are ambushed by the smell wafting from the kitchen.

It's a smoky, juicy, tender kind of smell - the kind of smell you only experience when in the vicinity of really, really good barbecue.

...and boy, is it ever.

The reviews generally circle back to one or two things, in particular, every time: the unique brews and the ribs. Everything here is made in-house, from the beers to the rub and sauce to the fall-off-the-bone tender, flavorful meat that'll melt in your mouth no matter WHAT you order.

If ribs aren't your thing (they might be by the time you leave here, just saying), there is plenty more to choose from.

Get yourself an incredible order of perfectly-smoked wings, chopped and/or sliced brisket, pulled pork, smoked turkey... need we continue?

If you can't decide, no biggie - just get the combo and pick whatever three meats appeal to you the most.

We're pretty confident that no matter what you get, you're in for an adventure for the senses. This place might have started as Bismarck's first-ever brewery, but it's cemented its place in locals' hearts with these incredible dishes and support for local art and artists (among other folks).

Even the sides are to die for; the mac and cheese is incredible (and you can get it with brisket - same with the beans!), the cornbread has an elote twist, and the soup of the day is always a good choice.

If you crave entertainment while you eat and imbibe, once again, Laughing Sun comes in first - like we mentioned, it's a hotspot for local artists and bands to perform and engage with the community, and you'd be hard-pressed to find an evening here not filled with music and laughter.

Come for the ridiculously amazing barbecue (especially those ribs), stay for the beers and the bands!

What Frolich set out to do has been accomplished over and over again under this roof; as at least one of its reviews says, everyone knows where to get the best beer and barbecue in North Dakota, and it's in Bismarck at Laughing Sun.

For the full menu, list of brews, events calendar, and more, make sure to visit the official Laughing Sun Brewing website.

Where do you think you can get the best ribs in North Dakota? Tell us about it by filling out this form and you might see your favorite spots featured someday!