The Ultimate Guide To The Best Restaurants In South Dakota — Pizzas, Tacos, Ice Cream, And More!
South Dakota is known for being a sprawling, expansive midwestern state with vast rolling hills and flourishing prairies. But what many visitors to South Dakota don’t know is that the Mount Rushmore State is also a gem when it comes to hole-in-the-wall restaurants and uniquely surprising eats. The culinary scene in South Dakota of course holds U.S. staples like pizza, donuts, and ice cream, but it’s really the state-specific cuisine that is most memorable. When classic steakhouses have menu items that include bison or when a remote winery in Hill City offers award-winning wine tastings, you’ll know you’re in South Dakota.
The Best Pizza In South Dakota
Take a trip back in time when you visit Cruizzers pizza in South Dakota. This family favorite has retro seating and unique timely decor, but really it’s the pizza that everyone drools over. Cruizzers has iconic pizza that is practically falling off the table - that’s how big these pies are. Build your own gigantic pizza, whether it’s traditional pepperoni or the Hawaiian Twist, there is no judgment in this pizzeria.
Have you ever seen pizza pies this big before?
The Most Delicious Tacos In South Dakota
The next time Taco Tuesday rolls around in South Dakota, we have one place that is a must-visit - Vinyl Taco in Sioux Falls. This wacky taco shop features a bevy of taco options, 16 to be exact. You can score some traditional fish and chicken tacos, but it’s the specialty ones that are most exciting. Note, Vinyl Taco is 21 and over, largely due in part because of their epic craft cocktail menu.
Anyone else ready for some tasty tacos and craft beverages?
The Best Italian Restaurant In South Dakota
Botticelli Ristorante might not be the oldest Italian restaurant in South Dakota, but it’s certainly one of the tastiest. This Italian gem features a bevy of pasta dishes that are seafood-centric, like the popular cioppino or the Salmone alla griglia. Of course, you can still snag an epic fettuccine Alfredo, but when topped with fresh prawns, it’s even better! Plus, you can’t beat the 200+ wines that line the shelves.
Did you know fresh seafood pasta existed like this in South Dakota?
The Most Mouth Watering Donuts In South Dakota
When the next donut craving hits and you find yourself in Sioux Falls, then head on over to Flyboy Donuts. This popular donut shop is so good they have not one but two locations to choose from, each with mouth-watering Texas-sized donuts. That’s right; some of these donuts are humongous, each made from scratch every day with fresh dough. Enjoy a wide variety of toppings from sprinkles to cereal, cookie crumbs, and beyond.
Are these Flyboy Donuts the biggest you’ve ever seen?
The Most Amazing Ice Cream In South Dakota
What better way to enjoy an ice cream cone than from the iconic South Dakota staple Twist Cone. On a warm summer day, you’ll likely find a line around the corner of people waiting for this ice cream treat. This isn’t your typical soft-serve ice cream, but instead features twisted flavors like Strawberry Butter, Georgia Peach, Orange Creamsicle, and more! Also, don’t count out the banana split too, which is a delicious trip down memory lane.
Are you ready for a retro ice cream treat?
One Of The Best Bakeries In South Dakota
Both North and South Dakota are known for paying homage to traditional German sweets, so it’s only right that one of the best bakeries highlights these gems, too. Queen City Bakery in Sioux Falls is one of the highest-rated bakeries in the state, featuring all kinds of scrumptious German treats. From turnovers to Kuchen, fresh coffee, and more, come and check out Queen City Bakery in South Dakota.
Who is ready for some true South Dakota Kuchen?
One Of A Kind Sandwiches In South Dakota
It’s been said that if you want the best sandwiches in South Dakota, then you have to visit The Pickle Barrel. Tucked away in Sioux Falls, The Pickle Barrel understands that when it comes to sandwiches, size matters. These gargantuan sandwiches feature homemade bread, fresh meats, and cheeses, plus classic menu options. Beyond the traditional sammies, you can also score a few specialty hand-helds too, like the Big Sky Special or the Sturgis Chicken.
Ready to wrap your hands around these gargantuan sandwiches?!
The Most Delicious Mexican Food In South Dakota
It’s likely you’re not visiting South Dakota in order to score the country’s best Mexican food, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t delicious options. Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant in Spearfish is a family-owned spot bursting with character. As soon as you walk through the doors you’ll notice the bright, vibrant tables and booths, and hand-painted chairs. The food here is made fresh, from scratch, including chips and salsa, tortillas, and guacamole. Order a few classic margaritas to really make the meal special.
Anyone else ready for a Mexican fiesta of flavor?
