Laughing Sun Brewing Co.
4.7(626)google
4.4(215)yelp
Youth-FriendlyIndoorOutdoorLocal LifeLive Music
Overview
Laughing Sun Brewing Co. in Bismarck is a vibrant, locally beloved craft brewery and cultural hub that perfectly captures the welcoming spirit of North Dakota. Renowned for its exceptionally creative, award-winning artisan beers brewed on-site, the venue beautifully pairs its drinks with Texas-style house-smoked barbecue. The bustling facility serves as a major community gathering space, regularly hosting live music performances by talented regional artists, themed trivia nights, and rotating art galleries featuring local creators.
Practical Info
Mon11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tue11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wed11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thu11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Fri11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sat11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sun11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Suggested Duration1.5-3 hours
Best TimeWarm summer and autumn weekends from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM offer the finest atmosphere at this local craft staple. The low setting sun accents the lively outdoor patio space beautifully, making it the perfect golden hour window for pairing award-winning microbrews and house-smoked BBQ with foot-stomping live blues and rock sets on the outdoor stage.
Getting ThereConveniently situated near the historic core at 1023 Front Avenue in Bismarck. Walking from downtown hotels or hailing a local ride-share is highly practical. For car travel, navigate south via 3rd Street, turn left onto East Front Avenue, and proceed straight for three blocks; the venue features a dedicated, free customer parking lot wrapped around the brewery.
Travel Tips
- Street parking becomes heavily congested during peak hours; avoid parking in designated commercial loading zones to prevent immediate towing, and opt for metered public spots a few blocks away.
- Live music events feature high decibel volumes and outdoor stages; hearing protection is highly recommended for sensitive individuals, and specific premium shows require separate ticketing.
- The kitchen terminates hot food service significantly earlier than the taproom closing time; full dinner menu orders must be placed at least 90 minutes before operational shutdown.
Reviews
Positive
- The craft beers here are outstanding—especially the Double Hazy IPA—and the ax-throwing setup adds a super fun entertainment element.
- Their smoked BBQ is a must-try in Bismarck! The brisket is perfectly tender, and the smoked turkey sandwich and mac n' cheese are full of flavor.
- The brewery boasts live music performances and a great relaxed taproom vibe, backed by energetic and incredibly friendly servers.
- They feature a nice small outdoor seating area in front of the building, which is absolutely perfect for relaxing with a cold pint on a warm summer evening.
Heads up
- On weekend nights when a live band plays, the noise level inside becomes deafening, making it impossible to hold a quiet conversation.
- The service can occasionally lag; during packed Friday night rushes, you might have to wait a while at the counter just to get your order taken.
- Because of its high popularity, the dedicated parking lot fills up quickly, forcing guests to hunt for street parking blocks away.
- The interior layout feels a bit cramped with tight spacing between tables, which can feel less private and a bit chaotic when fully packed.