Bite Into The Burger Battle Heating Up Downtown Sioux Falls This January

The Sioux Empire is absolutely sizzling right now, and no, it’s not because someone left the grill unattended. All the buzz is coming from the 2026 Downtown Sioux Falls Burger Battle, an event so popular it should probably come with a reminder to loosen your belt and a mandatory nap.

While locals are busy debating buns, patties, and toppings, there’s another impressive number stacking up behind the scenes: money. Lots of it. Last year’s Burger Battle generated an estimated $3.2 million in economic impact for the city of Sioux Falls. That’s a whole lot of cheddar, literally and figuratively.

According to Dakota News Now, Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. is hoping this year’s Burger Battle flips even more burgers and cash registers. The event was originally created to lure hungry diners downtown during January, historically one of the slowest months for local restaurants. Turns out, nothing cures winter blues quite like a perfectly cooked, mouthwatering burger.

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Brandon Hanson, CEO of Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc., told Dakota News Now, “And that was with 39 burgers; this year we have 50. So, we’re hoping to beat that number. That’s really our mission as an organization, to drive economic activity for small businesses and all businesses downtown.” Translation: more burgers, more bites, more bragging rights.

The month-long competition invites foodies to roam downtown Sioux Falls, sampling 50 unique burgers that range from classic comfort food to creations that make you say, “I didn’t know that belonged on a burger… but I’m glad it’s here.” Rumor has it the Shepherd’s Pie Burger at The Blarney Stone is a must-try, along with the Sonoma Sourdough at The Treasury. And honestly, that’s just the beginning.

Last year, roughly 85,000 burgers were sold during the battle.

This year, hopes are high to smash the 100,000-burger milestone, an achievement that would make Sioux Falls a legitimate contender for “Most Full City in America” for the month of January.

All you have to do is bring your appetite to downtown between now and January 31, and eat your way through the downtown district. Once you've done that, don't forget to vote for your favorites at passport.dtsf.com.

Think of it as research. Delicious, delicious research.

See a complete list of all the different downtown burgers available during the 2026 battle here.