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Food

Everyone From South Dakota Should Know How To Make These 8 Iconic Dishes

Published Apr 30, 2019

Written by 

Annie

When you hail from Pennsylvania, you should know how to make a homemade Philly Cheesesteak. Are you from Colorado? We bet you have a killer green chile recipe! Louisiana? Jambalaya and gumbo it is! Where does that leave us? Well, South Dakota, we believe you should know how to make ALL of these 8 iconic dishes:

1. Kolache

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Wikimedia Commons

Okay, this one can be a bit tricky, but considering how many Sundays you spent at Oma's house, you should know that your kolache begins with a homemade roll that is then stuffed with a delicious fruit and cream cheese filling.

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2. Kuchen

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Wikimedia Commons

SoDak's official state dessert is kuchen, another unique treat introduced to the state by our German ancestors. Consisting of a made-from-scratch crust and creamy topping, kuchen is a bit more complicated to make, but the work is ALWAYS worth that extra effort.

3. Chislic

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Flickr/Janelle

How to make Chislic:

1. Cube your elk or lamb.

2. Salt, pepper, and garlic pepper the (remaining) life out of it.

3. Fry.

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4. Gorge yourself until your stomach hurts.

4. Indian tacos

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Flickr/Bill Roehl

Whether you are making breakfast, lunch, dinner, a snack or dessert, you can never go wrong with an Indian taco, which begins with a light and airy fry bread (if you mess it up the first time don't feel bad; it takes a bit to master!) and is topped with beef or buffalo, cheese, lettuce, and tomato.

5. Hot beef sandwich

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Flickr/Larry Miller

Hot beef sandwiches are the absolute epitome of South Dakota and can be made by simply toasting bread, throwing some shredded beef atop it, and then slathering that bad boy in a hot brown gravy. Now, please excuse me while I go wipe this drool from the side of my mouth...

6. Lefse

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Flickr/Jesse Thorstad

Raise your hand is lefse is an after-Thanksgiving staple in your home, too! (There is NO better way to use those leftover mashed potatoes than by making them into a dough and frying them up.)

7. Bierocks

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Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM

Now comes my personal favorite: the bierock. Made by my grandma on a regular basis, bierocks are essentially just easy-to-eat pockets that are 75% ground beef, 25% cabbage, and 100% delicious.

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8. Walleye, pheasant, and bison

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Flickr/Bill Roehl

Listen, if you don't know how to properly prepare these three iconic meats by now, you can't call yourself a true South Dakotan!

Don't feel like making these tonight? Make reservations to eat at one of these 10 Small Town Steakhouses In South Dakota That Are Totally Worth The Trip.

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Food

Word On The Street Is That Skogen Kitchen Serves The Best Chef-Driven Food In South Dakota

Published Jul 23, 2024

Written by 

Tori Jane

If someone were to ask you about the best restaurants in South Dakota, what would you tell them? There are a handful of places that seem to always come to mind - and one of them isn't typically the place I'm boasting about today, which is part of what makes it so very special in my eyes. If you're looking for a unique dining experience in South Dakota that you won't soon forget, I can't recommend Skogen Kitchen enough - it's a treat in more ways than one, especially its uniqueness.

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Welcome to Skogen Kitchen, a perfect example of what happens when modern elegance meets practical deliciousness.

Exterior of Skogen Kitchen, featuring a green facade, outdoor seating, and a large window with diners inside.
Brittany Kruse/Google Local

The whole menu at this amazing place is lovingly hand-crafted by the chefs who work here - and each dish is an absolute work of art. It makes for a perfect date night, anniversary spot, birthday delight, or whatever else your occasion might be.

The vibe of the place is somehow both upscale and laid-back, with a lively feel and a menu to die for.

A cozy restaurant window with a painting, candles, and decorative items on a green table.
Kyle Hanks/Google Local

Skogen means "Forest" in Norwegian, and ever since the restaurant's opening some years ago, it's become a local staple.

There's truly nothing you can order that isn't incredible - so bring your appetite!

A plate of fluffy pancakes topped with savory meat, drizzled in sauce, and garnished with chopped chives.
Br3337y/Google Local

No pressure - there are no bad choices here - only solid, true deliciousness you can come to expect from this amazing place. The rave reviews mention excellent service and, of course, incredible food time and time again.

