Parrot's Cay Tavern & Grill
About This Spot
Stepping into Parrot’s Cay Tavern & Grill feels like finding a little piece of southern charm tucked away in the heart of Grand Forks. The space is cozy and unpretentious, where rustic warmth meets the lively buzz of a local favorite. It’s the kind of spot where the pace slows just enough for you to settle in, soak up the friendly yet spirited atmosphere, and let the hum of conversation, clinking glasses, and the occasional cheer from the bar become your evening’s soundtrack.
Here, the vibe is relaxed and familiar—a small retreat where the seat next to you might belong to a regular who’s equally passionate about good food and good company. The lighting is softly dim, inviting long conversations over bites that travel your senses southward through bold, hearty flavors. Whether it’s the spiced wings that let you choose your own adventure of heat, or the comforting richness of jambalaya and pasta dishes with a Cajun twist, every bite hints at stories and traditions passed down through the seasons.
The true charm is how the menu captures a spirit of celebration without pretense. From crispy fried pickles to juicy chicken sandwiches with pineapple glaze, it’s clear this isn’t just about feeding hunger but about sharing moments—the kind that unfold naturally around a plate of fiery wings and an ice-cold beer. There’s an unmistakable sense that every detail, from the Cajun-seasoned fries to the thoughtfully crafted sauces, is made to complement conversations and laughter, not rush them.
In many ways, Parrot’s Cay is a humble institution, a cherished pit stop for those who crave a genuine gathering spot with roots and personality. Its small, somewhat tucked-away nature means that it’s often the destination for those who know food that speaks of tradition and heart. Here, the space and the food align to create something quietly special—a place where people come back, drawn by the comfort of familiar flavors and the warmth of shared experiences.
What’s Available Here
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Takeaway
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Dine-in
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Delivery
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Bar games
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Fast service
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Great beer selection
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Serves local specialty
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Sport
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Dinner
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Solo dining
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Wheelchair-accessible car park
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Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Wheelchair-accessible seating
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Wheelchair-accessible toilet
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Alcohol
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Beer
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Comfort food
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Food
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Food at bar
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Happy-hour drinks
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Happy-hour food
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Late-night food
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Small plates
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Spirits
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Wine
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Dinner
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Table service
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Bar on site
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Toilet
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Casual
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Cosy
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Trendy
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Groups
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LGBTQ+ friendly
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Tourists
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Transgender safe space
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University students
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Usually a wait
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Accepts reservations
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
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NFC mobile payments
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Credit cards
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Free of charge street parking
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Free parking lot
Location & Hours
| Monday | Closed | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 04:30 PM - 01:00 AM | |
| Wednesday | 04:30 PM - 01:00 AM | |
| Thursday | 04:30 PM - 01:00 AM | |
| Friday | 03:00 PM - 01:00 AM | |
| Saturday | 03:00 PM - 01:00 AM | |
| Sunday | Closed |
James Rep 15 Dec 2025
A hole in the wall with a great atmosphere. I was born in and raised in the south and since moving to Grand Forks I've been looking for a place with some southern qualities in their food. Well I found it a Parrot's Cay. The Hushpuppies were definitely a huge hit. just the right mix between soft and crispy. Just as they should be. My second appetizer was the chicken, I was told the shark chicken was the best, and they did not disappoint. Juicy, with the right amount of sauce and just enough bite from the heat that wasn't too intense not to enjoy. As we were finishing up our appetizers, which we were able to enjoy at our own pace, our entrees were delivered. We both got hamburgers mine with fries and my wife with Cajun fries. They were cooked perfectly and the fries were very good as well. Plan on going back to and trying more entrees so I can do reviews on those as well. I expect though from our first visit we won't be disappointed in whatever we try. Let me throw in a separate blurb about the staff. The staff was amazing. Attentive, welcoming, and very friendly. Answered any questions we had and took time to go over specials, wing sauce choices and other menu items. Just a breath of fresh air when it comes to small establishments like this.
Sam Howard 07 Dec 2025
Wing connoisseur - best wing sauce and wings I’ve ever had. Only thing that would make it better was if they were a tad more crispy. Unpretentious dive bar worthy of a star!
Jeremy Devine 06 Dec 2025
This place is an institution. The wings are absolutely out of this world good. Always a good size, done correctly, and covered with your choice of incredible sauce. You can keep it mild and order "7s" or you can crank up the heat and order "15s" or hotter. A good seat here is always a hot commodity so come early or call ahead and take some to go. A must try while in Grand Forks.
Mark Edmiston 13 Nov 2025
I was curious about the food here, and I was surprised. It's small, dark and loud and I was told it wasn't that busy. I'm not into crowds, so eating in wasn't in the cards. The Cajun pasta with the crawdads wad the way to go. Little flavor bombs and cooked perfectly. The Mardi Gras pasta was equally tasty. Very good sausage and ham that you didn't have to search for in the pasta. Both of these I got at level 12 heat which was just right. You know it's right when your nose runs. I like that you have a choice of how hot you want the spice level. I can only imagine what the 40 level is like. The stir fry would have been better with pasta, the rice was a let down. The shark sauce was spot on with the wings. A little sweet with the heat. I'd like the sauce on the side and a crispy wing, but that's my taste. Overall I was happy with my first visit and I'll be back to try something new. Don't be intimated by their security at the main door, they take underage drinking seriously and it's appreciated.
Ben Glaszcz 15 Oct 2025
The best wings. Not exaggerating. Small space, so can be long wait. Wings can sometimes be on the colder side. Still five stars... that's how good they are. Edit: back again. Still the best. Serums in Anoka comes close, but doesn't beat the Cay wings.
Mark Hughes 15 Oct 2025
Walked in and it was dimly lit with writing all over the ceiling tiles and that faint smell of spilled beer wafting through the air. I knew immediately it was likely gonna be some of the best food I would ever eat. When they brought out my wings on a picnic paper plate that sealed the deal. Best wings hands down. Shark Sauce 10s and fries absolutely hit the spot!
Jade Montoya 18 Sep 2025
Peanut butter wings were top tier. Shark wings were cold due to the cold sauce. Daily specials are awesome. Get there early to snag a table. Highly recommend to anyone!