If you are a lifelong South Dakotan, you may think you have seen everything there is to see and tried everything there is to try, but have you really? If you want to really experience the Mount Rushmore State and all of its goodness, we recommend checking out these 7 best little known restaurants in South Dakota.
1. Rosie's Cafe (Sioux Falls)
Stop into Rosie's and find out what all the hubbub is about. This homestyle food will have your mouth watering. Try the homemade meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn and a roll all for under $6.
Address: 2202 West Madison Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
2. Meridian Corner (Freeman)
There aren't many places you can find parking for your truck, plus mouthwatering lamb chislic and infamous broasted pork chops, but Meridian Corner is one of those places. At the corner of Highway 81 and 18, this little mom and pop shop is worth stopping for! (Seriously, after seeing this chislic, can you understand why Meridian is one of the best underrated restaurants in South Dakota?)
Address: 43915 US-18, Freeman, SD 57029
3. Charlie's Resort (Lake City)
A local favorite, Charlie's Resort is located on Highway 10 by Lake City. Their menu features prime rib that may well be the best in South Dakota.
Address: 43880 SD-10, Lake City, SD 57247
4. The Back 40 (Mitchell)
Based upon this picture alone, it is safe to say that this South Dakota dining bucket list restaurant is doing everything right. From homemade caramel rolls to burgers, and even roast and potatoes as good as grandma used to make, the Back 40 is serving up amazing food around the clock.
Address: 511 North Main Street, Mitchell, SD 57301
5. Whimp's Place (Burbank)
There is no need to adjust your screens, folks, as Whimp's really does make golden fried chicken that looks this amazing! (Are you more of a steak and potatoes kinda guy/gal? They have those, too.)
Address: 32028 White Streeet, Burbank, SD 57010
6. The Prairie Dog Cafe (McLaughlin)
Editor's Note: Since the publication of this article, Prairie Dog Cafe has permanently closed.Eating at the Prairie Dog Cafe feels like you're eating at home with family, which is a huge part of the cafe's charm. Don't be fooled, though, as charm isn't all this cafe has to offer. Take, for instance, the pictured Ultimate Pulled Pork Sandwich, which is just one of the many menu items that will have you wishing this cafe was in your home town.
Address: 123 Main Street, McLaughlin, SD 57642
7. Toby's Lounge (Meckling)
This hidden gem is tucked in the small town of Meckling. The fried chicken at Toby's is so good, you have to go see it (and eat it) for yourself. Warning: You'll definitely love discovering one of the best unassuming restaurants in South Dakota.
Address: 31364 Meckling Road, Meckling, SD 57069
Have you been to any of these hole in the wall restaurants in South Dakota? Which is your favorite?
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!