Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Sioux Falls S.D. Restaurant Reviews

Sioux Falls Convention Bureau SFCB, reports that Sioux Falls have over 500 restaurants. . Nicknamed, “The Heartland of America” Sioux Falls is the most populated city in the state of South Dakota.  Restaurant Lodges serving from hearty Midwestern steaks to phở at midscale Vietnamese strip mall venues; all lies within the 68.9 square miles of the city.  Although the demographics of Sioux Falls are predominantly white, the city has small pockets of diverse culture.    

The state itself is nationally known for its pheasant hunting.  So it is not a surprised various restaurants, bars and grills offers seasonal small and big game dishes.  For some it is a special treat for others it may be a delicacy.    Needless to say, not many states can offer such game meats without having to import.  Not only are seasonal game meats offered, South Dakotans offer a unique preparation dish called Chislic.  South Dakotans serves it as comfort food it is unknown outside of the state.

Some restaurants have been successfully serving for over 33 years, and while new concepts come each year Sioux Falls Dining evolves.  It may not evolve as fast as a mega metropolitan, it does though slowly and gracefully.  Either you have lived here all your life or simply visiting for the day, I like for you to join me on my quest to discover Sioux Falls as the city with options. 

In the mean time I highly recommend utilizing such online search engines as http://www.siouxfallscvb.com/dining.cfm

The sites hold a plethora of useful information and even share some candid feedback. Unlike this article, future articles will focus more on specific Sioux Falls Restaurants.  Until then, enjoy one restaurant at a time.

Sioux Falls Restaurants Reviewed in Alphabetical Order

Bracco is a full service restaurant serving classic American cuisine. The venue is spacious, also offers private dining area for large parties, large outdoor seating and island style bar seating area.  Open daily for lunch and dinner. 

5001 South Western Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57108-2606

(605) 338-4386




Buffalo Wild Wings Review.
Although the official name of the national franchise is Buffalo Wild Wings, they are also known as BW3 because the original name was Buffalo Wild Wing and Weck.  Needless to say the franchise has successfully opened across the country.  The Sioux Falls location is the only one in Sioux Falls and is near the Arena, making it quite in demand and busy during Arena events. The establishment caters to sports enthusiast with multiple flat screen TVs.  It is family and kid friendly, plenty of seating in bar area and dining area.

Address
909 N West Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57104-5721

(605) 334-2711




Driving east bound on 41st Street you almost miss this modern but cute sandwich café.  They are located in a strip mall on the north side of the street.  Camille’s is modern clean and friendly.  The deli style service is visually appealing and depending on your order it’s also fast.  The menu geared for sandwiches, wraps and salads can be light and convenient.

The deli style service is spacious and if the line goes too long you simply go grab a table and your number will called.  In the sitting area some fun large photographs are hung, these pictures are recent but resembles mid 30’s modern photography era.
There are plenty of tables and seats, there are also seating in their patio weather permitted.

I would have liked to review more of their service and staff but nothing has transpired after one email exchange with management. Readers please comment below if you care to share any thoughts per this venue. Of course the intent of this review is strictly professional and informational basis for others in our community. Until then, enjoy one restaurant at a time.

Catering is available.

TO CONTACT CAMILLE’S SIDEWALK CAFE:
Phone: 605-333-WRAP (9727)
Fax: 605-333-4849
1216 W. 41st Street
Sioux Falls, SD  57105



Carino’s Italian Grill is a casual busy Italian restaurant.  The ambiance is cozy and mature.  Although Carino’s is family friendly, it would be a suitable place for intimate dates and our professional lunch/dinners.  The food and spirit menu is quite large and it is complimented with its upscale service.

Location
2310 South Louise Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD(605) 361-7222



Chevys is one of the 200 chain restaurants Real Mex owns and operates.  The concept is simple, Fresh Mexican cuisine served in a modern and clean environment. The venue is spacious and busy with eclectic Mexican memorabilia. The colors are vibrant and much resembles their dishes.  Chevys offers bar seating, dinning seating and out door seating (weather permitting).  
Located:
2801 South Louise Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57106-4308

(605) 362-2610
CJ Callaway’s Restaurant is situated in the on the south side of Sioux Falls, split in the middle between Cliff and Minnesota.  The Pub at Callaway’s; and the full service full Event Center are also services this property provides. Callaway’s caters to an upscale clientele. Their full menu serves everything from Burgers to Filet Mignon. They are open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner at 5PM.

Location:
500 E 69th St, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
(605) 334-8888



Famous Dave’s on 2700 S. Minnesota Ave Restaurant Review
Famous Dave’s is the brainchild of Dave Anderson. His vision encompasses both making quality BBQ and the casual hospitality involved when enjoying it. Mr. Anderson would be proud to know that 16 years later I walked into his creation and have this to report.

