South Dakota's Top BBQ Spots
South Dakota has long been enthusiastic about their barbecue. Whether you’re looking for down-home eateries deemed the best in the country, or rustic smokehouses bursting with classic flavors, you’ll find it right here in the Mount Rushmore State. Here are the best barbecue joints in South Dakota.
Big Rig BBQ, Sioux Falls, SD
Big Rig BBQ had humble beginnings as a food truck. As their reputation for delicious food grew, they upgraded to a sit-down restaurant. This barbecue joint has been named the “Best BBQ in South Dakota” by Travel Channel. The owner brought the taste of Texas barbecue to South Dakota! All meat is smoked fresh daily in a real wood smoker. When smoking meats, real oak wood is added to the smoker every 30 to 45 minutes. Smoked meats available include sliced brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and prime rib. To taste a variety of fresh smoked meats, sides, and cornbread, head to their weekday lunch buffet!
Heck’s Dakota Style BBQ, Vermillion, SD
This family-owned business serves up the best barbecue cooking in Vermillion. Favorite menu items include the full-rack of ribs, honey-glazed drumsticks, smoked barbecue brats, and smoked sausage links. Feeling extra hungry? Call Heck’s Dakota Style BBQ to cater your big event!
Backyard Grill, Brookings and Sioux Falls, SD
Come to Sioux Falls’ Backyard Grill for authentic barbecue! This restaurant uses an authentic smoke house with hickory, cherry, and apple wood to smoke the meat for up to 12 hours, bringing out all the flavor and creating the ideal texture. Menu items are pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked chicken, smoked chicken salad, slider trio, and catfish filet. Each item can be served as a combo or sandwich. They have a variety of delicious sides such as corn bread, macaroni salad, kettle chips, barbecued spaghetti, potato salad, mac n’ cheese, Texas chili, and South Dakota State University ice cream. Catering services are available. There are three locations: two in Sioux Falls and one in Brookings.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Rapid City, SD
The first Dickey’s Barbecue Pit was opened in 1941, and since then, has built more stores and a reputation for delicious meats. All meats are slow-cooked onsite in a hickory wood burning pit. The menu includes items such as beef brisket, pulled pork, St. Louis-style ribs, Polish sausage, spicy cheddar sausage, smoked turkey, and marinated chicken. Rolls and ice cream are complimentary, and kids eat free on Sundays—talk about a great value!
Famous Dave’s, Sioux Falls, SD
Famous Dave’s uses a live-wood smoker with hickory logs. Menu favorites include Georgia chopped pork, Southside rib tips, Texas beef brisket, Sweetwater catfish, barbecue chicken, and traditional or boneless wings.
Key Insights at a Glance
- South Dakota is known for its enthusiasm for barbecue.
- Big Rig BBQ in Sioux Falls has been named the "Best BBQ in South Dakota" by Travel Channel.
- Heck's Dakota Style BBQ in Vermillion is a family-owned business serving up the best barbecue cooking.
- Backyard Grill in Sioux Falls and Brookings offers authentic barbecue cooked in an authentic smoke house.
- Dickey's Barbecue Pit in Rapid City slow-cooks all meats onsite in a hickory wood burning pit.
- Famous Dave's in Sioux Falls uses a live-wood smoker with hickory logs for their barbecue dishes.
