Since 2008, The Attic Bar & Grill has become a go-to establishment for locals when it comes to dining, drinking, and simply enjoying a night out.
After settling in two locations in Sioux Falls, founder and owner Genna Terveer realized it was time to bring the fun to her home town: Brandon. With the help of her colleagues and fellow owners Nicholas Mangene and Erica Richards, the trio began to devise a plan for a third establishment.
“Genna lives in Brandon and she always thought that something was missing,” said Richards. “They already have great established restaurants, so we figured, what’s one more?”
After a multitude of setbacks from the difficulty in obtaining materials, The Gruff Plates + Pours opened in September 2022.
According to Mangene, the meaning behind The Gruff’s name was inspired by the Norwegian folktale, Three Billy Goats Gruff.
“They cross a bridge to new horizons,” explained Mangene. “That became our thing, bridges to new horizons, and introducing new and exciting things.”
Fish Fridays
The Gruff will offer Lent-friendly fish features on Fridays during the month of March.
The name is not the only thing inspired by the classic tale. The Gruff’s logo features a donkey from the original logo from The Attic Bar & Grill with a billy goat standing on its back, signifying the reach of new adventures.
The Gruff offers a dynamic menu of salads, flatbread pizzas, sandwiches, and signature plates. Mangene adds that there’s something for everyone.
“At the end of the day, we wanted a fun restaurant, like an ‘every man’s bar,’ but it has a more intimate feel.” – Erica Richards
The Gruff’s entrées consist of signatures from the Attic Favorites, like the Indian Taco, as well as exclusive Gruff items, like The G.O.A.T. The half-pound beef patty is topped with red wine onions, goat cheese, baby arugula, and chipotle raspberry sauce.
The menu offers a variety of burgers, like the Drunken Wilber with pulled pork, thick-cut bacon, bourbon glaze, cheddar cheese, onion frizzles, peppercorn ranch drizzle, lettuce, and tomato.
“Some of our other best-selling items would be the Everything Fry Bread, Egg Roll in a Bowl, Salmon Caprese Salad, and the Nola Jambalaya,” said Mangene.
Another fan-favorite dish includes Hot Truffle Fries, an appetizer of spicy truffle fries, parmesan cheese, and Gruff sauce.
Mangene noted that this past year The Gruff participated in and won Brandon’s inaugural Burger Battle with their burger Pig Trouble in Little China.
The cooked-to-order burger patty was topped with sesame slaw, provolone cheese, sriracha brown sugar bacon, braised pork belly, fried leeks, and drizzled with honey sriracha.
“The burger battle was something we were thrilled and proud to be a part of,” he added.
The Gruff’s food is one of the most popular attractions, but their seasonal drinks are equally as much of a hit.
Throughout the month of March, enjoy a Pecan Pie Old Fashioned, a Peach [Mango] Sangria, or the Espresso Martini with Jag Cold Brew, Smirnoff Vanilla Vodka, sweet cold foam, and a garnish of espresso beans.
In addition, Richards states that they offer a wide selection of what she calls “local not local wines,” such as J. Lohr’s Pinot Noir and Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon and Jessup Cellars, Table for Four Red Blend, and Red Zinfandel.
More on the Menu
THE INTRO
» Street Tacos
Braised pork, salsa verde, pico de gallo, Manchego cheese, cilantro micros, and corn tortilla.
FLATBREAD PIZZETTE
» Buffalo Chicken
Griilled buffalo chicken, red onion, tomatoes, bleu cheese crumbles, mozzarella cheese, and ranch drizzle.
THE GROUNDS
» Dragon Slayer
Half-pound burger, thick-cut bacon, mango habanero sauce, bleu cheese crumbles, and bread and butter pickles.
THE BREAD
» Grilled Meatloaf Sandwich
Carmelized onions, mushrooms, chipotle ketchup glaze, on a grilled ciabatta.
PLATES
» Chicken Bruschetta
Marinated baked chicken breast, artichoke crème, bruschetta tomatoes, balsamic reduction, horseradish mash, and grilled asparagus.
JUST DESSERTS
» Colossal Chocolate Cake
Six-layer cake, chocolate ganache, frosting, and vanilla bean whipped cream.
Both Mangene and Richards agree that no matter who walks through the door, their restaurant has something to offer.
“The Gruff is for everyone,” said Mangene. “Whether you get off work to come to have a beer during happy hour, ladies’ night out, or a family dinner, we definitely like to be suitable for everyone.”
“If I had to describe the Gruff in three words, it would be quality, relaxed, and community.” – Nicholas Mangene
Mangene reflected on how the entire team and he have forged a special bond with Brandon since opening.
“All of the support from the community and getting to know the people in Brandon has been rewarding,” he said.
