If you’re visiting the largest city in the state of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, chances are that your mind is set on a few things; you want to get a feel for the dynamic people and their sense of community pride.
But, after you savor some local culture and history, you get hungry.
Luckily enough, there’s no shortage of Sioux Falls restaurants. In fact, according to TripAdvisor, the city has been rated as one of America’s most popular food cities!
I had the chance to visit Sioux Falls and had a great time exploring the area. While I was there, I was wondering what it would take to make my first visit outstanding.
If you were me, and you’re a foodie, what would you do? This was something on my mind, as during dinner one night, I noticed that all of the appetizers looked very interesting. I had some thinking to do when it came to picking out my favorite chow destinations throughout the city.
Home to fine-dining establishments, diners, ethnic restaurants, burger joints, and more, this place offers an endless list of options for every craving!
Below I have gathered ten spots you must try when in the city of Sioux Falls.
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The 10 Best Sioux Falls Restaurants
Lalibela
200 S. Kiwanis Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104 // +16052710747
For some of the best Ethiopian food in town, head to Lalibela restaurant.
This small restaurant serves a variety of traditional cuisine made from fresh and natural ingredients. The feature dish is Tibes, tender pieces of marinated beef cooked with peppers, onions, tomatoes, and served with injera or sambuca.
Injera is a kind of sour flatbread or pancake that is normally eaten with the main dishes.
Lalibela restaurant has a great ambiance, offering something quite exceptional for Sioux Falls.
Whether you’re in town for a few days or just looking for something different, visit Lalibela for an exotic meal that is sure to have you coming back for seconds.
Sanaa’s
401 E. 8th St. #100, Sioux Falls, SD 57103 // +16052752516
A local favorite among downtown workers, Sanaa’s is a quick stop for a healthy and affordable noontime meal. The casual spot offers a ten-course Indian buffet every Friday and Saturday with samples of delectable and flavorful dishes.
Since its beginning, Sanaa’s has provided a place for families to gather. Sanaa’s chefs put all their heart and soul into preparing these foods to bring out the full flavor of each item.
According to Sanaa’s green policy, all of its meals are made from scratch daily and feature fresh, seasonal ingredients. Here, even the containers, washable linens, and stainless cutlery are recyclable!
Offering a variety of desserts, as well as gluten-free and peanut-free options, it is easy to see why Sanaa’s is so popular in Sioux Falls.
Phillips Avenue Diner
121 S. Phillips Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104 // +16053354977
The Phillips Avenue Diner is located in the heart of Sioux Falls. If you love burgers, you cannot go wrong at the Phillips Avenue Diner. This legendary Sioux Falls favorite features retro decor, jukebox music, and burgers galore.
Opened in 1996, the Phillips Avenue Diner on Phillips Avenue is a favorite spot for locals and visitors.
Try “The Godfather,” piling on smoked mozzarella cheese, marinara, peppers, and fried mozzarella sticks. Or try one of their mammoth burgers like the barbecue bacon one on cheddar cheese and coleslaw.
The food is fresh, and the jukebox even plays original vinyl records. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week, making it the perfect place to stop by at any time of day!
B&G Milky Way
3300 W. 69th St., Sioux Falls, SD 57108 // +16053342017
Bringing back the classic American drive-in restaurant with a touch of Sioux Falls flavor, B&G’s menu offers familiar favorites, including hot dogs, ice creams, Slushwhips, BBQ beef, and sloppy joes.
The B&G Milky Way’s journey into the hearts of Sioux Falls residents began in 1954, when Ray Starks launched this now-iconic drive-in on the outskirts of town.
It wasn’t until the mid-1960s that Bertha and Guy Higgins took over, renaming it B&G Milky Way and setting the stage for its legendary status. Today, the original site still serves customers, continuing a tradition of classic American drive-in dining that’s been beloved for decades.
With friendly service and a casual atmosphere, treat yourself while exploring Sioux Falls.
Though B&G continues to be a drive-in, their side items have evolved over the years. With their ever-changing menu, you can always expect to find something new, delicious, and American! And just a friendly reminder, don’t forget to save room for dessert after you’ve eaten all their delicious food because their most popular item is strawberry ice cream.
Travelers looking for a quick bite can stop at B&G Milky Way Diner. Serving mouthwatering, all-American options, this is a great place for visitors craving home-cooked food.
Minervas
301 S. Phillips Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104 // +16053340386
Established in Sioux Falls in 1997, Minervas has been a favorite dining destination for locals and tourists alike – a place providing a wide range of delicious menus, including steaks, fresh seafood, or classically authentic pasta.
The place where fresh takes on traditional Italian foods and savory creations made “Minervas style” are served in an elegant atmosphere.
The team at Minervas is dedicated to excellence and quality, making this place one of Sioux Falls’s best restaurants!
Minervas has earned a reputation as the destination for exceptional food, signature drinks, appetizing modern ambiance, and an outstanding level of customer service.
When you’re in Sioux Falls, be sure to sample their range of mouth-watering specialties!
Falls Overlook Café
825 N. Weber Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57103 // +16053674885
Falls Overlook Café is a hidden jewel in the middle of Downtown Sioux Falls. The renovation of the 1908 hydroelectric plant combined with the backdrop of the beautiful falls creates a unique atmosphere that can’t be beaten.
On a nice day, you can sit outside on the patio and enjoy a meal with a view.
The food varies but is mostly health-conscious, feeling light but still filling. The café has an extensive, changing menu of seasonal dishes. Enjoy a variety of sandwiches, salads, and desserts made to order.
A new addition to the café is their extensive wine list featuring California, Washington, British Columbia, and locally-produced wines, along with some from France.
With fantastic food, their friendly staff always tries its best to make your day better!
Monks Ale House
420 E. 8th St., Sioux Falls, SD 57103 // +16053382328
Monks Ale House Restaurant and Brewpub is an award-winning restaurant located in the heart of Sioux Falls. This popular restaurant features a spacious dining area, a packed calendar of entertainment options, and special events, including pool tournaments and shuffleboard.
Known as one of the best restaurants in Sioux Falls, Monks Ale House has a wide selection of craft beers on tap as well as a seasonal menu that will keep you coming back for more.
With its cozy atmosphere and delicious food, it’s a hot spot for lunch and dinner.
Even though this popular brewpub is known for its extensive selection of house-made craft beer, you shouldn’t miss out on its other specialties!
Sample their signature “One Night in Bangkok” pizza, or try one of their intensely flavorful burgers or paninis. A peanut sauce tops this pizza with chicken, julienne carrots, red onions, mozzarella, crushed peanuts, cilantro, Sriracha, and pineapple. You can also get a slightly insane mashed potato pizza with mashed potatoes, green onion, garlic, bacon, cheddar cheese, and tomatoes.
If you’re in Sioux Falls, visit Monks Ale House for a one-of-a-kind experience. Their brewmaster teams will make sure you leave their doors fully satisfied!
Morrie’s Steakhouse
2507 S. Shirley Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57109 // +16053628125
Morrie’s is one of my favorite restaurants in Sioux Falls. The food is incredible, the ambiance is inviting, and they know how to take care of their guests.
Here we have a quaint little restaurant featuring excellent steaks, incredible appetizers, and delicious desserts. The atmosphere is perfect for a date, intimate birthday dinner, or special occasion with family.
The food is some of the best I have ever had! Also, the portions are very generous.
The atmosphere is so inviting – gorgeous dark wood with a lovely wide-open concept. The service was best in class. The owner and servers were tending to our every need. So accommodating and professional.
Here, you will enjoy dishes such as Filet Mignon, Lobster Ravioli, and a Seafood Sampler. Additionally, the wine list is extensive, with major labels and selections from smaller vintners alike.
I would recommend this place to anyone wanting to experience an upscale dining experience without breaking your budget.
All Day Café and Goodnight Bar
2101 W. 41st St., Sioux Falls, SD 57105 // +16052747711
Is brunch your thing? Worry not, because I have picked the best brunch restaurant when visiting Sioux Falls!
With a relaxed and comfortable attitude, the friendly team at All Day Cafe serves brunch all day. They prepare the meals from scratch and use the best possible ingredients, complete with a modern comfort food twist.
All Day Café and Goodnight Bar is the place to indulge in the finest quality coffees, juices, smoothies, and breakfast meals. They offer a distinctive take on traditional fare with house-made mixes and sauces, which add their special touch to your meal.
Their menu includes tantalizing treats such as bacon and egg waffles, chicken and waffles, and the chorizo burger with melted cheese.
With brunch served all day, plus an extensive list of local beers, inventive co*cktails, and over 120 different bourbons, you’ll want to linger.
Crawford’s
214 S. Phillips Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104 // +16053325333
With a lively atmosphere and colorful dishes, Crawford’s is an upscale bar and restaurant located in downtown Sioux Falls.
It has an innovative co*cktail, wine, and beer list, and an original wooden beam from this era can still be seen throughout. The interior is described as “wild west meets gypsy,” accented with gorgeous Moroccan chandeliers, with no detail left untouched.
Their floor is covered in gorgeous hand-painted tiles, making it a memorable dining experience.
Their menu features wild-caught salmon, fresh seafood, beef cuts from local farms, and so much more.
Start with the appetizers like the savory crawdads and the prime cut steaks and chops, but save room for dessert and feast on Gooey Butter Cake, a classic southern dish that incorporates a devilish combo of melted butter, sugar, cake batter, and cinnamon.
This popular destination has been giving Sioux Falls great food, good times, and exceptional service for the last decade. And it’s still going strong, so I highly recommend you try it!
Summary Of The 10 Best Sioux Falls Restaurants
The largest city in the state of South Dakota, Sioux Falls offers a solid and eclectic array of dining choices. The city has a large selection of all types of restaurants, from fine dining to casual eateries.
From Cuban to vegan to Mexican to French cuisine, Sioux Falls is cosmopolitan but firmly remains unpretentious.
With new restaurants opening weekly, it can be a challenge to decide where to dine out, so hopefully, these ten suggestions I have prepared for you will help you along the way when visiting this exciting destination!
Igor Jovanovsky
Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food.He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started hismission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever
