Sioux Falls Food Scene Thrives With New And Returning Favorites

The Sioux Falls restaurant scene has a lot in common with South Dakota weather: it's ever-changing.

One day, your favorite spot is packed, the next day, there’s a “Coming Soon” sign in the window. This month, however, food lovers across the Sioux Empire are getting a little of both, something new and something very familiar.

Let’s start with the new. If Thai food is your thing, Pho Thai should be right up your alley. The popular restaurant has officially opened its third Sioux Falls location, this time on the east side of town. Dakota News Now reports the newest Pho Thai has taken over the old Denny’s building on East 10th Street, proving once again that no building in Sioux Falls stays empty for too long.

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Pho Thai has been winning over local taste buds since 2019, when it first opened in Shriver Square at 11th Street and Phillips Avenue. A west-side expansion followed in 2024, and now the east side gets its turn. The menu remains the same crowd-pleasing mix of Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese dishes that have made Pho Thai a go-to for everything from quick lunches to “I don’t feel like cooking tonight” dinners.

Meanwhile, across town, something nostalgic is simmering.

An old favorite is officially making its return. Rosie’s Cafe is back.

Since first opening in 1984, Rosie’s earned near-legendary status among Sioux Falls diners. For many locals, it wasn’t just a restaurant; it was their restaurant. After closing nearly a year ago, the news of Rosie’s return has sparked more excitement than a 45-degree day in December.

According to Dakota News Now, Rosie’s will reopen on December 23 under new ownership, in the same familiar location at 2200 West Madison Street. Hours will run six days a week, with breakfast and lunch served from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM Tuesday through Friday, and 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM on weekends.

The timing couldn’t be better. Rosie’s will open just before Christmas, close for the holiday, and then reopen on December 26, because what says “welcome back” better than comfort food after the holidays, right?

Longtime fans will be happy to know the classics are sticking around, along with a slightly expanded menu and daily specials. The interior has been remodeled, seating up to 48 diners now, but don’t worry, aside from a few cosmetic updates, it’s still very much the Rosie’s Sioux Falls has loved since the early ‘80s.

A new familiar flavor, and an old favorite, just another month in the ever-changing, always-hungry Sioux Falls food scene.

My Top 5 Favorite South Dakota Made Foods

As I was slicing a piece of cheese off my block of Dimock Dairy Colby cheese and boiling a ring of Bluebird Locker German sausage on the stove, I started thinking, "What foods is South Dakota known for?'

Then I realized the state is known for some of my favorite foods, are they're actually made right here in South Dakota!

So, I decided to search my cupboards and refrigerator looking for other South Dakota-made foods and came up with my Top 5.