15 Best Sioux Falls Restaurants

If you are seeking a gastronomic adventure in South Dakota’s largest city, you’ve come to the perfect place.  Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a lively city with a booming restaurant sector.  

It has an array of delicious food for everyone’s taste buds, from juicy burgers and sizzling steaks to fresh seafood and vegetarian culinary delights.  

We’ve compiled a list of the 15 top restaurants in Sioux Falls that will excite and satisfy your taste buds.  Whether you’re a local or just traveling through, prepare for a culinary adventure you won’t soon forget. Bon appétit!

Best Sioux Falls Restaurants

From trendy cafes to upscale eateries, make sure to grab a pen and paper as you list which restaurants in Sioux Falls, SD, you want to start and end your day.

1. Best Fine Dining- Minerva’s

Minerva’s is one of the best restaurants in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, noted for its exquisite dining experience and delicious cuisine. 

Since its start in 1977, the restaurant has been family-owned and run. It has won multiple honors for its outstanding food and service, including being named one of Sioux Falls’ best steakhouses by local newspapers.

The restaurant has a pleasant and luxurious ambience and attractive design, making it an excellent location for a special occasion or romantic fine dining.

Situated in the center of Sioux Falls’ bustling downtown, it also provides an excellent location to explore the area. The well-liked tourist destination Falls Park is a short stroll from the restaurant, which features lovely waterfalls.

What to Eat:

To start your dinner, Minerva’s serves a range of delectable appetizers, including classics like shrimp cocktails, calamari, and crab cakes. It is also well known for its flawlessly cooked steaks, which range from juicy ribeye and New York strip cuts to tender filet mignon. 

Traditional steakhouse sides, such as mashed potatoes with cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and creamed spinach, frequently accompany the steaks.

Try their signature pasta, which is a flavorful combination of pasta, chicken, and vegetables in a creamy sauce.

2. Best Brazilian Cuisine- Carnaval Brazilian Grill

Carnaval Brazilian Grill is a Brazilian-style steakhouse famous for its grilled meats and all-you-can-eat menu. The restaurant serves a range of meat cuts such as beef, lamb, hog, and chicken on skewers and is served tableside by roving servers. 

Typically, the meats are seasoned with Brazilian-style marinades and cooked perfectly over a wood-fired grill.

The restaurant provides a relaxed, family-friendly ambiance featuring inside and outdoor dining. The prices range from moderate to premium, reflecting the quality of the meats and the dining experience. 

Carnaval Brazilian Grill is best visited during dinner service, available Monday through Sunday. The restaurant is busiest on weekends and holidays, so making a reservation in advance is advised

What to Eat:

Grill various cuts of beef, such as sirloin, ribeye, and flank steak. For lamb choices, they also have Lamb chops and leg of lamb seasoned with herbs and spices and cooked until tender and juicy.

They have pork tenderloin, pork sausage, and pork rib for pork options. Chicken is another meat option; cuts like chicken breast, thighs, and drumsticks are often available. They also have a  salad bar with a selection of fresh vegetables, cheeses, and other accompaniments to accompany the meats.

3. Best Mexican Cuisine- Jacky’s Restaurant

Jacky’s Restaurant is a well-known eatery in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The restaurant provides a relaxed and pleasant ambiance that is ideal for dining with family and friends. It is a family-run business that has been in operation for many years.

One thing that makes Jacky’s unique is its diverse menu featuring American, Italian, and Mexican food.

It is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a convenient option at any time of day. They have both dine-in and take-out choices, so you may eat delicious meals whenever and wherever you choose. You may expect a pleasurable eating experience because the restaurant has developed a reputation for providing exceptional food and great service to its patrons.

If you want to have a more peaceful dining experience, go during non-peak hours. If you love a vibrant atmosphere and don’t mind waiting for a table, visiting during peak hours may be more pleasurable.

What to Eat:

One of the popular dishes is the Juicy Lucy burger, a classic American burger with cheese stuffed inside the patty, and a chicken Alfredo, a comforting pasta dish with creamy Alfredo sauce and grilled chicken. 

Some classic Mexican dishes are beef tacos. These are flavorful tacos with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, cheese, and salsa. Burritos are also available, a filling and tasty Mexican dish with beans, rice, cheese, and your choice of protein (such as chicken, beef, or pork).

