It’s one of the least densely populated states in the USA and home to the iconic Mount Rushmore. But South Dakota offers more than just breathtaking landscapes with impressive rock formations of the founding fathers. Along with its national parks and stunning rock formations, this Midwestern state has become a vibrant destination, boasting an influx of places to eat, drink, and activities to appeal to every type of traveler. Whether you’re a road trip enthusiast, nature seeker, history buff, or foodie, this guide to South Dakota food and drink will highlight must-visit places when passing through or traveling to the state.
Where to Grab a Bite?
Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge
When you visit Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge in Brookings, South Dakota, you’ll experience a dining gem recently honored with the prestigious 2024 James Beard America’s Classics Award for the Midwest Region. Originally established in 1949 as a gas station café, the Pheasant was transformed nearly 20 years later by current chef and manager Michael Johnson’s grandparents, Georgiana and Ronald Olson. Now a third-generation family-owned establishment, it holds the title of the oldest full-service restaurant in Brookings, with a menu that has remained largely unchanged since its inception. As you peruse the menu, you’ll find iconic mid-century dishes of the upper Midwest, including hot roast beef on homemade white bread with mashed potatoes and gravy, and Nordic waffles filled with smoked salmon. You can also indulge in comforting twists like duck wings and bison steak au poivre.
Harvester Kitchen by Bryan
Located in downtown Sioux Falls on 6th Street near Phillips Avenue, Harvester Kitchen offers a modern take on traditional American prairie cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Bryan Moscatello. Be sure to try the “Baby Back Ribs,” served with corn puree, cherry BBQ sauce, and butter-poached cabbage. But if you’re in the mood for something plant-based, the Spinach Corzetti with toasted oat sugo, squash, and truffle is a must. The restaurant’s space in the historic Harvester Building provides sunset views of the Old Courthouse clock tower, making the dining experience more memorable. 
Sanaa’s Gourmet Mediterranean
Ever thought you’d find authentic Syrian cuisine in South Dakota? At Sanaa’s Gourmet, Chef Sanaa Abourezk makes it happen, bringing the vibrant flavors of her homeland to the heart of the Midwest. Originally from Damascus, Sanaa has honed her craft in prestigious kitchens across France and Italy. Her menu features standouts like tender kebabs, creamy hummus, and her signature muhammara—a stunning red dip enriched with pomegranate molasses and crushed walnuts. Her rotating selection of pastries—features flavors like pistachio, cardamom, and saffron—offering a glimpse into the world of Syrian sweets. Sanaa’s vision extends beyond the plate. She’s dedicated to sharing her culinary heritage with the community, often hosting cooking classes and cultural events that immerse guests in the rich traditions of Syrian cuisine.
Rosalie’s Restaurant, Bakery and Lounge
One of South Dakota’s most iconic foods is the deliciously pillowy fry bread. While many locals have treasured recipes for fry bread and Indian tacos, one version stands out at Rosalie’s Restaurant, Bakery, and Lounge in Sisseton. The fry bread is well crafted here, serving as a hearty base for toppings. In addition to their signature fry bread dishes, the menu has other classics like savory steak tips and juicy hamburgers made with local Rancher’s Rebellion beef, all served on house-made buns.
Where to Grab a Drink?
Breweries and Bars
Like the food scene, the brewing scene is equally bustling in South Dakota. There is a focus on local breweries, where people take pride in drinking beer made nearby. Sioux Falls’ WoodGrain Brewing Co. offers a variety of seasonal brews alongside its flagship beers and noteworthy IPAs. At 6th Meridian in Yankton, you can enjoy craft beer from quality grown hops. Alternatively, A Homestead Brew in Valley Springs is known for its unique wild sour ales. Saloon No. 10, a sprawling bar in Deadwood, boasts a bevy of spirits and craft beers on draft, emphasizing local Black Hills breweries like Cadillac Couch lagers and Riley’s Irish Red Ale from Dakota Point Brewing in Rapid City.
Wineries
When people think of “wine country,” they usually imagine the vast vineyards on the west coast. However, more and more individuals throughout the country are discovering that South Dakota also boasts a growing wine country. Some notable wineries include Valiant Vineyards in Vermillion, South Dakota’s oldest winery, which hosts tastings and special events throughout the year. Wilde Prairie Winery in Brandon produces wines exclusively from South Dakota-grown fruit and honey. Tucker’s Walk Vineyard & Farm Winery in Garretson offers wines made with hardy cold-weather grapes and a variety of experimental blends made with fermented fruit.
Things to Do
Nestled in the charming town of Mitchell, the Corn Palace stands as a quirky testament to the region’s agricultural heritage. Originally built in 1892 to showcase the area’s fertile fields and draw in settlers, this cultural gem features murals made entirely of corn and other grains, celebrating iconic South Dakota symbols. The exterior murals change each year to depict a new theme. This year’s theme is “Famous South Dakotans,” honoring notable figures.
For a deeper dive into the state’s agricultural impact, head to the Stockyards Ag Experience in Sioux Falls. Here, you’ll learn how agriculture shapes the region’s culture, economy, and science. Similarly, the Ingalls Homestead in DeSmet offers a peek into pioneer life with hands-on activities like driving a covered wagon, grinding wheat, and crafting corncob dolls—perfect for the young and young at heart.
If you want a unique outdoor experience, don’t miss Fleurish Flower Farm in Elk Point. Their popular “you-pick” events let you roam through fields bursting with vibrant blooms to create your own custom bouquets featuring sunflowers, zinnias, dahlias, snapdragons, and cosmos. With such a colorful array to choose from, each bouquet reflects the farm’s lush landscape and your personal touch. Fun fact: this farm even has its own landing field, attracting folks who fly in just for these events—talk about “flying high” in South Dakota. For another creative outlet, consider spinning clay with the small-batch maker Sonja Gloria Pottery, where you can channel your inner artist and craft something special.
If you’re itching to hit the trails, South Dakota’s rugged landscapes offer plenty of opportunities for a good ol’ hike or jog, with wildlife encounters that include antelope, buffalo, and elk. Iconic destinations like Custer State Park and Badlands National Park—famed for their breathtaking vistas and as filming locations for Armageddon—promise unforgettable adventures. A trip to South Dakota wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the iconic Mount Rushmore. Just a stone’s throw away in the Black Hills is the impressive Crazy Horse Memorial. Once completed, this monumental carving will be the largest in the world, dwarfing Mount Rushmore by tenfold. It has the potential to become a new wonder of the world, attracting globetrotters armed with selfie sticks ready to capture their next “epic” shot.
