8 Best Cocktail Bars in South Dakota!

For a creatively-crafted drink from a master mixologist, head to one of South Dakota’s impressive cocktail bars. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Old Fashioned or a sweet margarita, nothing beats the drinks and vibes of a great cocktail bar. Here are our favorites in the state! 

Carpenter Bar, Sioux Falls, SD

The Sioux Falls Carpenter Bar is a cozy establishment with a fun menu, tasty brews and wines, as well as hand crafted cocktails. The knowledgeable and helpful staff makes customers feel at home. While the menu is upscale, the prices are reasonable. This bar is the crown jewel of the hip and invigorating downtown Sioux Falls!

Blind Lion, Rapid City, SD

This secretive speakeasy is hard to find, but definitely worth the effort! The elegant atmosphere is a throwback to the roaring twenties, with even employees dressing up in period costumes! The exceptional cocktails are made with fresh squeezed juice and ice carved from a sculpting block. The cutting edge menu only complements the classy drinks. You’ll never want to leave this authentic, exclusive bar!

St. Charles Lounge, Pierre, SD

This lobby bar in the historic St. Charles Hotel in Pierre offers delicious food and handcrafted cocktails. Try some of their signature sips like the sparkling martini, cucumber collins, mai tai, aviation, pomegranate margarita, and mango splash. The menu also offers an array of draft and bottle beer and wine.

Mavericks Steak & Cocktails, Aberdeen, SD

Aberdeen’s Mavericks Steak & Cocktails is one of the town’s best restaurants, using only the highest quality ingredients prepared by master chefs and mixologists. The menu includes favorites like steaks, barbecue, seafood, pasta, burgers, sandwiches, salads, nachos, platters, and more.

Vertex Sky Bar, Rapid City, SD

Sipping cocktails while gazing at the bustling downtown city below is an unbeatable authentic Rapid City experience. Located on top of the historic Alex Johnson Hotel, the Vertex Sky Bar has the best view in town! They offer a huge list of signature cocktails like Moscow mule, antioxidant mojito, white sangria, and pineapple upside down, as well as seasonal drinks like peppermint cocoa, pumpkin spice martini, and more.

Killian’s Food & Drink, Spearfish, SD

After a long day of hiking in scenic Spearfish Canyon, head to Killian’s Food & Drink for fun cocktails. The menu features vegan, gluten free options, and American fare, using local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Killian’s offers 15 cocktails like limoncello drop, blood orange bourbon smash, cinnamon appletini, Spanish coffee, and Sriracha bacon Bloody Mary, among others!

Carey’s Bar, Vermillion, SD

Situated in quaint downtown Vermillion, this local hotspot has been serving the community for over 50 years and have definitely perfected their craft over the years! The lively atmosphere is unbeatable with spirited customers, live music, and friendly wait staff and bartenders. Come to Carey’s Bar on Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. for $1 off mixed drinks.  

Crave Restaurant, Sioux Falls, SD

Located in the Hilton Garden Inn, the classy and modern menu at Crave includes delectable items like Brussels and bacon, truffle parmesan fries, lettuce wraps, calamari, edamame, ahi tuna crisp, prosciutto and fig flatbread, bison burger, baked mac and cheese, Cajun chicken penne, seafood paella, poke bowls, and so much more. Come to happy hour for well cocktails, kinky mojito, madras martini, and more!

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