Welcome to The Paddle Trap
Nestled along the picturesque Missouri River in Mandan, North Dakota, The Paddle Trap is a vibrant dining destination celebrated for its delicious food and exceptional service. Guests rave about the chic decor, inviting outdoor patio, and breathtaking views, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all ages. Signature dishes like the spicy fried chicken sandwich and the renowned Trap Calm chowder highlight the restaurant's commitment to flavorful, locally-inspired cuisine. The attentive staff, particularly standout servers like Darcy and Abbey, ensure that every visit is memorable. With an array of creative cocktails and local beers, The Paddle Trap promises a delightful culinary experience that keeps patrons returning for more.
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2500 Pirates Loop SE, Mandan, ND 58554, United States Hotline: +1 701-202-3421
Welcome to The Paddle Trap, a hidden gem nestled along the scenic landscape of the Mighty Missouri at 2500 Pirates Loop SE, Mandan, ND. This vibrant restaurant is not just a place to eat; it's an experience that tantalizes your taste buds while offering stunning river views.
From the moment you step in, the decor immerses you in a chic, plant-filled atmosphere that balances warmth with a modern edge. The indoor seating invites comfort, whether you’re here for a date night or a gathering with friends. For those craving fresh air, the patio offers an alluring outdoor bar area with charming swing seats and cozy fire pits, perfect for unwinding after a day on the water.
The Paddle Trap's menu features a delightful array of dishes that cater to all palates. Guests rave about the Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich with its exceptional breading paired with irresistible hot honey, an absolute must-try. The creamy Trap Calm Chowder consistently earns praise for its rich flavor, while the Southern Fried Poutine takes indulgence to another level with fried cheese curds and rich gravy. And don't overlook their hand-crafted Carmel Milkshake, a perfect sweet finish to a fulfilling meal that transports you straight back to childhood.
The service at The Paddle Trap is equally noteworthy. Customers frequently mention the attentive and personable servers who elevate the dining experience. Whether it's the warm, energetic attention provided by Darcy or the grounded presence of Eric, you can expect service that goes above and beyond. They remember special details and anticipate your needs, making you feel like a valued guest instead of just another order. Reviews echo the same sentiment: you'll leave with a smile, and often, plans to return.
But don’t just take our word for it—patrons rave about The Paddle Trap as a fantastic choice, especially for those exploring North Dakota. Whether you're local or just passing through, this inviting eatery promises a delicious meal paired with genuine hospitality. Make sure to check it out—your next dining adventure awaits at The Paddle Trap!
Delicious food, friendly and fast service, and a really cool dining experience! This was a wonderful treat and I can't wait to go back!
An Amazing Experience at The Paddle Trap – Thanks to Darcy! I don’t usually write reviews, but after our visit to The Paddle Trap, I just had to share what an exceptional experience we had — and it was all thanks to our incredible server, Darcy. From the moment we were seated, Darcy made us feel genuinely welcomed. Her energy was warm, upbeat, and professional — the perfect blend. She anticipated our needs before we even had to ask, gave spot-on recommendations, and somehow managed to make us feel like we were her only table, even though the place was busy. What really stood out was how attentive, kind, and personable she was. Darcy has that rare ability to make every guest feel special, and she clearly takes pride in what she does. Her timing was perfect, our drinks were always full, and she even remembered small details we’d mentioned in passing — like celebrating a birthday — and made it feel extra memorable. The food and the view were both fantastic, but Darcy is what made our evening unforgettable. She’s a gem, and The Paddle Trap is lucky to have her. We’ll definitely be back — and asking for Darcy by name!
Just passing through on a road trip and got super lucky with this hidden gem on the river! This place is for everyone - crowds ranging all ages with plenty of spaces to hang out without having to be in everyone's conversations. I loved the indoor seating options with the chic decor and indoor plant vibes. The patio, river view seating is refreshing and so inviting. They have fire pits, cozy patio furniture, tables and more for relaxing and enjoying their yummy food. We tried the spicy chicken sandwich (amazing breading and the hot honey was bomb - see photos), their chowder (got it because someone reviewed it and said it was great. They didn't lie, it's great.), and their poutine (the fried egg was a great touch and the gravy was delicious on the crunchy fries and fried cheese curds). Their Carmel milkshake was great - handmade with real icecream. The outdoor bar is super fun with swing seats! Many people came and went from their boats/jetskis - the dock set up was super for docking. Yes, it can be busy. Yes, orders can be missed or arrive late. Things happen. Just let them know and they will fix it ASAP, they just have to know what you need. We loved our server, Eric, for his present, grounded energy and his attentive demeanor - he's setting a great example for going with the flow. Thanks for a great experience!
Abbey our server was AMAZING!!! She was so busy but still managed to check in on our group a few times to see how we were doing and if we needed anything else. We could tell she was very busy, but did everything with a smile on her face! 10/10 We will be coming back and requesting Abbey as our server!
First time being in North Dakota. My boyfriend & I went to Bismarck to go eat and look around. I looked up places to eat. The Paddle Trap caught my eye. We got there immediately, greeted by Kayla, who turned out to be our server. She was so sweet and complimented my sweatshirt with Michael Myers, and Jason on it. Had to return the favor because her fit was soooo cute! I had a few questions for her and she gladly answered. She let me try some of their Trap Calm chowder and I loved it! I do recommend the calm chowder as well as the Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich! The interior design is very chic and vibey! The place has a lot of natural lighting and various plants as decor. The view is breathtaking as it is by the water. If I am ever lucky enough to make it back to North Dakota, I’ll have to stop by for more amazing food!
Amazing experience at The Paddle Trap! Our server Darcy was fantastic—super bubbly, attentive, and made the perfect drink recommendation with The Shark Bite. She checked on us often and made sure everything was just right. We loved relaxing on the sunny patio with beautiful river views, great vibes, and delicious street tacos. Can’t wait to come back!
Ate at the Paddle Trap while visiting ND for work! The service was fast and the server was great! We had Maddi who made a great recommendation on drinks! I had the Hawaiian Marg and the hubby had the Huckleberry Mule! Food was delicious. I had the bison burger and the hubby had the chicken finger sandwich. Everything was great and the views were beautiful! Loved the experience!
Darcy is the BEST! Every time I come to The Paddle Trap, I know I'm in for a great experience, especially when Darcy is working! She’s friendly, attentive, and always makes sure everything is perfect from start to finish. The food here is seriously delicious. The walleye fingers are a must-try, and the southern fried poutine is next-level. I’m also obsessed with their Paddle Trap Burger, so flavorful! Pair it with one of their fun signature cocktails or an ice-cold local beer, and you’ve got the perfect night out. Thank you Paddle Trap & Darcy for the best dining experience on the Mighty Missouri. We'll be back!