The 605 Best

It’s a hard job, but someone has to do it. The 605 team travels all around South Dakota finding hidden gems and statewide staples. The 605 Best awards are given to people and businesses who we feel deserve some recognition, whether it’s a tiki craft cocktail place we frequent or a person rooting for female entrepreneurs.

This isn’t “pay to play,” and includes a few 605 Best People’s Choice Awards thanks to our readers and followers. Here are the winners of 2021. 

BEST FARM-TO-TABLE RESTAURANT

REDwater Kitchen
It’s hard to go to REDwater Kitchen in Spearfish and not want to order everything on the menu. The house-made recipes are made with fresh ingredients, like the mouth-watering Brussels Sprouts and Korean Fried Chicken. And don’t forget brunch. Saturdays and Sundays have items like a Beermosa and Crustless Quiche (or order the Kids’ S’mores Pancake). Eat surrounded by modern vibes inside, or sit on the street-side patio. 741 North Main Street, Spearfish.

BEST PLACE FOR DINNER AND A SHOW

The Custer Beacon
The scratch-kitchen restaurant in Custer is a 605 favorite. Eat. Sip. Gather. Groove. That’s the mantra, and we’re following it. Whether we’re munching on top-notch cuisine (Curry Poutine), playing yard games, or catching a concert or karaoke night, there’s always something to do. 351 Washington Street, Custer.

BEST PLACE TO PATIO

PAve
Click here to see more. 130 South Phillips Avenue, Sioux Falls.

BEST PLACE TO DINE & GRAB A CRAFT BEER

Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company
The huge full service bar, brewery, and event center in Custer is a one-stop shop with local craft beer and food downstairs and fine dining upstairs. Did we mention the fine dining restaurant is called The Pounding Fathers in reference to America’s “founding fathers” sharing drinks together? Have a monumental time trying Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company beers, like the Trust Buster Scottish Export, and munch on items like Tiger Ceviche or Lager Mussels inside or on the large patio. Like it so much you would marry it? Well, you can get married at Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company, too! Note: Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company is open seasonally. 140 Mount Rushmore Road, Custer.

BEST BAR/RESTAURANT AMBIANCE

The Hello Hi
Mix a classic, local, full-service bar with an affinity for tropical moods and made-from-scratch tiki cocktails. Order themed drinks, like the Painkiller or Humuhumunukunukuapua’a, and literally see fire (in a safe way) with the Beetle in a Haystack. Going to “Virgin Island”? Order non-alcoholic drinks, like the Passionfruit Collins or a Nojito. The Hawaiian, vintage vibes are out of this world, and the bathrooms are a must-stop for a selfie. 120 South Phillips Avenue, Sioux Falls.

Bonus:
Order a slice or pizza to-go in the back at Pizza Cheeks.

BEST PLACE FOR CRAFT COCKTAILS

Blind Lion
Behind Murphy’s Pub and Grill in downtown Rapid City is a speakeasy called Blind Lion. If you’re lucky enough to get the code, enter through the kitchen into the basement and use the digits to open the door. It’s like stepping back into the times of Prohibition, with staff wearing the garb to match. Enjoy a carefully-crafted cocktail using the old chipping technique to chop a block of ice, or order Absinthe for the table. Catch a comedy or band, or celebrate a special evening. Note: Blind Lion can be booked out, so call for a reservation. 510 9th Street, Rapid City.

BEST MEATBALLS

Nonna’s Kitchen
Stopping by Nonna’s Kitchen in Spearfish is like stopping by for dinner with the family. The authentic Italian restaurant is owned by Nancy and Darren Manzari, and the recipes come from her love to feed her children (and now the public). Nonna, which is Italian for Grandma, serves items like the infamous Nonna’s Meatballs, Darren Jr.’s ZaZa, Crazy Green Spaghetti, and Nonna’s Salmon. And don’t forget to ask for the after-dinner coffee experience. 544 North Main Street, Spearfish.

Bonus:
Wedding photos of family members are on each menu.

BEST PLACE FOR BRUNCH

Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge
Established in 1949, Brookings’ oldest serving restaurant has been family owned for nearly half a century and three generations. What started as a small gas station café on the edge of town has grown into a staple in the community. But don’t think that doesn’t mean the menu isn’t fresh and innovative. Have items like the Lamb Sloppy Joe, Pheasant Salad Lettuce Wraps, Sweetcorn-Sunflower Hummus, and a Chicken Spatzle Alfredo. One of the stars of the show are the Weekend Waffles at brunch. The Nordic “vaffles” come in unique varieties like the Café-Style Hot Beef Waffle, the Vaffel Med Leads (Smoked Salmon Waffle), and the Uptown Breakfast Waffle. 726 Main Avenue South, Brookings.

BONUS:
Don’t forget to order the Smoked Breakfast Tots. 

BEST LODGING

Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort
Click here to see more. 245 Centennial Drive, Custer.

BEST NEW BUSINESS 

The Market on the Plaza
The “store for Aberdonians” is a brick and mortar but is also a strong brand that is everything from a coffee shop to a local merchandise store to a bar. The Market on the Plaza was created to celebrate South Dakota and Aberdeen and is a great place to connect with locals over a hand-crafted latte or The SoDak wrap. Find the perfect gift for someone or for yourself with designs for both adults and kids (and also local goods, like homemade chocolate). 506 South Main Street #4, Aberdeen.

STREAM IT:
Listen to The Market on the Plaza’s podcast The Rural Revolution with Brodie Mueller and Carly Pochop.

BEST 2021 TREND

Charcuterie Boards
Click here to see more.

BEST NEW ATTRACTION

The Brothel Deadwood
Explore a real Deadwood brothel. See a century of prostitution up close through Deadwood History. The industry operated illegally in the city from 1876 until 1980 when a raid by federal agents closed it down. Visitors walk through the 104-year-old story with guided tours of the original Shasta Rooms brothel. Each room is curated with era-appropriate furnishings, and visitors find out the impact the sex workers had in the community. 610 Main Street, Deadwood.

BEST EVENT

Bierbörse
A beer stock exchange and tasting alley at Main Street Square in Rapid City, this annual fall event is full of brews, food, and the polka. Simply taste your way around the event, or enter in the Beer Olympics (including a wiener toss). Solo yard games are available as well, like the stein-holding, keg bowling, and more. For 11 years, the event has entertained locals and visitors from all around. 512 Main Street, Rapid City.

BEST PLACE FOR VINTAGE FINDS

Urban Archeology
The carefully curated shop in downtown Sioux Falls is full of easily accessible antiques and mid-century modern, vintage curiosities. The DeBoer family has worked decades climbing through abandoned buildings and scouring neighborhood rummages and auctions to bring the most unique items for patrons. Full of décor, art, and apparel, hours could be spent going through the unique finds. 126 South Phillips Avenue, Sioux Falls.

BEST MUST-SEE ATTRACTION

Rushmore Tramway Adventures
Catch the excitement at Rushmore Tramway Adventures in Keystone. The family-fun adventure park is full of experiences with thrills like the aerial park, ziplining, the tubing hill, and the jump tower. Want to relax? Take the scenic chairlift and make your way to overlook Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and grab a bite and beer at the Grille & Gardens. Want an unforgettable afternoon? Do the Pinnacle Zipline Tour. 203 Cemetery Road, Keystone.

BEST SALON VIBES

HI-FI Hair
Click here to see more. 218 West 13th Street #101, Sioux Falls.

BEST VOICE

Adam Weber
Sioux Falls’ Adam Weber is always giving a dose of enlightenment, encouragement, and self reflection. The proudly proclaimed husband, dad, pastor (Embrace church), author, and podcast host is a “Jesus follower” but also relates to everyone around him with empathy and compassion. His podcast, The Conversation, has had guests on like The Bachelorette’s Desiree Siegfried and Destiny’s Child’s Michelle Williams. Weber recently started an Airbnb called The Dutch on 7th in hopes to help revitalize the Cathedral District neighborhood and to help those in need (i.e. during divorce and other difficult times). 

READ UP:
Check out his books, Talking with God and Love Has a Name. 

BEST CHAMPION

Maddie Peschong
Maddie Peschong of Sioux Falls has become known for pushing women and helping creatives “discover their magic” through building strong brands. Her positive energy has led her to go from a long-time wedding photographer to a full-on marketing guru through creating brand loyalty. Whether it’s through her brand photography sessions or coaching sessions, Peschong’s main goal is to help others and be relatable. 

BEST LOCAL ARTIST

Flannel Music
The pop/rock/funk Rapid City cover band just wants to “have fun.” Want to transport right back to the ‘90s? They can take you there with hits from Sublime, Third Eye Blind, and the theme song of Friends. Fans have been known to jam out to hits from Britney Spears, Weezer, and TLC. Get out your bracelets and platform shoes for a good time. 

BEST CHEF

Emily Wilson of Bee Loved Kitchen
Want plant-based meal delivery and/or catering? Emily Wilson is your person. The raw chef founded Bee Loved Kitchen to help others create more living foods in their diets “to promote healing within.” Wilson herself is very open about how her body allegedly healed itself through eating a high raw diet. Have vegan meals delivered to your door, or hire her for a private chef service. 

BEST COMMUNITY SUPPORTER

Matt Paulson
Click here to see more.

BEST SOCIAL MEDIA

Sioux Falls Fire Rescue
Click here to see more.

BEST FASHION

Tyler Blake and Monalisa Perez of Wäke

The creative couple created streetwear clothing as not only an apparel line but an online brand. Known for designer hoodies, t-shirts, sweatpants, and clean aesthetics, the main goal of Wäke is to build a culture around self love and self awareness. Newly launched is THEYSELF, which is an online shop specifically for women. Whether it’s a podcast live stream or a fashion shoot, the companies are always launching something new.

BEST TRIO FOR A CAUSE

Sioux Falls Skatepark Association
Click here to see more.

BEST ENTREPENEUR

Erika Peterson of Nerdy Nuts
The small-batch peanut butter company started off as a passion project in Erika Peterson’s kitchen. Not only are her Nerdy Nuts products made with simple ingredients and no preservatives, they’re ever-changing with fun flavors like Autumn Pie Peanut Butter and Circus Cookie Peanut Butter. Peterson sold them at farmers’ markets and local businesses but blew up once her products were featured in influencers’ TikToks, and she was also featured on Fox Business for election-themed peanut butter. Within 72 hours of the segment, Peterson says she did over $25,000 in sales.

BEST SMALL TOWN RESTAURANT

Skogen Kitchen
The people have spoken, and Skogen Kitchen has created a reputation for one of the best dining experiences in South Dakota. The chef-driven concept offers innovative plates by chef Joseph Raney, along with some of the best hospitality by staff and co-owner Eliza Raney. Some favorites include appetizers like the Piquillo Peppers and entrées like the Roasted Beef Cheeks. Tip: Make a reservation as the restaurant has limited seating. 29 North 5th Street, Custer. 

BEST PLACE FOR A FAMILY DAY

D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives
This year-round attraction was established in 1896 in Spearfish. It is one of the oldest operating hatcheries in the country dedicated to fish culture and resource management. Along with the beautiful nature of The Grounds, visit the Von Bayer Museum of Fish Culture with over 185,000 fishery artifacts, or check out The Booth House with period furnishings of Booth family memorabilia. Families love seeing The Railcar, a replica of Fish Car No. 3, and The Yellowstone Boat. Tip: If it’s open, check out The Pond Gift Shop. 423 Hatchery Circle, Spearfish.