Founder Aaron Cooper opened the doors at 420 East 8th Street in 2007, establishing South Dakota’s very first dedicated craft beer bar inside a converted industrial warehouse.
Local publican Justin Henrichsen and his team later took over the space, integrating the in-house Gandy Dancer Brew Works nano-brewery while building out stone deck ovens to elevate the kitchen alongside the taps.
Positioned along the vibrant East Bank district near the 8th & Railroad Center, Monk’s Ale House provides a relaxed, community-first haven far removed from cookie-cutter franchise bars through its rotating 50-tap craft draft wall, scratch stone-deck pizzas, and hearty pub fare.
Quick Bite – Monk’s Ale House, Sioux Falls, SD 🍕
Stone deck ovens bake hand-stretched dough into blistered, chewy crusts, melting heaps of whole-milk mozzarella over barbecue-sauced smoked beef brisket, sharp red onions, and house spice blends.
Bartenders work an expansive digital tap board featuring rare seasonal sours, hazy IPAs, Belgian ales, and Gandy Dancer house brews, while the fry and prep stations turn out salted Bavarian pretzel twists served alongside bubbling craft ale cheese dip.
Consecutive victories in The Local Best and Sioux Falls Argus Leader reader polls have permanently cemented its reputation as a premier Minnehaha County craft beer institution.
The Local Atmosphere – Monk’s Ale House, Sioux Falls, SD 🍻
Exposed warehouse brickwork, reclaimed timber high-tops, retro neon signs, board games, and an expansive dog-friendly outdoor patio give the taproom an authentic, unhurried neighborhood charm.
Midweek trivia nights and bustling weekend gatherings pull a loyal following arriving from surrounding towns like Brandon, Harrisburg, Tea, Hartford, and Dell Rapids.
Patrons settle into wooden booths with flight paddles of regional microbrews while piping-hot pizza pedestals and shareable appetizers make their way across the taproom floor.
Signature Bites – Monk’s Ale House, Sioux Falls, SD 😋
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The Gandy Dancer Brisket Pizza: Hand-stretched crust topped with tender smoked beef brisket, sweet barbecue sauce, red onions, and bubbling whole-milk mozzarella cheese.
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Pepperoni & Hot Honey Pie: Crispy stone-baked pizza layered with savory red sauce, mozzarella, cupped spicy pepperoni, and a generous drizzle of spicy chili honey.
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The Mac & Cheese Pizza: Rich garlic cream base layered with tender macaroni noodles, cheddar cheese sauce, bacon, and melted mozzarella on a deck-fired crust.
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Bavarian Soft Pretzels & Beer Cheese: Warm salted pretzel knots served hot with house-simmered Gandy Dancer craft beer cheese dip and spicy brown mustard.
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Loaded Pub Tots: Crispy golden tater tots smothered in melted cheddar jack cheese, crisp bacon bits, green onions, and served with house ranch.
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Rotating 50-Tap Craft Wall: An ever-changing draft collection featuring local South Dakota microbrews, sour ales, barrel-aged stouts, and in-house Gandy Dancer small-batch releases.
Takeaway Bite – Monk’s Ale House, Sioux Falls, SD 😎
Stopping by 420 E 8th St links guests directly with the birthplace of South Dakota’s independent craft brewing movement.
Justin Henrichsen’s crew keeps the kitchen centered on creative, from-scratch pizza toppings and rare beer selections, avoiding the standardized menus of corporate restaurant chains.
That steadfast commitment to regional brewing culture and hearty comfort food is why this mom and pops and hole in the wall alehouse remains a cornerstone gathering spot in Sioux Falls.
📍: 420 E 8th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57103
🕒: Mon-Thu: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Fri-Sat: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM; Sun: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM