Dining

Brookings offers a mix of international flavors, local eateries, national chains, and food trucks. The menus change with the seasons and home brew is always available. Let your tastebuds tour Brookings one bite at a time.

A LITTLE SLICE OF BROOKINGS

By Dasan Sasse

Downtown Brookings is home to two of the best pizza joints in town. Pizza King, the town’s first pizza restaurant, has been pulling pizzas out of the oven since 1961. George’s Pizza is a college student favorite, catering to the city’s lively night life. The restaurant was established in 1971 and has slowly evolved into the place we know today.

Pizza King takes its customers into a flashback in history to the ’50s rock ’n’ roll era with original Buddy Holly photographs on the walls. Current owner Shannon Brown explained the connection to Holly, who was killed in a plane crash along with Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper. “My dad was friends with the photographer who took these photos two weeks before the plane crash.”

Red vinyl booths, black and white pinstripe wallpaper and a jukebox enhance the vintage look and feel. The restaurant has a quiet but comfortable environment, making it easy to have a quality meal with family, study or just appreciate its history.

George’s Pizza takes its renovated traditions to a new level by presenting an Italian sports bar aura and delivering late-night slices through their window. The exposed-brick dining room has many televisions so you can watch sports while you eat pizza, enjoy a beer or try out their appetizers, including the only Bosco sticks served in town.

These local slices are similar in style and taste. Each is pan-served with a crunchy crust, cheesy topping and diverse flavors. On Main Avenue, follow your nose to George’s window and right across the street Pizza King will welcome you with its original neon sign.

PIZZA TIME A college town isn’t complete without pizza.

And lucky for us, Brookings offers nine different places to consume a piece or two of ‘za! We’ve got thin crust, stuffed crust, hand-tossed, cracker style, and bake your own. Whether you think pineapple goes on pizza or not, we’re confident you’ll enjoy our pizza collection.

Domino’s

927 6TH STREET • 605.697.6688

Papa John’s Pizza

1833 6TH STREET • 605.696.7272

Pizza Ranch

1815 6TH STREET • 605-692-3663

George’s Pizza

311 MAIN AVENUE • 605.692.6610

Papa Murphy’s Take N’ Bake Pizza

1810 6TH STREET • 605.697.7000

Wooden Legs Brewing Company

309 5TH STREET • 605.692.2337

Little Caesars

2508 WILBERT CT • 605.692.7667

Pizza King

308 MAIN AVENUE • 605.692.4226

SAKE SUSHI AND HIBACHI:

FINE AND FRESH JAPANESE CUISINE

By Sam Schoenbauer

When you find yourself craving authentic Japanese cuisine, Sake Sushi and Hibachi is the place to go. This family friendly restaurant offers traditional dishes everyone will love. From miso soup to hibachi dinners, Sake takes pride in dishing out fine and fresh Japanese cuisine.

Sake initially came to Brookings to feed the college community, but quickly became a staple in the city. The welcoming environment and friendly staff make dining in a pleasant experience. If you don’t have time to sit down, you can easily call in or place an order right from Sake’s website.

Sake’s large menu features an assortment of lunch and dinner options. Try one of the popular Chef’s Special Rolls, such as the Brookings Roll: shrimp tempura inside topped with spicy crabmeat and tobiko. Sake also serves an assortment of teriyaki and hibachi kitchen entrees such as Steak Teriyaki and Vegetable Hibachi, if you’re feeling a little less adventurous. Teriyaki kitchen entrees are served with miso soup, salad, and rice. Hibachi comes with clear soup, salad, and fried rice.

After your main course, try one of Sake’s delectable desserts like the ice cream or fried banana. No matter what your tastebuds crave, Sake has the food for you.

FRIENDLY AND FAST FLAVORS FROM THE DEPOT

By Rebekah White

The warm, earthy tones and friendly service of The Depot invite you to sit down and spend some time. This restaurant pairs welcoming customer service with fantastic food. It’s the perfect venue for traveling companions, family, and friends to meet.

Located near the Fishback Soccer Complex, The Depot is the ideal location to go after or between games. Whether you go to settle in and stay a while or to grab takeout, the staff’s upbeat attitude and speedy service make this the prime place to wind down after playing on the field.

The Depot’s American-style menu features such foods as pizza, wings, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, salads, and more. While you’re there, try the local favorites: the Grilled Chicken Sandwich or the Buffalo Chicken Wrap. These and other flavorful foods will make you want to come back for more.

The Depot is one of the few eating establishments on the south side of town. It’s a relaxing spot for hosting small crowds and fun times.

Multiple televisions mean you never have to worry about missing national or international sporting events. SDSU games are always shown live, giving customers the perfect atmosphere to cheer on the Jackrabbits while enjoying a meal or a snack.

FIND UNIQUE COFFEE AND DESSERTS

AT CHOCO LATTE By Sydney Mitchell

Candy, baked goods and coffee. Sounds like a pretty sweet place!

Choco Latte is home to delicious handmade desserts and fresh coffee. Located just off Interstate 29, Choco Latte’s cozy, relaxing seating environment and convenient drive-through will make you feel welcome any time.

At this locally owned business, friendly faces greet you every time you visit. Simply walking through the door makes you feel like you belong in Brookings.

The signature caramel sauce latte is a local favorite. You can find a variety of beverages to fit anyone’s taste, including lattes, teas, blended drinks, and more. Specialty candies like fudge, chocolate covered Oreos, and more are options to accompany your beverage. If candy isn’t your thing, Choco Latte sells baked goods like muffins, scones, and granola bars.

The ever-changing seasonal menu items are always popular. Caramels, toffee, and drink flavors like peppermint, pumpkin, and tea lattes are a hit. Every time you visit, you can count on something unique to try.

Choco Latte also makes a point to support community events, such as donating to breast cancer awareness, supporting local teachers, and supporting local law enforcement.

Visiting Choco Latte will leave you feeling warm and welcome, all while supporting a local Brookings business and enjoying delicious desserts and drinks.

CAFFEINATED CREATIONS

A cup of coffee, a cold brew, a java. No matter what you call it, Brookings has it.

KOOL BEANS COFFEE AND ROASTERIE

From roasting beans in a garage, to a fully functioning and thriving coffee shop, Kool Beans specializes in small batches for the freshest cup of coffee. 225 MAIN AVENUE • 605.692.2326

COTTONWOOD COFFEE & COTTONWOOD BISTRO

Back in 2006, this quaint coffee shop was the first to open our eyes (and taste buds) to perfectly roasted coffee and delicately crafted local food. Two locations, same great taste. 225 MAIN AVENUE S • 605.692.7009 1710 6TH STREET • 605.692.8938

SCOOTER’S COFFEE

Coffee, stat! When you need a caffeine fix in a hurry, with a side of muffins and a quick breakfast, Scooter’s is the choice. Their drive through is quick and provide a variety of menu options, as well as holiday favorites. 305 22ND AVE S • 605.692.5445

STARBUCKS

One can never go wrong with a trusted brand like Starbucks. Get the perfect cup of coffee, tea, or Frappuccino at three locations in Brookings. Starbucks is located inside Hy-Vee, on 6th Street and on campus at SDSU. 1404 6TH STREET • 605.846.8100 715 JACKRABBIT AVE • 605.697.2550 790 22ND AVENUE • 605.692.7317

CHOCO LATTE COFFEE & HANDMADE CANDY

2308 6TH STREET • 605.697.5311

COME FOR THE ATMOSPHERE, STAY FOR THE FOOD

AT BACKYARD GRILL & BARBECUE

By Adrienne Lipinski

From hints of hickory, cherry, and apple wood to the sizzling crackle of authentic barbecue being made, Backyard Grill & Barbecue offers opportunities for the perfect date night, family dinner, or night on the town.

With a rich, diverse history in Brookings, Backyard Grill & Barbecue has been an active part of the restaurant community. From catering to dining in to the food truck rolling down Medary Avenue, Backyard Grill & Barbecue keeps people coming back for the food and atmosphere.

When you step into the Brookings location, the lively and homey space welcomes you in. The extensive menu includes good old-fashioned wings, beef brisket, cornbread, and so much more. It offers the ideal selection to dine in with the family or choose a dessert for a date.

While the restaurant calls South Dakota home, the food brings the taste of Southern cooking to the community. The restaurant smokes meat for up to 12 hours, offering delicious meat which leaves patrons wanting more.

After selecting from an array of options, customers move down the counter to watch their food being packaged or plated, then are ushered to sit down among other guests. Finish your meal surrounded by fellow barbecue enthusiasts and great music. Visit Backyard Grill & Barbecue for an experience that will leave your taste buds wanting more and an aroma that leaves your mouth watering.

FABULOUS FOOD TRUCKS

Everyone loves a good food truck and there are plenty to find in Brookings. Whether big burgers or tasty street tacos are your jam, you can enjoy your freshly made favorites around every corner. All listed here are licensed by the City of Brookings.

MEXICAN

• Salas Salsas • Chubby’s LLC • El Charrito • La Corita

AMERICAN CLASSICS

• Rub N Tug BBQ • Schroeder’s Snak Shak –

American Classics • Shorty’s Hot Box -

American BBQ • Midwest Fresh Catering – Sandwiches and BBQ

UNIQUE OFFERINGS

• The Brosia Bowl –

Salads and Bowls • Wing It, LLC –

Chicken Wings • Craig’s Shave Ice • Cheezy Noodlez Gourmet

Mac & Cheeze • On the Hook Fish and Chips

Being mobile has its advantages.

You can pick up and move to where the people are. And in Brookings, that sometimes means at local businesses, in city parks, or even on the SDSU Campus.