This Small-Town Steakhouse in South Dakota Is a Local Favorite for Juicy Prime Rib

Hungry? For me, the answer is almost never no, and steak almost always sounds amazing. South Dakota is one of those places where great steak isn’t hard to find—if there’s anything we do right, it’s food. There’s a little hole-in-the-wall steakhouse in South Dakota that deserves a shout-out. Nestled in the small city of Hartford, the Hartford Steak Co. Tavern might have a simple menu, but it’s big on flavor.

Family-owned and operated since 1997, the tavern’s roots trace back to a 1920s family restaurant tradition built on serving simple, high-quality meals at a great value. The menu sticks to what they do best—Filet Mignon on weeknights and Prime Rib on weekends—keeping things simple, affordable, and delicious.

Hartford is considered a small city, though to most it feels like a small town. Its population is around 3,300—which, in my opinion, makes this find that much better.

You’ll walk in and immediately notice the sizzling sound and aroma of steaks on the grill. The atmosphere is homey and small-town; it’s the kind of place where locals come to relax and catch up over a good meal.

The menu may be small, but the steaks are anything but. As of October 2025, you’ll find a 24-ounce (1.5-pound) Filet Mignon for around $32—one of the best steak values you’ll find anywhere.

No matter what you order, it’s sure to be cooked just how you like it: rare, medium rare, medium, or well done—every cut is prepared to perfection. The whole restaurant has that classic, local, hole-in-the-wall charm. That relaxed, no-frills setting makes the food taste even better. After all, sometimes great food and good company are all you really need.

Personally, I can’t get enough of the prime rib and filet mignon. You’ll also find other cuts of steak, hearty sandwiches, and a few sweet treats worth saving room for—like their warm turtle brownie topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate, caramel, and pecans, or a slice of their rich, creamy cheesecake.

The Hartford Steak Co. Tavern is located at 709 N. Mundt Ave. in Hartford, South Dakota, just a short drive west of Sioux Falls. The tavern typically opens for dinner Monday through Saturday, with extended hours on weekends—but it’s always best to check their website for the latest information before you go. There’s also a second location in Vermillion at 7 Court Street, offering the same menu and small-town charm.

This small-town gem in South Dakota is everything you could hope for in a local steakhouse. The original Hartford Steak Co. Tavern is a must-visit, and if you’re planning a trip to Hartford, check out nearby stays on Vbro and plan your adventure using the Only In Your State itinerary planner.

Have a favorite small-town steakhouse in South Dakota we should feature next? Send us your suggestion through our nomination form!