Support

Border Bar Pizza Parlor

About

Just a couple of blocks from the Canadian border in the city of International Falls lies a landmark spot for locals and travelers alike — the Border Bar Pizza & Pub. This isn't just an eatery; it's a true social hub where hunters, anglers, and tourists from all over the world converge. The establishment harmoniously blends the atmosphere of a classic American bar with a cozy family restaurant, which are separated for the guests' convenience.

Border Bar Pizza Parlor. Source: Kupi.com AI

The crown jewel of the Border Bar menu is the fresh, thin-crust pizza, prepared daily according to time-tested recipes. Guests also highly praise their impressive, hand-pattied one-pound burgers and a wide selection of appetizers. Thanks to its location in the USA border zone, the bar has become a favorite haunt for residents of neighboring Fort Frances, Canada.

Visitors consistently note the high level of hospitality and the vibrant energy of the place. With its high ratings and hundreds of positive reviews, this pizza bar is deservedly considered one of the best spots for relaxation in the city, where you can not only enjoy a great meal but also experience the true spirit of Minnesota.

Contacts

If you are planning to visit the Border Bar Pizza & Pub, you will find the current contact information for reaching out or navigation below. The establishment is located in the heart of the city and is well-known to all locals.

Address 415 3rd Ave, International Falls, MN 56649, USA
Phone +1 218-283-2222
Social Media Facebook
Google Place ID ChIJx8yoHm18u1IRY0Ieeb0jLWA

What to Do

The main reason to visit the Border Bar is the culinary experience. Be sure to try their signature thin-crust pizza or challenge your appetite by ordering the massive one-pound burger. The restaurant portion of the venue is perfect for a family dinner, where you can discuss the day's events and enjoy freshly made sandwiches in a relaxed setting.

For those looking for more active entertainment, the bar offers a lively program. On Sunday evenings, live music bands traditionally perform here, turning the place into a dance floor. An interesting feature is that on Sundays, the bar often accepts Canadian dollars at par with the US dollar, making it particularly attractive for guests from across the border. Additionally, you can try your luck by purchasing lottery tickets here.

The atmosphere encourages meeting new people: at the bar, it's easy to run into travelers heading to Voyageurs National Park or locals ready to share fascinating stories about life right on the border. It is a great place to feel the rhythm of a small American town.

Getting There

Finding the Border Bar Pizza & Pub is easy, as it is located on historic 3rd Street in the city center. This establishment is situated just two blocks from the scenic Rainy River and the border crossing into Fort Frances, Ontario, making it a convenient stop for travelers crossing the USA border.

If you are arriving at International Falls International Airport, the easiest way to get there is by taxi or a rental car. For GPS navigation, use the following coordinates: 48.600879, -93.403409. There are parking spaces available in the downtown area, making a trip by private vehicle quite comfortable.

For those already in central International Falls, the bar is within walking distance of many local offices and shops. Tourists heading to Voyageurs National Park often choose this route as a pleasant gastronomic addition to their journey.

History & Facts

While specific archival records regarding the Border Bar's exact founding date are limited, the establishment is closely linked to the history of the city's downtown development. The 3rd Avenue district, where the bar is located, became the settlement's business core as early as 1902, when the city began active construction of brick buildings following a major fire.

The city of International Falls itself has a colorful past; its first settler in 1870 was a Scottish gold prospector named Alexander Baker. Later, thanks to the efforts of industrialists, a powerful paper industry grew here, shaping the modern look of this border town.

Today, the Border Bar serves as a guardian of local hospitality traditions. Over the decades, its walls have seen thousands of hunters, anglers, and loggers, turning an ordinary pizzeria into a true community center where representatives of different cultures and countries meet.

Time Needed

A visit to the Border Bar can be a quick bite or a full evening of relaxation. If you've just stopped in to try the famous local pizza or a burger, 1–1.5 hours will be quite enough for a comfortable meal.

If your visit falls on a Sunday when the venue features live music, it's worth setting aside 2–3 hours. This will allow you to leisurely soak up the atmosphere, chat with locals, and enjoy the bands' performances. For larger groups planning an evening out with drinks and entertainment, this spot can easily become the main highlight of the afternoon or evening.

Working Hours

The establishment is open to guests daily, offering both early lunches and late dinners. The schedule for the Border Bar Pizza & Pub is quite consistent:

  • Monday — Thursday, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Friday — Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

As operating hours may change depending on holidays or special events with live music, visitors are encouraged to check for current information on the official Facebook page before visiting.

Nearby

A walk through the surrounding area after a hearty meal at the pizzeria will allow you to get to know this border region better. Several interesting museums and recreational spots are within walking distance, introducing you to the culture of Minnesota and neighboring Canada.

Name Type Distance (km)
On The Rocks Bar/Restaurant 0.3
Koochiching County Historical Museum and Bronko Nagurski Museum Museum 0.5
Fort Frances Museum & Cultural Centre Museum 1.1
Original Site of HBC Fort Frances Historical Site 1.3
Hallett Brewing Brewery 1.3
Tim Hortons Cafe 1.3
Copper Taphouse & Grill Restaurant 1.5
Boston Pizza Restaurant 1.6
Chocolate Moose Restaurant Company Restaurant 2.6
T-Docks Pier/Dock 3.1

Reached the end of the page?

That means the route is fully explored