10 Small-Town South Dakota Restaurants That Are Worth The Drive
Danville Inn, Viborg
At the Danville, you can get a little bit of everything. Pizza, burgers, pasta, steak, you name it.
Sioux Valley Grille, Canton
This place has one of the best reputations around, and it's well deserved. Not only does it have some of the most delicious food in the entire Sioux Empire, it also may just have the friendliest staff you'll find anywhere.
Hartford Steak Co. Tavern - Hartford, SD
It’s all about the beef at the Hartford Steak Co. Tavern. The menu is small, but delicious! Sunday through Thursday, they serve filet mignon with a baked potato, French bread and a lettuce wedge with dressing. Friday and Saturday night’s are well-known as prime rib nights. The prime rib is also served with the same sides as the filet. Both cuts of meat are available in various sizes to accommodate different appetites. The best part – it’s really affordable. They're only open for dinner.
Squealers Smoke Shack, Tea
This local restaurant is a hop, skip, and a jump away from Sioux Falls. They have amazing BBQ and...loaded mac and cheese.
Whimps Steakhouse - Burbank, SD
Going to the Dakota Dome? Make a pit stop in Burbank, just a few miles outside of Vermillion and treat yourself to a juicy steak at Whimps. They chicken is a hot item too. It's an all-American family, casual restaurant, located across from the shiny silos on White Street.
Meridian Corner - Freeman, SD
If you like Sunday afternoon drives and want to take a tour of the back roads of southeast South Dakota, you might run into the Meridian Corner. It’s an old roadhouse south of Freeman at the intersection of Highways 18 and 81. If you like chislic and want to try tiger meat, this is road trip-worthy. First of all, tiger meat is not made from tiger. It is raw hamburger (yes, raw), raw egg and seasonings and served with crackers. This is roadhouse food, so you have to have Rocky Mountain oysters. Taste buds not that exotic? Your speed might be the broasted pork chop or fleischkuechle, basically a fried meat pie. It is worth the road trip to experience the unique flavors.
Toby's Lounge - Meckling, SD
If you were a USD Coyote, there’s a good chance you’ve eaten at Toby’s Lounge. It’s an institution. If you can never decide what to order at a restaurant, that won’t be a problem at Toby’s. There are no menus. They serve chicken – good chicken. There are a few other things you could order, but why? If you’re not the one driving on this road trip, go ahead and have a few drinks. They’re strong and hit the spot. The building looks like a big tin shed, but trust me, you won’t be disappointed. Toby’s is located just 10 minutes northwest of Vermillion on Highway 50.
CJ's at the Wellington, Montrose
This one-of-a-kind eatery used to be a bank. In fact, it still has the old vault inside! And make sure to get the New York Strip when you go. You won't be disappointed.
The Gulch, Garretson
With great customer service, a fantastic little bar, and some of the best broasted chicken and potato wedges in the Sioux Empire; You'll be glad you made a trip to the Gulch, and once you're a customer here, you'll be one for life.
Someday Cafe, Baltic
Baltic's only sit down restaurant hasn't been open all that long, but it's already making heads turn with its shrimp baskets, burgers, and chicken strips. This little gem is the definition of "YUM".
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I've been to Squealers Smoke Shack & Whimps
Whimps is awesome
