We got crab cakes to start, they a were so good. My hubby got the steak and lobster. I got the scallop linguini. The food was delicious and extremely fresh tasting. Our server was the best, super attentive and very nice. Great experience overall.
Overview
Walking into Chef Lance's On Phillips feels like stepping into a spot that understands both Sioux Falls history and modern diner cravings. Tucked along 431 N Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States, the restaurant blends a polished downtown vibe with the easy comfort you expect from a neighborhood favorite. I stopped in on a chilly evening after a long workday, and within minutes it was clear this wasn’t a rushed, flip-the-table kind of place. The pace is relaxed, the staff knows the menu inside out, and the food arrives like it’s meant to be enjoyed, not photographed and forgotten.
What stands out first is how intentional the menu feels. Instead of endless options, each dish seems carefully thought through. I ordered a seasonal special built around locally sourced beef, and the server explained how the kitchen adjusts recipes based on what regional suppliers deliver each week. That approach lines up with research from the James Beard Foundation, which has shown that restaurants using local sourcing often deliver fresher flavors while supporting regional economies. You can taste that difference here, especially in dishes that lean into bold sauces and slow-cooked proteins.
The cooking style balances comfort food with modern technique. One afternoon visit included watching the kitchen prep for dinner service, and it was clear the process is systematic. Proteins are portioned early, sauces are reduced in batches, and plating is done with consistency. According to USDA food safety guidelines, proper temperature control and prep timing are essential for quality and safety, and this kitchen follows those standards closely. That attention shows up in both flavor and texture, whether you’re biting into a perfectly cooked steak or a tender breakfast hash.
Reviews around town often mention brunch, and for good reason. I came back on a weekend morning when the dining room buzzed with locals and out-of-town visitors. The brunch menu leans into classics while adding unexpected twists, like house-made sauces and creative sides. A neighboring table raved about a dish they order every visit, which matched what I’d read in multiple online reviews praising consistency. In restaurant terms, consistency is everything. Data from the National Restaurant Association highlights that repeat customers value reliable quality even more than novelty, and this place clearly understands that.
Service plays a big role in the overall experience. Servers don’t just take orders; they guide you. On one visit, I asked about dietary adjustments, and the staff walked me through options without hesitation. That level of knowledge signals real training and experience, not scripted responses. It also builds trust, which matters when people are choosing where to eat, especially in a downtown area filled with options.
Location adds to the appeal. Being on Phillips Avenue puts the restaurant within walking distance of shops, events, and nightlife. It’s easy to make it part of a larger evening out or a relaxed weekend stroll. Several diners I spoke with said they discovered it while exploring downtown and now return regularly, which says a lot about how well it fits into the local scene.
No place is perfect, and peak hours can mean a short wait, especially during brunch. Still, the staff is upfront about timing, and the food has always justified the pause. For a diner-style restaurant that values quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and genuine hospitality, this spot delivers an experience that feels both personal and dependable, exactly what many diners hope to find when scrolling through menus and reviews before choosing where to eat.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great wine list ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Private dining room ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Cosy ✓ Quiet ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Reservations required ✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ Has changing table(s) ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 436 reviews
I tried Chef Lance's for the first time today, and I'm glad I did. The atmosphere is pleasant with a higher end vibe. The server was prompt, attentive, and answered all of my questions without issue. I ordered a wedge salad, halibut for the entrée and creme brulee for dessert. The wedge was tasty, and I thought the drizzle of balsamic was spot on. The fish was cooked to perfection and had a great flavor. The creme brulee was excellent...the cream and berries put it over the top for sure. I have no problems paying a little more for a quality, well thought out meal, and Chef Lance's did not disappoint. If you haven't tried them yet... you should! I know I will be back.
An excellent evening out with elevated, freshly prepared cuisine in a rustic setting. Each dish impressed and the overall flavor of all the appetizers and entrees exceeded expectations! [2/28/25 - Update & Addition] Got to enjoy the “Best Burger in Sioux Falls” this weekend, and it did not disappoint! The wedge salad and the 2025 Burger Battle winning “Cuban Burger” were both fantastic. Came out of the kitchen so hot and fresh! Highly recommend!
Food and service was fantastic. Olivia was our server and was super attentive and helpful. The atmosphere was ok. Some great elements like roses on every table and the chairs are cozy and comfortable. The building itself is old and charming. With such an elevated menu though the lighting was inconsistent and the neon signs and brighter lights in places are not necessary. That said, it's very approachable. The French onion soup and the beef Wellington were our favorites!
We celebrated our anniversary at Chef Lance’s on a Saturday evening at the end of September. Seating: I made a reservation approximately 3 weeks in advance. We arrived 10 minutes early and were seated promptly. I had requested a booth if possible, and we were accommodated. Our table was set with a little card that said Happy Anniversary. It was a nice touch. One of my favorite things about this restaurant is the tables are not close together. You have ample space creating an intimate atmosphere with limited noise, soft music, and a relaxing ambiance. Service: Our server visited our table quickly and was the right amount of friendly and professional. He shared some history of the building with us which we found interesting. He answered our questions about the menu and kept our glasses full. Food: Absolutely fantastic. We ordered the Beef Wellington and new Walleye Piccata. Both dishes came out piping hot and delicious. Both dishes included mashed potatoes and asparagus in the price. We also added on house salads to start that were large and fresh. After our meal, we were served a small glass of complimentary champagne to celebrate our special day. Bottom line: this is a great restaurant to celebrate a special occasion. We appreciated all the special touches that made our night. It is a little on the spendy side, but we appreciated that the sides were included in most dishes as opposed to a separate order/payment. Definitely worth the price, and we will return. Make a reservation on the website in advance for the best experience.
The food was absolutely incredible. My wife had Pork Wellington and I had the Beef Wellington. The Beef Wellington was cooked to perfection, and the beef gravy was simply divine. To cap off our meal, we indulged in a delectable cookie. I highly recommend this restaurant; the food was fantastic, and the service was impeccable.
We went out for our date night for dinner. My husband loves his burger and we are glad the chef brings it back! Always love the atmosphere and cozy restaurant. Our server was really helpful! We enjoyed our food and had a great time there!