When it comes to dining choices in the Sioux Empire, we have several. According to the Sioux Falls Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, there are over 650 eating establishments in Sioux Falls. This year alone, we added close to 20 new restaurants in the city.

I’ve tried them all. Isn’t that what we do in Sioux Falls? As soon as a new store or restaurant opens in Sioux Falls we have to be one of the first to check it out.

I took into consideration taste, price, and ambience. Here are my choices for the Top 7 best new restaurants in Sioux Falls in 2016.

 

  • Sickie's Garage

    One of my favorite new restaurants in Sioux Falls is Sickie’s Garage. This is a super casual restaurant with lots a great stuff to look at it including NASCAR flags, hubcaps, license plates and more. There are several TVs hanging around the restaurant so you can check out the sporting event of your choice. The best part about Sickie’s is the price. You can get a huge cheeseburger with a pile of shoestring fries for only $6.99. I challenge you to eat all of your fries. I don’t think it can be done! Sickie’s is known for the burgers and brews. There are over 50 burgers and brews to choose from, plus other tasty sandwiches from the Monte Cristo to the California Avocado Turkey sandwich made with ground turkey breast. There is something for everyone at Sickie’s and definitely affordable to take the whole family out. Oh, you have to try the malts. Delicious! They also have some awesome Happy Hour specials Sunday through Thursday from 3:00-6:00 PM and 9:00-Close. Sickie’s is located on Louise Avenue across from Sam’s Club.

    Karla Brown/Townsquare Media
    Karla Brown/Townsquare Media
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  • Panchero's Mexican Grill

    Panchero’s Mexican Grill opened their first Sioux Falls restaurant in September 2016. They have a prime location just off 57th and Louise. You can taste the freshness in Panchero’s food. With everything you order at Panchero’s, you get a mouthful. The burritos are not only huge, they are made fresh using giant tortillas filled with meat, veggies, beans, rice, cheese and salsa. The queso is unbelievable and a must try.

    Ben Davis
    Ben Davis
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  • The Barrel House

    The Barrel House just recently opened on the east side of Sioux Falls, where dining options are desperately needed. What puts this towards the top of the list is the ambience. There’s, wood, brick and barrels everywhere. It reminds me of a cool restaurant/bar in the Cities, but instead it’s at 4701 East 54th Street in Sioux Falls. Come for the beverages and stay for the pizza. The Barrel House has 40 different tap beers and over 70 bourbons and whiskeys. The pizzas are crazy good. They are Neapolitan style cooked in a wood burning pizza oven. The burgers are made with prime brisket and chuck which makes a super delicious burger, but to take it over the top, the buns are some of the best I’ve had. It could be the perfect burger.

    Barrel House via thebarrelhousesd.com
    Barrel House via thebarrelhousesd.com
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  • Old Soul Cafe and Kitchen

    When I first heard about this restaurant, I thought it was going to serve stick-to-your-ribs soul food, as in fried chicken, biscuits, sweet potatoes and mac and cheese. Well, it’s not. Most of the options at Old Soul are healthy options. Who knew healthy food could taste so food. I’m a soup freak! They offer several different varieties of soup throughout the week. The chicken cordon bleu soup is amazing. The grilled cheese with smoked gouda, aged cheddar, mozzarella and swiss is the perfect sandwich to dunk in your choice of soup. The restaurant has a small menu with specials available daily. Save room for dessert. Who knew cheesecake could be made so many different ways. They’re only open for breakfast and lunch, from 7:00 AM-3:00 PM. Old Soul is located in a strip mall at 2113 S. Minnesota Avenue.

    Old Soul via Facebook
    Old Soul via Facebook
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  • Crave American Kitchen and Sushi Bar

    Crave is located in the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Sioux Falls. My friends LOVE the sushi. Full disclosure, you won’t EVER see me try sushi. Not going to happen. I’ll just take my friend’s word for it. I stick with the “American” side of the menu. For sandwiches, the Smokehouse Chicken Sandwich is a winner with a grilled chicken breast, bacon, cheddar jack cheese and bourbon BBQ sauce. The Baked Mac & Cheese is made with seven cheeses and bacon. You can even add grilled chicken to it which I would suggest. You need your protein. Another excellent choice is the Fried Rice Bowl. You can choose from pork belly, shrimp or chicken. Come during Happy Hour for great deals on spirits and appetizers. Many entrees are under $15. The atmosphere is classy and modern.

    Karla Brown/Townsquare Media
    Karla Brown/Townsquare Media
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  • Red Robin

    I have always loved the Red Robin in Sioux City. Who doesn’t love a big burger and bottomless steak fries? I was super excited when the restaurant announced plans to come to Sioux Falls. They opened in April 2016 in the former Shenanigan’s location in the Empire Mall. Although they are known for their burgers, my favorite menu item is the Prime Rib Dip (without the onions and horseradish sauce) and of course the bottomless steak fries.  And, there is ALWAYS room for an extra helping of those. They also have delicious appetizers like the Pretzel Bites and Towering Onion Rings. Menu prices vary for the entrées, but they have several appetizers that are $3, $5 and $7.

    Red Robin via Facebook
    Red Robin via Facebook
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  • Z'mariks Noodle Cafe

    I love pasta! I don’t care what noodle place comes to town, it will be on my “best of” list. Of course Z’marik’s has pasta bowls, rice bowls and salad and more, but one of my favorite things to get is the beer cheese soup and breadstick. So delicious. I also love the Z’Alfredo bowl. Z’Marik’s opened in a strip mall on Minnesota Avenue in February of 2016. It’s located at 2300 S. Minnesota Avenue. Several bowls are under $6. It is super affordable and good food.

    Z'marik's via Facebook
    Z'marik's via Facebook
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