Bob's Cafe and Carry Out

Bob's Cafe holds a cherished place in Sioux Falls history as an iconic diner that operated for 66 years from 1951 to 2017 at 1312 West 12th Street. Originally constructed in 1944 as Ray's Drive-In from lumber salvaged from a downtown fire, the building was purchased by Bob Lyon in 1951 and transformed into the beloved Bob's Cafe. The restaurant became famous throughout South Dakota for its signature broasted chicken, prepared using Bob's secret recipe that emphasized making the chicken taste exceptional through superior cooking rather than heavy coating. Beyond the legendary fried chicken, Bob's Cafe earned acclaim for its breakfast menu, burgers cooked fresh on the grill, and homestyle comfort food. The tiny counter with just 11 seats became legendary among locals who gathered for breakfast and casual meals. The iconic neon sign became a recognizable landmark on 12th Street. Bob's Cafe was a true mom-and-pop establishment, family-owned and operated for decades. Though the original location has closed, the legacy lives on and the broasted chicken tradition continued at a new location as Cluckin' Good Chicken & BBQ.

Address: 1312 W 12th St, Sioux Falls, SD (Historic - Closed 2017)

Category: Food & Hospitality / Historic Diner