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Pitchfork Steak Fondue

4.3
·749 reviews·Medora, United States

Experience a one-of-a-kind cowboy cookout with pitchfork-cooked steaks and stunning badlands views in Medora, ND.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer evenings

The main season for this event

CrowdHigh
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Pitchfork Steak Fondue - Image 1

Pitchfork Steak Fondue

Best Time

Summer evenings

The main season for this event

CrowdHigh

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience a one-of-a-kind cowboy cookout with pitchfork-cooked steaks and stunning badlands views in Medora, ND.

4.3
(749 reviews)

"This bucket-list restaurant will become one of your favorites and you’ll never believe where it is…"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Secure your spot in advance, especially during peak season.

🤠 Embrace the Rustic Vibe

It's a fun, casual cowboy cookout, not fine dining. Enjoy the experience!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Pitchfork Steak Cooking

The Pitchfork Steak Cooking

The main stage

Witness cowboy chefs expertly cook 12oz New York strip steaks on pitchforks over an open flame. A true spectacle!

Stunning Badlands Views

Stunning Badlands Views

Dining area overlooking the landscape

Enjoy your meal with breathtaking panoramic views of the North Dakota badlands. A perfect backdrop for a western dinner.

Reddit
All-You-Can-Eat Buffet

All-You-Can-Eat Buffet

Buffet line

Savor classic cowboy cookout sides like baked potatoes, coleslaw, and beans alongside your steak.

Reddit
Live Western Entertainment

Live Western Entertainment

Main stage

Enjoy live music that complements the western theme, adding to the lively atmosphere of the cookout.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for This Unique Cowboy Cookout

Pitchfork Steak Fondue is a popular summer event in Medora, ND. Advance tickets are highly recommended, especially for peak season. Consider booking online to secure your spot for this one-of-a-kind cowboy cookout experience. Instagram

Embrace the Western Vibe

This isn't fine dining; it's a fun, rustic experience. Expect a buffet with classic sides and steaks cooked cowboy-style. It's all about the atmosphere, the views, and a memorable evening. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer evenings
Why
The main season for this event
Crowd
High
When
Wednesdays & Sundays
Why
Kids eat free with paid adult
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

If you haven’t had dinner at the Pitchfork Steak Fondue, you need to add it to your bucket list! 🥩 Eat your dinner in the heart of the Badlands and enjoy a one-of-a-kind cowboy cookout! Dinner is served all summer long in Medora, ND #MedoraND #food #foodie #northdakota #cowboy #dinner #travel #bucketlist
medora_nd
260 likes • 7K views

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Secure your spot in advance, especially during peak season. Instagram

🤠 Embrace the Rustic Vibe

It's a fun, casual cowboy cookout, not fine dining. Enjoy the experience! Reddit

pitchfork steak fondue?! YES please!
dominicsayswoof
266 likes • 1.7K views
A memorable dinner out west 🤠 details below! 📍Pitchfork Steak Fondue | Medora, North Dakota From medora.com: “NEW in 2024 – Kids Hotdog Meals are FREE all summer long! A one-of-a-kind experience, where we take 12 oz steaks, cooked to medium-well perfection and give them a western-style fondue twist! Witness our cowboy chefs expertly load New York Strip steaks onto pitchforks, then dunk them in b...
missnortherner
627 likes • 68.3K views

💰 Kids Eat Free Deals

Take advantage of free kids' meals on Wednesdays & Sundays with a paid adult. Instagram

📸 Capture the Views

The badlands scenery is spectacular, perfect for photos. Reddit

👇🏼DETAILS👇🏼 This bucket-list restaurant will become one of your favorites and you’ll never believe where it is… 📌First, SEND to the friends you’re taking here! At this restaurant, chefs cook 12oz New York strip steaks for up to 1500 people each night, despite the town having a permanent population of only 160. Here’s what to know before you go: 🎟️Get tickets in advance🎟️ You have to get you...
sarahwoodardtravels
5.7K likes • 737.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tickets Online

