From a James Beard Foundation Award Winner to “cow to cone” ice cream, Brookings has something to satiate any appetite. 605 ate and drank our way through town during the three days, checking out family-owned eateries and longtime local and visitor favorites.
PHEASANT RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
Winner of the 2024 James Beard Foundation America’s Classics Award, the Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge (lovingly referred to as The Pheasant), has been a Brookings staple honoring its Scandinavian heritage since 1949. Head chef and general manager Michael Johnson and his family are third generation business owners, adding their personal touches to the legacy.
“When Michael took over management, he had an idea of elevating it from just being a place that had good food and beer to really showcasing what makes South Dakota unique, and slowly changed things,” said assistant general manager (and Johnson’s partner) Trevor Clements.
While classics stayed, like the Café Hot Roast Beef Sandwich and Liver and Onions, the team began offering fresh menu inspiration with local flair “in a setting where you feel at home.” They’ve become famous for their “Veekend Vafler”— Norweigan waffles offered during brunch, including the Uptown Farmhouse Breakfast Waffle, the Banana, Nutella, and Whipped Cream waffle, and the Vaffel med Laks (Smoked Salmon Waffle). Guests can pair their dish with a Bloody Viking, Elderflower Mimosa, or Bottomless Coffee (with a private label coffee locally roasted by Cottonwood Coffee).
726 Main Avenue South, Brookings.
STOP IN THE SHOP
Meander into the Pheasant Cellar and Oil & Vinegar Tasting Bar to sample over 40 varieties of authentic olive oils and balsamics, and shop their extensive retail wine selection.
MOSAIC WINE BAR & SMALL PLATES
For lighter fare and a wide selection of wine, craft beer, and craft soda in a historic downtown space, check out Mosaic Wine Bar & Small Plates. Located in the same 1894 building as Kool Beans Coffee and Roasterie, the two businesses share their tables and seating with one another in an open concept design.
“We’ve been family friends with the Kool Beans owners since Kurt and Christy Osborne moved to Brookings in the ‘80s, and it’s been a close relationship for decades now,” said Mosaic co-owner Katelyn Condelli.
The name originates from the hope of bringing the community together, which is exactly what Katelyn and husband/ co-owner Nathaniel aim to do with their location. Whether it’s inside or on the outdoor patio, guests can indulge in small plates like the Espresso Hummus infused with Kool Beans espresso, a Charcuterie board, Sted Foods Dark Chocolate Bars, or different Crostini, including Blackberry, Fig & Prosciutto, and Pesto. Join Mosaic’s Wine of the Month Club and receive two pre-selected bottles of wine per month.
225 Main Avenue, Brookings.
WOODEN LEGS BREWING COMPANY
Wooden Legs Brewing Company owners Seth Koch, Steven Kreeger, and Brant Mathiason are celebrating 13 years as a “pizza place that serves craft beer” this month.
They joke, of course, as the crew says their pizza is just as popular as their handcrafted brews—especially the cracker crust. Standard flavors are available, along with specialty pizzas like Crab Rangoon, Veggie Hummus Supreme, Reuben, Chicken Curry, and Thai Peanut Chicken. Hoagies and wraps are also available, along with “piled-high” deli sandwiches. New specials can be found every week.
Along with pizza, Wooden Legs has become known for their Wall Street Happy Hour, featuring beers on tap like Sheep Slayer, El Camino Amigo, and the Wild Hare Ale.
“The ownership group here takes a lot of pride in being craft beer enthusiasts and nerds,” said taproom manager Matt Rustman. “They also really love board games, bringing people together, entertaining, and hosting folks.”
The side room provides more than just games, hosting Improv Comedy Nights and Stand-Up Comedy Nights (The Comedy Room presented by Sean Leary).
309 5th Street #100, Brookings.
PIZZA SHOWDOWN
Each month staff members have a Pizza Showdown where they design a pie and go head-to-head with one another for the chance to be Grand Champion. The pizza with the most sales for that month moves on and takes on a new challenger, and at the end of the year, the champion is “crowned.”
SDSU DAIRY BAR
Attached to the Davis Dairy Plant on campus, the South Dakota State University Dairy Bar offers dairy products manufactured by students. It’s been more than a century since the first commercial ice cream was made at the university, and the product has evolved into a house-hold name with national kudos. A prime example of praise was in 2013 when SDSU Cookies ‘n Cream was named Best Ice Cream Treat in South Dakota by Food Network Magazine.
“All of our students working in the dairy plant are SDSU students,” said SDSU Dairy and Food Science’s coordinator recruitment and academic services Cheyenne Edmundson. “The Dairy Bar is here to sell their ice cream for all to enjoy, so it’s a really great little hub to bring those two communities together.”
Nearly 100 ice cream flavors have been available at the Dairy Bar, and currently there are 25 varieties including Blueberry Cheesecake, Butter Brickle, M&M, Hobo Crunch, Mint Chocolate Chip, and the infamous Cookies ‘n Cream. Grab a coffee and shop for other items like SDSU artisan cheeses or Hungry Hobo Smokey Stix.
1225 College Avenue, Brookings.
SEE BTS
Want to see how SDSU ice cream is made? Visit sdstate.edu/dairy-food-science/sdsudairy-bar to schedule a tour of the state-of-the-art dairy plant.
KOOL BEANS COFFEE AND ROASTERIE
“I read a story years ago that you could roast coffee in a popcorn popper. I started with that—it was intriguing and became a hobby,” said Kool Beans Coffee and Roasterie co-owner Kurt Osborne. “Then in 2012 we formed the business and bought a commercial roaster for the garage.”
Things have definitely changed since the garage days, with the company moving into two spaces since then and becoming a Brookings hot spot for a caffeine fix and a place to connect. With co-owner and daughter Erinn Thomas often behind the bar, guests can say hi and grab items like espresso drinks, brewed coffee, cold brews, and beverages like Matcha, Chai, a London Fog, Hot Chocolate, Italian Sodas, Teas, and more.
Food items are also available, like scones, muffins, yogurt with granola, Avocado Toast, and a bagel with cream cheese. For something different, try the Breakfast Banana Split—a banana cut in half, topped with granola and honey, peanut butter, cinnamon, and maple. Whole coffee is also for sale, including Black Jack Espresso Blend, Highlander Grogg, Bum Alum Blend, and more.
225 Main Avenue, Brookings.
COFFEE PROFILES
The coffee shop is rooted in community, quality, and sustainability.
Brazil
Colombia
Costa Rica Café Vida
El Salvador
Ethiopia
Guatemala
Java
Mexico
Peru
Tanzanian Mt. Meru
Tanzanian Peaberry
CUBBY’S SPORTS BAR & GRILL
Cubby’s Sports Bar & Grill is a family-friendly restaurant serving downtown Brookings since 2000. With 64 screens and a full food and drink menu, there’s no reason to worry if you can’t make your favorite game in person.
Start with an appetizer like the Stadium Nachos, 4-Cheese Ravioli, or Cheese Curds. If Charbroiled Gourmet Burgers are your thing, don’t miss the Windy City—an homage to “Da Bears” and “Da Bulls” with white cheese sauce, applewood smoked bacon, mushrooms, and sautéed onions on a pretzel bun. Cubby’s also specializes in sandwiches and wraps.
The main event, though, is the rooftop patio. Grab their famous Bloody Mary with a Sidecar (#IYKYK) or a seasonal cocktail or mocktail. Bonus? They have a TV inside where you can gauge the rooftop patio’s availability.
307 Main Avenue, Brookings.
EPONYMOUS BREWING COMPANY
Kyle McElhany and Sean Weber’s passion project has turned into Brookings’ go-to nanobrewery, specializing in fruit-forward sours, hazy IPAs, and innovative “candy” beers. Try one of Eponymous Brewing Company’s unique beers on tap, including Root of All Hobo, Rainbow Raid, Banana Bread, and Idiot Savant.
The brewery is also known for its THC-infused (10 mg) seltzer cans, like Revenge of the Nerds, Jolly High Giant, and Pink Stony Club (also on tap). THC gummies are available in flavors Lemon Lime or Mango Tangerine.
Eponymous just celebrated its eighth anniversary with a release of six new beers, including Grape Soda Seltzer, Sour Patch Kids Sour, Skittles Milkshake IPA, and more.
126 Main Avenue South, Brookings.
FOR MORE RESTAURANTS, COFFEE SHOPS, BREWERIES, WINERIES, MOM-AND-POP SHOPS, AND MORE, VISIT GROWTHALLIANCE.ORG OR VISITBROOKINGSSD.COM+
