The scent of slow-smoked brisket and sizzling ribs is practically a landmark in Sioux Falls. Whether you’re craving melt-off-the-bone classics or a bold chef’s twist, the city’s BBQ joints serve up plates that turn any meal into a celebration.
Let’s get to it.
Chef Lance’s on Phillips
For those who crave elevated comfort food, Chef Lance’s on Phillips serves with style. Situated on North Phillips Ave this family-owned eatery snagged top honors in the 2022 Downtown Pork Showdown and Burger Battle. Chef Lance White makes sure each visit feels special by rotating seasonal dishes like the Tuscany Filet. Loyal regulars still debate which exclusive offering to choose first.
Menu staples include Pulled Pork Wellington and Beef Wellington, both earning nods from local food critics. Steak and Cajun shrimp share the spotlight with fresh sides and generous portions. The seasonal ingredients shine in every plate, whether you select the chef’s specials or stick to the classics.
Dinner at Chef Lance’s suits fancy first dates, milestone celebrations, or that rare night out with friends who put down their phones. The warm interior and attentive staff welcome you for a leisurely evening. Grab a reservation online, and check the daily menu to see what delights local foodies are buzzing about. check out the Chef Lance’s menu.
ROAM Kitchen + Bar
When open flames catch your eye, ROAM Kitchen + Bar in Sioux Falls demands a closer look. Their central woodfire rotisserie brings frontier flair to every plate. You’ll find 14-hour smoked brisket alongside pulled Duroc pork, rotisserie chicken, and house-made sausages that satisfy serious BBQ fans. Each protein taps into rustic charm and expert technique.
The bar program doesn’t disappoint. Bourbon enthusiasts and craft beer seekers will find pours to match any mood. Sauces are made in-house too, from a golden barbecue sauce to tangy hot blends. Sides earn their spot with gooey mac and cheese or nutty wild rice pilaf.
Spacious dining areas and flexible event spaces make ROAM ideal for gatherings big or small. Generous portions invite hearty appetites, and the laid-back vibe keeps the focus on good food and company. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special celebration, ROAM serves smoky fare that’s easy to roam back to again and again. Find your frontier feast.
The Smoked Culture BBQ and Brews
If you love Texas barbecue, make room for a new Sioux Falls detour. The Smoked Culture BBQ and Brews taps into smoky goodness, adds a dash of skate punk attitude, and lands the trick with a menu full of meats like brisket, pulled pork, turkey, chicken and pork belly. Everything smokes low and slow over hickory for about 18 to 20 hours… longer than most people forget leftovers in the fridge. Their signature dry rub brings bold flavor and the portions are as generous as an uncle hauling three desserts to Thanksgiving.
The vibe blends counter service with a skateboard museum. Reclaimed bowling alley lane tables encourage both dining and reminiscing about that last gutterball. A solid beer lineup pours from 12 taps loaded with craft brews and crowd favorites.
Patio seating opens up for those who want barbecue with fresh air. On the side, cheesy hashbrowns, spicy corn and white mac and cheese hold their own. They complete the experience so well that you might have to decide which dish gets top billing. Cruise the menu and see what’s smokin’.
Backyard BBQ
Since opening in 2014, Backyard BBQ has been a family-owned smokehouse turning hickory, cherry and apple wood into mouthwatering barbecue. Meats smoke for up to 12 hours, giving brisket, pulled pork and smoked chicken that Southern pink ring everyone snaps for on social media.
Sides include molasses baked beans, creamy mac and cheese and sturdy cornbread. The potato salad seems to have consoled more than a few hearts. Their signature barbecue sauce is the kind of condiment you might want to pack in your suitcase.
Portions are so generous that nobody leaves hungry. Catering is equally thorough, offering delivery, setup, food service and cleanup.
Local awards line the walls, and their reach has grown with food trucks rolling to events as well as seasonal offerings of loaded fries and ice cream. Whether stopping by for a casual meal or planning an event, Backyard BBQ delivers consistent flavor and satisfying portions that keep diners coming back. Dig into the menu and see what’s smokin’.
Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que
When you crave a hearty meal built on smoky hickory aromas, Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que steps up to the plate. With over 700 awards, multiple “Best Ribs in America” trophies and a vault of secret sauces, this Sioux Falls outpost serves Texas beef brisket, St. Louis style spareribs, Georgia chopped pork and hot link sausage, each smoked up to 14 hours. Patience here is not optional.
The side dishes deserve applause too. Cheesy jalapeño mac, Wilbur beans and fluffy cornbread muffins create lines of their own on the plate. Portions remain generous while prices stick to friendly territory.
Families, office gatherings and weekend appetites find something to celebrate. Catering is available, making it simple to bring those award-winning flavors to any event. Napkins are stacked high and staff stands ready for busy dining hours.
Famous Dave’s has crafted a consistent barbecue experience where the sauces are just as memorable as the smoke ring. Every bite reflects that commitment to flavor and tradition, making it a staple for barbecue lovers. Sink your teeth into their full menu here.
Big J’s Road House
If you’re after hearty, no-nonsense barbecue then Big J’s Road House hits the spot. Since 2014 the Kjellsen family has been smoking a ridiculous amount of meat in Humboldt and Harrisburg, South Dakota. Their award-winning wings stand out among brisket, ribs, pulled pork, sausage, and chicken that make backyard grills jealous.
Everything here is made in-house. Sauces, dressings, rubs, they all start in Big J’s kitchen. Sides like mac and cheese or garlic mashed potatoes share space with pickles and slaw. And you’ll want to meet the Diablo sandwich. It balances pepper jack and jalapeño bacon atop smoked meat. Portions push you to loosen your belt.
The dining room stays casual with a full bar and local beer options. You can stay a while or grab takeout for elastic pants at home. Catering and family platters are available if you need to feed a crowd. Prices stay honest and service stays friendly, so bring your appetite. Scope out their smoky lineup here.
Squealer’s Smoke Shack Bar & Grill
Nestled in Tea, South Dakota, Squealer’s Smoke Shack Bar & Grill has all the hallmarks of a homegrown favorite. What began as a food truck has grown into a 6,000-square-foot spot where brisket reigns supreme. Ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and prime rib on select days join the lineup, each cut slow-smoked to spotlight authentic flavor.
Every sauce and side comes from scratch. Homemade mac and cheese gives serious comfort, while collard greens and baked beans play the supporting roles. Squealer’s earned a spot on The Local Best List for five straight years, testament to their scratch-made approach and consistently tender meats.
Want to stretch your legs after dinner? The rooftop patio invites sunset views over volleyball courts. There’s ample seating for family gatherings, plus catering for office lunches and birthday parties. Casual vibes, big portions, and a team that treats guests like neighbors make Squealer’s the perfect excuse for a barbecue road trip. Dive into their menu here.
