MARILYN HAGERTY: Space Aliens appeals to children and adults alike

• Marilyn Hagerty

Marilyn Hagerty

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"Why not order barbecued ribs?" I wondered.

It was getting to be midafternoon, and I was hungry while visiting Space Aliens on 32nd Avenue South.

I would go light on my evening repast and live it up with a hearty late lunch.

The restaurant features the ribs that were judged America's best at a national cookoff in Memphis, Tenn. The baby back pork ribs come in frozen from Hormel. They are lean. They are cut and smoked on the premises with apple and hickory wood. I found them to be very tasty. I completely ignored the fresh baked bun that came with them.

I especially enjoyed the Cosmic coleslaw. It was made the way it should be. The cabbage was crisp and finely cut with a tad of carrots and a very light dressing.

I chose a baked potato to round out the meal but was thinking of the Outer Space Fries because they come in a special tall paper container that is unique to the restaurant and a delight to most children as well as adults like me. Also unique for children are the colorful Space Aliens plastic bottles that hold the cola drinks and have squiggly straws.

Space Aliens has been around here for 3½ years and is one of four in North Dakota. The green and blue colors along with the space decor set Space Aliens off from other restaurants.

While ribs are the signature item, pizza from the fireroasted oven is in demand for children's gatherings as well as the lounge area for adults, which features a full liquor license.

The menu is extensive with appetizers, soups and salads, steaks, chicken dinners.

There's also an Alien Feast for two for $21.99 or for four at $39.99. The menu also includes sandwiches, burgers, wraps and giant stuffed baked potatoes.

Business is good, according to manager Dawn Stenson.

It's best on nights when there are UND hockey games at Ralph Engelstad Arena. And the place is busy Tuesday nights, which is Kid's Night and 99 cents for those younger than 10. Kids get free tokens they can use on the games.

Al Glumm, who serves as kitchen manager with a staff of 16 employees, is a former U.S. Army sergeant who learned about cooking in the military. He has worked in California and Florida. He has had a long career in the restaurant business.

Before I left Space Aliens, checked out the gaming rooms with 4-year-old, Reese Remz. She led me around from one colorful blinking and snorkeling game after another.

At the end of a session in the gaming area, the kids can claim prizes at the counter.

While younger kids settle for packets of "Slime," the older ones go for the Moon Blaster guns. The guns take 800 tickets from hard-earned winnings at the games.

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