The menu isn't overly enormous, but this is by design - it allows the chef to pay special attention to each plate, crafting something truly worth writing home about with each and every order.

A table set with plates of steak, fries, and a seafood pasta dish, accompanied by glasses of white wine.
hermes debackere/Google Local

It's one of my favorite restaurants in the entire state, and the town of Custer is lucky to have it.

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A chef prepares food in a cozy kitchen with various utensils and ingredients on the counter.
Br3337y/Google Local

Since this little restaurant is enormously beloved by the town it resides in, I strongly recommend making reservations for your visit.

A gourmet dish featuring a lamb chop atop apple compote, garnished with fresh greens and drizzled with sauce.
Mercedes Noam Kostucki/Google Local

It can only help, after all - this place is amazingly busy, and you'll discover exactly why from your very first visit.

For more information about this amazing restaurant, including the most up-to-date hours and menu, be sure to visit the official Skogen Kitchen website. Visiting Custer and need a place to stay? Check out all the awesome offerings from our friends at VRBO.

Do you have a favorite when it comes to the best restaurants in South Dakota? Tell me about it in the comments!

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Food

The Outdoor Restaurant In South Dakota That Is The Prettiest Place To Enjoy A Warm Afternoon

Published Jul 15, 2024

Written by 

Tori Jane

When it comes to dining in South Dakota, there are a TON of options, and it can be tough to decide where to start. This summer, then, why not choose to experience the beautiful outdoors alongside an amazing meal? I think yes! Take, for example, the amazing outdoor restaurant in South Dakota known as Granite City Brewery; this amazing eatery is mostly outside (and partially inside) and offers up a truly delicious menu with lots of tasty options. Let's check it out!

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Welcome to Granite City, an amazing modern restaurant with a killer menu and lots of amazing patio space perfect for a summer day.

Exterior of Granite City Food & Brewery, featuring a large sign and clock on the building.
Amber Hunnel/Google Local

Here, you'll find a delightful assortment of lunch and dinner options, all of which are delicious.

Personally, I'm a fan of the juicy burgers, but lots of folks also rave about the steak and salmon.

A plate with a sliced sandwich filled with meat and cheese, accompanied by a side of crinkle-cut fries.
Granite City Brewing/Google Local

I mean, come on -

- just look at it (and try not to lick your screen).

A grilled steak with a knife, served alongside mashed potatoes and green beans with almonds on a white plate.
Granite City Brewing/Google Local

But, in all seriousness, there's nothing on this amazing menu at this gorgeous restaurant that you can possibly go wrong with; other classics include baked salmon (amazing), buffalo mac and cheese, salads, and, of course, a hearty dessert menu.

The real draw is, in my opinion, not necessarily the menu - it's the absolutely amazing outdoor dining area.

Outdoor dining area with large umbrellas, tables, and chairs surrounded by trees and a view of the water.
Ryan Anderson/Google Local

Surrounded by trees and peaceful shade, a fan favorite thing about the whole place is probably a tie between the overall vibe and the food itself.

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It's a laid-back, quiet experience that you'll find yourself thinking about time and time again after you've left.

Outdoor dining area with wicker chairs and tables under an umbrella, surrounded by greenery and a sunny sky.
Zach Libengood/Google Local

It's worthy of a day trip to Sioux Falls just for the food, but the outdoor patio vibes are positively delightful. Best of all, there's plenty to do in town other than just eat - you can really turn it into a whole thing if you so choose.

Of course, if outdoor dining isn't your thing, you can still dine indoors.

Interior of a restaurant featuring wooden tables, booths, and a TV showing a sports game in the background.
Dane LaFleur/Google Local

The interior is just as lovely as the exterior - admittedly with fewer trees!

For more information about this wonderful outdoor restaurant in South Dakota, be sure to check out the official Granite City Food & Brewery website. There, you'll find all the latest hours, menus, specials, and more.

If you're planning to visit Sioux Falls and need more to do while you're here, check out all the coolest offerings from our friends at Airbnb Experiences. Do you have a favorite spot for outdoor dining in South Dakota? Tell me about it in the comments!

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