Secure your spot in advance, especially during peak season. Instagram

🤠 Embrace the Rustic Vibe

It's a fun, casual cowboy cookout, not fine dining. Enjoy the experience! Reddit

💰 Kids Eat Free Deals

Take advantage of free kids' meals on Wednesdays & Sundays with a paid adult. Instagram

📸 Capture the Views

The badlands scenery is spectacular, perfect for photos. Reddit

🎶 Enjoy the Live Music

The entertainment adds to the lively atmosphere of the cookout. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(749 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the unique and fun cowboy cookout experience at Pitchfork Steak Fondue, highlighting the stunning badlands views and lively entertainment. While the steak is generally considered good, some find the buffet options a bit limited for the price. Overall, it's highly recommended for its memorable atmosphere and scenic setting. Reddit

"The Pitchfork Fondue was a unique and fun dining experience set on a stage with an absolutely stunning view of the surrounding area. The steaks were what we expected since they were essentially fried. We noted that the dining "host" reminded the visitors frequently that the event staff would "make it right" if you didn't like how your steak was cooked. The buffet offered plenty of side dishes and we walked away full.

We highly recommend going to the Pitchfork Fondue if you are looking for a fun and unique experience in a great setting. (However, this might not be for you if you are expecting the finest steak grilled to your specific taste.)"

Dawn J

"It is a super fun experience. Food is okay but super cool how they cook the steaks and the views are worth every penny."

Eric Clock

"This dinner was part of an all over amazing day at Medora. It was like the preview to their famous summer evening musical. They cook multiple steaks on a pitchfork and have the food/sides line to go through first. Texas toast, baked potatoes, coleslaw, baked beans, fruit, cold veggies. We each got a 10oz steak (plenty). Drinks included were lemonade, water or coffee. They had alcohol for purchase.
Dessert was mini donuts or brownies.
Plenty of seating with live music that was not overwhelming. And the view!!!! We all sat at the top of the hill with amazing views and the rainy weather cleared in time for dinner. A fabulous time an we were set for the rest of the night."

Wendy Heiser

What People Like

Unique cowboy cookout
Stunning badlands views
Lively entertainment

What People Dislike

Limited buffet options
Steak not custom-cooked

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Pitchfork Steak Fondue is located in Medora, North Dakota, a short drive from Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It's easily accessible by car. Many visitors combine a visit with the park and the Medora Musical. Instagram

Yes, parking is generally available at the venue. It's advisable to arrive a little early, especially during busy periods, to ensure convenient parking. Instagram

Absolutely! Pitchfork Steak Fondue is a separate dining experience. While often paired with the Medora Musical, you can attend the dinner independently. Instagram

Most visitors drive to Medora. If you're coming from a distance, consider flying into Bismarck (BIS) or Dickinson (DIK) and renting a car. Instagram

Yes, it's a perfect evening activity for a day trip to Medora, especially if you're exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park during the day. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Prices can vary, but typically an adult steak meal with sides is around $40, and a hot dog meal is around $20. Kids' meals can be $10. Check their official website for the most current pitchfork fondue price. Instagram

It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance online, as this is a popular event and can sell out, especially during the summer months. Instagram

Yes, kids eat free on Wednesdays and Sundays with a paid adult. This is a great way to save money for families. Instagram

Tickets typically include your choice of steak or hot dog, access to the buffet of sides, and non-alcoholic beverages like lemonade, water, and coffee. Alcohol is usually available for purchase. Reddit

The fondue typically runs from June through September, with dinner service usually starting in the early evening. It's best to check the official schedule for exact times. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The main attraction is a 12oz New York strip steak cooked cowboy-style. The buffet includes sides like baked potatoes, coleslaw, baked beans, and Texas toast. Reddit

Steaks are cooked to medium-well perfection by the cowboy chefs. While they aim for satisfaction, it's a set cooking style rather than custom orders. Reddit

The buffet offers sides that may be suitable for vegetarians, such as baked beans and coleslaw. However, the primary focus is steak, so dedicated vegetarian or vegan entrees are not typically available. Reddit

