Sioux Falls

Brioux Falls Coffee Shop, Sioux Falls, 9/26/26

~ hsnixon ~ 2 Comments
interior – 150 E 4th Pl, Ste 202, The Steel District, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Brioux Falls Coffee Shop was in The Steel District overlooking Falls Park on the skywalk between our hotel – Canopy by Hilton – and the parking garage as well as various shops and businsses.   A convenience store with grab and go options as well as freshly made sandwiches and coffee drinks, we thought we’d give it a try as we headed to the airport.  Everyday when we walked by, going to the parking garage, it was crowded with people.  The small shop did not have tables in it but there were several on the bridge where you could sit and watch all the action on the ground level.  We also saw numerous folks get coffee and snacks to go with them.  Even in the morning hours they were happy to make one of their hot sandwiches for us, but their main traffic seemed to be for drinks.  Their regular Americano coffee was good and hot as was the turkey sandwich.  This is quite the tourist area with all the recent development in the area you may find yourself walking by.  It’s a fine place to get a drink and a snack. Continue reading →

HK (Harvester Kitchen) by Bryan, Sioux Falls, 9/25/26

~ hsnixon ~ 4 Comments
entrance – Harvester Building 196 E 6th St, Ste 101,, East 6th Street And N Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104-5945

Harvester Kitchen was now in downtown.  Co-owned by Bryan Moscatello and Jim Entenman it opened in 2021 and then moved to this location in last Jan when it became HK.  Previously it had been a much larger space, accommodating over 40 people and with the new space their limit is now 24 but also it has additonal space next door for a wood-fired pizza place called Nunzio’s Food Hall and BlackFork Farms a cocktail bar.   Entry to HK was through a wine room then into the long dining room with one wall being a nicely padded bench opposite pleather coated tables backed up by a blond wood service cabinet.   There was also one free standing table.  The gray tones were off set by the hand glued wood wall – made up of 8000 wood chunks.  It was nicely stylish with mood music in the background but cursiously bright lighting.  With carpet on the floor and extra cushions on the bench noise level was not a problem.  They offer 2 tasting menus of 5 or 9 courses with optional wine pairings and the addition of caviar service.  Service was provided by one person for the room but she did an amazing job of letting no one lag for too long.  While the food was mostly attractive it was unfortunately quite dull.  We got the longer of the tastings and wish we hadn’t, but I thought the move and smaller venue might have improved things since fellow restaurant blogger Mel went there in 2024.  If you go, get the smaller menu, the longer one was not worth the almost double price. Continue reading →

Phillips Avenue Diner, Sioux Falls, 9/25/26

~ hsnixon ~ 2 Comments
exterior – 121 South Phillips Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Phillips Avenue Diner was an Airstream trailer that combined with some buildings to become a restaurant.  From their website I learned that the trailer used to be the Market Diner in 1996 and the owners wanted to expand so moved it downtown.  Open every day for breakfast and lunch they stay open till 8pm Tues through Sat for dinner.   It offers a very “diner” experience with lots of stainless steel, elevated and floor level booths and counter stools.   Tile on the floor and vintage music in the background, vintage photos on the walls and lots of windows finish out the interior.  They’ve got the fountain options but we were there for a breakfast before another day of sight-seeing.   Service was friendly and efficient.  One interesting quirk was they served packages of peanut butter in addition to the jelly options.  The food was good and I’d go again if in the area. Continue reading →

Ironwood Steakhouse, Sioux Falls, 9/24/26

~ hsnixon ~ 2 Comments
exterior – 150 E 4th Pl, Suite 200, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Ironwood Steakhouse was a 2 story restaurant with views of the falls.  Serving classic steakhouse fare they’re going for a more upscale vibe with purse stools and offering an amuse bouche.  The interior was quite new and modern in design with a few booths and otherwise small bare wood tables.  Exposed ductwork added to the many hard surfaces which elevated the noise level when the place filled up.  The bar was at the end of our second story room but people didn’t seem to eat or drink there.  Older photos (mostly of cattle) supplemented some mirrors and decorative pieces of art.  Service was friendly and efficient and the managerial people frequently rounded to make sure all was going well.  Generous portions were at times over-whelming but our entree beef was fabulous.  Other items more average.   If you go get the Wagyu Zabuton and you won’t be disappointed. Continue reading →

12th St. Fryn’ Pan, Sioux Falls, 2/24/26

~ hsnixon ~ 2 Comments
exterior – 1720 W 12th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

The Fryn’ Pan Family Restaurant on 12th street began as an offshoot of Country Kitchen in the 1970s and now has 7 locations in the Dakota’s and Minnesota.  It is locally owned and operated and open 24 hours a day with free wifi.   They also offer a senior discount, have a kid’s menu and a large salad bar from 11am to 11pm.  When we entered the large place the salad bar was to our right and a bakery counter was in front of us as we waited to be seated.   There also was a large free parking lot, music in the background, carpet on the floor, art on the walls and a combination of booth and table options.  Service was efficient and outstanding.  It’s the kind of place that when  you order coffee they bring your first cup and leave an insulated pot on the table for refills.  Friendly servers knew and chatted with some regular customers, but it still felt a little sterile.  It is quite inexpensive with generous plating so if you’re traveling and need a quick, fill-up and one pops up near you, it’s an acceptable option. Continue reading →

Chef Lance’s on Phillips, Sioux Falls, 9/23/26

~ hsnixon ~ 2 Comments
entrance – 431 N. Phillips Ave, Suite 100, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Chef Lance’s was a large place near downtown with widely spaced bare wood tables and booths.   The lowered lights worked nicely with the music, art, stone walls and open ceiling.   Established in 2020 it was still locally owned and operated and definitely sees itself as a “special occasion place.”   The large menu was supplemented by seasonal menu offerings, a kid’s menu and the Wednesday special that offered half price bottles of wine if someone at the table orders a Wellington.  A menu item they are known for, they offer the traditional beef Wellington but also one with salmon and one with pulled pork as well as all three in a  plate for two people.  The food was good with generous portions and made even better due to a fantastic service by Jacob who helped steer our choices.  It was a really fun night and one I’d recommend when in Sioux Falls. Continue reading →