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 605 feels deserve some recognition, whether it’s eating sweet and savory crêpes at Krave Café in Aberdeen or getting crafty at Knotty Gnome in Hartford.
Readers and followers also take a vote for the 605 Best People’s Choice Awards. Here are the winners of 2024.
BEST SPECIALTY PIZZA // Jimmy’s Pizza
Jimmy’s Pizza in Aberdeen has the tagline “best pizza in town,” but it’s arguably one of the best pizzerias in the state. Order takeout or delivery to try hand-crafted staples like Meat Lover’s or Jimmy’s Super Feast, or get adventurous with specialty pizzas like Jalapeño Popper, Crab Rangoon, or Circus Buffalo Chicken. As Aberdeen is known as a top pheasant hunting town nationwide, it’s a must to try Jimmy’s Pheasant Pizza. Check back often for monthly specials.
Jimmysaberdeen.com // (605) 225-7000 // 318 6th Ave SW, Aberdeen
BEST PLACE TO BRUNCH
Perch
Read more about Perch here.
Eatatperch.com
(605) 271-1652 // 100 S Grange Ave, Sioux Falls
BEST INTERSTATE STOP
Frosty King
If you’re driving on I-90 during tourism season, plan your gas stop in Kimball, and stop hungry. The quaint hut with the red roof is “locally owned and loved” by Keileen and Todd Yeaton and serves a large selection of food and desserts. Burgers like the Sticky Burger and King Burger are made with “hand-picked patties” that are processed locally. Other food options include sandwiches like Brenda’s Chicken Sandwich (a 605-fave), Chicken Wraps, Footlongs and Hot Dogs, and all of the baskets (Mini Tacos, Sweet Corn Nuggets, Jalapeño Poppers, Gizzards, and Mini Corn Dogs—just to name a few). Save room for their famous ice cream, with options like shakes and malts, Cyclones, sundaes, and more.
Frostykingkimball.com // 738 S Main St, Kimball
BEST EXPANSION
Myrtle’s Fur Vault & Bar
For 14 years, Parker’s Bistro in Sioux Falls has focused on chef-driven cuisine sourced with local intent and creative craft cocktails. With its popularity, owner Stacy Newcomb longed for more space for the restaurant. In 2020, the building next door became available, and in 2023 Newcomb opened it as Myrtle’s Fur Vault & Bar. Myrtle’s gave the company the ability to add a separate full bar and new dining room, including more seating in the basement. The name pays homage to Newcomb’s grandmother (and wife to Parker), whose lives were defined by Prohibition, the Great Depression, and World War II. The building combines a classic design aesthetic with innovative, hand-crafted drinks, and is “where heritage meets indulgence.”
Parkersbistro.net
(605) 275-7676 // 208 S Main Ave, Sioux Falls
BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Mangiamo Wood-Fired Pizza
People first, community second, and great food always—that’s the motto of Mangiamo Wood-Fired Pizza in Hill City. Owners Deb and Russ Leatherman hand-make their dough from scratch, using fresh ingredients and baking their pizzas in a wood-fired oven from Italy. The Smokin Bear Pizza is a favorite with pepperoni and Italian sausage, along with Fire in the Hole with red sauce, shredded cheese blend, pepperoni, jalapeños, roasted red peppers, banana peppers, and hot honey drizz. Don’t miss out on the internationally award-winning Pasta alla Vodka.
Pizzeriamangiamo.com
(605) 574-2564 // 158 Museum Dr, Hill City
BEST BISTRO // Krave Cafe
Dominika Blum’s beginnings were far from Aberdeen. The creative and entrepreneur was raised in Warsaw, Poland, where she grew up under the shadow of a communist regime.
“I was raised by my mother in an environment where freedom was a luxury, not a right,” she said. “Despite the challenges of communism, my mom and I traveled as often as we could—she was determined to expose me to new experiences and the world around us.”
Her life took a turn at the age of 14 when she and her mother, along with her stepfather, immigrated to the United States.
Blum recalls stepping off of the plane at Chicago O’Hare International Airport and that it “smelled like freedom.”
That freedom didn’t come without challenges, one of them being Blum didn’t speak a word of English.
“After attending summer school for three months, I learned how to communicate in English,” she said.
Blum attended the Institute of Technology in Chicago where she studied architecture and continued her passion for travel. It was through travel that she fell in love with food, showing that “every meal can tell the story of a culture.”
This appreciation for food continued as Blum worked in a Michelin-star restaurant while in college, where she discovered elevated food service went beyond placing a dish in front of a guest—it was about crafting an immersive experience that engages all the senses.
After meeting her husband, John, Blum moved to his hometown of Aberdeen. She says she saw opportunity in her new community, and thus Krave Café was born.
“Together, we share a love for exceptional food, genuine hospitality, and creating a space where guests feel inspired and at home,” said Blum.
The restaurant that “blends European elegance with American spirit” is not just a place to eat, Blum says, it’s a community hub where the experience is just as important as the food.
The pair, who both own the business, transformed an old church building into Krave, keeping only the original foundation, brick, rafters, and studs, and revamped it into a warm, inviting café that reflects Blum’s love for travel, art, and quality.
The menu includes loose-leaf tea, coffee drinks like Café con Miel, Freddo, and Affogato, and will soon offer Boba Tea. Krave is best known for their crêpes, like the Caprese Delight with mozzarella, basil, cherry tomatoes, oil drizzle, balsamic glaze, and herb de Provence. Pay homage to Blum’s first American home with the Chicago, which has caramel, orange, and toasted walnuts.
“Our most ordered crêpes are definitely the Monte Cristo and the Florentine,” said Blum. “The Monte Cristo, with its perfect balance of sweet and savory, is a guest favorite, while the Florentine, with its rich, comforting flavors, is a popular dinner choice.”
Krave also has baked goods, like Biscones, Kookies, Cupcakes, Mini Breads, and more.
Blum says she’s excited to renovate additional kitchen space, which will allow them to expand and to create new offerings like interactive classes. Krave also plans to grow their catering services and host more events.
“There’s so much to look forward to as Krave continues to grow and evolve,” said Blum.
Welovekrave.com // (605) 725-5700 // 1801 Eisenhower Cir, Aberdeen
BEST WAY TO GET CRAFTY
Knotty Gnome
Read more about Perch here.
Knottygnome605.com
(605) 528-3393 // 208 SD-38, Hartford
Siouxmetro.com
(605) 679-7149 // Sioux Metro Growth Alliance Member
BEST WEEKEND GETAWAY
Downtown Aberdeen
Read more about Downtown Aberdeen here.
Aberdeendowntown.org
(605) 226-3441 // 208 S Main St, Aberdeen
BEST WAY TO HOLIDAY
Vermillion Standstill Parade of Lights
Read more about the Vermillion Standstill Parade of Lights here.
Livevermillion.com/chamber-of-commerce
(605) 624-5571 // 2 E Main St Suite #101, Vermillion
BEST WAY TO GET IN A WORKOUT
SISU Fit
Read more about SISU Fit here.
SISU-fit.com
(605) 679-0292 // 324 N Reid Pl, Sioux Falls
BEST PLACE TO LEAVE YOUR MARK
Poet’s Table
Located in a remote location in Custer State Park, make the scenic hike to see the lone green table and chair overlooking breathtaking South Dakota views. Locals and visitors use the dubbed Poet’s Table to sit back and enjoy nature, while jotting down thoughts or simply signing a name or message. Check out the cupboard full of journals left by hikers who have shared their thoughts from years past. Start the journey at Little Devil’s Tower Parking lot. Visit hiking websites for the best tips to find the majestic locale.
Gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/custer-state-park
(605) 394-2693 // 13329 US Highway 16A, Custer
BEST WAY TO SPEND AN AFTERNOON OR EVENING
Black Hills Playhouse
Read more about Black Hills Playhouse here.
Blackhillsplayhouse.com
(605) 255-4141 // 24834 S Playhouse Rd, Custer
BEST COMMUNITY SUPPORTER // Anna Hudelson
For 11 years, Anna Hudelson has been serving the community through the Museum of Visual Materials (MOVM), which has recently been rebranded as Mosaic Arts & Events in Sioux Falls.
“My role is to develop and coordinate educational and creative affordable art opportunities for individuals of all ages with all types of abilities year-round,” said Hudelson.
Every month the education director offers 25 art classes on average for students ranging from preschool children to retirement home attendees.
“I also prepare curbside craft kits for people who can’t make it to a class or need an art project for their group outside of Mosaic,” said Hudelson. “I love sharing my passion for creating art with people of all ages and abilities.”
Some of her favorite art supplies include working with pastels, paint, clay, wood creations, and upcycled materials.
Hudelson says she loves using art to help contribute to children’s holiday memories, as well.
“I have many warm memories during my time here at Mosaic,” said Hudelson. “I think celebrating holidays with children is a special experience with all the different activities we do, from Halloween parties to creating holiday ornaments to drawing leprechaun to story times of all kinds!”
One thing Hudelson says some people don’t realize is they’re a non-profit. This is one of the reasons for the October 2024 rebrand from the MOVM to Mosaic.
“Visitors found the old name confusing, and often were expecting a ‘museum’ experience,” she explained. “We feel our new name better communicates what we do, and helps people find us and know they can access classes and events here.”
When she’s not teaching classes, Hudelson is working on classes, and so much more. Her daily activities include coordinating classes, setting them up, taking them down, creating classes, keeping stock of art supplies, planning field trips, creating social media event pages, and updating website events, and where ever else she can help out.
“I also work with activity directors in the community, such as teachers and caregivers of day services, to schedule regular classes for a custom fit for each group’s needs,” she said.
Hudelson says it’s the greatest job to be trusted to create artistic opportunities for others.
She said, “I am thankful I get to create on a daily basis in a supportive environment with individuals who appreciate our efforts.”
Mosaicsiouxfalls.com // (605) 271-9500 // 500 N Main Ave, Sioux Falls
BEST ENTERTAINER
Zac Tenneboe
Zac Tenneboe has been entertaining South Dakota for decades, beginning as mentalist and comedy hypnotist Z*STONISH. Tenneboe used his mind-bending talents to create an annual “immersive nightmare” with a haunted house dubbed Terror 29 in 2022. Bringing together a community of Halloween enthusiasts, the entrepreneur decided to open a storefront in Brandon dedicated to those who love to shop for thrills with the Terror 29 Mystery Shop of Horrors & Curiosities. The creepiness doesn’t stop there—horror lovers can experience the Terror 29 Spook Show December 7, 13, and 14 for a 50 minute show that only allows 13 guests. Are you brave enough?
Terror29.com // Zstonish.com
(605) 777-1730 // 1420 E Cedar St, Brandon
BEST IN TOURISM
Mistie Caldwell
Mistie Caldwell has been with Visit Spearfish since its inception in 2009, and serves as the executive director, overseeing the operations of the company and ensuring the efforts of the staff align with the organization’s mission. Ever since she started her position, Caldwell has brought synergy to the area, bringing together community leaders and “working toward a better Spearfish.” If you enter the visitor center, it’s more than likely she’ll be there to greet you herself, and if she’s not, she’s working with members and/or is literally on the streets working events like Chinook Days, Downtown Friday Nights, and Vette Street USA. Spearfish continues to evolve, and we know she’s one of the reasons why.
Visitspearfish.com
(605) 717-9294 // 603 N Main St, Spearfish
BEST FANDOM
Shane Gerlach
For 10 years, Shane Gerlach has been an advocate for communication, creativity, inclusivity, and “all things geek” with SiouxperCon in Sioux Falls. Gerlach watched the event grow from a hotel basement with around 1,000 to over 11,000 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. The event has had a $1.3 million impact on the community, bringing in guests from all over the country and abroad, and has hosted over 175 guests, including Walter Koenig from the original Star Trek and Academy Award-winning actor Doug Jones. SiouxperCon has also made an impact with non-profits by raising over $40,000 for Make-A-Wish South Dakota and Montana, the JY6 Foundation, and REACH Literacy. After all of his hard work, Gerlach will hand over the reins as convention director to longtime attendee and volunteer Spencer Kaul, who will take over in time for S10uxperCon X next September.
