South Dakota’s burger scene sizzles with surprises. Beyond rolling prairies and iconic monuments lies a world of flame-kissed patties, inventive toppings, and unexpected twists.
Don’t believe us, then check out these two epic spots in Murdo and Sioux Falls!
🍔 Circle E Drive-In
Hold onto your taste buds, road trippers! Just off I-90 in Murdo, South Dakota, the Circle E Drive-In slings legendary burgers that’ve earned bragging rights as the state’s best cheeseburgers 🏆.
This retro gem, run by a cowboy-hatted crew, turns local beef into juicy masterpieces that’ll make your GPS applaud.
Food Highlights
- Big Al Burger: A fiery fan favorite 🌶️, piled with spicy jalapeño cream cheese and crispy bacon. Pure South Dakota audacity on a bun.
- Grass-Fed Beef Burger: Raised on nearby pastures, this patty’s so fresh it practically moos 🐮. Topped with melty cheese? Yes, please.
- Bacon Cheeseburger: Classic, crispy, and unapologetically indulgent. Reviewers call it “the best they’ve ever had” 🥓.
- Corn-Fed Beef Burger: Sweet, tender, and seared to perfection. Like a Midwest sunset in every bite.
Atmosphere
tep into a 1950s time capsule with checkered floors, neon signs, and a drive-thru that’s still cooler than TikTok. 🕶️
Families chow down at picnic tables, bikers trade road stories, and the smell of sizzling beef hangs in the air like a delicious fog.
Why It’s One of the Best in South Dakota
Every patty is hand-pressed daily using ranch-raised beef, and the friendly vibes are as genuine as the homemade shakes. 🥤
Pro tip: Grab a rhubarb “cyclone” milkshake in summer—it’s so good, you’ll want to write a Yelp review mid-sip. 🥤✨
Whether you’re a Sturgis Rally rider or a cross-country wanderer, Circle E fuels your adventure with flavor.
Address: 212 Kennedy Ave, Murdo, SD 57559
🍔 TAPHOUSE 41
Where bourbon flows freely and burgers reign supreme!
This Sioux Falls hotspot slings 100% Angus beef patties with wild creativity, earning its rep as a must-visit for the best cheeseburgers in South Dakota. Duck fat fries? Oh yeah, they’re a crispy, golden obsession.
With 24 rotating craft beers on tap and a bourbon list longer than a Midwest winter, it’s a flavor playground for grown-ups. 🎉
Food Highlights
- PBR Burger: Smothered in beer cheese, piled with jalapeños, and served with legendary duck fat fries—a messy masterpiece.
- The Q Burger: Tennessee sauce, cheddar, and haystack onions give this sweet-and-smoky beast its cult following. 🔥
- Baja Burger: Smoked hot pepper jack, jalapeño bacon, and lime crema scream fiery fiesta.
- Crab Mornay Burger: A fried crab cake and mornay sauce? Seafood lovers, assemble! 🦀
- Green Chile Burger: Roasted poblano and quesco blanco bring the heat—no regrets.
- Jalapeño Popper Burger: Cream cheese-stuffed, bacon-wrapped, and dangerously addictive.
Atmosphere
Think sports bar meets speakeasy: exposed brick, neon lights, and TVs buzzing with games. 🏈
Comfy booths and barstools invite lingering, while the bourbon-heavy cocktail menu fuels the lively vibe. Daily happy hours (3–6 PM!) keep the crowd cheering.
Why It’s One of the Best in South Dakota
Taphouse 41 doesn’t just make burgers—it crafts flavor explosions. From build-your-own patties to wild specials, every bite celebrates boldness.
Pair your meal with rare bourbons or local brews, and you’ve got a meal that’s straight-up legendary.
Address: 2101 W 41st St, Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Phone: (605) 274-9944