
Minervas Restaurant
A historic fine-dining American grill in downtown Sioux Falls, known for its stylish ambiance, beloved salad bar, and classic dishes.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Minervas Restaurant

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic fine-dining American grill in downtown Sioux Falls, known for its stylish ambiance, beloved salad bar, and classic dishes.
"Minervas is a solid choice for a refined dining experience with courteous service and well-prepared entrees."
Book Ahead
Make reservations in advance to ensure prompt seating, especially during peak times.
Try Signature Dishes
Consider recommended items like the ribeye, panna cotta, or the impressive breaded walleye.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American Grill
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Elegant Ambiance
A refined dining atmosphere in downtown Sioux Falls, featuring plush surroundings, white tablecloths, and mellow wood fixtures.

Award-Winning Salad Bar
Diners rave about the extensive and high-quality salad bar, offering a wide variety of fresh ingredients and well-prepared salads.

Breaded Walleye
A standout dish praised for its crispy exterior and flaky, flavorful interior, often served in generous portions.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Make reservations in advance to ensure prompt seating, especially during peak times.
Try Signature Dishes
Consider recommended items like the ribeye, panna cotta, or the impressive breaded walleye.
Avoid Peak Times
For quicker service and a more relaxed experience, try to dine during off-peak hours.
Bar Service
If seating at the bar, expect friendly and fast service, with plenty of indoor seating options.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Make reservations in advance to ensure prompt seating, especially during peak times.
Try Signature Dishes
Consider recommended items like the ribeye, panna cotta, or the impressive breaded walleye.
Avoid Peak Times
For quicker service and a more relaxed experience, try to dine during off-peak hours.
Bar Service
If seating at the bar, expect friendly and fast service, with plenty of indoor seating options.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Minervas Restaurant is a well-established fine-dining establishment in Sioux Falls, praised for its elegant ambiance and a highly-regarded salad bar. While many diners enjoy dishes like the breaded walleye and appreciate attentive service from staff like Olivia, some reviews mention occasional service delays and inconsistencies in food preparation, particularly with entrees. Despite minor criticisms, it remains a popular choice for special occasions and a refined dining experience.
"We went to Minerva’s for lunch based upon the reviews. We usually avoid any restaurants that have anything related to a “food bar or salad bar”. The restaurant is well decorated and very relaxing/comfortable atmosphere. The lunch menu is perfect size to order from, it’s not like some restaurants that have too many selections. The prices are great, at least to us. We’re used to DC/VA prices.
We broke our rule and had the salad bar and soup du jour. The salad bar was beyond our expectations. It was clean, sanitary and the selection of vegetables, pastas, meats etc was amazing. The soup was delicious as well.
If we lived here it definitely be at the top of restaurants we frequent. Our server (Deb C) was a delight. The restaurant is clean, the service perfect and staff very friendly.
A solid restaurant to dine for lunch or dinner."
chuck
"Minerva’s in downtown Sioux Falls continues to uphold its reputation as a solid choice for a refined dining experience. We had a reservation booked 12 hours in advance and were seated promptly upon arrival—a great start to our evening.
Our server, Olivia, was a highlight of the night. She was friendly, attentive, and well-versed in the menu, offering thoughtful answers to our questions and making us feel welcome throughout the meal.
The food came out in a timely manner. My wife’s breaded walleye was particularly impressive—crispy on the outside, flaky and flavorful on the inside, and generously portioned. My rainbow trout, while fresh, was just average and could have benefited from a more dynamic sauce.
There were a couple of service-related delays at the start of our visit. It took about five minutes before we were initially greeted with water and another five before our drink orders were taken. It was an additional 15 minutes before our drinks—a beer and a mojito—arrived. While that lag was noticeable, it’s worth noting that it was a bustling Friday evening in the heart of downtown, and my wife wisely pointed out that the bar was likely operating at full capacity.
Overall, Minerva’s delivered a pleasant dinner with courteous service and well-prepared entrees. While there were a few hiccups with drink service, the atmosphere and professionalism of the staff made for an enjoyable evening."
Ryan Farsdale
"What an amazing establishment! I sat at the bar and service was friendly and fast. Plenty of seating indoors. I started with the Caesar salad and ended up getting the pheasant risotto, which was amazing. I also got the red velvet soufflé for dessert. I highly recommend if you’re looking for a great place to eat!"
Hannah M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Minervas is known for its refined dining atmosphere, popular salad bar, and classic American grill dishes like breaded walleye and steaks.
It is recommended to make reservations in advance, especially for weekend evenings, to ensure prompt seating.
Popular choices include the breaded walleye, ribeye steak, and the extensive salad bar. Many also enjoy desserts like panna cotta or creme brulee.
While not strictly enforced, the atmosphere is upscale, suggesting business casual attire is appropriate.
To avoid crowds and ensure quicker service, it's advised to visit during non-peak hours.
Minervas offers call-ahead carryout orders for your convenience.
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The Top 10 Restaurants In Sioux Falls South Dakota
Since 1977, Minerva’s has provided the mid-West with sumptuous dining in stylish, plush surroundings. The Minerva’s at Sioux Falls is the flagship restaurant – a self-professed hallmark of the downtown experience, it comes complete with crisp white table cloths, mellow, dark wood fixtures and carefully chosen lighting. Enjoy a cranberry pecan salad with punchy gorgonzola and heaps of fresh spinach or perhaps opt for fresh Atlantic salmon, oven-broiled with honey, fresh ground pepper and béarnaise sauce, served with fresh asparagus and a nutritious, multi-grain blend.
See the oldest restaurants still open in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
While Minervas has been a Sioux Falls fine-dining establishment since 1977, when its building was sold to Paul Van Bockern and Dave Thompson and named "Minerva's Corner Creperie," the building itself has been serving Sioux Falls diners since 1917. The building has served as swanky restaurants, a fruit and candy shop, a "Palace of Sweets," and a restaurant where diners could eat peanuts and throw the shells on the floor. But Thompson and Van Bockern bought the restaurant at a time when Sioux Falls was "becoming a boom town for restaurants" as dining out became a national trend, and they had plenty of competition to establish themselves.
A Foodie's Guide to the Best Restaurants in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Situated in Sioux Falls, Minervas Restaurant is a white-tablecloth haven offering a delightful array of American grill classics. The culinary experience here seems to be nothing short of exceptional, with diners raving about unique dishes like the ice cream-topped burger that surprisingly hits all the right notes. While the menu may be slightly limited, the flavors are robust and well-balanced, making it a perfect spot for a romantic date night or a formal business gathering.
Burger Battle
Hours of Availability: Monday – Thursday: 11am-9pm & Friday – Saturday: 11am-10pm (Closed Sunday). Delivery Services Offered: Call Ahead Carry Out Orders: 605-334-0386. Hadrick ranch premium angus beef, black Italian winter truffle, mushroom duxelles, rosemary bordelaise, pomegranate gastrique, garlic chive aioli, truffle butter, served on a pullman brioche bun with a side of charcoal parmesan fries and beet ketchup.
Eating out during COVID-19: Sioux Falls names its favorites for carryout, delivery
Several survey respondents also frequently mentioned Vanguard Hospitality’s restaurants – Morrie’s Steakhouse, Grille 26, Minervas and Turks & Caicos Cabana Grille – noting the addition of family meals. Other restaurants with at least 10 mentions include Culver’s, Johnny Carino’s, Sanaa’s 8th Street Gourmet, Look’s Marketplace and TC’s Referee.
Couples Weekend Getaway Ideas for Sioux Falls
The best people watching spot in town, Minerva’s is a charming homage to the way restaurants use to be, with rich wood interiors and chandelier splendor. Or find a sunny spot on the patio, and enjoy classics like Chicken Oscar or Steak Michael with your glass of wine. You can always opt for the ever-popular, all-you-can eat salad bar, too.
South Dakota's Most Romantic Restaurant is in Downtown Sioux Fall
The next time you need a romantic date night in Sioux Falls, Minervas is the top-notch establishment for the perfect evening. Minervas is not only romantic, but it is also has a cozy atmosphere. Country Living raves about the elegant dining, the steak and seafood options, and the award-winning salad bar!
Best Cheap Pet Friendly Hotels in Sioux Falls, SD from $14 | VacationHomeRents
Popular restaurants nearby include Minervas Restaurant & Bar, Grille 26, and Phillips Avenue Diner. There are also plenty of trails for outdoor activities such as Big Sioux Recreation Area and Trail, Sherman Park, and Good Earth State Park.
Highest-rated Restaurants in Sioux Falls, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,063 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: American- Price: $$$$- Address: 301 S Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104-6318- Read more on Tripadvisor
Highest-rated brunch restaurants in Sioux Falls, according to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,064 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: American- Price: $$$$- Address: 301 S Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104-6318- Read more on Tripadvisor
Romantic weekend getaway in Sioux Falls
It’s an easy walk from both of the hotels on the north end of downtown to Minervas at the corner of 11th and Phillips. Or, if you’re arriving in a car, there’s a parking garage only a few hundred yards east of the restaurant.
15 Best Restaurants In Sioux Falls SD You Must Try
This downtown Sioux Falls restaurant has occupied this location since 1977. This restaurant is a true staple in the city. The food, service, and decor all combine to create something quite special.
What to Do in Downtown Sioux Falls, SD
When you want to celebrate a special occasion, head to Parker's Bistro, a fine-dining restaurant with a chef-driven menu, or Minervas, an elegant restaurant serving steaks, seafood, and pasta.
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