Live Music, Games And Plenty Of Food And Drink: Patio Season Arrives At The Steel District

Enjoy live music over lunch or dinner, bring your furry friend to Yappy Hour or challenge friends to yard games along the riverfront.

Summer is arriving fast at The Steel District, and with it comes a full season of patio entertainment at the downtown Sioux Falls development managed by Lloyd Companies.

Live music begins May 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring Molly Dowling. Dinner performances start June 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. with Link West.

Look for local artists performing Tuesdays during dinner and Wednesdays over lunch beginning in June and continuing throughout the summer.

After a positive response last summer, The Steel District team is expanding its live music offerings this year.

“I’ve heard from artists that they love performing at The Steel District,” said Jennifer Seifert-Brenna, vice president of Lloyd Hospitality. “The atmosphere, the ability to play for multiple restaurants within the alley and the proximity to downtown activities makes it really unique.”

Guests also will find yard games such as cornhole and giant Jenga throughout the patio space, with Jacobson Plaza just steps away along the riverfront.

And no visit is complete without stopping at one of the restaurants surrounding the shared patio.

Here’s what’s new this season:

Big Sioux Diner & Dive

From brunch to burgers to late-night bites, Big Sioux Diner & Dive is leaning into its role as a casual gathering spot this summer.

“Whether you’re stopping in before a game, meeting friends for brunch or hanging out on the patio after work, we want Big Sioux to feel easy, fun and approachable,” said Cory Henkel, director of operations for Steel District restaurants.

The restaurant’s patio seats about 70 guests and will include the Steel District’s weekly live music offerings.

Yappy Hour also returns after launching this spring. The monthly dog-friendly event takes place the second Thursday of each month from 3 to 7 p.m.

“People really responded to having a place where they can bring their dogs, enjoy a drink and spend time outside,” Henkel said. “It’s become a fun community event.”

New menu additions include a Western Burger and Reuben sliders served on pretzel buns.

Big Sioux also is adding the Peach Blossom Spritz permanently after the cocktail became a hit during Downtown Sioux Falls’ Mash Madness event earlier this year.

“It was one of those drinks people kept coming back for,” Henkel said. “It’s light, refreshing and exactly the kind of thing people want on a patio in the summer.”

Dahlia Kitchen + Bar

Dahlia Kitchen + Bar continues to expand its seasonal menu with new food and drink specials throughout the summer.

“You’ll definitely see us leaning into bold flavors and patio-friendly cocktails this season,” Henkel said.

New menu additions include birria tacos and the Dragonfly Margarita, joining a lineup already known for tacos, ceviche and shareable appetizers.

The restaurant’s covered patio wraps around the building and seats more than 100 guests, with wind screens helping extend the outdoor dining season.

Happy hour specials include $10 pitchers of house margaritas and sangria from 3 to 6 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays.

Guests at Dahlia also can enjoy the Steel District’s live music Tuesdays during dinner and Wednesdays over lunch.

“We really designed Dahlia to be an experience,” Henkel said. “Whether you’re grabbing tacos and margaritas before an event downtown or settling in for the evening, it’s meant to be a place people want to stay awhile.”

Ironwood Steakhouse

For a more elevated patio experience, Ironwood Steakhouse offers riverfront dining overlooking Falls Park and The Steel District.

The patio seats about 32 guests, and reservations are encouraged during peak summer evenings.

“It’s one of the best patio views in Sioux Falls,” Henkel said. “People come for the food, but the setting really makes it special.”

Ironwood is bringing back lobster ravioli this summer while also adding a tomahawk ribeye and additional seasonal menu items.

Weekend brunch continues from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., along with signature cocktails including the smoked old fashioned and espresso martini.

Henkel said appetizers tend to be especially popular on the patio, including lobster cheese dip, oysters on the half shell and smoked bone marrow.

“We really try to create a dining experience that feels elevated but still comfortable,” he said. “It’s a great spot for date nights, celebrations or just enjoying a summer evening downtown.”

Stay up to date

Find the latest entertainment lineup on The Steel District’s social media https://www.facebook.com/TheSteelDistrict and on its event page here https://www.thesteeldistrict.com/event-list