Siouxpercon.com
Sioux Falls
BEST PODCASTER
John Meyer
If you’ve met John Meyer, you know he wears many hats. The Sioux Falls entrepreneur (proudly raised in Brookings) co-built two marketing agencies, Lemonly and 9 Clouds, and sold both for seven-figure exits, is the executive director of LeadershipSouthDakota, runs his leadership coaching program for solopreneurs, Leadmore, and is the host of the LeadmorePodcast. Not only that, but he frequently speaks at events. Put those all together, and that might be a reason why his podcast has drawn in over 100 leaders as guests from all industries and backgrounds and has over 90,000 views and downloads and continuing.
Johntmeyer.com
Sioux Falls
BEST SOUTH DAKOTA SPIRIT
Becky Tomac
Becky Tomac is the “one-woman company” of Oh Geez! Design in the Black Hills. Started in 2007, the graphic designer began with creating greeting cards for a craft show in her hometown. After opening an Etsy shop, it was clear there was an interest in her products and she started wholesaling to local shops. Now selling a wide range of South Dakota-themed gifts and apparel, Tomac is doing Oh Geez! full time with a recent launch of her new website ohgeezdesign.com. Stay tuned for her new general store in Keldron, which she says will carry grocery items, off-sale beer, snacks, and antique/vintage items. Oh yeah, and alenty of Oh Geez! and other South Dakota gifts.
Ohgeezdesign.com
(605) 209-7088 // Keldron
BEST PLACE TO WORK REMOTELY
Startup Sioux Falls
“Along the streets of downtown Sioux Falls, a historic building has been transformed into a place to nurture new ideas. Last year Startup Sioux Falls moved into the downtown community with the intent of supporting entrepreneurs and founders, igniting innovation, and bolstering economic development in South Dakota’s largest city. With the help of supporters like MarketBeat, Lloyd Companies, POET, and SDN Communications, along with the board and staff, entrepreneurs and founders have a place to grow their business and network, remote workers who need a workspace in the community have one, and business organizations that need conference rooms and event spaces now can reserve one. Even more than just the space are the opportunities Startup Sioux Falls provides with a multitude of programs.”
Startupsiouxfalls.com
(605) 275-8000 // 100 E 6th St, Sioux Falls
BEST PLACE FOR DESSERT
CH Patisserie
If you know, you know. Renowned Chef Chris Hanmer has created a modern pastry shop that offers a showcase of delights, ranging from playful macarons and petit gateaux to croissants, beignets, and other tempting favorites. Known for his artistry and constant innovation, Hanmer has been named one of the Top 10 Pastry Chefs in America, was the winner of Bravo’s Top Chef: Just Desserts, and was a participant in the World Pastry Team Championship. Enjoy your sweets at one of their banquettes or bistro tables and sip on some Spyhouse Coffee, or grab your pastries to-go.
Chpatisserie.com
(605) 275-0090 // 309 S Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls
BEST PLACE FOR PIZZA
Charlie’s Pizza House
Voted Best Pizza in South Dakota by Food Network Magazine, Charlie’s Pizza House has been a fixture in Yankton since 1959. Their one-of-a-kind pizzas include the Festus with pepperjack covered meatballs, jalapeño, and sauerkraut, and the Betty White with artichoke, spinach, parmesan, garlic, alfredo sauce (with the option to add chicken). Try their starters with the popular Cheese Bread and their wings. With the family? Check out Charlie’s Family Night Special! The pizzeria is so popular that owner Chuck Rezac opened a location in Sioux Falls in 2022. If you’re in Yankton, don’t forget to say hi to the restaurant piranha.
Charliespizzahouse.com
(605) 665-2212 // 804 Summit St, Yankton
(605) 275-2212 // 6213 S Old Village Pl, Sioux Falls
