Where to Eat in Devils Lake, North Dakota: Local Favorites & Must Try Spots

When it comes to places to eat locally in Devils Lake, there are quite a few fan favorites. I asked friends on Facebook for recommendations, and they came up with a solid list of local restaurants, cafes, and diners that people genuinely love. I’ve also included places my family and I enjoy eating at!

Whether you’re a local, just driving through, or one of the many visitors here for walleye fishing, camping, or lake life, stopping to eat at one of these spots means you’re supporting a small business owner and the local community. These are places locals recommend, return to, and are proud to have in Devils Lake.

Photographer: Carol M. Highsmith (downtown Devils Lake photo)

Local Favorites in Devils Lake

All you have to do is ask the locals if you’re looking for a great place to eat in Devils Lake. My family and I have our own favorite places to dine, and I’ll be sharing those here as well.

For this guide, I’ve intentionally left out national chain restaurants. You won’t find McD’s or big-box eateries on this list. I’m all about supporting locally owned and operated restaurants and cafes — the places that truly represent this community.

I’ve divided the restaurants, cafes, and diners below into easy-to-browse categories and included why locals love the food at each spot.

This makes it easier to find exactly what you’re in the mood for — whether that’s breakfast, a casual lunch, or a sit-down supper — while still highlighting the places locals recommend and return to.

What the Locals Say

These recommendations come straight from locals. I asked for favorite places to eat in Devils Lake through Facebook conversations, emails, and everyday chats, and the responses were consistent.

When locals were asked where they love to eat, the same familiar favorites kept coming up — many of which my family and I enjoy as well.

Breakfast & Brunch Spots

If you’re looking for a great, hearty breakfast, these are the spots locals recommend. From loaded breakfast skillets to classic plates of pancakes and eggs, these small-town diners serve up comfort food done right, along with a great cup of coffee.

They’re the kind of places people return to again and again, whether it’s for a quick bite or a slow morning out.

Old Main Street Cafe (often referred to as Old Main)

This little cafe has a rich history in Devils Lake, plus a great breakfast menu. They serve it all day, too! Which makes those of us who sleep in on a weekend very happy. My favorite is the breakfast skillets, and I love having easy over eggs ontop, with a side of rye toast.

This cafe is found downtown, right on Main Street. Make sure to get there before the crowds hit around noon or supper time. Parking can be a bugger. As it’s all curbside parking on both sides of the street. Handicap parking is located right in front.

Old Main Cafe will be featured in multiple categories since it also has a great lunch and supper menu, and it’s a top favorite of the locals.

Once you step inside this old cafe, you will be greeted by friendly staff. They also have a really beautiful carved wooden bar, not sure how old that is, but if you love vintage and history, you will love this place.

I also love heading here for a good Italian Soda!

Hours- Monday to Sunday 8 a.m to 9 p.m.

Old Main Street Cafe, Located Downtown Devils Lake

Cedar Inn Family Restaurant

Another classic diner-style restaurant. This one serves breakfast all day, also, and on Fridays they have “All you can eat Walleye!” What’s not to love about that?!

Locals who recommend this diner say it’s a great place to get “Old-fashioned diner meals” and they “serve breakfast all day”.

I’ve been there a few times with my Mom, and we really enjoyed it, good coffee, good diner food, and great service.

Cedar Inn is also easy to locate, right off Hwy 2, not far from Tractor Supply and close to John Deere. If you’re in Devils Lake and making a parts run, like I am all the time, it’s an easy place to stop and grab a quick lunch while supporting a small business.

Someone also told me to try the Patty Melt, it’s amazing.

Their hours are a bit different; they open at 6 a.m and close at 3 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Open till 8 p.m on Fridays and Sundays 7a.m to 2 p.m.

Give them a call at 701-662-8893. For to-go orders or to see if they are open.

The White House Cafe

The locals that reccomened this cafe said it had good Diner food and they loved the friendly staff. My husband likes this diner cause it’s good food and quick. He gets his haircut from a local Barber in the mall.

Many locals say their parents took them here when they were younger, so its nastolic for them.

It’s located in the Holiday Mall, which is right off Hwy 2. The cafe has good parking, and it’s a smaller diner. been there since the 70’s.

Location: 425 College Dr, Suite #9, Devils Lake, ND 58301

Mr. And Mrs. J’s

Another local favorite for breakfast in Devils Lake is Mr. & Mrs. J’s. When I asked around, more than one person mentioned their Eggs Benedict — and locals don’t recommend something twice unless it’s good.

They serve up classic breakfast staples along with hearty, filling plates that keep people coming back. It’s a comfortable, no-frills spot where you can sit down, enjoy a hot meal, and start your day right. If you’re a fan of Eggs Benedict, this might be your next stop.

It’s right off Hwy 2, and has its own parking lot. Hours- Monday-Sunday 7a.m to 9 p.m.

Location: 318 US-2, Devils Lake, ND 58301

Casual Lunch & Family-Friendly Eats

If you’re coming to Devils Lake with family, these are some of the top picks locals recommend — and a few my own family enjoys as well. These restaurants offer relaxed, welcoming atmospheres and menus with something for everyone.

Whether you’re craving burgers, sandwiches, pizza, or classic comfort food, you can’t go wrong with any of these spots.

Anna’s Cocina & Tequila

Now, when this restaurant opened in Devils Lake, everyone in the surrounding area and the Devils Lake locals were excited, we North Dakotans love authentic Mexican food. Even if everyone seems concerned about spicy foods. We do love the flavor of Mexican food.

