Sioux Falls, South Dakota boasts a thriving craft beer scene that has rapidly expanded in recent years. The city’s local breweries offer a diverse range of flavors and styles to satisfy beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. Visitors and residents can explore over half a dozen breweries in Sioux Falls, each with its own unique character and signature brews.
These breweries include popular spots like Remedy Brewing Co., WoodGrain Brewing Company, and Fernson Brewing Company. Many offer taprooms where patrons can sample fresh, locally-made beers directly from the source. Some breweries also provide food options or allow guests to bring their own meals, creating a welcoming atmosphere for spending time with friends and family.
The Sioux Falls craft beer community continues to grow and innovate. New breweries have opened their doors, while established ones have expanded their offerings. This guide will take you through the city’s brewery scene, highlighting must-try beers and unique experiences at each location.
History of Craft Beer in Sioux Falls
Craft beer made its debut in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in the late 2000s. The city’s craft beer scene emerged as part of the broader craft brewing revolution sweeping across the United States.
In 2007, Monks Ale House opened its doors, becoming South Dakota’s first craft beer bar. This establishment played a pivotal role in introducing Sioux Falls residents to a wider variety of beer styles and flavors.
The local brewing industry began to take shape in the following years. Early pioneers established small-scale breweries, experimenting with unique recipes and ingredients.
By the mid-2010s, several local breweries had opened their taprooms in Sioux Falls. These establishments offered residents the opportunity to enjoy fresh, locally-made craft beer.
The growth of craft beer in Sioux Falls reflected changing consumer preferences. Beer enthusiasts sought out more flavorful and diverse options beyond mass-produced lagers.
Local brewers drew inspiration from regional ingredients and traditions, creating beers that showcased South Dakota’s agricultural heritage. This approach helped foster a distinct identity for Sioux Falls’ craft beer scene.
As of 2024, Sioux Falls boasts a thriving craft beer community. Multiple breweries operate within the city limits, each offering its own unique takes on various beer styles.
Top Breweries and Their Stories
Sioux Falls boasts a vibrant craft beer scene with numerous exceptional breweries. Each offers unique flavors, atmospheres, and brewing philosophies that contribute to the city’s diverse beer culture.
Woodgrain Brewing Co
Woodgrain Brewing Co stands out for its rustic charm and commitment to quality. Located in downtown Sioux Falls, this brewery crafts a wide range of beers using locally sourced ingredients.
Their taproom features exposed brick walls and reclaimed wood, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Woodgrain’s popular brews include the Cascade Cream Ale and the Milk Stout.
The brewery hosts regular events, including live music and trivia nights. Visitors can enjoy a flight of beers to sample various offerings or grab a growler to go.
Fernson Brewing Co
Fernson Brewing Co has become a Sioux Falls staple since its inception. With two locations – the original brewery and Fernson Downtown – they offer different experiences for beer enthusiasts.
Their core lineup includes the Lion’s Paw Lager and Shy Giant IPA. Fernson also experiments with seasonal and limited-release beers, keeping their selection fresh and exciting.
The downtown taproom features a full kitchen, serving elevated pub fare to complement their brews. Fernson’s commitment to community involvement is evident through their various collaborations and charity events.
Remedy Brewing Co
Remedy Brewing Co combines creative brewing with a passion for community. Their spacious taproom in the 8th and Railroad Center provides a lively gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.
Remedy’s beer selection ranges from traditional styles to innovative creations. Fan favorites include the Queen Bee Imperial Honey Cream Ale and the Espina Mexican Lager.
The brewery offers a rotating food menu featuring local ingredients. Remedy’s outdoor patio is a popular spot during warmer months, offering views of downtown Sioux Falls.
Covert Artisan Ales
Covert Artisan Ales specializes in small-batch, barrel-aged, and wild fermented beers. Their taproom provides an intimate setting for beer aficionados to explore unique flavors.
Known for their sour and farmhouse-style ales, Covert pushes the boundaries of traditional brewing. Their limited releases often sell out quickly, creating a sense of excitement among beer enthusiasts.
The brewery’s commitment to craftsmanship is evident in every pour. Covert’s attention to detail and willingness to experiment has earned them a loyal following in the Sioux Falls beer community.
Obscure Brewing Co
Obscure Brewing Co lives up to its name by offering an eclectic mix of beer styles. Their taproom, located on the east side of Sioux Falls, provides a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying their creations.
The brewery’s lineup includes both approachable and adventurous options. Popular choices include the Obscure Blonde Ale and the rotating New England IPA series.
Obscure hosts regular food truck events, allowing patrons to pair their beers with various cuisines. The brewery’s spacious outdoor area is perfect for enjoying a pint on sunny days.
Severance Brewing Co
Severance Brewing Co brings a modern twist to the Sioux Falls beer scene. Located in the East Bank neighborhood, their sleek taproom offers a contemporary setting for beer enthusiasts.
The brewery focuses on creating balanced, flavorful beers across various styles. Their Coconut Brown Ale and West Coast IPA have gained particular popularity among locals.
Severance offers a unique “Mug Club” membership program, providing benefits to regular patrons. The brewery’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their practices and partnerships with local organizations.
A Homestead Brew
A Homestead Brew offers a taste of rural South Dakota in their craft beers. Located just outside Sioux Falls, this farm brewery provides a unique experience for visitors.
Their beers often incorporate ingredients grown on their property, creating truly local flavors. Popular options include the Prairie Farmhouse Ale and the Honey Wheat, made with honey from their own beehives.
The brewery’s taproom, housed in a renovated barn, offers a rustic charm. Visitors can enjoy their beers while taking in views of the surrounding countryside.
Miner Brewing Company
Miner Brewing Company brings a taste of the Black Hills to Sioux Falls with their satellite taproom. This extension of the Hill City-based brewery offers a selection of their popular beers.
Their diverse lineup includes traditional styles and experimental brews. The Mango Cream Ale and the Chokecherry Brown Ale showcase their use of local ingredients and flavors.
The taproom hosts regular events, including beer and food pairings. Miner’s presence in Sioux Falls allows locals to experience Black Hills brewing without leaving the city.
Buffalo Ridge Brewing
Buffalo Ridge Brewing, located in nearby Hartford, is worth the short drive from Sioux Falls. This small-town brewery offers a welcoming atmosphere and quality craft beers.
Their beer selection ranges from light lagers to robust stouts. Popular choices include the Tatanka IPA and the seasonal Oktoberfest.
The brewery’s taproom features a warm, family-friendly environment. Buffalo Ridge often collaborates with local businesses, strengthening their community ties.
Exploring the Craft Beer Offerings
Sioux Falls boasts a vibrant craft beer scene with diverse styles and flavors. Local breweries showcase their creativity through innovative recipes and high-quality ingredients.
Noteworthy IPAs
India Pale Ales reign supreme in Sioux Falls. WoodGrain Brewing Company offers a standout SMaSH Cascade, a single malt, single hop pale ale featuring locally-grown Cascade hops. This hazy, juicy brew appeals to both craft beer enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Remedy Brewing Co. has perfected their IPA recipes, with several staple options on rotation. Their hop-forward creations balance bitterness with fruity and floral notes.
Lupulin Brewing, known for its bold flavors, delivers IPAs that pack a punch. Beer lovers can expect intense hop aromas and satisfying bitterness in their offerings.
Stellar Stouts
Dark beer aficionados will find plenty to savor in Sioux Falls. Local breweries craft rich, full-bodied stouts with complex flavor profiles.
Fernson Brewing Company produces smooth, roasty stouts that showcase chocolate and coffee notes. Their seasonal variations often incorporate unique ingredients like vanilla or coconut.
Monk’s Ale House, while not a brewery, curates an impressive selection of local and regional stouts. Beer enthusiasts can explore a range of styles, from dry Irish stouts to decadent milk stouts.
Farm-to-Table Brews
Sioux Falls brewers embrace the farm-to-table ethos, incorporating local ingredients into their craft beers. This approach supports local agriculture and creates unique flavor profiles.
Prairie Berry Winery, though primarily known for wine, dabbles in beer production using South Dakota-grown fruits and grains. Their brews often feature unexpected ingredients like chokecherries or honey.
WoodGrain Brewing Company sources grains from nearby farms, ensuring freshness and supporting the local economy. This dedication to local ingredients shines through in their crisp, clean-tasting beers.
Seasonal Sensations
Sioux Falls breweries excel at creating seasonal offerings that capture the essence of each time of year. These limited-edition brews give beer enthusiasts a reason to visit taprooms regularly.
Remedy Brewing Co. rotates their tap list to include seasonally-inspired creations. From refreshing summer wheat beers to warming winter ales, they craft beers that complement the South Dakota climate.
Fernson Brewing Company embraces the changing seasons with inventive recipes. Their autumn pumpkin ales and spring fruit-infused sours showcase the brewery’s versatility and creativity.
Tantalizing Tap Lists
Sioux Falls taprooms pride themselves on offering diverse beer selections to suit every palate. Visitors can expect to find an array of styles on tap at local establishments.
Taphouse 41 boasts an extensive craft beer menu featuring both local and regional brews. Their rotating taps ensure there’s always something new to try.
JL Beers focuses on quality over quantity, with a carefully curated selection of craft beers. Their knowledgeable staff can guide patrons to the perfect pint based on individual preferences.
EightyOne Arcade Bar combines nostalgia with craft beer, offering a unique drinking experience. Their tap list features a mix of local favorites and hard-to-find brews from across the country.
The Best Taprooms and Pubs in Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls boasts a thriving craft beer scene with several standout taprooms and pubs. These establishments offer unique atmospheres, impressive beer selections, and quality food options.
Monk’s House of Ale Repute
Monk’s House of Ale Repute is a craft beer lover’s paradise. This taproom features an extensive selection of local and international brews on tap. The knowledgeable staff can guide patrons through their impressive beer list.
Monk’s regularly rotates their taps, ensuring a fresh and diverse selection. They often showcase limited-edition and seasonal beers from regional breweries. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with a mix of cozy seating options.
Food options at Monk’s include tasty pub fare that pairs well with their beers. Patrons can enjoy classic bar snacks and heartier meals while sampling different brews.
JL Beers
JL Beers is known for its excellent craft beer selection and mouthwatering burgers. This pub offers a more casual dining experience with counter service and communal seating.
Their tap list features both local and national craft beers, with a focus on American styles. JL Beers also offers beer flights, allowing customers to sample multiple brews.
The burgers at JL Beers are a major draw. Made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, these burgers come in various styles to suit different tastes. Patrons can customize their orders with a range of toppings and sauces.
Taphouse 41
Taphouse 41 combines a great beer selection with an upscale pub atmosphere. This establishment features 41 rotating taps, offering a wide variety of craft beers from local and national breweries.
The interior of Taphouse 41 is modern and inviting, with ample seating and a lively bar area. Large screens make it a popular spot for watching sports events while enjoying craft beers.
Their food menu goes beyond typical pub fare, offering gourmet burgers, sandwiches, and entrees. The kitchen uses high-quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations to elevate classic pub dishes.
Cozy Atmosphere Locales
Sioux Falls has several pubs that offer a cozy, intimate atmosphere for beer enthusiasts. These smaller establishments focus on creating a warm, welcoming environment for patrons to enjoy craft brews.
The Blarney Stone Pub provides an authentic Irish pub experience with a great selection of beers and traditional Irish fare. Its dark wood interiors and friendly staff contribute to the cozy ambiance.
WoodGrain Brewing Company offers a laid-back taproom experience. This local brewery serves their own craft beers in a relaxed setting, often featuring live music on weekends.
Pairing Food with Craft Beer
Sioux Falls offers excellent opportunities to pair local craft beers with delicious food. Many breweries and restaurants in the area have mastered the art of complementing flavors.
Burgers and craft beer make a classic combination. The rich, savory flavors of a juicy burger pair well with hoppy IPAs or malty amber ales. Some local establishments offer specialty burgers designed to match specific beer styles.
Sandwiches also provide versatile pairing options. A light wheat beer can enhance the flavors of a turkey or chicken sandwich, while a robust porter complements heartier options like roast beef.
Local beers often incorporate regional ingredients, creating unique flavor profiles. These distinctive brews can be paired with dishes that highlight similar local ingredients, creating a true taste of Sioux Falls.
Craft beer enthusiasts can explore various pairing options:
- Light lagers: Pair with salads or light fish dishes
- Wheat beers: Complement spicy foods or citrus-infused dishes
- Pale ales: Match well with grilled meats or pizza
- Stouts: Enhance chocolate desserts or rich, creamy dishes
Many local breweries offer tasting flights, allowing patrons to sample different beers alongside small bites. This approach helps in discovering personal favorite pairings.
Events and Festivals Celebrating Craft Beer
Sioux Falls boasts a vibrant craft beer scene, celebrated through various events and festivals throughout the year. The South Dakota Brewers Guild organizes the Craft Beer Fest, showcasing an impressive selection of local brews.
This event highlights the talent and creativity of brewers from across the state, offering attendees a chance to sample unique flavors and styles.
Another notable event is Sioux Empire On Tap, held annually at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. This festival features hundreds of craft beer styles, local vendors, food options, and live music performances.
Downtown Sioux Falls hosts Mash Madness, an event that puts local breweries in the spotlight. Six breweries participate, giving craft beer enthusiasts the opportunity to explore and enjoy various offerings in the heart of the city.
South Dakota Craft Beer Week is a statewide celebration of the brewing industry. It culminates with special events and promotions at breweries and bars throughout Sioux Falls and beyond.
These events not only provide entertainment but also support local businesses and foster a sense of community among beer lovers. They offer excellent opportunities to discover new favorites and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
Craft Beer Appreciation in Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls boasts a vibrant craft beer culture that continues to grow and evolve. The city’s beer enthusiasts have numerous opportunities to explore and enjoy locally brewed creations.
The South Dakota Brewers Guild hosts an annual Craft Beer Fest, showcasing a diverse selection of brews from talented local brewmakers. This event features a wide range of styles, from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts and refreshing sours.
Local ingredients play a significant role in Sioux Falls’ craft beer scene. Many breweries incorporate regional flavors and agricultural products into their recipes, creating unique and distinctly South Dakotan beers.
The brewery scene in Sioux Falls is thriving, with several establishments offering high-quality craft beers. Remedy Brewing Co. stands out for perfecting their staple rotation of beers, providing consistent and enjoyable options for patrons.
Monks Ale House, South Dakota’s first craft beer bar, has been at the forefront of the craft beer revolution in the state. It offers a fabulous selection of local beers, sours, and ales, catering to diverse tastes.
Events like Mash Madness, organized by Downtown Sioux Falls, highlight the city’s brewing talent. This annual competition features multiple local breweries, fostering friendly competition and innovation in the craft beer community.
The Sioux Empire On Tap Craft Beer Festival is another notable event, offering hundreds of craft beer styles, local vendors, food options, and live music. It provides a comprehensive experience for beer enthusiasts in the region.
