701 Eateries: Prairie Kitchen and Camp Lonetree in Fargo

Sitting along University Drive North in Fargo, 701 Eateries brings two distinct concepts under one roof. Prairie Kitchen handles the dining side, leaning into regional American cooking with a nod to the northern plains, while Camp Lonetree operates as the bar and lounge adjacent to it. Together they've carved out a reputation as one of the more thoughtfully put-together spots in the city, especially for locals who want something beyond the standard Fargo chain options.

The address puts you close to North Dakota State University, which means the surrounding stretch of University Drive is well-trafficked and easy to reach from most parts of the city. Parking tends to be straightforward, which is a small but genuine convenience when you're heading out for dinner.

What Prairie Kitchen Is Known For

Prairie Kitchen has built its identity around Midwestern-sourced ingredients prepared with more intention than the region sometimes gets credit for. The kitchen often features proteins and produce with roots in the Dakotas and surrounding states, which gives the menu a grounded, seasonal quality that shifts depending on the time of year.

The bar side, Camp Lonetree, tends to draw its own crowd. The cocktail program leans creative without being precious about it. If you're the type who likes to settle in at a bar with a well-made drink before deciding whether to commit to a full meal, this setup works well for that.

The menu has built a reputation for comfort-forward plates that feel elevated without pretending to be something they're not. Think hearty rather than fussy. Dishes often reflect the kind of cooking that makes sense in a place where winter runs long and people eat with appetite.

Atmosphere and Setting

The dual-concept layout gives 701 Eateries a flexibility that single-format restaurants don't always have. The Prairie Kitchen dining room tends toward a warmer, more settled feel, while Camp Lonetree carries a livelier energy. Depending on which night you visit and what you're after, you can land in very different moods within a few steps of each other.

The design nods to the natural landscape of the northern plains without overdoing the theme. Materials and details feel considered rather than slapped on. It reads as a place that took its concept seriously at the build stage, not as a renovation afterthought.

Most evenings the room fills steadily. On weekends, especially after 6pm, it can get loud in the lounge area, which some people love and others find less ideal for conversation-heavy dinners. The dining room proper tends to stay a little calmer.

Reservations and Waits

For weekend dinners, checking ahead about reservations is worth the two-minute effort. The spot draws a consistent local following and walk-in waits on Friday and Saturday evenings can stretch depending on the season. Weeknights are generally more accommodating if your schedule allows flexibility.

If you're coming as a larger group, calling ahead is more or less essential. The layout can handle groups, but not without some coordination on their end.

Price Tier

701 Eateries sits in the mid-range tier. You're paying more than you would at a casual diner on the same street, but you're not committing to a special-occasion budget to walk in. For Fargo, it lands comfortably in the range where date nights, birthday dinners, and work gatherings all make sense without anyone wincing at the check.

Best Time to Visit

Late fall through winter is when a kitchen like Prairie Kitchen earns its keep. The menu's heartier sensibility fits naturally with the season, and there's something satisfying about settling into a warm room with good food when the temperature outside is doing what North Dakota temperatures do. That said, the spot holds up year-round. Summer evenings tend to bring a lighter crowd and a more relaxed pace.

If you want the Camp Lonetree bar experience at its most energetic, Thursday through Saturday evenings are when that side of the operation comes alive.

Good to Know Before You Go

• The address is 701 University Dr N, close to the NDSU campus area, which means parking is generally available but can tighten up during university events.
• The two concepts share a building but have distinct vibes. If you're after a quieter dinner, Prairie Kitchen is the right call. If you want drinks first with the option to eat, Camp Lonetree makes more sense as your starting point.
• The menu reflects seasonal availability, so what's on offer in October may look different from what you'd find in April.
• Service tends to be friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Staff can usually walk you through the sourcing story behind dishes if you're curious.
• The cocktail list at Camp Lonetree is worth a look even if you're primarily there for food. A few of the drinks have developed a following among regulars.

Neighborhood and Location Context

University Drive North is one of Fargo's main commercial arteries heading toward the NDSU campus. The stretch around 701 has a mix of locally owned spots and regional businesses, and it's developed a more distinct character over the past decade or so. If you're staying downtown or near the Fargo Theatre on Broadway, 701 Eateries is roughly 10 minutes by car, depending on where you're coming from.

The neighborhood doesn't have the concentrated foot traffic of downtown Fargo, but it doesn't need it. Most people arrive by car, the lot is manageable, and the destination itself is the draw.

Who This Is For

701 Eateries works well for people who want a meal that's rooted in place without being performatively rustic about it. It suits couples looking for a reliable dinner with a solid drinks program, groups of four to six who want a shared table and good food without white-tablecloth formality, and anyone visiting Fargo who wants to eat somewhere that actually reflects the region rather than a concept that could exist in any city. If you're in town for an NDSU game or event, it's close enough to be a natural pre- or post-event option, provided you plan ahead on the reservation front.

FAQ

Is Prairie Kitchen the same as Camp Lonetree?

They operate as two distinct concepts within the same building at 701 University Dr N. Prairie Kitchen is the restaurant side focused on regional American cooking, and Camp Lonetree is the bar and lounge. You can visit one or move between both in the same evening.

Do I need a reservation?

Not always, but on weekend evenings it's strongly advisable. Weeknights tend to have more availability for walk-ins. Groups of more than four should call ahead regardless of the day.

Is this a good spot for a first date or special occasion?

Yes, comfortably. The mid-range price point and warm atmosphere make it feel like a considered choice without the pressure that a fine-dining setting can bring. It's the kind of place where the evening can go at its own pace.

How far is it from downtown Fargo?

Around 10 minutes by car from the Broadway district, depending on traffic. It's not a walkable distance from downtown, so plan on driving or using a rideshare.