Out to Eat in Sioux Falls: Blarney Stone Pub
In April, downtown Sioux Falls begins to wake from its winter slumber, stirring with people as the days grow warmer. There is arguably no livelier street than Phillips Avenue at the heart of the city. Here you’ll find the Blarney Stone Pub.
One swift push of the dark oak doors, and you enter a hearty, dimly lit bar and restaurant. This is not just a pub — it’s an Irish pub, so expect traditional Irish meals and music (and Guinness, of course). Past the bar and through a stone brick arch, the wood-paneled walls open up to the restaurant.
The first thing that always catches my eye when I visit is the rustic fireplace in the corner of the room and the Blarney Stone insignia on the wall above it. It makes the winter nights feel cozy; I have memories of sipping warm Irish coffee as snow falls delicately outside.
Spring and summer evenings have just as much to offer. Once the temperature has risen to a comfortable level, the pub opens itself up to Phillips Avenue. Customers enjoy fresh air, and if they’re like me, they might partake in some people- and dog-watching.
My recent pub-going experience gave me a taste of the coming months and what I love about downtown Sioux Falls. A slight breeze wafted in, and I was comforted by the clink of glasses and the lively chatter.
That’s the thing about Blarney Stone Pub during this time of year — it’s always bustling. Waiters are constantly weaving between the tables to deliver pints of beer and warm plates of food.
This time around, I ordered the lemon-dill salmon, which was recommended by my server. As I waited for my meal, I sipped on a cold glass of hard cider. I didn’t have to wait long, as the service is usually pretty quick.
If you’re a fan of seafood, the Blarney Stone Pub will not disappoint. The menu ranges from a crisp order of classic fish and chips to savory salmon or cod. I personally enjoy cod the most, and this was my first time trying the salmon. Paired with some rice and vegetables, the meal is well-rounded.
If you’re so inclined, you can finish the evening with a sweet dessert. I recommend the bread pudding, which is rich and melts in your mouth. If you’re 21+ and looking to order something other than coffee to wake you up a bit, the Irish Trash Can should do the trick!
There are plenty of mocktails to choose from, too, such as the Tropical Cherry Lemonade or a Shirley Temple, one of my favorites.
The best part about the experience, however, is not the food or the drinks; it’s the lively atmosphere. The decor truly makes you feel as if you’ve been transported overseas to an old-world pub. With a view of Phillips Avenue, you can sit back and relax. TVs are placed strategically throughout the space so as not to distract you too much, but you can tune into a game or broadcast news if you’d like.
I will sadly be leaving downtown Sioux Falls behind after graduating this spring, but I will certainly always remember the Blarney Stone Pub and the joys of springtime on Phillips Avenue.
