Bar 209

If you are looking for the heart of the culinary scene in Bemidji, then you should definitely check out Bar 209. This popular US establishment has earned a reputation as the perfect combination of a cozy pub and a high-end restaurant specializing in modern American cuisine.

The restaurant's main pride is its famous smash burgers. The secret to their flavor lies in the details: the meat is ground right on-site, and soft buns are baked daily to ensure perfect freshness. Additionally, the menu features creative dishes made with local ingredients, such as walleye tacos, which give the place a distinct Minnesota flair.

Bar 209 rightfully holds a top spot in traveler ratings thanks to its laid-back atmosphere and consistently high service standards. Whether it's a family dinner, a meeting with friends over craft beer, or a quick lunch, they always offer something special, including creative appetizers and desserts that surprise even seasoned foodies.

To check for table availability or to make a booking for a large group, you can contact the establishment directly. The staff at Bar 209 are known for their hospitality and are ready to help with any menu questions.

The main reason to visit Bar 209 is, of course, to taste their legendary burgers. Be sure to try the signature B2 or the unusual Bakery Burger, which is served on glazed donuts. If you want something more traditional for the region, look for the salmon steak with honey jam or the crispy walleye tacos.

Besides the food, the establishment offers a great setting for relaxation during happy hour. During this time, you can sample popular appetizers like beer-battered cheese curds or spicy shrimp at half price. The bar menu will delight variety-seekers, serving everything from classic draft beers to impressive smoked cocktails prepared right in front of you.

The restaurant's atmosphere encourages long conversations: you can settle into comfortable booths, watch sports broadcasts on the screens, or simply watch the city life through the windows. High chairs and kid-friendly menu options are available for families, and attentive servers are always ready to explain the ingredients of any dish, making your stay as comfortable and relaxed as possible.

Finding Bar 209 is easy, as it is located right in the heart of downtown. The exact address is 217 Minnesota Ave NW Suite 109. If you are already walking through the central streets of the city, you will likely pass by this lively spot—it is situated in a pedestrian-friendly area, surrounded by local shops and boutiques.

For those arriving by plane, the trip from Bemidji Regional Airport (BJI) by taxi or car takes only about 10 minutes. Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft also operate in the city, making travel between locations very convenient. If you plan to arrive in your own car, there are parking spaces available in the city center.

A stroll or a bike ride along Minnesota Ave is a great way to soak up the city's atmosphere before heading in for dinner. The compact layout of the main attractions allows you to easily combine a visit to the bar with exploring other interesting nearby spots.

The story of Bar 209 is a classic example of success built on quality and a love for the craft. The establishment originally opened as a very small burger joint on the same street, Minnesota Ave. Thanks to word-of-mouth and glowing reviews from locals, the place quickly became so popular that the original space simply could no longer accommodate everyone.

After several years of careful planning and construction, the restaurant moved to its current, much larger premises. This expansion allowed the owners not only to welcome more guests but also to significantly broaden the menu. However, despite the larger scale, the signature approach remains unchanged: the beef for the burgers is ground in-house, and fresh buns are baked every morning.

Today, the establishment firmly holds its position as a leader in the local culinary scene. It has repeatedly earned the Travelers’ Choice award from Tripadvisor, placing it in the top 10% of restaurants worldwide. Its evolution from a humble startup to a beloved city staple has made it an integral part of modern Bemidji history.

Interestingly, even as the menu expanded beyond classic burgers, the team continues to prioritize local products. For example, using walleye—a traditional fish for the Minnesota region—highlights the restaurant's connection to local traditions and Northern hospitality.

To enjoy the atmosphere at your leisure and fully appreciate the signature dishes, we recommend setting aside 1 to 2 hours for your visit to Bar 209. This is plenty of time for a full dinner including appetizers, a main course, and a signature cocktail.

If you have stopped in for a quick lunch or plan to take advantage of the happy hour specials, you can finish in about 30–45 minutes. However, keep in mind that it can get quite busy during evenings and weekends, so it is worth allowing a little extra time for waiting or simply to enjoy sitting in a cozy booth with friends for a while longer.

The restaurant welcomes guests daily, offering a convenient schedule for both early lunches and late dinners. On Fridays and Saturdays, Bar 209 stays open later than usual, becoming a hub for those looking to enjoy the weekend evening atmosphere.

Opening Hours:\n

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• Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
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• Friday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:30 PM
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• Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
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A walk through the city center after a delicious meal is a great way to get to know the local culture and architecture. Most iconic spots are located just a few minutes' walk from Bar 209, making it easy to put together a full walking tour.

Nearby, you will find everything from modern craft breweries to historical buildings that preserve the memory of this Minnesota region's development. Here is a list of interesting sites in the immediate vicinity: