Situated right on the Missouri River, Yankton, South Dakota is a charming and picturesque town to pass the time away. After you’ve worked up an appetite walking the trails or fishing, Yankton has plenty of delicious restaurants and bars to satisfy your hunger. Check out Yankton’s 10 best restaurants to visit the next time you’re in town.
The Landing
Bar, Restaurant, American, Contemporary
With unique views of the Missouri River and Meridian Bridge, The Landing is one of Yankton’s best restaurants to indulge in some traditional Southern dining. The extensive menu offers a variety of American and continental plates, from tacos to hearty salads, juicy burgers and fresh fish dishes. For beer fans, the bar offers the largest selection of brews in the state, with over 300 different kinds available. The stylish granite and wood interior enhance the dining experience to no end, plus there is an outdoor patio with a fire pit that you can enjoy year-round.
El Tapatio
For fans of Mexican spice, El Tapatio is Yankton’s premier Mexican restaurant with an equally buzzy atmosphere. With 100 percent authentic recipes brought from the State of Jalisco (also the home of the Mariachi music you’ll find playing in the background), it’s safe to say the dishes are as traditional as they are delicious. The dinner combinations are a great way to sample the menu and come highly recommended. Tostadas, chimichangas, enchiladas and, of course, burritos are certified winners with customers. The festively colored restaurant and friendly staff are as inviting as the meals they serve.
As the name suggests, Murdo’s On The Riverhas an unbeatable location overlooking the Missouri River. The outdoor decking is the perfect place to enjoy a cold beer with friends. One of Yankton’s best restaurants for meat eaters, Murdo’s On The River has a menu of classics such as surf ‘n’ turf (with Canadian walleye and sirloin steak), spicy orange chicken wings, and rack of ribs, which are among the highlights. Regulars note that both the food and service are consistently top-notch. Weekends and evenings are usually busy, but the scenic views alone will be worth the wait.
Minerva’s Grill And Bar
Established in 1977, Minerva’s Grill and Bar is one of Yankton’s top restaurants. With nine locations across the Midwest, Minerva’s is an iconic dining destination, catering to numerous celebrities, presidents and film stars over the years. One of the first restaurants in the region to serve native fish and wild game, the diverse menu offers great locally inspired dishes. The classic but hearty meals will be a treat for any appetite, in-house aged steaks (the whisky sirloin is particularly good), authentic pasta bowls such as Caprese shrimp capellini and healthy, freshly tossed salads are excellent.
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If you’re looking for a classic all-you-can-eat restaurant, then JoDeans is one of Yankton’s best restaurants for the job. The 50-foot buffet packed full of fresh salads and fixin’s caters to all appetites. Fried walleye, roasted chicken, snow crab, New York strip steak, and fried clams are just some of the delights you can feast on. The Sunday brunch is also not to be missed. Get your fill of all-American favorites including French toast, cinnamon rolls, omelets, and assorted meats. Plus, JoDeans’ open space makes it the ideal place to host any of your special occasions or events.
Bella’s Restaurant
Cafe, Restaurant, American
The made-from-scratch fusion of Italian and American dishes make Bella’s Restaurant one of Yankton’s best-kept secrets. With Chef Jean-Paul at the kitchen’s helm, the establishment delivers the finest for Yankton diners. Amongst the menu’s sophisticated highlights include spicy shrimp and crab linguine, veal scaloppini sautéed in butter and served over parmesan mash, and a fillet of beef with wild mushroom gratin. The finely executed plates with a welcoming atmosphere make Bella’s Restaurant an unbeatable choice.
Charlie's Pizza House
Charlie’s Pizza House has no shortage of fans. With neon signs and a big open dining space, the ambiance is lively, perfect for eating out in big groups. The fresh ingredients make the classic pizzas (margherita, Hawaiian Elvis, BBQ chicken) sing, and there’s a host of specialities if you’re feeling adventurous. There’s also freshly made salads and delicious chicken wings for those who fancy something lighter. Regulars agree there’s no place better to reward yourself after a big day out on the lake.
For comfort food the way grandma makes it, Fryn’ Pan Restaurant is your best bet. With over seven restaurants across South Dakota and Minnesota, Fryn’ Pan specializes in traditional home-cooked fare. Biscuits ‘n’ gravy, meatloaf, short stack ‘n’ bacon, country sausage skillet, you can’t get much more American than Fryn’ Pan’s offerings. Dishes might be indulgent, but the quality is excellent, with home-grown vegetables and farm fresh eggs going into your meals. Plus, if you’re craving breakfast at any time of day, Fryn’ Pan delivers.
Backroad Bar-B-Q
Bar, Restaurant, BBQ, British
For a place to watch the game in the company of friends and good grub, Backroad Bar-B-Q is the place to be. This fun lovin’ bar caters to all your BBQ cravings. Plump and sticky ribs, tender brisket, spicy chicken drumsticks, and the trimmings like beans filled with hunks of pork and creamy dill potato salad make meals fit for kings. The platters, pulled pork, smoked sausage, ribs and chicken, are great for sharing or solo feasting.
Tokyo Japanese Cuisine
Tokyo Japanese Cuisine is Yankton’s best-kept secret, but hardcore fans can’t help but spread the word. Service is pleasant and swift, and the meals are beautifully presented. Bento boxes, sushi rolls (the Godzilla roll is a favorite) and traditional salads are fresh and creative, even die-hard carnivores are converted to the sushi side. And for an alternative to sushi, try the hibachi and spicy tempura.
Alice White Walker is a freelance writer with an eternal appetite for the unknown. After studying English Literature and Classics at the University of Reading and working in digital publishing, a niggling thirst for the French language and caf? society drove Alice to swap her native London for Paris. A year-something into living la vie fran?aise, Alice loves to unearth Paris's best bars, eateries and museums for The Culture Trip and her blog www.alicewhitewalker.co.uk. At her happiest reading in Buttes-Chaumont, making an Aperol Spritz or planning the next road trip. Her favorite spots are Naples, New York, the Greek Islands, and of course, Paris.
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