Insider's Guide
Been downtown lately? Here are 10 reasons to visit soon that might surprise you.
Think you know what’s waiting for you with a trip to downtown Sioux Falls? Prepare to expand your perspective. Downtown’s mix of locally-owned, innovative businesses always are offering something new.
Don’t miss these top 10 reasons to pay a visit soon.
You can start your day off right
Downtown Sioux Falls is filled with signature coffee shops and beloved breakfast spots, but there are some more under-the-radar ones you might want to consider.
Wagoo Burger, for instance, is about much more than burgers — starting with breakfast, where you can craft your own breakfast sandwich or choose from their chef-created ones. Find it inside Fernson at 332 S. Phillips Ave.
On weekends, head across Phillips to try the brunch menu at Blarney Stone Pub — where entrees include a Bloody Mary or mimosa.
Or go north on Phillips and sample away at the delicious brunch buffet offered at Papa Woody’s on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come hungry, because it’s impressive — including custom omelets and crepes and a full salad bar.
Because 2019 is calling — from your closet
It’s understandable. Years of pandemic-era athleisure, hybrid workplaces and all that change might have left your wardrobe in growing need of a refresh. This is where downtown boutique shopping can help in a big way.
Did you know there are a half-dozen boutiques within a block of each other on Phillips Avenue? Not only does that make a day of shopping incredibly simple, but inside each one you’ll find a team ready to help you find the updated pieces you’ll love to take home.
Don’t forget to head to 8th & Railroad Center, where you’ll find one-of-a-kind apparel and accessories at Sticks & Steel and Threads, or to Jones421 where you’ll find a unique selection of vintage clothing.
Pro tip: This is a great time of year to update your wardrobe, because you’ll find excellent deals on summer clothes and can be the first to shop new fall apparel. The upcoming Shop & Stroll July 19-21 will offer even greater savings.
There are new spots for lunch
It’s officially time to rediscover the lunch break — especially downtown. Step away from your desk, call up a colleague or friend, and take the time to enjoy lunch downtown. We promise — you’ll be recharged and more productive when you get back to work.
Plus, there are new options to try. For example, R Wine Bar now is open Monday through Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. with a menu of salads, paninis and smaller portions of the restaurant’s classic pastas.
Don’t forget The Cookie Jar is now open inside the Lumber Exchange building across Reid Street from 8th & Railroad Center, where you’ll find favorite sandwiches and rotating specials.
Don’t want to stray from Phillips Avenue? The new North End Bakery & Deli in the Jones421 building has amazing handcrafted sandwiches for breakfast and lunch.
Your kids will thank you for it
Downtown Sioux Falls truly is for all ages, and here are three experiences that should be part of any childhood:
Shopping at Child’s Play Toys
It doesn’t get any better than a toy store where you’re encouraged to touch, feel and try before you buy.
But that’s what you’ll find at Child’s Play Toys, where kids can hop on a scooter, stretch out some slime or play pretend at a dollhouse or grill set.
The team is just back from market, so there are lots of fun new things to discover — just ask and they’ll find the perfect thing for the little one in your life.
Splashing in a fountain
Find this one tucked behind the Hilton Garden Inn — right out the door from Starbucks (so you can sip on your favorite while you watch the kids) or off the recreation trail. The leaping fountains will quickly become your kids’ favorite way to cool off.
Discovering the Stockyards Ag Experience
If you know you know, but many families likely don’t! Don’t go to Falls Park without a stop at the Stockyards Ag Experience, where your kids will have fun and learn at the same time at the Farm to Table exhibit. They’ll explore and play their way through food production while understanding more about how agriculture touches all of us.
With dynamic interactive exhibits and informative display panels, the exhibit offers learning experiences for food enthusiasts of all ages. The Farm to Table exhibit educates generations about food production, all while honoring farming and farm families.
Home chefs are welcome
Speaking of local food, downtown isn’t only about dining out. Shop for the kitchen or pantry here and then head home to put your purchases to work.
The Spice & Tea Exchange offers countless ways to perk up your grilling, rim your next cocktail deliciously or flavor a pitcher of iced tea.
And Plum’s Cooking Co. will even help train the next generation of home chefs in your household with summer cooking kids camps. Click here to find out more.
It’s great for a guy’s day out
We could chat a long time about all the ways to enjoy a girls’ day out downtown, but there’s plenty for the guys too.
Update your look a bit at Duluth Trading Company, JH & Sons, or both, depending on your style.
Pick up the perfect new pair of athletic shoes at 605 Running Co.
Indulge in a relaxing one-of-a-kind barber experience at SIR by Vanessens, with a straight razor shave complete with hot towels, hot shave cream, with a smooth face shave.
You can find a new way to show your SoDak style
Our 605 pride really shines in downtown Sioux Falls — especially if you know where to look.
Sticks & Steel has a great selection of South Dakota mugs, puzzles and decor, while Home Porch Gifts will craft you a basket of locally made products and Zandbroz Variety carries everything from local authors to apparel.
MK Threads will keep you on trend with your SoDak wear.
And, for the youngest calling our corner of the world home, how cute are these at Child’s Play Toys?
Live entertainment is waiting
Along with all your favorites — the Levitt Shell, State Theatre and 8th & Railroad block parties — there’s new live entertainment happening across downtown.
Trio Jazz Club now offers live music Tuesday through Saturday.
There’s a weekly summer concert series Tuesdays over lunch at Cherapa place all summer.
And don’t miss the upcoming Four Winds Music and Art Festival July 19-20 bringing days of live music and art downtown.
If you’re going to eat ice cream, eat it here
No matter which side of downtown you’re on, there’s a reason to stop for ice cream.
North side? Find SDSU-crafted favorite flavors at Candy Cloud Factory.
East side? Stop into Polar Bites, where along with rolled creations there are great gluten and dairy-free options.
South end? Don’t forget Parlour is now inside the Washington Pavilion — and open late Thursday through Saturday.
Because your dog deserves it
If nothing else, you owe your dog a trip downtown.
Many businesses welcome your furry friend and will even have a treat waiting when you come in to shop, have a beer or sit down for a meal.
Stop by the Kirby Dog Park, where you’ll find outstanding play space for dogs of all sizes and quickly become part of a community of regulars.
And don’t miss the newest place to indulge your pup: The Tail That Got Away, a new boutique catering to canines and their owners inside the Jones421 building. Head home with a new leash, grooming products, dog treats and other finds that will have you and your dog ready to return downtown soon.
Finally, in the interest of equal time: Don’t forget about the cats. Cattitude Cafe is the only place in town where you can sip a coffee, grab some lunch, play with a favorite feline and maybe even go home with a new pet. Plus, it’s even better in July — when every Friday night is movie night with the cats! Click here to learn more and make your reservation.
And that’s amazingly just the start. Click here to connect with even more downtown activity including the latest guide to downtown events.
