Every January for the past 11 years, burger lovers in Sioux Falls have had the opportunity to pick the best of the best offerings in the Downtown Sioux Falls Burger Battle.

And while the event has been a resounding success, it does exclude burgers from the rest of South Dakota, which is home to some pretty tasty options.

Well, all of that is about to change.

For the first time ever, the South Dakota Beef Industry Council (SDBIC) is launching a statewide burger contest and you can help select the entrants.

Nominations for the 'So Dak Best Burger Contest' open May 1 and run through June 16.

To be considered, burgers must be 100% beef but can utilize other ingredients in the patties, like spices and vegetables.

The burgers must be formed ground beef patties served on a bun or other bread product and may include any combination of condiments, sauces, cheeses, and toppings.

All burgers must be available on the nominated restaurant’s regular menu and that restaurant must be currently open for business and must be open year-round.

'So Dak Best Burger' Contest
South Dakota Beef Industry Council
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Here is the contest's timeline:

  • May 1 - June 16: Nominations accepted
  • June 20: Top 5 Finalists Announced
  • June 21 - July 21: Judging by SDBIC
  • August 1, 2024: Winner Announced on SDBIC's Facebook Page

The five finalists will be judged in four categories:

  • Taste – 50%
  • Appearance and Presentation – 30%
  • Proper cooking temperature/degree of doneness – 10%
  • Overall – 10%

Detour Dining: Off-the-Beaten-Path Restaurants You Must Try in South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa

Beyond the well-traveled tourist paths, there’s a whole different world of food exploration throughout South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota. From tiny restaurants in historic towns serving up generations-old recipes to small town dive bars that not only have cheap, cold beer, but unique and unexpected homemade dishes.

We’ve created an exploration of off-the-beaten path restaurants nestled in the charming landscapes of the tri-state area. Take a detour from the ordinary and discover the extraordinary flavors as you travel the roads not-so-often traveled. 



Gallery Credit: Karla Brown / Townsquare Media

Road Trip-Worthy Restaurants Within 90 Minutes of Sioux Falls

Veer off the beaten path. Take a road trip and try some favorite small-town eateries. Just by driving a few miles, you could find some delicious hidden gems.

From steaks to seafood, chislic to chicken, these are out-of-the-way unexpected finds that will make your taste buds tingle.

Here's a list of 14 Road Trip-Worthy Restaurants within 90 minutes of Sioux Falls.

Gallery Credit: Karla Brown

South Dakota Foods You Must Try

Some foods are distinctly South Dakota. How many of these amazing South Dakota dishes have you tried?!

If you live in South Dakota chances are you've eaten many of the items on this food list.

But if you are visiting our state or if you just haven't gotten around to chowing down on these great eats, you need to get on it.

Some foods are distinctly South Dakotan. Here are the 9 South Dakota Foods You Must Try Before You Check Out …

Gallery Credit: Ben Davis

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