If you’ve spent any time on Food Network lately, you’ve definitely seen Molly Yeh’s farm. It’s all sprinkles, tahini, and that specific brand of "Midwest meets Brooklyn" charm. But when she decided to open a physical space in 2022, people were skeptical. Could a TV personality actually run a kitchen in the Red River Valley without it feeling like a tourist trap?
Honestly, Bernie’s restaurant Molly Yeh didn't just open a shop; she and her husband, Nick Hagen, basically took over a piece of local history.
Located at 121 Demers Ave in East Grand Forks, the building used to be Whitey’s Wonderbar. That place was a legend. It survived Prohibition. It survived the massive 1997 flood. Taking over a spot with that much "ghost" energy is risky. If you mess with the local favorite, the town usually lets you know. But Molly didn't gut the place. She kept the iconic horseshoe bar and just... brightened it up. It’s now a mix of a bakery, a market, and a full-service cafe that feels weirdly like your grandma’s house if your grandma was really into Scandinavian minimalism.
Why Bernie’s Is More Than a Fan Meet-and-Greet
Most celebrity restaurants are hollow. You get a cardboard cutout and a $25 burger. Bernie’s—named after Molly’s daughter Bernadette and Nick’s great-great-grandfather Bernt—feels different because it’s deeply regional. You won't find avocado toast here.
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Seriously.
Molly is famously strict about using local ingredients like walleye, wild rice, and sugar beets. Since avocados don't grow in Minnesota or North Dakota, they aren't on the menu. Instead, you get stuff like "Bean Toast." It sounds simple, but it’s the kind of hearty, stick-to-your-ribs food that makes sense when it's -20 degrees outside.
The Real Stars of the Menu
If you’re planning a trip, you need to know that the menu shifts. It isn't a massive, 10-page Cheesecake Factory situation. It’s tight.
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- Knoephla Soup: This is a cult favorite in the region. It’s a creamy, thick German-Russian dumpling soup. At Bernie’s, they do a version with fresh herbs and a stock that feels a bit more "elevated" than the standard diner variety.
- The Bernie Sandwich: Imagine a baguette stuffed with massive slices of brie and ham. It’s simple, but the bread is the kicker. They bake everything in-house.
- The Smorgasbord: This is where the Scandinavian roots shine. You get Danish rye bread (rugbrød), smoked salmon, a soft-boiled egg, and pickled onions.
One thing that surprises people is the "Linner" concept. They are currently open from 7 am to 3 pm (Tuesday through Sunday). You can grab coffee and a cardamom bun starting at 7, but the full kitchen doesn't usually kick into gear until 8. If you show up at 3:05 pm, you’re out of luck. They’ve experimented with dinner service in the past, but as of early 2026, they’ve largely stuck to the daytime crowd to balance the "village" of staff required to run the place.
The Vibe and the "Wait" Factor
Let’s be real: it gets crowded.
During the first year, lines were wrapped around the building. Even now, on a Saturday morning, you should expect to wait. The interior is loud. It’s a big, open space with lots of hard surfaces, so the chatter of a hundred people eating biscuits and gravy can be a bit much if you’re looking for a quiet romantic brunch.
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The service is "Midwest nice." The staff wear these cool, period-appropriate aprons, and the plates are all mismatched vintage patterns. It feels authentic, not staged. There’s even a little market area where you can buy Molly’s cookbooks, signature bowls, and local jams. It’s a savvy business move, but it also provides a place for locals to grab high-quality flour or local eggs without driving across town.
Is it too expensive?
That depends on your perspective. If you compare it to a greasy spoon diner, yeah, $9 for a yogurt parfait or $7 for a cookie might feel steep. But you’re paying for the fact that they’re sourcing from local farmers and butchers. You’re paying for bread that was hand-shaped that morning. Most regulars seem to think the quality justifies the "celebrity" markup.
How to Do Bernie's Right
If you want to actually enjoy Bernie’s restaurant Molly Yeh, don't just show up at noon on a Sunday. You’ll be standing in the cold.
- Arrive Early: Go at 7:30 am. Grab a coffee and a potato-chocolate chip cookie while you wait for the kitchen to open.
- Check the Specials: They do a lot of "hotdishes" and seasonal specials that aren't on the main website.
- Visit the Market: The "Bernie’s on Base" location (at the Grand Forks Air Force Base) is a great secondary spot if you have base access, but for everyone else, the East Grand Forks market is the place to get the "goodies" to go.
- Bring the Kids: They have these adorable Dala horse crayon holders. It’s a very family-friendly environment.
The restaurant has become a bit of a community anchor. It’s not just for Food Network fans who drove four hours to see if Molly is actually in the kitchen (she sometimes is, working the "expo" line to garnish dishes). It's for the farmers who want a really good sandwich after a morning in the field.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Visit
- Park smart: There is plenty of free street parking and a lot nearby, but it fills up fast.
- Dietary stuff: They are surprisingly good with dietary restrictions and usually have a vegan option or two on the board.
- Reservations: They generally only take reservations for groups of 8 or more via email. If you're a duo, just walk in and hope for the best.
- Skip the Monday trip: They are closed every Monday. Don't be the person pulling on a locked door.
Bernie's represents a very specific shift in the culinary world: the "destination" small-town restaurant. It’s proof that you don’t need to be in a major coastal city to serve high-end, thoughtful food. You just need a horseshoe bar, some local flour, and a lot of heart.