If you think a great sandwich is just about cold cuts slapped on bread, Sioux Falls is ready to prove you wrong. From classic delis and old-school diners to modern cafés spinning comfort food into something craveable, there’s a spot for every craving.
Let’s get to it.
Bagel Boy
Tucked away in Sioux Falls, Bagel Boy serves up bagels inspired by New York standards. Cream cheese spreads range from the classics to a savory bacon-scallion blend, all whipped fresh each morning. With at least fifteen bagel flavors—cinnamon raisin, honey oat, asiago, pretzel, and more—you’ll see how they take their inspiration seriously.
The menu covers both breakfast and lunch. Morning regulars often choose a bacon-egg-and-cheese on a sun-dried tomato bagel, while later in the day the Turkey Club melt or adventurous options like Chicken Cordon Bleu and the Italian (capicola, salami, pepperoni) keep things interesting. If you’d rather go light, the Veg Head or hummus bagels make a refreshing change from traditional deli fillings.
Prices are pleasantly nostalgic, with most sandwiches under eight dollars, and everything is baked fresh—never day-old. They open before sunrise and stay serving until early evening, so you can grab a blueberry bagel at 6 AM or a Bagel Reuben for lunch. The straightforward counter service and a handful of seats make it easy to linger. Locally owned since the nineties, Bagel Boy is all about consistency, and locals seem to love it that way.
M.B. Haskett
When you crave a classic muffaletta, M.B. Haskett has you covered with a tangy olive salad and in-house-sliced Italian meats that deliver every time. Their Porkstrami lands on a potato bun with banh mi-style pickles, adding unexpected flair to your typical deli lineup. Bread options include French-style baguettes, pillowy potato buns, and even a house-made crepe batter if you’re feeling adventurous.
Hot sandwiches earn a loyal following, but you’ll also spot cold standards like ham or turkey on nutty multigrain. French enthusiasts can try savory crepes filled with Gruyère and spinach or topped with a farm-fresh egg for a true brunch vibe. Seasonal vegetarian and vegan specials rotate regularly, and gluten-free bread is available upon request.
Everything feels handcrafted. Even the sausages use pork from local farms, and flaky breakfast quiches are baked on site. Most items come in under twenty dollars, with portions that hit that sweet spot—satisfying without risking food coma, leaving just enough room for a scone or two. The exposed brick walls and local art nod to downtown history, while friendly staff remembers your name. Takeout runs smoothly, making it easy to grab lunch packs and be on your way.
The Dive
Nestled in Sioux Falls, The Dive has quietly become a neighborhood favorite thanks to a menu that truly honors “from scratch.” The laid-back, dive-bar vibe comes complete with seasoned regulars and a rotating selection of craft beers, yet the food shows real attention to detail.
Take the Dive Burger with hand-cut fries—simple, classic, done right. Or try the smoked brisket sandwich, slow-cooked in their own smoker until every bite melts. Quality buns aren’t an afterthought either. You’ll see sourdough, brioche, marble rye, potato buns, and sturdy hoagie rolls built for pulled pork.
Vegetarian diners aren’t left out. The Veggie Melt features peppers, mushrooms, and spinach with provolone on rye. Salads fill out the menu, while the Nashville spicy chicken sandwich delivers a satisfying kick. House-made condiments—ketchup, aioli—reveal the kitchen’s care. Prices range from about six dollars for a snack to fifteen for a hearty brisket meal, with portions that feel generous. Counter service at the original location keeps things casual. Over at Park Ridge Galleria, you’ll find a family-friendly setup. It’s real food in a relaxed setting, with absolutely no pretense.
Blarney Stone Pub – Sioux Falls
Stepping into Blarney Stone Pub feels like discovering a true Irish hideaway in downtown Sioux Falls. Exposed brick and dark wood set the tone, while a dog-friendly courtyard off Phillips Avenue invites you to linger when the weather’s nice.
Sandwich lovers will appreciate the Reuben, loaded with oven-baked shredded corned beef on marble rye. The Blarney Dip and Smoked Sicilian offer house-smoked meats piled high on toasted focaccia or hoagie buns. Every sandwich comes with a pickle and your choice of fries, chips, soup, or salad, all priced between eleven and sixteen dollars.
Vegetarians will be drawn to the Florentine Veg, where creamy spinach–artichoke dip meets cucumber, tomato, and greens on fresh focaccia. Weekend brunch adds an Irish twist to classics, and the late-night menu keeps the kitchen ticking. The bar features a solid draft list, from Irish staples to craft finds. Inside, cozy corners invite conversation, while the courtyard provides fresh air and relaxed seating. Whether you’re gathering a group or grabbing a solo pint, this pub balances comfort and authenticity without any forced gimmicks.
Josiah’s Coffeehouse & Café
Josiah’s Coffeehouse & Café brings old-school warmth to downtown Sioux Falls in a bright Auburn-Nash building that’s loaded with morning light. Bar seating along 12th Street provides a perfect spot for people-watching while you sip your coffee and plan the day.
The menu leans on house-prepared meats. The Corned Beef Reuben and the Brisket & Chipotle Panini both showcase slow-roasted or smoked cuts sliced in-house. Breakfast runs all day, so flatbreads sit alongside croissant-bun sandwiches—“The Cure” stacks hash browns, bacon, sausage, ham, egg, and cheese, finished with maple brown sugar butter.
Creative grilled cheeses and vegetarian options shine too, like Gouda with guacamole on multigrain. If you’d rather go lighter, most sandwiches are available in half-size. Bread choices rotate between sourdough, ciabatta, croissant buns, and other in-house bakes. Inside seating accommodates around sixty guests, and outdoor tables with water bowls keep dogs happy. Since relocating and updating a few years ago, Josiah’s has grown its bakery case and catering menu, all while preserving the relaxed café vibe that keeps regulars coming back.
Look’s Marketplace
From the moment you arrive at Look’s Marketplace south of town, you sense its old Sioux Falls butcher-shop roots. Family-owned since 1883, it now offers full meals alongside grocery finds. The menu confidently leans into hot sandwiches, hearty Detroit-style “Motor City” pizzas, and wood-fired pies.
A brisket, broccoli slaw, and house-made ciabatta sandwich sits alongside pulled pork and sausage from the fire grill. The BLTA on sourdough is a crowd favorite. At the deli counter, Boar’s Head meats guide your slicing but small-batch charcuterie and South Dakota–raised beef keep things interesting.
Morning visitors will find jalapeño-cheddar sourdough and other sweet breads rotating daily. Raspberry-yuzu tarts, French toast, or PBJ toast appear if you drop in as early as 7 AM. Vegetarians can choose plenty of options, and gluten-free buns fill in where needed.
The market flows into a 125-seat dining room wrapped around a central bar. A pair of patios overlook the golf course for anyone who’d rather be outdoors or bring a dog along. Whether you’re grabbing a sandwich to go, ordering up a deli tray, or settling in to eat on site, service stays breezy and friendly.
Phillips Avenue Diner
Stepping inside Phillips Avenue Diner feels like sliding into a 1970s comfort-food capsule. Booths line the walls in a classic color palette that’s been a downtown Sioux Falls anchor for years. The menu piles on favorites such as hand-breaded chicken, house-roasted pot roast, and corned beef cured right in-house.
You’ll find a French Dip loaded with slow-cooked beef and au jus, plus a hot roast beef plate served with mashed potatoes. The grilled cheese blends cheddar, Swiss, gouda, and American on sourdough bread. Reubens arrive with house-made corned beef and “bucket-style” sauerkraut, just as they should.
For a lighter bite, try the turkey avocado BLAT on wheatberry bread or wraps tucked in jalapeño-cheddar tortillas. Plates typically run from $11 to $16.50, and the portions match the comfort-food vibe. Folks show up early for hearty breakfast dishes, stick around for a classic burger or Diner Dog later in the day, and keep returning because it’s exactly what they expect, in the best way.
All Day Café
At All Day Café on 41st Street, hearty hot sandwiches take center stage. You might choose a Crab Cake BLT on toasted country bread, a Beef Tandoori Melt on grilled tandoori bread, or a Café Reuben stacked high with house-brined corned beef. Nearly every sandwich arrives warm and melty, with your pick of sides, and prices fall in the $10–$13 range.
Vegetarian and vegan appetites are well-served, but the café is best known for scratch-made comfort food with a modern twist. Breakfast and lunch classics get an extra polish here. There’s a casual brunch energy, especially on the summer patio where sunlight floods in.
Inside, you order at the counter and find easy-going hospitality. All Day Café opens at 7 AM (8 on Sundays) and closes by mid-afternoon, making it a perfect spot for a fresh start or a leisurely lunch. You can order online for pick-up or arrange private catering, but most of the charm is right there in the café itself.
Falls Overlook Cafe
Tucked into the old 1908 hydroelectric plant on the east side of the Big Sioux River, Falls Overlook Café feels both industrial-chic and welcoming. Vaulted ceilings and large windows set the stage for a leisurely lunch or a scoop of Stensland farm-fresh ice cream.
This family-run café truly lives up to the farm-to-table label. Meats and cheeses are sliced in-house, all sourced from Stensland Family Farms nearby. Vegetarian diners gravitate toward the grilled paninis and other meat-free options. Sandwiches land in the $8–$12 sweet spot, yet portions are generous enough for a full meal.
Hot choices like the Curds & Bacon or the Dakota Cuban get pressed between house-toasted panini bread. Classic deli sandwiches stack up on fresh-baked rolls, and an Ultimate Grilled Cheese paired with soup never disappoints. Service is counter style—simple and unhurried.
In fair weather, outdoor seating lets you gaze at the falls. With a bit of notice, the staff can accommodate most dietary requests. For a family-run spot nestled in a city park, Falls Overlook Café delivers exactly what you want.
Chick N Max
When you walk into Chick N Max, the aroma of almond wood-smoked chicken greets you first. The menu stays simple without ever feeling boring, covering key styles like Sriracha Hot Honey sandwiches with bread-and-butter pickles. The Chicken & Waffles plate is over the top, stacked with pepper jack, bacon, and spicy sauce over sweet Belgian waffles.
Almond wood-smoked chicken really shines in the BBQ Onion Ring sandwich, tossed with slaw and held together by a sturdy potato bun. Crisp tenders come with slaw, house-made white Bama sauce, and Nashville spices. It’s no wonder the Nashville Hot combo is a regular orders.
Combo meals pair a sandwich or tenders with a side and drink for about $7–$10. Despite being part of a drive-thru strip mall, the interior feels calm and modern with plenty of space. Fast-casual pacing means you won’t be rushed. Chick N Max works equally well for groups, solo visits, or grabbing a quick bite between errands. The straightforward service matches the menu’s unfussy approach.
