Sioux Falls to Welcome Innovative Meadery and Restaurant

The Sioux Falls dining scene is about to get a thrilling new addition as Big Lost Meadery and Ranch and Roost break ground on their highly anticipated restaurant and meadery concept. The ceremonial groundbreaking will take place on Monday, April 15, from 4:30 to 5 PM at 2215 S. Lorraine Place where this multi-faceted establishment will soon rise.

What is a meadery? A meadery produces honey wines or meads. Mead is made by fermenting honey with water and just like beer can be flavored with fruits, spices, grains, or hops. According to Eater, it is higher in alcohol than beer - somewhere around 8 to 20 percent alcohol by volume (ABV).

Big Lost Meadery and Ranch and Roost are expanding their footprint from Gillette, Wyoming to the growing Lake Lorraine development.

This new multi-level business will delight diners with a pairing of a full-service restaurant and an on-site brewery/meadery under one roof.

Ranch and Roost will satisfy cravings for elevated chicken sandwiches, hand-ground burgers, and delectable appetizers and sides, including South Dakota favorite, chislic.

Big Lost Meadery will quench patrons' thirst with its signature handcrafted meads. This fusion of culinary craftsmanship and artisan beverages promises to be an enticing new attraction in Sioux Falls.

Sources: Eater and Sioux Falls Development Foundation

Dives Worth a Drive in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota

Almost every small South Dakota town has a watering hole. It’s where the locals go to kick back a few brews and engage in conversation.

Some of these establishments are located in buildings almost as old as the town itself. There might be a fresh coat of paint on the walls or new vinyl on the booth seats, but the ambiance is still reminiscent of a good ol’ dive.

If you think a "dive" is all about the sketchy clientele, the smell of the Devil’s lettuce, and stale Grain Belt, you’d be wrong. Not every dive has a bad reputation.

What makes a dive, a dive?

A dive has character. Neon beer signs and local memorabilia adorn the walls.

You might find a pool table, dart board, and a few video lottery machines.

The bartender knows the regulars by name and they know what you drink.

Some dives don't even serve food except for bags of chips and pickled eggs that sit in a jar of brine on the bar.

Dives aren't fancy. You might see 70's-style wood panels on the walls and wobbly tables leveled with a folded napkin.

Finally, the bathrooms. The bathrooms in dives are in a class by themselves and could be a whole topic on its own.

There are several small-town dives in our area with friendly faces, cheap booze with a burn, and even really good food! We use the term "dive" in the most affectionate way.

Here are some of the best and why you should go there.

Gallery Credit: Karla Brown

11 Things You’ll Only Understand After Living in South Dakota

From soda to pop to sloppy Joes, different parts of of the country have their own local quirks and language. Simple phrases can have totally different means, local events may seem weird, and food may go by a unique name.

If you're new to South Dakota here is a sort of translation guide for some odd things you may see or hear.

Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns