There’s something unique about small town restaurants bringing charm, a piece of comfort, and is a representation of its location.
“From my own perspective having lived, worked, and traveled to many small towns all across the state, small town bars and restaurants can almost serve as the identifying factor of that community,” said president and CEO of Sioux Metro Growth Alliance Tyler Tordsen.
And they also make a large impact on the economy.
“Small-town bars and restaurants are also essential economic and community infrastructure across South Dakota,” said Tordsen.
“They create local jobs and skills training for teens and young adults, flexible jobs for individuals, and management opportunities for residents.”
Sioux Metro Growth Alliance says it also can move the needle on generating tax revenue for the local economy and keep dollars circulating through nearby suppliers, while also activating main streets and providing one of the most accessible paths to local entrepreneurship.
Just as importantly, they serve as gathering places that strengthen community ties and enhance quality of life—factors helping small towns attract residents, support employers, and remain vibrant places to live, work, and invest.
Check out these picks by the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance on local places to grab a drink or bite.
THE GRUFF PLATES + POURS IN BRANDON
“Having 17 small towns in our five-county service area, it’s hard to narrow it down because everywhere has a local spot that checks a lot of boxes on good food, good drinks, or good atmosphere,” said Tordsen. “However, there’s a couple that stay consistently high on our ‘must visit’ list whenever friends or family are in the region.”
First up is The Gruff Plates + Pours in Brandon, created by the same management group of The Attic in Sioux Falls. Inspired by the Norwegian fairytale The Three Billy Goats Gruff, the pub-style eatery offers a “relaxed brick and barrel vibe” to catch up with family or friends over a meal or cocktail.
Some menu highlights include the Duck Wontons (cream cheese, duck, bacon, roasted sweet corn, green onions, and orange chipotle sauce), The G.O.A.T. burger (beef patty, red wine onions, goat cheese, baby arugula, and chipotle raspberry sauce), and the Nola Jambalya (shrimp, andouille sausage, étouffée sauce, Cajun cream, green onion, fried okra, and Cajun rice).
Want a Hair of the G.O.A.T.?
Order one at The Gruff Plates + Pours for two pieces of sriracha brown sugar bacon and a domestic bottle.
According to Tordsen, a “hidden gem” on the menu is the Egg Roll in a Bowl with seasoned ground pork, red and green cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, scallions, garlic, ginger, citrus ponzu sauce, fried wontons, and white rice.
“You’d be hard-pressed not to find something unique, tasty, and enjoyable on their full menu,” said Tordsen.
The Gruff also has brunch on Sundays starting at 9 a.m.
For more information, visit https://www.theatticsf.com/the-gruff-plates-pours.
EL MARIACHI MEXICAN RESTAURANT IN LENNOX
One review says “don’t sleep on El Mariachi,” with a note that it’s a South Dakota must to grab authentic Mexican cuisine.
Located in Lennox, the family-owned operation opened in March of 2024, and they’ve been hustling ever since.
“It seems like it’s always busy in there for lunch and dinner service, regardless of the day of the week,” said Tordsen.
Owner Efrain Lopez also owns El Mariachi locations in Winner and Chamberlain.
Dine in or carry out popular items like their Cheese Dip, Burrito California (grilled chicken or steak with onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers wrapped in a large flour tortilla served in a bed of rice and shrimp, covered in cheese sauce), or a steak, chicken, or pork fajita.
“These gathering spaces are often where neighbors go to connect, where new residents can feel included, and community traditions take root, from post-game celebrations to fundraisers and holiday events.”
TYLER TORDSEN
“There’s not a bad dish on the menu, and you’ll always get way more delicious food than you deserve for the small town pricing,” said Tordsen.
Thirsty? Order a Margarita Tower (Torre de Margaritas) for the table.
El Mariachi also caters.
“We’ve used them to help cater a few of our meals during monthly membership meetings or for a stop on our annual bus tour,” said Tordsen. “It’s always a big hit.”
For more information, visit elmariachilennoxsd.com.
SIOUX VALLEY GRILLE IN CANTON
Serving American comfort food to the Canton area and the surrounding communities since 2017, Sioux Valley Grille has made a name for itself in the South Dakota restaurant scene.
Not only are they notorious for their burgers, soup, and salad bar, they’re known for their mason jar cups.
“I think what I like best about Sioux Valley Grille is the big mason jars they use for your drinks,” said Tordsen. “Having a jar full of ice and Diet Coke reminds me of visiting my grandma’s house, who would always have mason jars in the freezer ready for a cold beverage. Places that can remind you of home or the people you love earn a special spot in my book.”
The vibes are rustic with modern finishes. Just this past year the restaurant converted a dining space into an old-fashioned ice cream station where they “whip up” malts, shakes, and more.
Sioux Valley Grille is also conveniently located across the street from the Lincoln County Courthouse on US Highway 18.
Check out their Facebook for specials like the Pan-Seared Brown Butter Orange Roughy Over Parmesan Risotto, Steak and Frites, or Thai Shrimp Over Fried Rice.
But whatever you do, don’t leave without getting a burger.
“Their burgers are huge and delicious. Good for the soul, not so much for the waistline,” joked Tordsen.
For more information, visit facebook.com/siouxvalleygrille.
“A local restaurant or bar can create a shared sense of identity while reinforcing the informal networks and relationships that make small towns resilient and keep the community “small” to where everyone still knows your name.”
TYLER TORDSEN
UNION SOCIAL IN HARRISBURG
Union Social—”where the lanes are lit, the games don’t quit, and the food is always on point.”
Tordsen calls the Harrisburg business a big city attraction that’s still in a small town. The venue offers bowling with modern alleys, axe throwing, arcade games for all ages, and a full service restaurant.
“Even at its busiest, the building and amenities are so large that you don’t feel overcrowded,” he continued.
This restaurant is there to “level you up” in between the action, offering elevated bar and grill favorites like the Bavarian Pretzel, Union Smash burger, and Garlic Bread Beef Dip.
“My favorite is their take on the Cuban sandwich,” said Tordsen.
Stay in Your Seat
Order food or drinks from Union Social at Air Madness with a QR code.
Union Social’s MAD Cuban consists of slow-braised pork shoulder, ham, pepperjack cheese, and mojo aioli on Texas toast.
They’re also known for their flatbreads, like the Barbeque, Nashville, Sicilian, and Tony Pepperoni.
And don’t forget dessert. The must-try is the Donut Holes, dusted with sugar and served with rich chocolate sauce and sweet jam for dipping.
For those of age, order a beer, wine, or specialty cocktail to go along for the ride.
Union Social has everything from a Candy Old Fashioned to a Kentucky Mule.
Food and drinks can also be brought over to Air Madness, which is under the same ownership.
For more information, visit unionsocialsf.com.
CHECK OUT MORE SMALL TOWN RESTAURANTS AND BUSINESSES AT SIOUXMETRO.COM+
