Who do you recommend? What's your favorite? To start 2023, there are a number of businesses in the Grand Forks area that I frequent and support for our home, vehicles, dining, and cooking. Here they are in no particular order -
Sound Decision
Sound Decision has been my go-to for auto starts and stereo upgrades for many years. Jay and the crew are easy to work with, stand behind their work, and do right by their customer. They most recently went above and beyond to investigate a problem the dealership blamed on the autostart, which is in fact a vehicle problem. Need a sound system for your boat or UTV? An auto start for your Bobcat? They have that covered also.
Triix Customs
This is your home for aftermarket upgrades to your vehicle. They install window tint on vehicles and commercial tint on buildings as well. Need a new set of wheels and tires? They have you covered there also. The staff listen to their customer and educate them along the process. I didn't know there was so much to a tire when I was looking to upgrade the rims and tires on my new pickup! They also stand behind their work. I had an issue with the tire pressure sensor on the aftermarket swap, and they fixed the issue no charge. They also sell auto starts, stereo systems, and accessories for your vehicles and UTV's.
Hometown Auto Repair
701-775-3341
I've been bringing our vehicles here since they opened for repair work. Darren is a straight shooter, and an honest person. He never tries to oversell on mechanical work and his pricing is very fair.
Modern Auto Body
Scott and crew run a great operation. I've brought my vehicles here when accidents have occurred. The color matching is perfect and blending in paint work is top notch. When my son was hit and run, the back bumper was perfect on his "galactic mica blue" Camry. In addition to doing body work, I've been able to order parts through them when my son and daughter damaged the mirrors on their vehicles.
Finest Auto Trim
If you need a convertible top, a boat canopy, reupholstered seat, or need a re-dye on your leather and more, this is the place to go. Great people and quality work!
Happy Blinds
Jennie is wonderful to work with. My wife and I were referred to her by friends when I saw the awesome shades they had on their patio doors. She really listens to her customers and recommends products to suit the needs of her clients. The product we ordered was backordered and she kept in touch with us the whole time without us reaching out. When the blinds arrived, she was in our house the next day installing them.
Total Care Plumbing
Total Care Plumbing has done new construction work on our outbuilding addition, replaced the sink and faucet in our kitchen, and most recently been to our home to perform a 10 year inspection on our water heater. The contact has always been good when scheduling. i.e. being notified by the techs that they are running late from the appointment before mine etc. The technicians have also been professional, courteous, and explained everything before they leave.
Grand Forks Heating and Air Conditioning
These guys are great to work with and professional. They did all of the new construction work on our home 10 years ago. They also did all of the new construction work on our outbuilding. The knowledgeable staff explains things very well before, and after, the work is performed. They also were a joy to work with after our garage fire in 2021. They suggested running a gas line and heater to the garage now that the walls were open to take the stress off the floor heat. Lastly, there was a problem with my paint booth exhaust fan which they dialed in after many hours of work. I won't have anyone else do work in our home.
The Olive Barrel
My bride and I love to cook! The Olive Barrel is a fun store and the ladies there are always fun to chat with. Our personal favorites are the garlic infused olive oil, lemon infused olive oil, butter infused olive oil (fabulous on homemade popcorn), and raspberry balsamic vinegar. In addition to olive oil and balsamic vinegar, they have a great selection of local and Pride of Dakota products they sell
The Toasted Frog
I've been frequenting this establishment since they opened. I've never had a bad meal or experience here. The lemondrop martini is a favorite of my bride, and I'm partial to the pork tenderloin when the nightly specials don't land with me.
Helix Wine & Bites
This place has quickly become my favorite in town. The meals have always been perfect. It's small and cozy inside. It's a great place to just grab and appetizer and a drink after work, or go out for a meal with friends.
Up North Pizza
This place has been a favorite of my wife and I since they opened to grab a pizza and beer or cocktail. The rotating specialty pizza is nice, and they have a number of other non-pizza items on the menu.
Gramma Butterwicks Restaurant
A Grand Forks staple for many years. This is my favorite breakfast place in town. My favorite "little" thing is that they keep Tobasco sauce on the table with the other condiments.
Sky's Fine Dining
Since my junior high days and on, I've been eating at Sky's (Formerly Sanders 1907). I've always gotten a wonderful meal. Plus it's got a great atmosphere with nightly specials.
Davis Seasonings
Again, my bride and I love to cook and these locals have a wonderful line of spices. Their Salt Pepper Garlic has replaced the salt and pepper in all of our cooking. Furthermore, their all-purpose is fantastic on raw or cooked veggies. Their new lemon pepper hits the mark and is wonderful on pork. They also have a great line of meat rubs.
Tire One
Ian and Jordan are good guys to deal with. The work performed is efficient and good quality. They are also honest and stand by their work.
Men's Hair Co.
I have struggled to find an establishment that could deliver a consistent hair cut until I started going here. It's easy to schedule and appointment and the pricing is very fair.
These are some of my favorites locally. Honorable mentions also go to Grand Junction Subs and Fat Albert Subs. Yes, I am a foodie! If you have anything local you recommend, let me know! Have a wonderful 2023!