
Pitchfork Steak Fondue
Experience a one-of-a-kind cowboy cookout with pitchfork-cooked steaks and stunning badlands views in Medora, ND.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
The main season for this event

Pitchfork Steak Fondue
Best Time
The main season for this event
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a one-of-a-kind cowboy cookout with pitchfork-cooked steaks and stunning badlands views in Medora, ND.
"This bucket-list restaurant will become one of your favorites and you’ll never believe where it is…"

🎯 Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot in advance, especially during peak season.
🤠 Embrace the Rustic Vibe
It's a fun, casual cowboy cookout, not fine dining. Enjoy the experience!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Pitchfork Steak Cooking
The main stage
Witness cowboy chefs expertly cook 12oz New York strip steaks on pitchforks over an open flame. A true spectacle!

Stunning Badlands Views
Dining area overlooking the landscape
Enjoy your meal with breathtaking panoramic views of the North Dakota badlands. A perfect backdrop for a western dinner.

All-You-Can-Eat Buffet
Buffet line
Savor classic cowboy cookout sides like baked potatoes, coleslaw, and beans alongside your steak.

Live Western Entertainment
Main stage
Enjoy live music that complements the western theme, adding to the lively atmosphere of the cookout.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for This Unique Cowboy Cookout
Embrace the Western Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot in advance, especially during peak season.
🤠 Embrace the Rustic Vibe
It's a fun, casual cowboy cookout, not fine dining. Enjoy the experience!
💰 Kids Eat Free Deals
Take advantage of free kids' meals on Wednesdays & Sundays with a paid adult.
📸 Capture the Views
The badlands scenery is spectacular, perfect for photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Secure your spot in advance, especially during peak season.
🤠 Embrace the Rustic Vibe
It's a fun, casual cowboy cookout, not fine dining. Enjoy the experience!
💰 Kids Eat Free Deals
Take advantage of free kids' meals on Wednesdays & Sundays with a paid adult.
📸 Capture the Views
The badlands scenery is spectacular, perfect for photos.
🎶 Enjoy the Live Music
The entertainment adds to the lively atmosphere of the cookout.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique and fun cowboy cookout experience at Pitchfork Steak Fondue, highlighting the stunning badlands views and lively entertainment. While the steak is generally considered good, some find the buffet options a bit limited for the price. Overall, it's highly recommended for its memorable atmosphere and scenic setting.
"The Pitchfork Fondue was a unique and fun dining experience set on a stage with an absolutely stunning view of the surrounding area. The steaks were what we expected since they were essentially fried. We noted that the dining "host" reminded the visitors frequently that the event staff would "make it right" if you didn't like how your steak was cooked. The buffet offered plenty of side dishes and we walked away full.
We highly recommend going to the Pitchfork Fondue if you are looking for a fun and unique experience in a great setting. (However, this might not be for you if you are expecting the finest steak grilled to your specific taste.)"
Dawn J
"It is a super fun experience. Food is okay but super cool how they cook the steaks and the views are worth every penny."
Eric Clock
"This dinner was part of an all over amazing day at Medora. It was like the preview to their famous summer evening musical. They cook multiple steaks on a pitchfork and have the food/sides line to go through first. Texas toast, baked potatoes, coleslaw, baked beans, fruit, cold veggies. We each got a 10oz steak (plenty). Drinks included were lemonade, water or coffee. They had alcohol for purchase.
Dessert was mini donuts or brownies.
Plenty of seating with live music that was not overwhelming. And the view!!!! We all sat at the top of the hill with amazing views and the rainy weather cleared in time for dinner. A fabulous time an we were set for the rest of the night."
Wendy Heiser
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pitchfork Steak Fondue is located in Medora, North Dakota, a short drive from Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It's easily accessible by car. Many visitors combine a visit with the park and the Medora Musical.
Yes, parking is generally available at the venue. It's advisable to arrive a little early, especially during busy periods, to ensure convenient parking.
Absolutely! Pitchfork Steak Fondue is a separate dining experience. While often paired with the Medora Musical, you can attend the dinner independently.
Most visitors drive to Medora. If you're coming from a distance, consider flying into Bismarck (BIS) or Dickinson (DIK) and renting a car.