Anna’s Cocina delivers quick service and great food. They have a kids’ menu also, if you’re not sure your kids will eat a taco. My toddler loves the rice and beans, and the chips and salsa.

Aidan and Lily, my older children, eat everything, but their favorites are the Chori-pollo and Grande burrito. I am a major fan of the A la diabla Shrimp.

Also, if you’re looking to take home food for supper, this place is great! Menu Here. They are located in the old Walmart building that was converted into a mall. Right off Hwy 2.

Location:210 US HWY 2 WDEVILS LAKE, ND 58301

Old Main Street Cafe

Yes, they are in this category also. Many of the locals I asked said their kids love the soup bar offered at Old Main; they also have a great kids’ menu and great Italian sodas.

The Soup Bar is great if you want a cheap, filling, and quick meal. I love heading here with my kids because they have a good selection on the menu, and we can order breakfast for dinner if we want. They also have a good evening menu.

Cedar Inn Restaurant

They have a great menu for lunch, not just breakfast. Many local people mentioned that the Patty melt is great!

They loved the old-fashioned diner meals served here and the fact that breakfast is served all day.

The White House Cafe

Great place to grab a burger, and they have a good children’s meal also. The locals say it’s a budget-friendly place to eat.

Mr. & Mrs. J’s

They have a great senior menu, kids’ menu and salad bar. Another great option for lunch with the family and you’re supporting a local business in the process.

The Buffet House

Now, this may be the only place in Devils Lake to get your Chinese buffet food. Many locals love it and cherish the fact that they can enjoy some good Chinese food locally. They are closed on Mondays.

Buffet Hours: Tuesday to Saturday. 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Dinner Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 3:30 pm – 9:00 pm Sunday: 11:30 am – 8:30 pm

Location:320 4TH STREET NE., DEVILS LAKE, ND 58301

Mary Ann’s Pizzeria and Ice Cream

Located downtown Devils Lake, this place is great for birthdays or if your family is craving some great pizza. They also serve great ice cream and wings.

They also have a few ice cream trucks that travel around town during the summer! They ahve came to my workplace a few times with their soft serve truck! Soo good. Find them on Facebook.

Hours: Monday to Sunday 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.

Location: 317 4th Street NE, Devils Lake, ND, United States, 58301

Proz Lakeside at The Cove

They also serve lunch! If you’re out on the lake fishing, pull in your boat and grab a bite to eat.

Supper & Sit-Down Restaurants in Devils Lake

When it’s time to sit down and enjoy a full meal, Devils Lake has several great supper spots locals return to again and again. Whether you’re in the mood for a steak dinner, Mexican cuisine, lake views, or a locally brewed beer, these restaurants offer a relaxed evening atmosphere and dependable menus.

These are the kinds of places people gather after a long day of fishing, work, or family time.

It’s also good to note that Old Main, Mr. & Mrs. J’s, and The Buffet house all offer evening meals as well.

The Ranch, Steakhouse

Hands down the best steak house in the Devils Lake area. Locals recommend you try the Bang Bang Shrimp, Popovers, and the Honey Glazed Porkloin. We try to make it there a few times per year, usually for a special event. They have great food, but with steakhouse prices.

The Ranch looks like a giant red barn; they have a large parking lot, and it’s easy to find. We have never had a bad meal there!

Hours: Monday-Saturday 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. Closed on Sundays.

Location: 1119 Highway 20 S, Devils Lake, ND, United States, 58301

Black Paws Brewing Company

Now this place is beautiful! Locally owned and locally brewed beer! Can’t beat that. Their menu is mostly Panninis, sharables, and wings. The Locals say it’s the best Ruben sandwich they have ever had anywhere in North Dakota, so head on over and try it with a good beer.

Black Paw also hosts many game nights, events, and trivia nights. Follow them on Facebook for the most recent events and hours.

Hours: Monday: Closed. Tuesday – Saturday: 11 am – 10 pm
Sunday: Closed 

Location: 424 4th St. NE, Devils Lake, ND, United States, 58301

Proz Lakeside at The Cove

Located just outside of Devils Lake, Proz Lakeside at the Cove is worth the short drive for the views alone. Situated right on the lake, it offers both indoor and outdoor seating, complete with a fire pit and a relaxed lakeside atmosphere.

There’s even a lodge, making it a convenient stop for visitors staying in the area. Proz serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but locals consistently rave about their wraps, which seem to be a favorite across the board.

There are actually two Proz locations in the area —Proz End of the Line, Sports Bar, Grille & Caboose (adult only), and the Coveside location by the lake, each offering its own unique setting, at two different locations.

Proz Coveside Bar and Restaurant opens at 10 a.m 7 Days a week.

Location: 1012 Woodland Dr, Devils Lake, ND 58301

Anna’s Cocina & Telquila

Once again, it’s on the list for evening meals! Great food, fast service, and good margaritas.

Why Supporting Local Restaurants in Devils Lake Matters

Whether you’re visiting Devils Lake for the world-class walleye fishing, camping at one of the many campgrounds, or you’re a local who calls this place home, stopping in to eat at these locally owned diners, restaurants, and grills makes a difference.

These businesses are run by families, employ local residents, and help keep this small-town community thriving. Supporting them isn’t just about getting a good meal — it’s about investing back into the place we all enjoy.

This guide will continue to grow as new restaurants open and locals share their recommendations. If there’s a favorite spot I should check out, send me a message or leave a comment. I’d love to hear from you.