&DINING DRINKING

BEST FARGO RESTAURANT BEST DRIVE-THRU

CHICK-FIL-A WEST ACRES

Location: Fargo

What do you think sets Chick-fil-A and its drive thru apart from your competition?

“The thing that sets our business aside from our competitors is our genuine hospitality,” Chick-fil-A West Acres Drive Thru Director Lauren Crawford said. “Guests choose Chick-fil-A not only because we have the best chicken around, but we care about our guests. We are more than happy to serve them, morning or night. Our team is the best! We are always having fun no matter how busy we are, and we always enjoy one another’s company. And, of course, we love competing with one another to make our rushes more enjoyable!”

What are a couple of things new to your business?

“A couple of things that are new to our business is going outside and taking orders face-to-face with the guests,” Crawford said. “We are also starting to implement taking people’s cash outside. This is very exciting for us!” honorable mentions

SECOND PLACE: BURGER TIME

THIRD PLACE: CULVER’S

FOURTH PLACE: CARIBOU COFFEE

FIFTH PLACE: LADYBUG LATTE

Best Ethnic Cuisine

Thai Orchid Restaurant

Location: Moorhead

For the third year in a row, family-owned restaurant Thai Orchid put so much care into each delicately hand-made sauce and dish that it snagged the honor again.

Established in 2004, Thai Orchid was the first Thai restaurant in Fargo-Moorhead area, according to the restaurant’s website, and the Osa family’s authentic dishes are crafted using the recipes from their greatgrandmother. Their experience includes cooking for the Royal Thai Defense and Military Attache Residence, the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington, D.C., and three restaurants in Bangkok, Thailand.

Thai Orchid offers a wide variety of traditional Thai cuisine, including a variety of curries, rice and noodles. The restaurant is welcoming to all customers, with plenty of options for vegan and gluten free diners.

Doolittles Woodfire Grill

Location: Fargo

What sets you apart from competitors or the secret to your success? Why do customers choose you?

“We believe that one degree of added effort can turn an ordinary experience into an extraordinary experience,” Owner and Chief Operating Officer John Sheehan said. “What sets our restaurant apart are the small things: holding the door, remembering a guest’s name, or taking an extra moment to perfectly plate a dish. These little moments add up and leave a lasting impression, creating new guests for life every day!”

What makes your team the best?

“We have a lot of respect for all of the people in the hospitality industry and think they are all champions, given the last 18 months we have all experienced,” Sheehan said. “We are grateful for our employees during that time as well. They continue to rise to the challenges we have faced. They embody a commitment to guest satisfaction, as well as a commitment to each other as a team. ” honorable mentions

SECOND PLACE: LEELA THAI CUISINE

THIRD PLACE: INDIA PALACE RESTAURANT

FOURTH PLACE: HIMALAYAN YAK

FIFTH PLACE: PASSAGE TO INDIA RESTAURANT honorable mentions

SECOND PLACE: PLAZA AZTECA

THIRD PLACE: MEZZALUNA

FOURTH PLACE: 701 EATERIES

FIFTH PLACE: URBAN 42