Best Japanese Cuisine- Tokyo 26

Tokyo 26 is a Japanese eatery in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Sushi rolls, ramen, udon, and tempura are among the dishes available at the restaurant.

Regarding the optimum time to visit, Tokyo 26 is open for lunch and dinner. Lunch is served from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., while dinner is served from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. However, making a reservation in advance is always a smart idea to avoid waiting in line during peak hours.

The restaurant provides a relaxed and modern ambiance, with modern and minimalist decor, wooden tables and chairs, and black accents. There is also a sushi bar where guests can watch the sushi chefs prepare their food.

The pricing is reasonable, given the high food quality, and the restaurant provides takeout and delivery services for those who prefer to eat at home.

What to Eat:

The restaurant offers a variety of sushi rolls, including classic rolls like California and spicy tuna, as well as specialty rolls like the Tokyo 26 Roll, which is made with crab, avocado, and salmon and topped with eel sauce and spicy mayo.

They also have ramen options, including Tonkotsu Ramen, made with pork bone broth, and Miso Ramen, made with a savory miso broth.

5. Best Ethiopian Cuisine- Lalibela

The Lalibela Restaurant is a restaurant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It specializes in Ethiopian food and is well-known for its savory, spicy dishes. 

It is family-owned and run, and its dishes are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant also provides catering for gatherings and parties. Lalibela boasts a comfortable and welcoming ambiance, making it ideal for a night out on the town or a special occasion.

It is best visited during lunch or supper hours, as it gets busy during peak hours, and they are open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

What to Eat:

Some of the must-try dishes at Lalibela Restaurant include injera bread, a spongy sourdough bread used to scoop up the various stews and sauces.  Other popular menu items include the doro wat, a spicy chicken stew, and the kitfo, a dish made with raw beef seasoned with spices and herbs. 

They also have Tib, a dish of sautéed meat (often beef or lamb) with vegetables and spices. As well as Shiro, a vegetarian stew made with ground chickpeas or lentils, onions, and other seasonings.

6. Best Southern-Inspired Dishes – Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse is a well-known chain restaurant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It was established in 1993 and today has over 600 sites in the United States and other countries.

The restaurant is well-known for its use of fresh, high-quality ingredients and its focus on creating a lively and friendly environment for guests of all ages. The restaurant’s decor includes cowboy hats, saddles, and other Western-themed objects, giving it a Western and Southern feel.

They serve certain Southern-inspired meals and flavors on their menu and American-style dishes, including steaks and ribs.

To prevent high wait times, it is generally advised to visit during off-peak hours. If you want a quieter experience, weekday lunch hours are a good choice, whereas dinner and weekends are livelier. It’s also worth noting that the restaurant does not accept bookings, so expect to wait for a table during peak hours.

What to Eat:

The restaurant is known for its hand-cut steaks, which are seasoned and cooked to order. 

Options include sirloin, ribeye, and filet mignon. Their fall-off-the-bone ribs are another popular option available in several flavors and preparations.

They also offer Bacon Cheeseburger and the Smokehouse Burger for a lighter option. Some of the Southern-style sides are baked beans, fried okra, and sweet potato.

7. Best Steaks-  Steak-Out Charbroiled Delivery

Steak-Out Charbroiled Delivery is a Sioux Falls, South Dakota-based restaurant that delivers charbroiled steaks, chicken, and other grilled items straight to clients’ homes or offices.

It started out in Huntsville, Alabama, in 1986 and has since spread to over 50 locations throughout the United States. The Sioux Falls restaurant launched in 2021 and rapidly gained popularity among residents thanks to its convenient delivery choices and high-quality charbroiled meats.

Customers can order food for delivery at any time during the restaurant’s operating hours. Thus, there is no single optimal time to visit Steak-Out in Sioux Falls. However, during busy meal times, it is recommended that orders be placed in advance to minimize lengthier delivery wait times.

What to Eat:

Their Charbroiled steaks with various steak options, including ribeye, sirloin, and filet. The restaurant also serves charbroiled chicken breast, which can be ordered plain or with a variety of seasonings and sauces.

Popular side dishes include baked potatoes, grilled vegetables, and mac and cheese. Pair your meat with several salad options, including a classic Caesar salad and a grilled chicken salad.

8. Best Gourmet Burgers- JL Beers

JL Beers is a burger joint in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, that is locally owned and operated. The restaurant serves traditional burgers, fries, and other fast food classics like chicken sandwiches and onion rings.

