This is a paid piece from the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

Simplified: Looking to try something new for your next coffee meeting or happy hour? Here's a round-up of local shops in the Sioux Metro worth checking out.

Why it matters

  • Local businesses are the heart of communities, but you don't have to live in a small town to enjoy the charm of their local watering holes.
"It's well worth the short drive from Sioux Falls to support these local coffee shops and breweries," said Tyler Tordsen, president and CEO of the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. "These are exactly the types of businesses that enrich our community and attract more people to live and work in the Sioux Metro."

Where to find coffee

Here's a look at some of the spots in the Sioux Metro:

Zooks Coffee Bar

  • Where: 815 Gateway Lane, Tea
  • On the menu: Zooks has a full range of espresso drinks, coffee and energy drinks. The business also offers all-day breakfast sandwiches. More details here.
  • Don't miss the Honey Bee Latte, an oat milk latte flavored with honey and vanilla.

Lava's Coffee

  • Where: 305 W. Willow St., Harrisburg
  • On the menu: Lava's has hot and iced coffee drinks, smoothies, Italian sodas and frappes. You can also snag a yogurt parfait, a caramel roll and a cold brew float. More here.
  • Don't miss the Zach Attack Frappe, loaded with homemade toffee, espresso, peanut butter, caramel and chocolate.

Buddies & Co.

  • Where: 1309 E. Cedar St., Brandon
  • On the menu: Grab a coffee, or try one of several options for flavored drinks, Italian cream sodas, smoothies and more. You can also munch on Flyboy Donuts and find Family Treats Homemade Ice Cream.
  • Don't miss saying hi to the workers. Buddies & Co. takes pride in hiring adults of all abilities.

Annie's Coffeehouse

  • Where: 508 Depot. Ave., Garretson
  • On the menu: Annie's has a variety drinks as well as daily lunch specials. Follow on Facebook for the latest.
  • Don't miss the cinnamon rolls.

LaDelle and Fourth Coffeehouse

  • Where: 336 E. 4th St., Dell Rapids
  • On the menu: Snag a coffee prepared your favorite way, from drip coffee to espresso to a French press. You can also enjoy some sandwich options and daily sweet treat specials.
  • Don't miss the new s'mores mocha.

Stomping Grounds

  • Where: 700 N. Vandemark Ave., Hartford
  • On the menu: Stomping Grounds has coffee, smoothies and SDSU ice cream. More details here.
  • Don't miss grabbing a sweet treat to go with your coffee.

Main Street Humboldt Coffee (coming soon!)

  • Where: 201 N. Main St., Humboldt
  • On the menu: Find espresso, cortados, lattes, pour-overs and all kinds of iced coffee drinks.
  • Don't miss their grand opening Sept. 3 (and then let us know your favorite drinks!)

Kingbird Coffee

  • Where: 509 N. Splitrock Blvd., Brandon
  • On the menu: Wide variety of espresso-based drinks, tea and bagels
  • Don't miss the Black Hills Bagels baked fresh daily with a wide variety of topping options.

Laura's Lattes

  • Where: 1006 W. 5th St., Canton
  • On the menu: Coffee, espresso, ice cream smoothies and more
  • Don't miss the hard-dip ice cream in a variety of yummy flavors.

Saddle Up Espresso

  • Where: Mobile coffee trailer in Lennox – find it parked in the Sunshine Foods parking lot
  • On the menu: Coffee, espresso, Italian sodas and hot chocolate
  • Don't miss The Oatmeal Cream Pie specialty drink, with vanilla, toasted marshmallow, brown sugar, cinnamon and espresso.

Central Dakota Perk

  • Where: Two drive-thru locations, one at 120 N. Cliff Avenue in Harrisburg, and another at 306 E. First St. in Tea
  • On the menu: Lattes, lemonade, Lotus energy drinks, smoothies and more
  • Don't miss the pancake on a stick and other homemade breakfast items.

Where to find beer

Buffalo Ridge Brewing

  • Where: 102 N. Main, Hartford
  • On the menu: Find just about every style of beer a person could want on tap, all brewed in Hartford. You'll also find a range of food options including pizza, pretzels, nachos and naan bread sliders.
  • Don't miss their regular line-up of events including live music, food trucks, book club and trivia. More here.

A Homestead Brew

  • Where: 26685 486th Ave, Valley Springs
  • On the menu: All kinds of local brews, from the Buy the Farm IPA to the Pheasantennial Vienna Lager.
  • Don't miss a pint of Valley's Finest American Ale – made with Chinook hops grown on the farm.

The Brewery

  • Where: 233 N. Main St., Salem
  • On the menu: Beer, burgers, pizza, wings.
  • Don't miss daily specials, including both food and drink discounts. Learn more here.

Did we miss anything?

If so, send an email to megan@sfsimplified.com.