The new year ushers in a brand-new list of contenders for the Downtown Sioux Falls Burger Battle, with a record 37 entrants in 2024.

The latest to hit my taste buds is The Conquistador Burger from Papa Woody's Wood-Fired Pizza.

If you're wondering what a pizza place is doing in a burger battle, you haven't been paying attention.  Papa Woody's won this thing three years ago with their Uptowner Burger. Not too shabby when you consider it was the first time they had ever entered the competition.

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The Conquistador Burger - Papa Woody's
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As for this year's creation, it's billed as:

'1/3 lb. Black Angus Brisket/Chuck burger smothered with Shredded Beef Barbacoa, Diced Onions, Black Beans and Corn mix, and melted White Queso. A drizzle of Hot & Spicy Japanese Barbecue Sauce and a sprinkle of Cotija Cheese to finish. All served on a fresh Jalapeño Cheddar bun baked locally from our friends at BreadSmith! Paired with a side of Birrea sauce.'

As you can tell from the description, there's a lot going on here.

With all of those different spices and flavors battling it out, it could have easily been a disaster.

But it wasn't.

Instead of competing, the flavors and spices complimented each other and made for an outstanding burger, with just the right amount of kick.

SCORECARD (Out of 5):

• Flavor: 4
• Patty: 4
• Toppings: 4
• Bun: 5
• Presentation: 4

You have until January 31 to sample as many of the 37 burgers as you can.

After you've polished one (or more) off, don't forget to download the official app downtown – The DTSF Digital Passport - to cast your votes on each burger.

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In June of 2020, Guy Fieri and his crew from Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives came to Sioux Falls and made quite a stir.

In case you've never been lured into an hours-long binge of the show on Food Network, Guy Fieri visits places off the beaten path and tries out their signature dishes and visits with locals.

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