Southern hospitality must be the top of their pre-shift discussion.  The moment Jennifer and I walked in, the entire staff all gave us a kind smile and all seemed happy that we were there.  Because we were the first guests to arrive on this Sunday afternoon we had the chance to see how all the other guests were greeted as well. Sure enough we were not the only ones getting the special treatment.

The 146 seat venue itself is filled with various southern and western memorabilia.  BBQ is their specialty and suggestions of sauces and spices fill the room.  Their menu is large and several shared trays to choose from.  Jennifer and I shared their Appetizer platter and their chopped pork sandwich, washing it down with sweet ice tea. Both dishes were more than enough for two and we even had to box up some remaining items.  Needless to say the portions are plentiful.

Overall the service was spectacular and the food was delish. The ambiance is fun, suitable for family and young children.  If you do not mind getting a little messy this could be a fun date for couples of all ages.  After our fantastic experience, nearly three weeks later I got a chance to sit down with the management team; General Manager, Darsha Tuenge, and Manager James Sullivan.  Both were very passionate of their work and the staff that drives their business.  This is very refreshing; I always believed that a staff’s happiness is directly related to the level of happiness that can be transpired to the customers. Coupled with such a management team of Darsha and James it made sense to me their level of success and the level of experience I was able to receive when dinning there weeks prior. Until then, enjoy one restaurant at a time.


TO GO: 605-334-8800
Catering: 605-334-8800
Fax: 605-334-8822
Hours: 11AM-10 PM Sunday-Thursday
            11AM-11PM Friday and Saturday


First Wok
Driving west bound on 10th street one block past Minnesota Street you will see First Wok on your left. This bright red, stand alone restaurant building is home to a drive through, sit down Hunan and Szechwan style Chinese restaurant.  With a minimum order of $15, First Wok delivers for free.  The ambiance is fun, clean and casual.

Opens 7 days a week
Sunday –Thursday 11AM-9:30PM
Friday – Saturday 11AM-11PM

Location
523 West 10th Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57104-3619

(605) 338-2588


Golden Harvest Chinese Restaurant in Sioux Falls is located on 12th street and Garfield. Driving west bound on 12th Street you will see the restaurant on your right. The front of the house staff is predominately Asian and from what I can tell they are Chinese. Although the cooks are Latin the dishes are quite authentic; partially due to the Owner’s management.  The space is adequate and spacious.  Your choice of comfy red booth seated near the window facing 12th street or standard table for four in the middle of the dining room. Golden Harvest is open daily for lunch and dinner.

Location:
301 South Garfield Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57104-3140

(605) 332-2323
Dine in, Delivery and Take Out


Grandma Max's
This truck stop diner on the north side of Sioux Falls is a common eatery for those frequent interstate 90. Inside Grandma Max’s you have the traditional bar eatery setup the kind that allows you to see into the large kitchen, while seated side by side with other guests. Several booths align up to the windows facing Cliff Avenue. Early breakfast, lunch and dinner serve American fare. The menu is quite large and prices comparable to the Perkins Restaurant Chain.

All and all I enjoyed my meal; while people watching sitting in my comfy booth. The service was old fashion and friendly. There are smoking sections so ask accordingly when being seated. Plenty of standard box TV’s are strategically placed around the restaurant for your viewing.

I was hoping to get a chance to have a 3 minute Q&A session with management but after phoning the restaurant on September 25, 2010 at 4:10 PM the supervisor on duty did not seem receptive and told me she was too busy. I question if the supervisor realized my phone call was a kind gesture and may help her business name. This is unfortunate; Grandma Max’s info is difficult to come by online. This could have been opportunity to share to the rest of the community of their business and services.  Or perhaps I am wrong to assume that all restaurant owners like to have their name, info, hours and services shared openly. Until then, enjoy one restaurant at a time.


Grandma Max's Restaurant
5301 N Cliff Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
(605) 334-9321



Residing in 11 Midwest States, the second of 26 stores, Sioux Falls opened 2000.  Steven J. Wagenheim, Chief Executive Officer, President and Founder of the empire also holds the titles as corporate executive, owner/operator, manager and consultant for hotels, resorts, individual and multi-unit restaurant operations.

As the name suggests, the all American cuisine restaurant has a brewery onsite which is in an enclosed glass room where guests can view while dining.  They even patented a brewing process called Fermentus Interruptus™. 

The restaurant gives the proper meaning to a “full service restaurant”. The restaurant is heavily staffed in their large facility. Floor Managers, Hosts, Servers, Server’s Assistant, Bar Tenders, and Bar Backs fill the restaurant floor.  Guests can also take a look into the large kitchen with their full wall expedite service window. The staffs are knowledgeable of all service types and adhere to corporate professionalism.

