Minerva's - Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls

This place is nothing compared to Applebees. If you want to have a decent meal prepared for you go to one of the most run down bars in town and that is what its like to eat at Minerva's.

Growing up in the area Minerva's was the top of the scale that other restaurants were judged against. My visit on Friday 07/30/10 10+ years later was a total disappointment. The following is my opinion of this experience. Walking in was like walking into a time capsule where nothing changed in a world most things evolved and adapted for the better. Confused from the beginning by an outside seating host area and inside host desk as to where to request a table. Then being greeted inside by an unenthusiastic hostess that did not even offer an outside seating option who directed us to a tiny table for 2 by the bar. After requesting to sit at another empty table we were informed those were reserved only for people with reservations. Walking to the table and seeing they still had a buffet I realized that many truck stop diners were now nicer than this place. The service and was just horrible. Our glasses were filled but none of the staff really looked like they really neither wanted to be there nor cared about making anyone’s visit memorable. There was no excitement about the menu and nothing was featured on the menu. We felt like we were wasting space and nothing more than a nuisance. The staff was pretentious and seemed to achieve at making other guests visits equally unmemorable. The seating and booths reminded me now of an outdated steakhouse. The dark atmosphere just masks the uninteresting interior façade. The menu presented a boring line up of safe all American cuisine choices all with an option of an all you can eat salad bar! After asking the waitress what the specialty dish was I received 2 options for steak! I ordered one of the recommended dishes and was thoroughly disappointed yet again. I received a rib-eye steak smothered in brown canned gravy that look like it could have been a boxed frozen variety salisbury steak dinner dumped out of the plastic tray after microwaving on to the worn out plate. The boxed meal frozen gravy is really much better and the steak drowning below the brown goo was low food service grade meat! I asked about what the side option of vegetables was made up of and was informed that they have never been asked that and was provided with a pure guess of the actual contents. After receiving the side I was thinking it would have been easy to read the contents of food service supplied premixed medley bag of frozen vegetables that were dumped in from and the bag might have even had a picture of the contents were suppose to look like. The presentation of mine and my wife’s orders was nothing at all special and similar to non exciting cafeteria line food presentation. While trying to look excited for my wife and laboring to eat my pallet punishing food I notice at the supposedly posh bar where the wine carafes are getting filled with nothing more than boxed wine. When receiving the check I was informed that I can pay at the table which was good after the diner like experience: many people must think they need to pay on the way out. Finally after visiting the men’s room on the way out it confirmed my truck stop diner restaurant flash back along with the graffiti on the stalls. Don’t even waste your time with a Minerva’s disappointment!

High quality food and service at this quaint downtown restaurant. The salads are well worth trying.

Miverva's is my favorite place to eat in Sioux Falls. Although a bit pricey, it is great for an elegant night out. The atmosphere is cozy and romantic and the food is outstanding. Their filet minon is like none other I've had before; tender, juicy and full of flavor. The wait staff are friendly and attentive. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a great meal.

Best restaurant in Sioux Falls. For an upscale restaurant, the self serve salad bar was odd - very Sizzler-like if you ask me. Anyway, the people were great. Food was good. I recommend the cheesecake with hot fudge for dessert! The place was jumpin on a Thursday night but we still got a table without reservations just fine.

Minerva's was the first restaurant we were taken to when considering moving here. First time I was there, I met the Mayor, first time my spouse went, he met Senator Thune (just an aside - you'd be very unlikely to find such an experience in Los Angeles!). The service was excellent, the wine list fun and any food we've had has been 5-star! Good place for business clients, a little more "up-scale" for special occasions, nice salad bar and very pleasant ambiance (sp?). If you are not sure what your guest likes or how formal they are, Minerva's is safe, you can count on the quality of the food (and desserts!) and the tasteful decor.

Minerva's is still one of my favorite restaurants in Sioux Falls! I love their salads, fetuccini and ambiance.

Minerva's is the closest thing to a "Fancy" restaurant in Sioux Falls and maybe South Dakota. It has amazing atmosphere and ambiance. The food is always delicious and it has THE BEST salad bar Ive ever seen. Its a little spendy though. Two people can easily spend $100. Its a great place to celebrate a special occassion, go on a date, have a buisiness meal, or even propose! I cant say enough about it.

Minerva's is the most popular eating spot in our area. The food is the best and service is the best. My favorite is their salmon and seafood dishes. I also like their cajun chicken liguinie and other pasta dishes.

you can always depend on minervas to come thru with a classy performance for any OCCASION!FOOD, SERVICE AND AMBIANCE areconsistently the best. A 30+ year tradition live on!