By: Visit Williston on Thursday, September 4, 2025
One of the best ways to get to know a community is through its food. In Williston, there’s no shortage of locally loved restaurants, cafés, and hidden gems. To help visitors discover where to grab a memorable bite, we asked locals to share their favorite spots, go-to orders, and what keeps them coming back. From family-friendly places to date-night destinations, here’s what locals had to say about their favorite places to eat in Williston.
Anna Nelson
- Years in Williston: I have lived in Williston for just about 4.5 years
- Favorite Spot: Do I have to pick just one?? I love Sagas or Dabeno’s for a nice dinner out; throwing 3E into my lunch rotation is a favorite; and Basil is my favorite for sushi and especially their Vietnamese coffee!
- Go-To Order: Sagas = scallops; Dabeno’s = duck or whatever is on special; 3E = chicken and beef mix kebab; Basil = sushi or Singapore noodles and Vietnamese coffee
- Why She Loves Them: Sagas and Dabeno’s – both have such quality menus with items you wouldn’t expect to find in Williston, from their food options to cocktail menus (especially Sagas) and wine lists (Dabeno’s); 3E is such a unique option that brings a traditional taste of Turkey to Williston and is owned by a wonderful, local family; Basil = quality and traditional food; quick service
James Bervig
- Years in Williston: I have lived in NW ND for 43 years
- Favorite Spot: I like The Egg & Tequila Bar. Lunch or dinner are my favorite times to visit.
- Go-To Order: My go-to is the Mac and Cheeseburger. It's sooo good and you can't get anything like it anywhere around these parts!!
- Why He Loves It: I like the size of the location. It's Goldilocks...not too big and not too small plus the service is great!
Ashley Oyloe
- Years in Williston: I am born and raised in Williston
- Favorite Spot: The food at Dabeno's is unmatched. We've had dinner in other states and still said, "This is good... but Dabeno's is better!" We love going to Sagas for the atmosphere and nostalgic memorabilia. They hands-down have the best Smoked Old Fashioned made by Grant! Doc Holliday's is our kids favorite because the walls and ceilings are covered with stuff to look at it. We love a family restaurant! At the end of a long week, we love the events and food at the River's Edge for date night. If we're in the mood for a Prime Rib, the Tavern at the Grand is the best!
- Go-To Order: If you aren't eating the Chocolate Cake at Dabeno's - you're truly missing out
- Why She Loves Them: Doc's has the best atmosphere and their patio feels like a hideaway. The River's Edge is 21+ so sometimes it's nice to go to a venue that has adults and fun things to do every night.
Alex Herman
- Years in Williston: This will be year number 4 for my family and I living in Williston
- Favorite Spot: Los Cabos
- Go-To Order: Combo #2, no beans, extra rice!
- Why He Loves It: Our family really likes their food, and we especially love their queso! Our 3 ½ year old daughter will slide the bowl of queso in front of her (not joking!) as soon as it gets to the table!
Marcia Benway
- Years in Williston: almost 17 years, which is absolutely crazy!
- Favorite Spot: 80% of the time date night always ends up at River’s Edge. The truck practically autopilots there when we go out for dinner.
- Go-To Order: Grilled chicken sandwich, chicken enchiladas or pizza
- Why She Loves It: We love the atmosphere and the staff, the service is always great. Our first house in town was only a couple blocks away, so River’s Edge was just where we always went. It must be a great place to work because the same people are always there, and we like catching up with familiar faces when we come in. We like the gaming room too ;)
Lindsey Harriman
- Years in Williston: 8 years! Approximately 7 years longer than I thought I would.
- Favorite Spot: Los Cabos
- Go-To Order: Queso dip for the kids to devour and my new fav order is the Chicken Enchiladas Suizas
- Why She Loves It: Super family friendly, a spacious place to bring a large group, and the food is fast and delicious!
Angela Skogen
- Years in Williston: I grew up in Williston and moved back in 2010
- Favorite Spot: There are so many great places to eat in the Williston Area but here are a few of our favorites:
- Best overall atmosphere and drinks - Sagas
- Best place for a burger - McCoy's
- Go-To Order: I love the Torsk dinner at Sagas
- Why She Loves It: We are so lucky in Williston, and I love that we get to know the owners and their servers!