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Killer dinner tonight at Parker’s Bistro in Sioux Falls. This is hands-down my favorite place to eat in South Dakota. Special little spot in the heart of downtown Sioux Falls, on Main Ave — Parker’s delivers top-tier food, cocktails, and service. It’s family-owned, and the owner is always there — lovely, welcoming, and very passionate about what she does.
They were packed (as they should be), but we snagged a last-minute bar seat. I honestly recommend making reservations if you’re coming on a Friday or Saturday night — or do what we did and enjoy dinner at the bar. There are multiple dining spaces too, each with its own vibe. You can sit in the south side dining room, the brick room, or near the open kitchen for a more traditional fine dining feel — or visit their glitzy cocktail bar next door, Myrtle’s Fur Vault and Bar, which is also gorgeous.
I kicked things off with an Old Fashioned (see photo 1) that was absolutely perfect — like something you expect from a top-tier cocktail bar in New York or London, complete with a crystal-clear diamond ice cube. Then I had a flight of fresh oysters, and yes — I know what you’re thinking, oysters in South Dakota — but these were straight from Menemsha Pond in Massachusetts (see photo 2.) Fresh, clean, and absolutely restaurant-quality for the coast.
Next up: the Young Alumni, a signature Parker’s cocktail with rye whiskey, Cynar, mascarpone, blueberry, and lemon. Creative, artisanal cocktail (see photo 4.) Sorta showcases why Parker’s leads the way in bars in downtown Sioux Falls. Lip-smacking good!
For dinner, I had a classic Caesar salad (see photo 3) (anchovies optional — I opted out) followed by their prime rib dinner special (see photo 5) — a massive cut served with a silky demi-glace au jus. It knocked my socks off. Perfectly cooked, incredibly tender, and plated with broccolini and housemade sauce.
Then came the Blackthorn Sour, and it was absolutely perfect — bold, spiced, and citrusy with just the right bite (see photo 6.) You can tell the bartenders here know exactly what they’re doing. Between the Young Alumni and this, it’s clear Parker’s has one of the best craft cocktail programs in Sioux Falls. Every detail = spot on.
Dessert: I opted for the affogato, with espresso poured over vanilla gelato made at the creamery at SD State in Brookings (see photo 7.) It was the perfect sweet note to end on and a good pick-me-up so that I could enjoy the rest of the evening downtown.
Next time, I’ll plan to pop next door to their sister lounge, Myrtle’s Fur Vault and Bar, for an after-dinner cocktail. It’s the perfect spot to wind down speakeasy-glam style. This time, we decided to stroll out and catch some live music down the block.
I can’t say enough good things. The cocktails are the best downtown, the menu is always seasonal, and the vibe makes it one of the most romantic restaurants in Sioux Falls. Whether you’re in town for a night or you live nearby, put Parker’s Bistro on your list.
10/10.