Parkers Bistro
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| Parker's Bistro | |
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| Restaurant information | |
| Established | September 9, 2009 |
| Food type | New American restaurant, craft cocktail bar, and wine bar |
| Location | 210 South Main Avenue, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 57104, United States |
| Coordinates | 43°32′43″N 96°43′39″W / 43.54526°N 96.72749°W |
| Website | www |
Parker's Bistro is a restaurant and craft cocktail bar in downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota.[1]
Opened in 2009, it is located in the Ballard Block, a contributing property to the Sioux Falls Downtown Historic District.[2][3]
The building that houses Parker's Bistro was constructed in 1902 and originally served as a quartzite commercial structure. It was renovated before the restaurant's opening in 2009. The structure, known as the Ballard Block, is one of only six Sioux quartzite buildings remaining in the Sioux Falls Downtown Historic District.[4][5]
Sioux Quartzite and Architecture
The historical and geological significance of Sioux quartzite is formally recognized by the South Dakota State Historical Society, which designated it as a historic landmark. A state marker located in Falls Park notes that quartzite, formed over a billion years ago, was extensively used in building and paving throughout Sioux Falls during the pioneer era.[6]
Impact on Main Avenue
In a 2019 article published by the Argus Leader, Parker's Bistro was credited with helping catalyze the transformation of Main Avenue in downtown Sioux Falls from what had previously been described as a "concrete jungle" into a more walkable and inviting destination. Darrin Smith, then-director of Sioux Falls Community Development and now president and CEO of the Washington Pavilion, stated, "From my perspective, Parker's was really the first to take a leap and take a risk on Main Avenue."[7]
Expansion
In 2022, Parker's Bistro purchased and renovated the Frye Building, located adjacent to its original location, to expand their kitchen and bar operations.[8] In 2023, Parker's Bistro opened Myrtle's Fur Vault and Bar in the renovated Frye Building at 208 S. Main Avenue, further expanding their kitchen, bar, and private event space.[9]
Later that year, the ownership of Parker's Bistro also acquired the historic Scott Printing Building at 214 West 10th Street, also located in the Sioux Falls Downtown Historic District.[10] The structure is home to Club David, the oldest LGBTQ+-friendly bar in Sioux Falls.[11]
National Recognition
In 2022, Wine Spectator awarded Parker's Bistro its "Best Restaurant Award" for its extensive wine cellar.[12]