If you’re navigating Sioux Falls, South Dakota, prepare for the prairie winds, winter chills, and summer sun—and the hearty bar & grill spots that make braving any season worthwhile. From classic taverns and sports pubs to upscale grill houses and family-friendly joints, these establishments serve the city’s growing appetite with sizzling steaks, juicy burgers, and frosty brews.
18th Amendment Neighborhood Bar
$ | (605) 271-1409 | WEBSITE
18th Amendment Neighborhood Bar’s location is a straightforward spot along a busy street in Sioux Falls, with just a handful of booths and bar stools. It doesn’t look fancy—most come for the casual vibe—but don’t let the unpretentious setup fool you: They serve some of the best specialty pizzas in town. The veggie pizza is the size of a large platter, a fresh and savory vegetable medley, topped with generous cheese, mushrooms, peppers, and onions, all on a crispy, house-made crust.
It’s even better when enjoyed during their 1/2 price pizza night. Their other hit is the Philly sandwich, a hearty, meat-packed creation loaded with thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and grilled onions, served with a side of crinkle-cut fries.
Roundhouse Brew Pub
$ | (605) 271-2050 | WEBSITE
Roundhouse Brew Pub is one of those spots that brought genuine bar-and-grill energy to Sioux Falls. This cozy yet lively brew pub offers fantastic drinks alongside a diverse menu that stands out from typical pub fare. The only mistake you could make is not trying the steak chislic—it’s some of the best around. At this energetic downtown location, with its upbeat personality and casual vibe, you can’t miss the savory aroma of the meatball sandwich and crispy french fries wafting through the air.
It’s more suited for relaxed drinks than family meals, but that’s exactly its charm. The food is outstanding, the place is clean, and the staff is wonderful—making it worth visiting for a delightful bite and a great brew.
Pilot Mike’s Roadhouse
$ | (605) 937-2171 | WEBSITE
For a nostalgic, roadhouse-style hangout, the road leads to Pilot Mike’s Roadhouse. It’s a go-to for many regulars—especially for casual gatherings, since there’s a strong smoking room scent near the entrance that adds to the retro vibe. The venue has undergone a remarkable renovation, with the retro-style smoking and nostalgia room remaining untouched.
Their motto is quirky, and might be puzzling if you’re a first-timer, but you can never go wrong with the laid-back atmosphere and the promise of an unforgettable experience. If you’re looking to unwind, the small bar never misses, and neither does the fun, nostalgic charm that you soak in with every visit. For a memorable night, get the cozy seating to share.
Wileys Bar
$ | (605) 336-0054 | WEBSITE
Wileys Bar is one of those Sioux Falls spots that delivers a straightforward yet thoroughly satisfying bar-and-grill experience—and they nail the essentials with expertly executed classics. Standouts include the Birria Smash Burger, a juicy, flavor-packed patty that hits all the right notes. Another is the Birria Melt, oozing with rich, slow-cooked beef and melted cheese.
Both benefit from that signature birria depth, which also shines in the red lightning tacos—literally the best tacos around, with incredible quality and taste. But if you want to round things out, the seasoned fries and salty chips with queso make perfect, craveable sides. The atmosphere is great, with clean tables and a relaxed vibe, while service is excellent and attentive, backed by awesome bartenders and really good, consistent drinks.
It’s a place that gets the simple things right, leaving you full and happy.
kRav’N
$ | (605) 274-3338 | WEBSITE
This definitive bar and grill experience in Sioux Falls presents American comfort food in generous and satisfying ways, without intimidating its guests by keeping the vibe unpretentious and casual. Diners can opt to eat a hearty Cuban sandwich or burger, but those who want a standout starter should roll with the famous pan-fried brussels sprouts. You might find them perfectly crispy on the outside yet tender within, served in a shareable portion that makes for an ideal beginning to any meal.
Or maybe the kid-friendly selection, which offers familiar favorites that keep the whole table happy. The atmosphere is a comfortable affair made for watching sports, with plenty of seating, multiple TVs, and a clean, welcoming space where the friendly waitstaff and bartenders provide quick, attentive service without any fuss.
Botski’s
$ | (605) 271-5353 | WEBSITE
Botski’s is one of the standout spots to come out of Sioux Falls’ recent bar and grill scene. It feels like a grown-up hangout for the young and energetic, though everyone is welcome—including those of us who still say “young and energetic.” They’re known for their excellent fried chicken that is essentially a perfected take on comfort food. This, of course, means that the best items on their menu involve tender, scratch-made chicken.
The crispy, flavorful chicken shines in the classic dishes, specifically in the simply prepared fried chicken that emphasizes the meat’s juicy, savory goodness. The lively atmosphere during game days is also a draw, which makes it a great place for a full meal and a neighborhood gathering.
The Lie’brary
$ | (605) 271-4451 | WEBSITE
The Lie’brary’s location is a spacious, modern sports bar along a bustling street in Sioux Falls, with plenty of seating and screens. It looks like your typical sports spot—most come to watch the game—but don’t let the familiar setup fool you: They serve some of the best bar classics in town. The burger is the size of a dinner plate, and a juicy and flavorful dream, accompanied by crispy fries, melted cheese, fresh lettuce and tomato, and a perfectly toasted bun.
It’s even better when paired with their craft beer selection. Their other hit is the wings, a savory-packed bar staple tossed in your choice of sauce, from classic buffalo to sweet barbecue, and served with cool ranch dressing.
The Attic East Bar and Grill
$ | (605) 275-4600 | WEBSITE
The Attic East Bar and Grill is considered a local favorite—and not just by regulars in Sioux Falls where it’s located. People from all over the city come for the famous peanut butter egg burger, cooked just enough to develop a perfectly balanced, savory-sweet flavor. The burger is also prepared well, so there’s no overwhelming peanut butter taste.