Jordan and Laura Stoltenburg, local company proprietors, created it in 2018. The restaurant enjoys using high-quality ingredients and preparing everything fresh to order.

When it comes to the best time to visit JL Burgers, it is preferable to go during off-peak hours to avoid large lines. The restaurant can become crowded during peak dinner hours, especially on weekends. However, even during busy periods, the courteous and efficient crew is noted for giving prompt service.

What to Eat:

The restaurant offers a variety of burgers, including classic cheeseburgers, bacon burgers, and specialty burgers like the Jalapeño Popper Burger. They also offer several chicken sandwich options, including a classic chicken sandwich and a spicy chicken sandwich.

Popular side dishes include fries, onion rings, and cheese curd.  Wash it down with their variety of milkshake flavors, including chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla.

9. Best Vegan Options- Crisp & Green

Crisp & Green is a fast-casual restaurant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, specializing in salads, grain bowls, and smoothies. The cuisine emphasizes nutrient-dense items such as veggies, nutritious grains, and lean proteins. It began in 2016 and has since spread to other locations around the Midwest. 

The bright and open design has abundant greenery and natural wood elements. The ambiance is relaxed and inviting, emphasizing healthy and thoughtful dining.

 Because it is a popular destination for customers looking for healthy lunch options, the restaurant is usually busiest during weekday lunch hours. It is, however, a fantastic alternative for a quick and healthful meal at any time of day.

What to Eat:

Get their Classic Cobb Salad, the Superfood Salad, and the Steakhouse Salad. They also offer several grain bowls options, such as the Teriyaki Chicken Bowl and the Southwest Quinoa Bowl.

For a healthy drink, get one of their smoothie flavors, including the Green Dream smoothie, made with spinach, banana, and almond milk.

In addition, Crisp & Green also offers some snack-sized options, such as hummus and veggie sticks or protein bites, for those looking for a smaller snack or side dish.

10. Best Retro-Style Diner- Phillips Avenue Diner

Phillips Avenue Diner, located in downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a renowned retro-themed diner. The restaurant specializes in traditional American diner fares such as burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast items, and it is noted for its lively ambiance and courteous service.

It first opened in 2013 and rapidly became a favorite of both locals and travelers. The decor is influenced by 1950s and 1960s diners, focusing on bright colors, vinyl booths, and retro signage.

The restaurant can become crowded during peak meal hours, especially on weekends. However, it is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is a popular destination for residents and tourists seeking typical American diner meals.

They have an outdoor seating area serving various beers, wines, cocktails, and specialty drinks like the Pink Cadillac, a blend of grapefruit vodka, pink lemonade, and soda.

What to Eat:

Phillips avenue diner offers a variety of breakfast items, including pancakes, waffles, omelets, and breakfast sandwiches. They also have classic burgers and sandwiches, including the Classic Cheeseburger and the Reuben sandwich.

More to that is their popular hand-dipped milkshakes, which come in various flavors, including chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. Popular side dishes include french fries, onion rings, and coleslaw.

Best for Breakfast- Original Pancake House

The Original Pancake House is a popular breakfast and brunch spot located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The restaurant has been serving customers for over 60 years, with several locations across the United States. 

The Sioux Falls location opened in 2014 and is locally owned and operated.  The cozy and welcoming atmosphere at the restaurant, with a large dining area and plenty of seating, makes it an ideal spot for a morning meal. 

The Original Pancake House is open for breakfast and brunch only, making it a perfect spot for a weekend morning meal. The best time to visit the Original Pancake House would be on weekdays, as the restaurant can get quite busy on weekends. 

What to Eat:

The menu at the Original Pancake House features classic breakfast dishes like pancakes, waffles, crepes, omelets, and more. 

Some of the popular dishes at the restaurant include the Dutch Baby Pancake, the Apple Pancake, and the Swedish Pancakes. 

Best Cafe- Falls Overlook Café

The Falls Overlook Café is a restaurant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States, located in Falls Park, a prominent tourist attraction in the city. Breakfast foods, sandwiches, salads, and desserts are all available at the Falls Overlook Café. 

They also serve a variety of beverages, such as coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages. They also have vegan and gluten-free options.

The café offers indoor and outdoor seats and views of the park and the falls. It’s a wonderful spot for a quick bite or a leisurely lunch while exploring the landscape.

