Tucked away on 10th Street in the heart of downtown Sioux Falls sits The Orion Pub—an establishment that aims to whisk customers back to a simpler era.
The Orion Pub embraces the charm of an old-fashioned neighborhood pub, offering a nostalgic atmosphere and emphasizing quality company and classic beers.
Opened in 2023, the pub is the brainchild of Thomas Hentges and Jon Oppold (owner of Sunny’s Pizzeria in Sioux Falls), who envisioned a space where folks can feel at home.
“There’s a lot of great bars in the area, but there was nothing like an everyday bar,” explained Hentges. “We flirted with the idea, and then the next thing we knew, Jon had his eye on a piece of real estate. I was finishing up my tenure at a previous employer, and everything made sense timing-wise.”
Previously, Hentges worked as a manager at Miner Brewing Company and Prairie Berry Winery Taproom in Sioux Falls.
“This is no new thing for me, working with people, and I had long desired to do something similar to this,” shared Hentges. “You dream about things like this, but they rarely happen.”
Hentges reveals he thrives running the day-to-day operations from behind the bar, while Oppold handles the marketing and business side of things.
“We complement each other very well,” he added. “Our partnership works well with our combined strengths and weaknesses.”
SKOL
The Orion Pub has become home to Minnesota Vikings watch parties throughout the National Football League season.
Stepping inside feels like stepping into a bygone era with a wood-paneled wall, vintage beer signs, mounted deer heads, and a classic jukebox.
Additionally, Hentges and Oppold designed the space with hand-selected and tasteful finishes to create a quaint environment.
A 14-seat bar with vinyl bar stools lines the middle of the pub, while exterior booths invite guests to settle in and relax.
“There’s a lot of nostalgia here, and that’s intentional, as is with everything here,” stated Hentges.
The co-owner adds that the absence of bottled liquor enhances the overall vibe he and Oppold aimed for.
“We just wanted a friendly neighborhood bar,” said Hentges.
“On the weekends we see younger people, and the younger generation are your customers now and in the future. It’s awesome to see such a wide clientele.” -Thomas Hentges
The drink focus at The Orion Pub is undoubtedly on beer. While customers won’t find an overwhelming selection of craft brews, the pub offers a curated list of retro beers on tap.
“We specialize in what they call ‘dad beers,’” laughed Hentges. “We have beers that you’re not going to find on tap at other places.”
On tap at Orion Pub are 15 beers, including Miller High Life, Grain Belt, Coors Banquet, Hamm’s, Schell’s Deer Brand, and Pabst Blue Ribbon.
Hentges adds that the bar also carries a selection of local brews from Fernson Brewing Company in Sioux Falls to Lost Cabin Beer Co. in Rapid City.
The brews are complemented well with a selection of seltzers, ciders, and non-alcoholic beverages.
“We offer a lot that people can find appealing,” said Hentges. “That’s what people get most excited about when they come here, because it truly fits the vibe.”
HENTGES’S FAVORITE MEMORY
“During one of the first weeks that we were open, the sun was coming through the front windows just right, we had a baseball game up on our TVs, and nobody was buried in their phones. Everyone was boisterously laughing and communicating. It reminded me of growing up in Madison and just watching people entertain themselves by interacting with one another.”
As for food, the co-owners found a way to incorporate Sunny’s Pizzeria into the mix of their new business.
Six pizza flavors make the menu, including the Classic Double Cheese, Classic Pepperoni, Ole Moly, Drop Dead Fred, Oink! There It Is, and Bacon Cheeseburglar.
Classic brewery snacks have also made their way to the menu: Pickled eggs, pickled sausages, pub mix, and more.
“If someone is here and they’re a little hungry, we’ve got you covered,” shared Hentges.
“I can say with my whole heart that we’re producing an atmosphere similar to the TV show Cheers. It’s something that we hold dear and keep a close eye on.” -Thomas Hentges
Whether customers are catching up with friends or neighbors, or enjoying a solo pint after a day at work, there’s a sense of belonging that permeates the atmosphere.
“We host a very positive attitude around here that people have come to know and love, and they protect it,” expressed Hentges.
He continued with a laugh, “We’re welcome to anybody as long as they’re cool.”
