You know those places that just feel right the second you walk in? Bricks Eats and Drinks in Bismarck is basically the definition of that vibe. Honestly, a lot of spots try to pull off the "industrial chic" thing, but they usually end up feeling cold or just plain loud. Bricks is different. It’s got this weirdly perfect balance of neighborhood pub energy and actual, high-quality culinary skill. People talk about the Bricks eats and drinks menu like it’s just bar food, but that’s doing it a massive disservice. It’s better.
I’ve seen plenty of menus that try to do everything and fail at most of it. You’ve got your sushi-pizza-taco spots that are just a mess. Bricks doesn’t do that. They stay in their lane, but they drive that lane really, really well. Whether you're there for a quick lunch or a long Saturday night with a group of friends, the food hits a specific spot that’s hard to find elsewhere in North Dakota.
The Reality of the Bricks Eats and Drinks Menu
Let’s get into the weeds of what actually makes this menu tick. If you’re looking for a generic salad or a frozen patty, you’re in the wrong place. They specialize in "elevated comfort," which is a fancy way of saying they take things you already love—like burgers, wings, and flatbreads—and make them with ingredients that don't come out of a pre-packaged bag.
The appetizers, or "Shareables" as they call them, are where the personality starts to show. You have to talk about the Walleye Fingers. In this part of the country, walleye is king. If you mess up walleye, you might as well close the doors. Bricks does a breaded version that’s light, crisp, and doesn't taste like a grease trap. It’s a staple for a reason.
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Then there’s the Gouda Pickles. Look, fried pickles are everywhere. We get it. But using smoked gouda and wrapping them up before frying? That’s a move. It changes the texture entirely. It’s salty, smoky, and tangy all at once. It’s the kind of snack that makes you order another round of drinks just so you have an excuse to keep eating them.
Burgers That Actually Have Flavor
If you look at the burger section of the Bricks eats and drinks menu, you'll notice they don't have fifty different options. They have a handful of really intentional builds. The Brick Burger is the flagship. It’s got that signature sauce—every place has one, but this one actually tastes like it was made in a kitchen, not a factory.
One thing people often overlook is the bread. A bad bun ruins a great burger. Period. Bricks uses buns that can actually hold up to the juice of the meat without disintegrating into a soggy mess halfway through your meal. It sounds like a small detail, but it’s the difference between a "good" meal and a "I'm coming back next week" meal.
What’s the Deal with the Drinks?
You can’t talk about the food without the "drinks" part of the name. The bar program here is surprisingly robust. They have a heavy focus on craft beers, featuring a lot of regional favorites from North Dakota and Minnesota. It's not just the standard domestic taps you find at every other corner bar.
- Rotating Taps: They keep things fresh. You might find a heavy stout in the winter and a crisp shandy when the weather finally breaks.
- The Cocktail List: They do the classics well. An Old Fashioned here actually tastes like bourbon, not just sugar water with a cherry at the bottom.
- Wine Selection: It’s small but curated. You aren't getting a 50-page wine list, but you’re getting five or six options that actually pair with a burger or a flatbread.
It’s about intentionality. The staff usually knows their stuff, too. If you ask what beer goes with the Bourbon BBQ Burger, they won't just stare at you. They’ll actually give you a recommendation that makes sense.
Flatbreads: The Underrated Hero
Flatbreads are often the "filler" on a menu. Not here. The Chicken Bacon Ranch flatbread is a crowd-pleaser, obviously, but keep an eye out for their more creative seasonal rotations. The crust is thin enough to stay crispy but has enough chew to feel like a real meal.
Sometimes, they lean into bolder flavors, like spicy peppers or balsamic glazes. It keeps the menu from feeling stagnant. If you've been there three times in a month, you can still find something that feels new.
The Atmosphere Matters More Than You Think
Food doesn't exist in a vacuum. The reason the Bricks eats and drinks menu works so well is because the environment matches the plate. It’s located in the Kirkwood Mall area, which sounds like it could be "mall food," but it’s totally separate in terms of quality and vibe.
It’s loud. It’s energetic. It’s the kind of place where you can wear a jersey or a suit and nobody looks at you funny. That accessibility is huge. Honestly, some of the best meals are the ones where you don't feel like you have to perform for the waitstaff. You just sit down, grab a menu, and get exactly what you were craving.
Lunch vs. Dinner: A Different Game
The lunch crowd at Bricks is a different beast. You see a lot of business meetings and quick bites. The menu accommodates this with speed. You aren't sitting there for 45 minutes waiting for a sandwich while your lunch hour ticks away.
At dinner, the pace slows down. The lighting dims a bit. The "drinks" part of the menu starts to take center stage. This is when you see the big platters of Truffle Fries hitting the tables. If you haven't had the truffle fries, you're missing out on the best salt-and-umami hit in the city. They don't skimp on the oil or the parmesan.
Misconceptions About Bricks
People hear "Eats and Drinks" and they think "Sports Bar." While you can definitely catch a game there, it’s not just a sports bar. The culinary side is way more elevated than your average wing joint.
- Freshness: They don't rely on the freezer as much as people assume.
- Variety: It’s not just meat and potatoes. They have solid salads and vegetarian-friendly options that don't feel like an afterthought.
- Price Point: It’s mid-range. You pay for the quality, but you aren't getting gouged. It’s fair.
How to Navigate the Menu Like a Pro
If it’s your first time, don't overthink it. Start with an appetizer—specifically the gouda pickles or the walleye. For the main, if you’re a meat-eater, the Peanut Butter Burger (if it's on the specials or secret rotation) is a weirdly life-changing experience. If not, stick to the Brick Burger.
Pair it with a local IPA. Even if you aren't a "beer person," the selection is wide enough that you’ll find something approachable. Ask the server what’s fresh on tap. They usually have a handle on what’s moving fast.
The Bricks eats and drinks menu is successful because it understands its audience. It knows people in Bismarck want something that feels special but remains grounded. It’s not trying to be a Michelin-star bistro in Paris. It’s trying to be the best damn spot in the neighborhood. And most days, it succeeds.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Daily Specials: Before you commit to the standard menu, always ask about the "Brick of the Day" or seasonal rotations. These often feature experimental flavors that aren't on the permanent list.
- Timing Your Visit: If you want a quiet meal, go between 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM. For the full "vibe" experience, Friday night after 7:00 PM is the sweet spot.
- Appetizer Strategy: If you're with a group, order three different shareables instead of one large entree per person. The menu is designed for grazing, and you'll get to try the walleye, the pickles, and the fries in one go.
- Loyalty and Updates: Follow their local social media pages. They are surprisingly active with announcing new tap takeovers and limited-time menu items that disappear within a week.
The Bricks eats and drinks menu is a living thing. It changes with the seasons and responds to what the locals are actually ordering. It’s reliable, it’s flavorful, and it’s consistently one of the best ways to spend an evening in the area.