South Dakota Food South Dakota Cuisine Local Specialties

Enjoy the comfort of hearty dishes supplied by the bounty of the land.

Our region is famous for many delicious fares particular to the midwestern Dakotas, with influences from German traditions, Native recipes, and home farm-and-ranch cooking. Hop around the river to find those small-town restaurants serving fried walleye and catfish straight from the river, or pheasant from the field. The river region boasts great meat options in steaks and burgers, from bison and deer to familiar ranch steer to delectable chislic.

Many riverside small town restaurants create their own special menu items. Ask the locals or restaurant staff for a recommendation and they’ll give you a taste of tried and tested town favorites. It's a sit back and relax atmosphere practically anywhere you choose to dine in Central SoDak, so come in your jeans and boots and pass a pleasant hour in a cozy corner.

Here is a short list of some of the foods that are staples in South Dakota:

Fry bread

Buffalo

Trout

Pheasant

Walleye

Deer

Chislic

Goose

Quail

Elk

Kuchen

Dakota Spirits Distillery

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Platte Creek Brewing Company

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Bars, Brewery, & Pubs

After spending the afternoon fishing the Missouri or exploring local shops and attractions, nothing is better than ending the day with a nice cold drink.

Experience a wave of nostalgia when you step into a small-town bar, and a round of your favorite drinks to go with it. Enjoy the evening at a local winery or brewery for excellent home-spun beverages made right here in South Dakota. Check out Dakota Spirits Distillery in Pierre or Platte Creek Brewing Company in Geddes for some truly unique craft beers!

Family Dining

One of the things people love about the Missouri River area is the plethora of local family-owned businesses, and the restaurant industry is no exception.

If you are looking for a dining experience that makes you feel like you’re having a home-cooked meal, there's plenty to be had along the river! If going out on a culinary limb is not your cup of tea, Missouri River restaurants are great at catering to the classics. If you're looking for a foodie challenge, hitting up those hidden gems is the place for you to find some surprisingly unique menu items.

Coffee and Bakeries

There is no better pairing than a family road trip and a fresh cup of coffee...

...especially if you’re rising early to catch those gorgeous South Dakota sunrises. Our riverside small towns habor adorable coffee shops filled with charm. Don't forget to look out for local bakers who wake up at the crack of dawn to make fresh pastries and donuts. Check out McCarville Coffee Roster in Bonesteel and try a Mega Muffin, or visit the Branding Iron Bistro in Pierre for a local signature coffee. If youre traveling I-90 for the long hall, be sure to stop by the Coffee Cantina in Kimball for a smoothie, cold brew, or a specialty choice of brain fuel!

Dakota Desserts

The South Dakota Missouri River valley has a rich, melting pot history of different cultures.

Due to this diversity, South Dakota has some amazing desserts you may not find anywhere else! Kuchen, the official dessert of South Dakota, is a pie-like German pastry made with sweet dough and filled with custard. Kuchen is especially popular on the eastern side of the state. If you are looking to try something from the Lakota Sioux people, we recommend Wojapi. This is a thick dipping sauce prepared by mixing wild berries and is delicious with fry bread! Visit the South Dakota Popcorn Company in Pierre to try this incredible and unique dessert!