Are you sick of chain restaurants? Sick of the same old menu and options? If you are a food savvy person ("foodie") like myself and love trying new places you will appreciate this article! This is a list of great food places to check out if you are new to Sioux Falls or a local person yourself! (However, the locals probably know more than me!) Here's my list of the tip top places and hidden gems of Sioux Falls (in no specific order because they are all amazing)!
1. Jacky's Restaurant and Bakery
For those of you who love Mexican and can't get enough of it. I will tell you one thing, stop going to Taco John's and treat yourself for the real deal! Forewarning, this is a Guatemalan restaurant. Don't let that stop you, because their food is authentic. The portions are enough for your pants to feel a little tight after, so I highly suggest wearing something that gives you some room! You will not only be full, but you will have leftovers for the next day. Bring on the free chips, salsa, and guac! Who's buying?
Recommended meal to try: Chicken, Steak, or Shrimp Fajitas (my mouth is watering just thinking of the sizzling dish)
2. A Taste of the Big Apple
This one is an adorable little restaurant. Boys, note that this is a great place to bring your date! It is named " A Taste of the Big Apple" because it is a little slice of New York. It's Downtown Sioux Falls in the most adorable building. It's a small space, but it makes it feel homey! Get ready for the live jazz music and their amazing Italian food! Their stromboli and baked ziti is to die for! And the music will make the ladies swoon!
Recommended meal to try: Baked Ziti or any of their Calzones
3. MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub
This one isn't exactly a hidden gem of Sioux Falls, but it surely is the gem part! You will walk into this historic building and love the rustic, boathouse feel. It's relaxing and cozy along with amazing food to top it off. Every dish I've ever had there has been nothing short of amazing. However, there can be long waits if you are wanting to go! I'm talking like 1 hour or more on Friday or Saturday nights. Although, they have a cool system that will text you when your table is ready and you have 15 minutes to get to there! While you are waiting you can explore Downtown Sioux Falls and make it back in time!
Recommended meal to try: BBQ Chicken or Pulled Pork Pizza with their Lodge Poles for an appetizer. I also really enjoy the Mackenzie Alfredo and a few others have raved about their MacKenzie Meatloaf!
5. All Day Cafe
Looking for a place to stuff your face for brunch on the weekend? This is your place to go! An interesting mix of food and friends and you'll be in heaven! They have yummy smoothies along with mimosa's and an anytime coffee (both of those are alcoholic beverages, so I wouldn't know if they are good, I just heard that they were). Anyway, when you walk into the All Day Cafe you will be taken back to the good 'ole days. When you are waiting you can look at their knick-knack items they have! You will definitely enjoy the ambiance and their fun and quirky menu!
Recommended meal to try: For breakfast, I would suggest the OMG French Toast or any of their omelets. When you get the OMG French Toast you will literally say "OMG"! For lunch/dinner, I would suggest the Farmhouse Burger (it has an egg on it!)
6. Josiah's Coffeehouse & Cafe
Oh Josiah's, one of the best coffee shops in town. This is a cozy, warm place to come on a Saturday or Sunday. Enjoy a warm coffee with a cinnamon roll, a light breakfast, or lunch! When you walk in you will be able to smell the warmth of the coffee and fresh flowers on the tables. It is just a little piece of heaven. You'll be able to relax, work on some homework, or engage in conversation with friends and family. The coffee house music will just send a relaxing wave over your body.
Recommended meal to try: Any of their omelettes for breakfast! With that you will get seasonal fresh fruit with your choice of toast. For lunch, I would suggest a wrap of some sort seasonal soup!
7. Sanaa's Gourmet Restaurant
Sanaa's is a one of a kind restaurant to find in Sioux Falls! Go to 8th and Railroad and there you will find a quaint place filled with ethnic Mediterranean cuisine! Interesting fact: Sanaa is the owner and chef of the restaurant. She was on The Food Network multiple times. On Friday nights, Saturday evenings, and Sunday afternoons Sanaa's offers a 10 course buffet! Yes...10 courses! If your stomach says no to 10 courses, then you can order something else off of their menu! Once you walk into Sanaa's you will feel like you stepped into another world! If you don't believe me about how amazing it is, go try it yourself!
Recommended meal to try: 10 course buffet!
8. Mama's Ladas
"Making my way downtown, walking fast, faces pass...opps! I think I actually passed it!" This may be what runs through your mind when looking for Mama's Ladas! You may walk right past it because it is such a small building! Small, but mighty! Right? You will have to check out this hidden gem, and yes this one can at times feel like it's hidden! Anyway, stop in, sit at one of the few tables, get great and fast service, and enjoy the enchiladas! P.S. their salsa is so unique! It has tons of veggies in it! Chips and salsa...I mean I'm still in! Who's buying? (Seriously though...)
Recommended meal to try: Broccoli and Cheese Enchilada or their classic Chicken/Beef Enchilada
9. Phillips Avenue Diner
This is a diner that isn't so hidden to the locals of Sioux Falls! It is a staple in brunch diets. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, this place literally has it all! When you walk into The Diner you enter a time warp. You are brought back to the '50s. They have the old booths, bar, and subway tile on the floor! When you sit to order, it even feels like you are transported in time; you hear the clinking of the cups and the hum of the music and conversations around you. But in all seriousness, their menu is fantastic! It ranges from chicken and waffles to a burger with jalapenos on it! Shakes are appropriate at any time of day (don't let any else tell you any differently!)
Recommended meal to try: Breakfast favorites (for myself) are the Breakfast Burrito and the Farmer Scrambler! For lunch/dinner I would suggest the Taco Burger or the Turkey Avocado BLT. (Don't forget to top it off with a shake!)
10. Camille's Sidewalk Cafe
Camille's is actually a smaller chain cafe believe it or not! Every time I walk into Camille's, it feels so local and friendly! I have some of the greatest times in there with my sister when we are trying to escape the cold weather or our other responsibilities in life. We find comfort in the food and the company there! One of the things I love most about Camille's is they hire employees with disabilities! This is held very close to my heart because I am a Special Education major and have had experience with individuals with disabilities. Not all work places are willing to hire these individuals (even though they are very capable). This is why I love the mission and values of Camille's, as well as the food and atmosphere too!
Recommended meal to try: Mexican Daredevil Grilled Hot Wrap
If you aren't familiar with the surrounding Sioux Falls area, here's a good list of places approved by myself and many others in the area! I promise it is worth your time and money! I also think it is so important to support local businesses and restaurants, as they thrive off of our support and love! Enjoy your exploration my fellow "foodies"!
