The Starving Rooster: Where Flavor, Community & History Meet in Minot
Tucked in the heart of Minot at 30 1st St NE, The Starving Rooster is much more than your average restaurant. From its inviting atmosphere to its inventive menu and its deep ties to local history, it has become a must-visit destination for anyone craving delicious food with character.
A Rich Place with a Story & a Vibe
Walking into The Starving Rooster, customers often remark first on the building. The space dates back to 1919 — originally built for the Altman and Taylor Tractor Company. The owners preserved its heritage by repurposing many original materials in the décor: woodwork, tables, booths, and more. That link to the past permeates not just how the place looks, but how it feels: authentic, warm, and rooted in the land.
The style is modern yet comfortable: exposed brick, reclaimed wood, and a layout that allows for both lively gatherings and more relaxed dinners. The staff, from what reviewers say, are friendly, attentive, and make visitors feel welcome — whether you’re there for date night, a casual dinner, or brunch with friends.
What’s on the Table: A Menu That Surprises & Delights
Breadth & creativity are keywords for The Starving Rooster’s offerings. Their menu includes:
Appetizers & shareables like Bavarian pretzel sticks, potstickers, bruschetta & dips.
Soups & Salads that aren’t just sides—try their Black Bean Chili, Steak Salad, or the Thai Chicken Salad.
Sandwiches & Paninis including Cuban Panini, Prime Rib Sandwich, Buffalo Chicken, Veggie Burger etc., served with chips, coleslaw, or fresh fruit.
Entrees that span big flavors: Pork Belly Tacos, Braised Pork Ribs, Steak Tips, Cedar Plank Salmon.
Pizza & Flatbreads which many reviews highlight — inventive toppings, nice crust, fun combinations. Some crowd favorites are the Cubans Pizza, Hercules Pizza, Thai Chicken Pizza, etc.
Desserts such as Chocolate Molten Lava Cake, Turtle Cheesecake, and more for a satisfying finish.
They also offer brunch and cocktail & drink options to go along with those menu items.
Why Locals & Visitors Keep Coming Back
From public reviews and ratings, several themes come up again and again:
Delicious and well-crafted food. People appreciate the variety and creativity — fresh takes even on classic dishes. The pizzas and flatbreads are often singled out for being among the best in Minot.
Friendly, welcoming service. Many say the staff makes the experience — taking care of you, making you feel at home.
Atmosphere & design. The building’s character, the thoughtfully designed interior, and the comfortable yet interesting vibe are big pluses. The decor gives a sense of place and history, paired with modern touches.
Variety. Whether someone wants a light salad, a hearty entree, a flatbread, or pizza, there are solid options. Dietary preferences seem to be well handled.
There are a small number of criticisms — some reviews mention portions or pricing in relation to expectations, and a few say some items didn’t quite hit for them. But even those same reviews often mention they'd return for what does work.
Deep Roots, Local Pride, & Community Presence
The Starving Rooster doesn’t just serve food — it reflects Minot’s heritage and community values:
Historical connection. Preserving a 1919 building and keeping that history alive for locals.
Local identity. The owners incorporate respect for the farming culture and local roots — this comes through in the décor, the stories, and what they say on their website.
Employee culture. From what I found, many employees report that it’s a fun, supportive place to work. They mention flexibility, great coworkers, and a sense of being part of something more than just a restaurant job.
Highlight Reviews
Here are snippets from real customers, to give a feel of what people are saying:
“Loved this fresh food, craft beer, friendly restaurant. They even welcomed our retired Service Dog… The spicy sausage/roasted red pepper flat bread and Thai chicken salad were very good.”
“Tried the cyclone pizza. Quite impressed by the quality of the toppings… Interesting combinations you don't normally see.”
“The service is very good. Adequate wine selection and local craft beers.”
Why You Should Give It a Try
If you’re in or near Minot, here’s why The Starving Rooster deserves a spot on your must-eat list:
You’ll find a menu with many options, not just one style of food.
There’s something special about eating in a place with history and character.
The service tends to be warm and attentive.
It’s a great spot whether you’re going out for pizza with friends, a more upscale dinner, or Sunday brunch.
For many, the value is solid given the creativity, ingredient quality, and dining experience.
Wrap-Up
The Starving Rooster in Minot, ND, is more than “just a restaurant.” It’s a place where design, history, food, and community intersect. It stands out for its imaginative menu, its respect for local heritage, and the way it makes people feel welcome. Whether you’re in for a slice of handcrafted pizza, a standout entree (hello, roasted ribs or cedar plank salmon), a fresh salad, or decadent dessert — there’s something here that will hit the spot.
If you haven’t yet: try it. You’ll likely leave full, satisfied, and glad you supported a local gem.