After being bundled up inside, South Dakota comes alive during patio season—from brunching with friends under twinkling bistro lights to pet-friendly scenarios, there are plenty of options for planning your next meal (or drink) basking in the sunshine.
The Steel District in downtown Sioux Falls has a vibrant mix of restaurants to choose from, making it easy to stay put or patio hop. From chips and salsa to juicy burgers to upscale steaks, there is something for every appetite.
BIG SIOUX DINER & DIVE
Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Big Sioux Diner & Dive matches your energy, says Cory Henkel, director of operations at Steel District Restaurants. The diner has everything from hearty breakfast options (Huevos Rancheros) to stacked burgers (PB&J) to shareable comfort food (Big Sioux Pretzel).
“Early riser? Late-night snacker? Somewhere in between? We’ve got you covered,” said Henkel.
Brunch starts at 7 a.m. and goes until 5 p.m., making it perfect for morning people and for those who still want an afternoon Mimosa. For something different, try their Breakfast Mule with Ketel One Peach & Orange Blossom vodka, ginger beer, a splash of orange juice, and lime.
Known as a sports destination, this summer will be busy with baseball season and the World Cup. Big Sioux is family friendly, with yard games like Cornhole and giant Jenga on the patio and easy access to Jacobson Plaza.
The patio fits up to 70 people, where guests can also enjoy live music on Tuesday evenings and over lunch on Wednesdays.
Yappy Hour is a monthly event that started in May and occurs on the second Thursday of the month from 3-7 p.m. until the fall.
“Come to our patio with your furry friend to enjoy time together and meet new dog people,” said Henkel. “Your dog will love the free Pup Cup, and you can enjoy Yappy Hour drink specials.”
New on the menu is the Western Burger and Reuben Sliders on pretzel buns. Big Sioux is also adding the Peach Blossom Spritz full time on the drink menu after much success during the Downtown Sioux Falls Mash Madness competition in March.
“The Peach Blossom Spritz was love at first sip during Mash Madness, and it’s forecasted to be a fan favorite on the menu,” said Henkel. “This is a light, floral, and effortlessly-refreshing drink.”
bigsiouxsf.com // The District Tower
CASCATA ITALIAN CUISINE
Rooted in traditional Italian flavors, Cascata Italian Cuisine has become a place to gather for togetherness with a carefully-curated menu.
“It’s Italian at heart, but very much rooted in the neighborhood—it’s welcoming, relaxed, and easy to love,” said director of food and beverage at Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown Jeren Melius. “The patio really brings that to life and opens Cascata up to The Steel District to make it feel like part of the everyday energy.”
The patio seats around 90 guests and looks out toward the Sioux River and The Falls, which Melius says is something you can’t recreate anywhere else.
“It feels open and breezy with comfortable seating and the sound of the water nearby,” he said. “People naturally slow down out there. It’s the kind of space where one drink turns into two, and plans stretch out because it just feels good to stay a while.”
Melius recommends the Amaro Old Fashioned or the Limoncello Drop Martini for outdoor drinks.
“Patio season has this way of turning quick drinks into long evenings, and sparking conversations between people who just met.”
jeren melius
“The martini is refreshing, lively, and made with our house-made limoncello,” he said. “It fits those warm afternoons and early evenings when The Steel District is buzzing.”
Foodwise, Cascata’s shareables really shine on the patio, like the Battilardo boards with domestic and imported Italian meats and cheeses served with roasted peppers, marinated olives, giardiniera, and grilled bread. Other appetizers also hit the spot with items like Fritto Misto and Beef Carpaccio.
Brunch is a favorite for the patio, which is available Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Menu favorites include the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and Crispy Brioche French Toast. Savory options are also popular, like the Toasted Brioche Burger.
With brunch specials like the Bottomless Mimosa Brunch, people tend to make a day of it. “Being outside makes brunch feel less like a quick meal and more like an experience,” said Melius.
canopybyhilton.com/siouxfallsdowntown // Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown
DAHLIA KITCHEN + BAR
Dahlia Kitchen + Bar has inspired flavors of Mexico, where traditional cuisine meets innovation.
“Every meal is built around flavor, color, and connection,” said Henkel.
Guests can start off with complimentary chips and salsa while perusing the menu. Dahlia is known for shareable items like their Empanadas (two pastry pockets with savory fillings with a choice of birria, shrimp, carnitas, chicken, and roasted vegetable), Ceviche (ahí tuna, lime, pico de Gallo, avocado, and tortilla chips), and Tres Del Casa (house guacamole, pico de gallo, queso fundido, and tortilla chips).