If you want to avoid crowds, visiting during off-peak hours, such as in the early morning or late afternoon, is best. However, it may be worth visiting in the evening if you want to enjoy the atmosphere and see the falls illuminated at night.

What to Eat:

They are famous for their Breakfast Sandwich made with egg, cheese, and bacon or sausage on a croissant, bagel, or English muffin, and Chicken Salad Sandwich made with house-made chicken salad, lettuce, and tomato on a croissant, wheat bread, or white bread.

Veggie Wrap is a vegetarian option made with hummus, avocado, cucumber, carrot, tomato, lettuce, and red onion in a spinach tortilla. Their loaded fries are another favorite topped with cheese sauce, bacon, green onions, and sour cream.

13. Best Dessert Shop- Oh My Cupcakes!

Oh My Cupcakes! is a cupcake specialty store in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Melissa Johnson, a local baker, founded the bakery in 2009, and it has since acquired acclaim for its unique and delectable cupcakes prepared with high-quality ingredients. 

Along with cupcakes, Oh My Cupcakes! Cake pops, cookies, and other delicacies are also available. The pleasant and warm environment of the business makes it a popular choice for special occasions and gatherings. 

It has been dubbed one of the “Best Cupcake Shops in America” after it won multiple honors. It is open for dine-in, takeout, and delivery and is dedicated to using locally sourced ingredients. 

If you prefer a quieter experience, visiting during non-peak hours might be best. However, if you want to enjoy the lively atmosphere and see all of the delicious treats on display, visiting during peak hours might be more enjoyable. 

What to Eat:

For your sweet tooth, they have a range of cupcake options. They have PB&J, a peanut butter cupcake with jelly filling and peanut butter buttercream frosting, and a Fruity Pebbles, a vanilla cupcake with Fruity Pebbles cereal baked inside, topped with vanilla buttercream frosting and more fruity pebbles.

They also have a classic carrot cake cupcake with cream cheese frosting and a Mint Condition, a chocolate cupcake with mint buttercream frosting and chocolate shavings.

14. Best Pub- Northstar Grill And Pub

Northstar Grill & Pub is a family-owned restaurant in Sioux Falls, SD. The Kokenge family has owned and operated the restaurant since 2013. 

The atmosphere at Northstar Grill and Pub is casual and relaxed, with a sports bar vibe. Plenty of TVs throughout the restaurant make it a great spot to watch a game or catch up on the latest sports news. They also have a patio area for outdoor dining during the warmer months.

The best time to visit Northstar Grill and Pub will depend on your preferences. If you want to avoid crowds, visiting during off-peak hours, such as early afternoon or late evening, is best. However, if you prefer a livelier atmosphere, visiting during peak dining hours or when there is a big game or event on TV may be worth visiting.

What to Eat:

Some popular dishes at Northstar Grill and Pub include the Northstar Burger, the Chicken Caesar Wrap, and the Buffalo Chicken Dip. 

They also offer a variety of vegetarian options, such as the Black Bean Burger and the Veggie Wrap.  In addition to the main dishes, the restaurant offers appetizers, soups, and a variety of sides.

15. Best Bar and Grill- Crawfords Bar and Grill

Crawford’s Bar and Grill is one of the most popular downtown Sioux Falls restaurants and sports bars in downtown Sioux Falls. The establishment has served customers since 2010 and has become a local favorite. 

The restaurant has a casual and friendly atmosphere, with a large bar area and plenty of seating for dining. The menu at Crawford’s features classic American bar food dishes like burgers, sandwiches, wings, nachos, and salads. 

The restaurant also has a wine bar and a full bar with various beers and cocktails. Crawford’s is open for lunch, dinner, and late-night dining, making it a convenient option for various occasions. 

Crawford’s is also popular for watching sports games, with several TVs throughout the restaurant. 

What to Eat:

They serve classic American dishes like the  Crawfords Burger, BBQ Bacon Burger, and Mushroom Swiss Burger. They also serve Buffalo Chicken Wrap sandwiches, Philly Cheesesteaks, and French Dip. 

For wings, they serve in a variety of sauces, including buffalo, BBQ, garlic parmesan, and spicy Thai. Another option good for sharing is their nachos topped with cheese, jalapenos, salsa, sour cream, and your choice of chicken or beef. 

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