Ah, Sioux Falls. Land of rolling prairies, Midwestern charm, and a downtown where the scent of hickory smoke is more reliable than the weather forecast. This city might not be the first that springs to mind for legendary ‘cue, but if you know where to look, you can find a few pits serving brisket that’ll make you forget all about Kansas City.
Squealer’s Smoke Shack Bar & Grill
$ | (605) 679-7675 | WEBSITE
Squealer’s Smoke Shack Bar & Grill is rustic, weathered, and populated by people ordering brisket plates while sipping their third ice-cold beer. (The staff, who are quick and friendly, have the service down to a science.) Come here for a casual meal with someone who appreciates smoked meats, order one more side than you think is wise, and get the cheese curds for an appetizer. They cost $9, but the portion is generous, and they come perfectly fried with a side of ranch.
Backyard BBQ
$ | (605) 444-1800 | WEBSITE
This welcoming, always-busy Sioux Falls spot is authentic without being pretentious. It’s brought Alabama-style BBQ to South Dakota, and it’s still the first place you should think of when you want to eat great barbecue in a space that’s slightly nicer than your average joint. There isn’t a ton of fancy seating, but there’s plenty of room where you can usually find a table, and you’ll likely enjoy the pleasant atmosphere as well.
The ribs fall right off the bone with more meat than fat, and the pulled pork comes in large, tasty portions. The chicken with mustard sauce is delish, and the sausage is good too. Sides like the flavorful baked beans with good meat are served in small portions on paper, though they’d be better on plates.
At decent prices, with gluten-free options and SDSU ice cream available, plus helpful, professional staff who make events easy, it’s no wonder most plan to return for the fun vibe and friendly service.
ROAM Kitchen + Bar
$$ | (605) 215-0020 | WEBSITE
Just off the main drag, you’ll find ROAM Kitchen + Bar, a welcoming spot with a lovely patio and a dining room that you can book for events like rehearsal dinners and weddings. Some barbecue joints are more adventurous, but it’s easier to relax here, and you usually have a good chance of getting a table without a wait. So think of this place as your reliable go-to.
If you visit on a weekend evening, however, you can expect to share the space with a crowd of folks celebrating special occasions or just enjoying a night out, with the friendly bartender and attentive staff keeping everything running smoothly even when it’s busy.
Big J’s Road House
$ | (605) 767-8000 | WEBSITE
Big J’s Road House is the kind of place that could only exist between Harrisburg and Sioux Falls. The entire patio consists of just enough seating to catch the South Dakota breeze while you dig into some of the best damn BBQ in the area. Plates start around $16, and the brisket sandwich—piled high with jalapeno bacon and your choice of side—is one of the most satisfying in town.
Given the lively roadhouse atmosphere, this place isn’t for quiet dinners, but if your appetite is roaring and you need to sit down with a craft beer, it’s a perfect stop.
Texas Roadhouse
$$ | (605) 362-5784 | WEBSITE
Texas Roadhouse has been serving Sioux Falls for years, and you can tell. It has a lively atmosphere and family-friendly vibe that feels like it’s been enjoyed by several thousand families, and sometimes the whole place smells a little like barbecue sauce and fresh bread. But it’s a reliable spot, and it’s your best option for unpretentious barbecue that won’t cost $30 a plate. Like every other popular restaurant in town, Texas Roadhouse is a bit of a scene on Friday nights.
If you want to avoid a crowd, use their website wait list before you arrive.
The Smoked Culture BBQ and Brews
$ | (605) 360-7758 | WEBSITE
The Smoked Culture BBQ and Brews is a standout barbecue joint in Sioux Falls that manages to be versatile despite its skateboard-themed space. There’s a counter where you can chat about brisket and pork belly with the staff, a lively main area with pinball machines offering a fun mix of old and new games, a cozy patio that’s dog-friendly and perfect for families, and a good amount of indoor seating as well.
A lot of people seem to drop in for the Frontside Brisket sandwich or the 3 meat platter with sides, so if there’s nowhere to sit, something will probably open up if you wait a little while. Kettle chips come with every meal, and the Gold BBQ sauce is available upon request.
Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que
$ | (605) 334-8800 | WEBSITE
The most straightforward, barbecue-iest barbecue joint listed here, Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que is a reliable spot that hits all the marks: friendly staff, generous portions, and… well, that’s pretty much the story. But don’t overlook this place. It’s one of the few barbecue restaurants of its caliber in the heart of Sioux Falls.
Chef Lance’s on Phillips
$$$$ | (605) 271-7800 | WEBSITE
From the team behind the city’s top barbecue spots, Chef Lance’s on Phillips is about the size of a cozy neighborhood bistro, and it’s perfect for when you want to settle in and savor some high-end comfort food. You can take a seat at a candlelit table and admire the warm, rustic décor, or relax in a plush booth and enjoy some exceptional dishes like the French onion soup or beef Wellington. The atmosphere is intimate, and the lighting stays soft, so keep this place in mind for romantic dates.