This place has always been a straightforward and welcoming operation, beginning as a simple neighborhood spot that used its rustic charm to create a cool atmosphere. Now, it’s evolved into a popular bar and grill, with a kitchen in the back, a friendly staff ready to accommodate families, and a casual dining area where the smell of fry bread appetizers, grilled burgers, and amazing margaritas flows through. Heads up: happy hour specials are a must-try.
Gateway Casino & Lounge
$ | (605) 361-1137 | WEBSITE
Gateway Casino & Lounge’s location is a spacious, modern building along a busy Sioux Falls street, with plenty of parking and easy access. It doesn’t look like your typical bar and grill—most come for the full experience—but don’t let the casino association fool you: They serve some of the best grill fare in town.
The Outlaw Burger is the size of a dinner plate, a juicy and perfectly cooked beef dream, accompanied by crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a toasted brioche bun. It’s even better when paired with their hand-cut fries. Their other hit is the scalloped potatoes, a comfort-food classic cooked with cream, butter, and herbs, and topped with a golden-brown crust.
Thirsty Duck
$ | (605) 334-0124 | WEBSITE
This popular Sioux Falls bar and grill has been serving up hearty meals and cheap drinks for years. Today, they’re known for their duck wontons with plum sauce and prime rib tacos with chipotle ranch. The pasta dish, in particular, is a standout, with generous portion sizes and a rich Alfredo sauce that’s creamy without being overly heavy. Level up the experience by pairing your meal with one of their affordable draft beers or signature cocktails.
Permeating through the restaurant is an atmosphere that gives this place its distinct character. It’s a bit of a rowdy vibe with dart leagues, karaoke, and poker tournaments on weekends, but a small price to pay for this great spot in town.
Falls Landing Restaurant
$ | (605) 336-2290 | WEBSITE
Falls Landing is the comfort combo of juicy pub burgers and crispy onion straws. Locals have their own preferred sports bar for game days. But the reputation of Falls Landing Restaurant surpasses Sioux Falls’ borders. They are masters of this beloved dining experience.
Expect this place to be packed—especially during big game nights—with groups of friends, families with kids, and sports fans waiting to grab a seat by the bar (there’s also outdoor seating along the river) to enjoy the hearty meals, here served with homemade hoagie buns. The fact that most entrees are under $15 makes the meal even more satisfying. The casual spot stays open late, so stopping in after a long day of exploring isn’t a bad idea.
Silver Moon Bar
$ | (605) 336-1474 | WEBSITE
Silver Moon Bar specializes in dive-bar hospitality, but is by no means a typical watering hole. Their welcoming atmosphere is what puts it over the top and inspires repeat visits. The regulars are the heavy-hitters, friendly with a genuine camaraderie vibe and slightly warm and familiar with remembering your drink and making you feel like part of the family. Silver Moon Bar also occasionally has that true sense of belonging that makes it a must-stop spot for travelers and locals alike.
Grille 26
$ | (605) 444-1716 | WEBSITE
Grille 26 is the comfort duo of tender chicken pasta and a perfectly seasoned apple, walnut spinach salad. Locals have their own preferred bar and grill, but the reputation of Grille 26 surpasses Sioux Falls’ borders. They are masters of this beloved dining experience.
Expect this place to be busy—especially during the dinner rush—with lines of families, couples, and birthday celebrants waiting to settle into the cozy booths (there’s also bar seating) to enjoy the hearty menu, here highlighted by a delightful chocolate torte with raspberry coulis. The fact that most entrees hover around $20–$25 makes the meal even more satisfying. The lovely setting is open for lunch and dinner, so stopping in for a special occasion isn’t a bad idea.
Hy-Vee Market Grille
$$ | (605) 334-4570 | WEBSITE
Hy-Vee Market Grille represents a reliable standard in Sioux Falls bar and grill dining, thanks in large part to the straightforward execution and consistent quality they deliver across their menu. See: their Bacon Cheeseburger, or classic cheeseburger, crispy Chicken Tenders, and a popular selection of grill favorites, which use familiar ingredients to create satisfying and uncomplicated flavors.
Grab a seat in the comfortably lit, casual dining space, and make sure to have one of their reasonably priced meals in hand, especially after a long day. We’re partial to their friendly, attentive service, and anything highlighting the comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
Overtime Sports Grill
$ | (605) 271-1816 | WEBSITE
Overtime Sports Grill is a typical sports bar and grill, but is by no means a generic chain establishment. Their standout dishes are what put it over the top and inspire repeat visits. The egg burger is the heavy-hitter, considered one of the best in town with its perfectly cooked patty and runny yolk. Overtime also consistently serves crowd-pleasers like the Philly cheese and the fried chicken, praised for its light crispy breading and juicy meat.
The OT bites, which are bite-sized chicken wrapped in bacon and deep fried, dipped in ranch, are especially enjoyed by those on gluten-free or keto diets. The atmosphere is casual, with many TV’s showing sports, though some may find it a bit loud. The staff is polite and attentive, with some servers checking in often, and the drinks are reliably cold. It’s a popular spot to visit regularly, with a decent children’s menu making it kid-friendly.
Crawford’s
$$ | (605) 332-5333 | WEBSITE
Crawford’s stands as a quintessential bar and grill in Sioux Falls, thanks in large part to the quality and execution they bring to classic American fare. See: their filet mignon, or strip steak, a sizzling burger, a commendable chicken dish, and a praised steak selection, which uses attentive service to add warmth and a sense of care to the typically straightforward, meat-focused meal.
Grab a seat in the appreciated, convivial atmosphere, and make sure to have one of their drinks in hand, especially after a long day. We’re partial to their excellent, helpful servers, and anything highlighting the well-prepared steak dishes.