Meet The 'Creole Crown Burger' From Swamp Daddy's in Sioux Falls

January in Sioux Falls only means one thing...Burger Battle! This year's Downtown Sioux Falls Burger Battle is pretty intense. A new record of 39 savory burgers from local Sioux Falls restaurants are looking for your stomachs and votes.

When it comes to burgers, there definitely is one for everyone, especially in Sioux Falls! Sponsored by POET, the 12th annual Downtown Sioux Falls Burger Battle features burgers residents can sink their teeth into. Looking to satisfy your sweet tooth or a little extra heat with your meat? You'll find it on this year's Burger Battle ballot.

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No matter how many burgers are part of this year's Downtown Sioux Falls Burger Battle, it's hard to decide which burgers to try. But someone has to do it! I don't think I can try almost 40 burgers. I have a ways to go, but the next burger could be the one to beat. In my opinion anyway. Say hello to the Creole Crown Burger from Swamp Daddy's Cajun Kitchen.

According to a previous article from my co-worker Jeff Harkness, Creole Crown Burger is a "Traditional bun with a roasted garlic aioli, herb cheese spread, spring greens, tomato, pickles, a patty blend of brisket, short rib, and ground chuck, topped with peppered bacon, andouille sausage gravy, spiked onion rings and loaded with smoked gouda cheese drizzled with sambuca infused bbq sauce." All I can say is wow...this burger is unbelievable.

Christine Manika (TSM)

This is probably the first time I'm speechless after enjoying a burger. Initially, I expected the burger to be really overwhelming because of the patty blend. But I was so wrong. I believe this burger perfectly describes Swamp Daddy's Cajun Kitchen as an establishment and as a culture. Every topping was made for this burger.

I know sides aren't officially part of the competition. But holy cow, I wanted to bring a whole bag of French Beignets home with me. They are a delightful treat! So fluffy and full of goodness! If anyone from Swamp Daddy's Cajun Kitchen is reading this, please send a bag my way (haha). And we are so glad your doors are opened again in the Sioux Empire!

More reviews from this year's Downtown Sioux Falls Burger Battle can be found here:

Don't forget! Residents can vote for their favorite burgers by Friday, January 31st on the DTSF Mobile Passport. Get to eating, Sioux Falls!

Dives Worth a Drive in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota

Almost every small South Dakota town has a watering hole. It’s where the locals go to kick back a few brews and engage in conversation.

Some of these establishments are located in buildings almost as old as the town itself. There might be a fresh coat of paint on the walls or new vinyl on the booth seats, but the ambiance is still reminiscent of a good ol’ dive.

If you think a "dive" is all about the sketchy clientele, the smell of the Devil’s lettuce, and stale Grain Belt, you’d be wrong. Not every dive has a bad reputation.

What makes a dive, a dive?

A dive has character. Neon beer signs and local memorabilia adorn the walls.

You might find a pool table, dart board, and a few video lottery machines.

The bartender knows the regulars by name and they know what you drink.

Some dives don't even serve food except for bags of chips and pickled eggs that sit in a jar of brine on the bar.

Dives aren't fancy. You might see 70's-style wood panels on the walls and wobbly tables leveled with a folded napkin.

Finally, the bathrooms. The bathrooms in dives are in a class by themselves and could be a whole topic on its own.

There are several small-town dives in our area with friendly faces, cheap booze with a burn, and even really good food! We use the term "dive" in the most affectionate way.

Here are some of the best and why you should go there.

Gallery Credit: Karla Brown