Please check out virtual tours link and all American menu link for price below, until then enjoy one restaurant at a time.

Address
2620 South Louise Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Phone:   605.362.0000 
Hours
Monday - Thursday:   
11:00am to 12:00am
Friday:
11:00am to 1:00am
Saturday:
9:00am to 1:00am
Sunday:
10:00am to 10:00pm


Accepts all major credit cards.


Huhot is an Asian Mongolian Grill restaurant. Buffet style plating selection, one chooses all the items that will eventually be cooked on a large circular flat iron so to speak.  Your choices range from various veggies, greens, meats and spices.   It will then be cooked, sautéed wok style.  The service is very much like a buffet. Other than taking your drink order and handing your tab, there really is no service at hand.  Guests are allowed to return to the buffet line to have a new dish created.

2 Locations:
5430 E. Arrowhead Pkwy, Sioux Falls - (605) 221-1200
2101 West 41st Street, Sioux Falls - (605) 334-7400


Incas Mexican Restaurant is a family owned and operated restaurant.  They are located in a strip mall on the north side of 41st Street.  The staff is friendly in this warm Mexicana themed décor restaurant. The menu is large and some dishes are “Midwesternized”.

Located North of 41st Street
3312 S Holly Ave
Sioux FallsSD 57105

Wi-Fi


Minerva’s is one of the oldest restaurants in the heart of downtown Sioux Falls.  Opening since 1977 Minerva’s has been consistently making their customers happy with their attentive fine dining service in their conservative venue.

Located
301 South Phillips Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57104-6318


HOURS
Serving in the Dining Room
Lunch 11:00 - 2:30
Dinner M-F 5:00 - 10:00
Sat 5:00 - 11:00


Pho Quynh is a casual family run Vietnamese restaurant. The venue is simple and seats less than 30 guests in 15 ft by 15 ft room.  The décor is basic and some S.E. nuance exists.  The service is straight to the point and some translation difficulties.  Don’t be alarmed a young boy (3-4yrs of age) may greet and seat you with menu and all.  As their name suggests their signature dish is Pho.  Vietnamese cuisine is closest to Thai.  Common sauce/condiment used is fish sauce and Sriracha.
Located:
1100 West 12th Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57104-4101

(605) 332-0779


Saigon Panda is a Vietnamese/Chinese restaurant situated in the middle of a strip mall directly across from Cherry Creek Grill and Bar on East 26th Street. . The menu is large.  It includes everything from BBQ meats to salads entrées to the famous pho soup. The ambiance is traditional Asian Chinese appeal the staff is small and friendly.  The venue itself is a room 30 ft by 20 ft, separated by a swinging door into the kitchen.

Address
3301 East 26th Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57103-4174

(605) 335-8825

Open Mon-Thu,Sun 11am-9:30pm; Fri-Sat 11am-10:30pm


Szechwan Chinese Restaurant (415 Minnesota Ave.) Review.

The Asian themed décor, stand alone restaurant is located across from the Minnehaha Courthouse. Driving by, it looks like somebody uprooted a Buddhist temple from some far away Asian land and plopped it in central Sioux Falls.  The exterior are colors closely resembling the robes worn by Buddhist monks. Walking up from the parking you are greeted by two traditional golden Chinese lion statues (Foo Dogs). The interior follows accordingly.  The venue is visually stimulating to say the least and can be a great conversation piece over your meal.

The staff is predominantly of Asian decent and some communication problems may arise, but they are sincere and are willing to make your experience delightful. The menu is plentiful, exotic and standard variations of dishes to choose from.  The menu changes slightly from lunch to dinner. The change is of portions and price.  Evening guests that prefer dinner menu has been known to successfully request it during lunch.  I have been there over 20 times throughout my years and for the most part their dishes are consistent and quite authentic.

Dish prices range from $6-$25 most are within the $7-$9 range.  Plenty of appetizers to choose from and all reasonably priced.  They serve alcohol. 

There are two locations but this article is based upon the experiences for this location
Szechwan Chinese Restaurant 
415 N. Minnesota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 (605) 332-2010
Open for Lunch and Dinner

The other location not reviewed:
2821 W 41ST St Sioux FallsSD 57105 (605) 336-9488


Tre Lounge is an upscale venue that serves a full American menu with some various fusion dishes.  The ambiance is romantic and chic, great for dates and/or intimate dinners.  Tre has a large selection of wines and offers custom martinis. Please check out their website for menu, catering and private room in the lower level.

Located
601 West 33rd Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57105-4703

(605) 274-7017
Open M-Saturday 4PM-11PM

Website

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