Out to eat in Sioux Falls: Upscale dining, reasonable prices at Granite City

When I was growing up, going out to eat was reserved only for special occasions. A birthday party or big live event was the only time we ventured from momma’s kitchen to a restaurant. 

When I go out to eat today, I look for two things: an aesthetic that matches the menu and a reasonable price. Granite City Food and Brewery in Sioux Falls has both.

One of the things I really like about Granite City is how many different options the menu has. There is really something for everyone and at a very good price. 

My go-to Granite City meal is the Cajun Pasta, but the restaurant also serves burgers, pizza, sandwiches, wraps and more. The majority of meals range from $14 to $18.

For the craft beer lovers, Granite City has multiple to choose from. During my dining experience, I enjoyed the visible brewery section, as where I was seated featured a direct view into the brewery — a Granite City staple. 

I also enjoyed the open kitchen, where patrons can see cooks working on their meals. When I sat down, I ordered the spinach and artichoke dip as an appetizer. The dip comes with warm, soft pita bread and house-made tortilla chips.

The dip was creamy, and the green onion gave it a nice sweetness. I preferred the dip on the pita bread, as it had a softer bite and mixed better with the overall flavor. The chip was a great vessel for the dip but didn’t add much to the overall flavoring.

As I was surveying the menu trying to find the perfect dish to order, I came across the Turkey Overlake. I ordered the sandwich with fries and Granite City’s signature Granite City dip. 

The service was fast, and in about 15 minutes the food was at our table. 

The Turkey Overlake was filled with warm turkey and bacon with delicious tomatoes and an aioli spread on a multigrain bread. The flavors of the sandwich were delicious, and everything blended together well. The sandwich was savory, and the tomatoes mixed with the aioli and bacon gave it a rich flavor.

As I was finishing up my sandwich, I started on the crinkle-cut fries. The fries were a little too soft, and I would have preferred them crispier, but I was able to dip them in the savory Granite City dip.

The dip, which is creamy with a little kick, was my favorite food item of the evening. The way it matched with the fries was delicious, and the sauce itself was not overpowering in any way.

Throughout the night, I found I really enjoyed the dark browns and maroon colors that made up the booth and walls. The lighting inside the restaurant felt stylish, and for the few hours I was there, I enjoyed an upscale dining experience at a good price.

Granite City Food and Brewery offers fine dining options at a fair price. The options on the menu are numerous, and the aesthetic of a brewery combined with the open kitchen creates a beautiful dining experience.