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The 10 Best Neighborhood Bars in South Dakota!

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There’s nothing better than drinking a cold beer while enjoying the company of other locals, so why not head down to a great neighborhood bar? These low-key, casual spots are a great place to make new friends and connect with old ones. Head down to one of the 10 best neighborhood bars in South Dakota for a memorable night!


The Ice House, Yankton, SD

Named as “South Dakota’s most iconic bar,” the Ice House is the state’s most unique haunt. Bar flies can drink on the porch for a beautiful view of the Missouri River right across the street. The Ice House even encourages patrons to smash the empty bottles right below the loading deck. 

Top Hat Bar & Lounge, Sioux Falls, SD

The Top Hat Bar & Lounge in Sioux Falls apt calls themselves the bar “where the beer is cold and the bartenders are colder!” The dimly lit bar is fill with relics of years gone past like a jukebox, video poker games, and regulars who’ve been here nearly every night since 1995. In addition to cold beers and great company, this bar serves up some of the best pizza in Sioux Falls, so get here before the locals fill up all the seats!

Doc’s Bar, Watertown, SD

Doc’s Bar in Watertown is one of the best bars around and is a local favorite. Come to Doc’s Bar on Sunday for happy hour lasting all day long. Doc’s Bar also has chislic, South Dakota’s most iconic dish. Chislic is a type of cubed meat that is often served as an appetizer and is commonly only found in South Dakota. Other favorites from the menu include burgers (and a buffalo burger), appetizers, sandwiches, and delicious pizza. 

Wagon Wheel Bar, Interior, SD

Located right near world famous Badlands National Park, this neighborhood bar is a perfect place to stop for a cold beer and warm pizza after a long day of hiking and exploring the Badlands. The quaint bar is painted red on the outside and is even decorated with antique wagon wheels. The interior is cozy and welcoming. This tiny establishment serves up not only drinks but also burgers, sandwiches, pizza, shrimp, and more. 

The Hitch Rail, Pringle, SD

The tiny town of Pringle may not have many residents, but the Hitch Rail bar brings in people from far and wide! This saloon-style bar and restaurant is welcoming and friendly to everyone who comes through the door, whether locals who are there every night or tourists just passing through town. It is especially popular during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, when it is filled with bikers. The menu has not only a huge variety of beer, but also delicious food like burgers, ribs, a salad bar, fried catfish, and much more. 

Thirsty Duck, Sioux Falls, SD

Whether singing karaoke or just enjoying the atmosphere, the Thirsty Duck is one of the most fun bars in Sioux Falls. The bar offers activities like live music, pool, darts, and karaoke on select nights. They serve a large selection of beers as well as mostly American cuisine for lunch and dinner. The employees treat all customers like family in this friendly neighborhood bar.

The Brass Rail, Rapid City, SD

Located in the heart of downtown Rapid City, the Brass Rail is a local favorite bar. This small, family-owned bar was established all the way back in 1934, and has been a significant part of the history of the town. This laid back bar is the perfect place to unwind after a long day, by drinking a cold beer and listening to music on the jukebox or playing some of the bar’s games.

Silver Dollar Saloon, Hill City, SD

In the scenic town only miles from Mount Rushmore, the Silver Dollar Saloon is a hotspot for both locals and tourists. This bar serves up a variety of drinks as well a full menu with items like pizza, Indian tacos, wings, fish and chips, and more. The employees are friendly and can tell out-of-town visitors about all the best things to do in Hill City!

Red Eye Bar & Casino, Sioux Falls, SD

The Red Eye Bar & Casino in Sioux Falls is a non-stop party! The bar serves up a large variety of drinks from beers to hand craft cocktails, as well as a menu with comfort food and hearty American cuisine. You won’t want to miss the party at this neighborhood bar. 

Doggers, Wagner, SD

Wagner may be a small town, but this neighborhood bar always has big city options with small town service! It is one of the only bars around, but has everything from pool to darts to music. There’s something for everyone at Doggers.

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