Yes, it's a perfect evening activity for a day trip to Medora, especially if you're exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park during the day.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Prices can vary, but typically an adult steak meal with sides is around $40, and a hot dog meal is around $20. Kids' meals can be $10. Check their official website for the most current pitchfork fondue price.
It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance online, as this is a popular event and can sell out, especially during the summer months.
Yes, kids eat free on Wednesdays and Sundays with a paid adult. This is a great way to save money for families.
Tickets typically include your choice of steak or hot dog, access to the buffet of sides, and non-alcoholic beverages like lemonade, water, and coffee. Alcohol is usually available for purchase.
The fondue typically runs from June through September, with dinner service usually starting in the early evening. It's best to check the official schedule for exact times.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The main attraction is a 12oz New York strip steak cooked cowboy-style. The buffet includes sides like baked potatoes, coleslaw, baked beans, and Texas toast.
Steaks are cooked to medium-well perfection by the cowboy chefs. While they aim for satisfaction, it's a set cooking style rather than custom orders.
The buffet offers sides that may be suitable for vegetarians, such as baked beans and coleslaw. However, the primary focus is steak, so dedicated vegetarian or vegan entrees are not typically available.
Common side dishes include baked potatoes, coleslaw, baked beans, Texas toast, and sometimes fresh veggies or fruit.
Yes, alcoholic beverages are usually available for purchase separately from the ticket price.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire dining area offers stunning views of the badlands, making it a prime spot for photos. Capturing the steak cooking on the pitchforks is also a unique shot.
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged. It's a key part of the unique experience.
Evening light during sunset can be magical over the badlands, but the event is held in the evening, so you'll experience twilight and potentially starry skies.
Yes, you can photograph the live music and other entertainment, but be mindful of not obstructing other guests' views.
Drone usage is typically restricted at event venues and national park areas. It's best to check with the venue or park regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the food, the lively atmosphere with live music and the stunning natural scenery provide a memorable backdrop. It's a casual, outdoor experience that allows kids to be kids while enjoying a taste of the Wild West. Consider arriving a bit early to let them explore the surroundings before dinner.
💰 Budget Travelers
Focus on the value of the overall experience: the unique cooking method, the buffet with unlimited sides, the live entertainment, and the incredible views. When compared to other entertainment options, the price can be justified for the memorable evening it provides.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The panoramic views of the badlands provide a stunning natural backdrop, especially during the golden hour before sunset. The evening light can create dramatic shadows and warm tones. Combine these with the lively atmosphere of the live music and the rustic setting, and you have a wealth of photographic opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Pitchfork Steak Fondue Experience
The meal itself is served buffet-style, featuring classic cookout sides like baked potatoes, coleslaw, and baked beans, ensuring a hearty and satisfying meal. While the steak is cooked to a consistent medium-well, reviewers often note that the experience and the views are the real stars, even if the steak isn't prepared to individual preference.
Beyond the food, the atmosphere is enhanced by live western music, creating a lively and memorable evening. It's a popular attraction, often paired with the famous Medora Musical, making it a perfect capstone to a day exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Planning Your Visit: Tickets, Timing, and Tips
While the fondue is a highlight, consider arriving a bit early to fully soak in the breathtaking views of the badlands. The evening light can be particularly beautiful for photography. Remember that this is a rustic, outdoor dining experience, so dress comfortably and be prepared for a casual, fun atmosphere. It's less about fine dining and more about embracing the unique cowboy cookout vibe.
Many visitors combine their Pitchfork Steak Fondue experience with other Medora attractions, such as the Theodore Roosevelt National Park or the Medora Musical. Planning your day to include these can create a full and unforgettable trip to this charming North Dakota town.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit