Pork Showdown Returning to Downtown Sioux Falls

For more than a decade, January has been all about the burgers in downtown Sioux Falls with the annual Burger Battle competition, which continues to set records each and every year.

Well, those beef creations have some white meat competition with the return of the Downtown Pork Challenge, which has now become a September staple in South Dakota's largest city.

The event, sponsored by the South Dakota Pork Producers and Downtown Sioux Falls (DTSF) is back for its fourth year in 2024.

This year, 26 different downtown restaurants are vying for the top prize with dishes that will be rated in five categories:

• Use of Pork
• Flavor
• Tenderness
• Presentation
• Customer Service

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Here is the 2024 lineup:

BibiSol - I Got Lard On It

Trio of Achiote rubbed Pork Belly tacos, Blackened Local Garlic Lard Confit (Iron Fox Farm), Spicy CDMX style local Malinalco tomatillo (Dandar Garden) & árbol salsa, local onion pickled (Iron Fox Farms), local Ground Cherries (Dandar Garden) and hand pressed blue conico nixtamal tortillas.

Blarney Stone Pub - Pikey’s Pork Ribeye

10 oz. Boneless Pork Ribeye smothered with Rosemary Mushroom Gravy. Served on top of Champ Potatoes and a side of Asparagus. Topped with crispy fried Onion Strings and Parsley.

Bread & Circus - The Korean Dip

The Korean Dip features 5 Spice Pulled Pork w/Korean BBQ Sauce, Szechuan Pickles & Shredded Cabbage on Look’s Ciabatta, served with a cup of Jjigae Dip. Served with a side of kettle chips.

Chef Lance’s on Phillips - Southern Fried Pork Chop

Breaded Pork Ribeye, fried with panko, parmesan, and herbs, then topped with Boursin cheese, pork demi-glace, and bacon jam, on a bed of roasted red pepper grits (Gluten Free)

Cookie Jar Eatery - Pork Lover’s Flatbread Pizza

A savory masterpiece featuring tender, seasoned pork, red onion, and tri-color peppers atop a crispy flatbread. Our house-made BBQ sauce adds a tangy kick, perfectly balanced by a blend of melted cheeses. This pizza is a must-try for all pork lovers!

CRAVE American Kitchen & Sushi Bar - TBA

Crawford’s - Bourbon Apple Pork

Grilled pork tenderloin, smoked and braised pork belly, house-made apple butter, bourbon apple gastrique, mashed potato, cinnamon bourbon apple, smoked carrot, pickled onion, spiced pecan & cranberry apple caviar.

DaDa Gastropub - Pork Belly Banh Mi

Pickled Vegetables | Cilantro | Crispy Onions | Peppers | Kewpi

Falls Landing Bar & Grill - BBQ Pork & Waffles

Slow-roasted pulled pork on a bed of waffles fries with shredded cheddar cheese topped with grilled red peppers and pineapple and drizzled with a sweet South Dakota-made BBQ sauce.

Holiday Inn City Centre - Verde Street Tacos

Naan street tacos stuffed with slow-roasted pork shoulder, chipotle ranch, peppadew peppers, caramelized onions, and cotija served with a side of homemade pupusa, Verde salsa, and Pico.

La Luna Café - TBA

Maribella - Pork Osso Buco

Braised pork Osso Buco with smoked mushroom gremolata, served with creamy polenta and crispy guanciale.

Minervas - 

Pork belly bao bun with sesame box choy, pickled daikon, a Spicy yuzu mayo.

Monks Ale House - Boss Hog

1/3 lb. custom Look’s Butcher Shop caraway beer brat, New School Queso, Hot Giardiniera, served with Monk’s loaded bacon potato salad!

ODE to Food - Apple Pork Tenderloin

Cider-marinated grilled pork tenderloin over a bed of rustic corn rice served with almond apple chutney, broccolini & apple réduction beurre blanc

Papa Woody’s - TBA

Parker’s Bistro -  Pork Cheek

Pickled Cabbage | Beet Foam | Celery Root Puree | Duck Fat Bohemian Dumplings

PAve - Schmiet

Three 4oz pig shank Korean sticky wings, topped with toasted sesame seeds and green onion. Served with a deli-style potato salad, topped with paprika, and a piece of toasted jalapeno cornbread bread.

Phillips Avenue Diner: Smoked Pork Waffle with Whiskey Maple Syrup

Golden Cheddar Waffle, Smoked Pork, Granny Apple Slaw, Whiskey Maple Syrup

R Wine Bar: Herdsman Pork Ribeye

Seasoned pork ribeye, marinated with spices and dried chilis, sous vide, and grilled for a juicy and tender result. Topped with a warm pineapple salsa and served on a bed of coconut cauliflower rice.

Remedy Brewing Company - Banh Me Out of Jail

Our take on a classic banh mi sandwich. Our house-smoked pulled pork tossed in an Asian-inspired sauce. Topped with mayo, pickled carrot, onion, and daikon radish. All inside of a locally made bun from Breadsmith. Garnished with cilantro and served with a blackberry nuoc cham for dipping.

Rough Cut Social feat. 605 Island Guy - Tropical Flavor Pork Tenderloin

Smoked Jerk pork loin topped with sweet teriyaki pineapple glaze, served with cilantro coconut lime rice, and garnished with mango pico de gallo.

The Treasury at Hotel on Phillips - TBA

TommyJack’s Pub - Downtown Bites

Pork loin wrapped in a jalapeno and bacon. Served with a side of maple syrup for dipping (can substitute BBQ or ranch).

Wagoo Burger - Brioche Sunrise Delight

French Toast Brioche Bun Pecan Wood smoked shoulder bacon Fried egg Feta cheese Strawberry Jalapeno Compote Topped with maple brown sugar whipped butter and candied pecans

Windy City Bites - Da Big Back SS (Swine Sub)

1/3 lb Smoked Hog, American cheese, sauteed bell peppers, sauteed onions, and Windy City’s House Bourbon Sauce on a hoagie bun with a side of baked beans.

The WP - The PIGment of Our Imagination

Bourbon-infused vanilla ice cream, with bourbon brown sugar bacon and a caramel sauce. Topped with a caramelized candied bacon.

Diners can cast ballots all month long on the DTSF Digital Passport App.

The 2024 Downtown Pork Showdown Champion will be crowned at the end of September.