Common side dishes include baked potatoes, coleslaw, baked beans, Texas toast, and sometimes fresh veggies or fruit. Reddit

Yes, alcoholic beverages are usually available for purchase separately from the ticket price. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire dining area offers stunning views of the badlands, making it a prime spot for photos. Capturing the steak cooking on the pitchforks is also a unique shot. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged. It's a key part of the unique experience. Instagram

Evening light during sunset can be magical over the badlands, but the event is held in the evening, so you'll experience twilight and potentially starry skies. Reddit

Yes, you can photograph the live music and other entertainment, but be mindful of not obstructing other guests' views. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted at event venues and national park areas. It's best to check with the venue or park regulations before flying a drone. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Pitchfork Steak Fondue is a fantastic option for families looking for a unique and entertaining dinner. The novelty of watching steaks cooked on pitchforks is captivating for children, and the buffet-style sides are generally kid-friendly. Instagram The special offer of kids eating free on Wednesdays and Sundays with a paid adult makes it an even more attractive choice for family outings. Instagram

Beyond the food, the lively atmosphere with live music and the stunning natural scenery provide a memorable backdrop. It's a casual, outdoor experience that allows kids to be kids while enjoying a taste of the Wild West. Consider arriving a bit early to let them explore the surroundings before dinner. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

While Pitchfork Steak Fondue can be a splurge, there are ways to make it more budget-friendly. The kids eat free promotion on Wednesdays and Sundays is a significant saving for families. Instagram Opting for the hot dog meal instead of the steak can also reduce the cost per person. Instagram

Focus on the value of the overall experience: the unique cooking method, the buffet with unlimited sides, the live entertainment, and the incredible views. When compared to other entertainment options, the price can be justified for the memorable evening it provides. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Pitchfork Steak Fondue offers a unique blend of action, landscape, and cultural elements. The spectacle of cowboy chefs cooking steaks on pitchforks is a dynamic subject, perfect for capturing action shots. Instagram+1

The panoramic views of the badlands provide a stunning natural backdrop, especially during the golden hour before sunset. The evening light can create dramatic shadows and warm tones. Combine these with the lively atmosphere of the live music and the rustic setting, and you have a wealth of photographic opportunities. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Pitchfork Steak Fondue Experience

The Pitchfork Steak Fondue in Medora, North Dakota, offers a truly unique dining experience that blends cowboy culture with stunning natural beauty. Imagine sitting outdoors, with the vast North Dakota badlands stretching before you, as cowboy chefs expertly cook 12oz New York strip steaks on pitchforks over an open flame. This isn't just dinner; it's a spectacle and a taste of the Old West. Instagram+1

The meal itself is served buffet-style, featuring classic cookout sides like baked potatoes, coleslaw, and baked beans, ensuring a hearty and satisfying meal. While the steak is cooked to a consistent medium-well, reviewers often note that the experience and the views are the real stars, even if the steak isn't prepared to individual preference. Reddit

Beyond the food, the atmosphere is enhanced by live western music, creating a lively and memorable evening. It's a popular attraction, often paired with the famous Medora Musical, making it a perfect capstone to a day exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Instagram

Planning Your Visit: Tickets, Timing, and Tips

To make the most of your Pitchfork Steak Fondue visit, booking tickets in advance is crucial, especially during the summer season. The event runs from June through September, and securing your spot online can prevent disappointment. Instagram Keep an eye out for special family deals, such as kids eating free on Wednesdays and Sundays with a paid adult, which can make the experience more budget-friendly. Instagram

While the fondue is a highlight, consider arriving a bit early to fully soak in the breathtaking views of the badlands. The evening light can be particularly beautiful for photography. Reddit Remember that this is a rustic, outdoor dining experience, so dress comfortably and be prepared for a casual, fun atmosphere. It's less about fine dining and more about embracing the unique cowboy cookout vibe. InstagramReddit

Many visitors combine their Pitchfork Steak Fondue experience with other Medora attractions, such as the Theodore Roosevelt National Park or the Medora Musical. Planning your day to include these can create a full and unforgettable trip to this charming North Dakota town. Instagram

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