Their Tortilla Soup is a go-to dish, along with tacos like the Smoked Carnitas Tacos, Crispy Fish Tacos, and Chorizo & Potato Tacos. Seasonal specials launched in May, and more will continue to release throughout the summer.
“You will start to see new items like Birria Tacos and a Dragonfly Margarita,” said Henkel.
Their covered patio fits more than 100 guests that wraps around the modern restaurant. Wind screens help make dining outside “the perfect place to be all summer,” and the dog-friendly space has a mix of high and low tops.
Dahlia is having a summer patio special of $10 pitchers of house margaritas and sangria during happy hour from 3-6 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays. Similar to Big Sioux, live music will take place outside Tuesday evenings and Wednesdays over lunch.
Check out their website for tequila tastings and other events.
“Whether you are stopping by for tacos and margaritas, meeting friends before an event downtown, or planning a dinner that turns into ‘one more round,’ Dahlia is designed for the full experience,” said Henkel.
dahliakitchensf.com // The District Tower
IRONWOOD STEAKHOUSE
Check out “an inviting riverside retreat” at Ironwood Steakhouse.
The elevated experience boasts a high-end menu along with hospitality to match, says Henkel. They’re best known for classic steakhouse fare, from prime-aged beef (Steak Diane) to quality seafood (Pan-Seared Scallops).
Ironwood’s patio is designed to carry their intimate dining experience outside, hosting up to 32 guests. Because of the small number, it is highly encouraged to make a reservation.
“This beautiful patio space sits atop the [Big] Sioux River for the best views overlooking The Falls and into The Steel District,” said Henkel.
Appetizers are always popular on the patio, like Shrimp Cocktail or the Lobster Cheese Dip. Oysters on the Half Shell are also fun to share with East Coast oysters, house cocktail sauce, smoked mignonette, and calabrian chili hot sauce.
For the steakhouse experience, there is also Smoked Bone Marrow with gremolata, brown butter, and a grilled baguette.
PULL-UP PARKING
The Steel District offers valet parking for $10 during evening hours. Don’t want to pay? Complimentary garage parking is available on weekdays after 5 p.m. and on weekends.
Ironwood has brunch on the weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with items like the Belgian Waffle (maple granola, macerated berries, whipped cream, and organic maple syrup) and the Bananas Foster French Toast (thick-cut french toast, caramelized bananas, maple granola, brown sugar sauce, whipped cream, and house greens).
“We recommend pairing your meal with an Espresso Martini or Mimosa,” said Henkel. They’re also known for their Smoked Old Fashion with 2XO American Oak Bourbon, hickory smoke, brown sugar, Angostura, and orange, complete with a photo-worthy presentation.
This summer, Ironwood is bringing Lobster Ravioli back to the menu, along with adding a Tomahawk Ribeye and other menu items.
Outside of the patio, they offer a private dining space on the second level of the restaurant with stellar views of The Falls.
“Whether it’s inside or out, Ironwood is the perfect location to enjoy a great meal or celebrate any occasion,” said Henkel.
ironwoodsf.com // The District Tower
JACK ROSE SOCIAL CLUB
Jack Rose Social Club is celebrating its first patio season after officially opening in late 2025.
“We expect large crowds,” said operations manager Vinnie Olson. “And being within an earshot of the Levitt [at the Falls], I would suspect it to be a nice area to eat and drink and enjoy the music.”
Jack Rose is for ages 21-plus, and Olson says it’s a great getaway from the kiddos.
Their patio seats almost 120 people with cozy outdoor furniture and outside bar seating. The social club and casino has a menu that blends “bold flavor with modern elegance” with items like Lobster Linguine, Jerk Mahi Mahi, Filet Mignon, and Salmon & Risotto.
Small bites are popular during happy hour, like Edamame, Arancini, Fried Grilled Cheese, Kansas City Hot Wings, and Bacon Balsamic Brussels Sprouts.
“We have a large list of appetizers that go well on casual patio days,” said Olson. “I recommend the Vodka Mussels.”
Jack Rose is known for their martinis (one named after the restaurant’s namesake). One of the most popular is the Blush Bubbles, served with dry ice.
“That martini always receives the ‘oohs and ahhs,’” said Olson.
A newer drink is the Giant Moscow Mule, which can serve up to six guests.
Jack Rose has more up their sleeves, including live music on Mondays and a seasonal food and drink menu.
“We’re the ‘new kid on the block’ in th Steel District, but we have had many years as a company and bring a lot of experience,” said Olson. “We are looking forward to being one of the hottest patios in town.”
jackrosesocialclub.com // The District Lofts
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THESTEELDISTRICT.COM+
