Historic Sioux Falls Dive Bar Closing Doors By December 31st

A Sioux Falls bar that has been part of the neighborhood since 1954 will be closing its doors by the end of the year. At least....for now.

In an emotional Facebook post, officials at Sioux Falls Top Hat Bar announced that their "lease will not be renewed."

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Top Hat Bar - Sioux Falls, SD (via Facebook)

This news is truly shocking for fans of the beloved dive bar, which has been at 508 South First Avenue in Downtown Sioux Falls for a remarkable 72 years.

Dakota News Now (with permission)

Top Hat Bar owner Andrea Shaw explains "this is one of the hardest messages" she's had to share with her "bar family."

Andrea Shaw knows that Top Hat Bar wouldn't be the same if it wasn't for the community around it.

The Top Hat first opened in 1954, and I was honored to purchase it in 2006 from the original owners who built it into the special place it already was. Since then, my goal has always been simple: keep it the same kind of bar people have loved for generations — a place where you didn’t have to dress up, where the beer was cold and affordable, and where everyone was welcome.

Over the years, so many of you have walked through those doors and turned this little dive bar into something much bigger than a business. It became a home away from home. Lifelong friendships were made here. Stories were told, jukebox songs were sung, games were celebrated, and sometimes we just sat together and shared a laugh after a long day.

You made The Top Hat what it is.

The "Top Hatters" across the Sioux Empire are devastated by this news.

I moved to Sioux Falls 1986 I lived up the street and actually bowled next door most people probably don’t remember bowling alley , But Top Hat 1st place I ever had beers at.

Truly one of the most special places in my life. We have countless memories over the years and Top Hat has been a staple of my family for generations.

This is awful to hear, what a treasure the city will be losing! I've loved this bar and all of the staff since I first moved to Sioux Falls. Thank you Andy for always providing a fun and safe environment at the Top Hat. I can't wait to see what's to come!

Top Hat Bar - Sioux Falls, SD (via Facebook)

What Will Happen To Sioux Falls Top Hat Bar? Is It Closing For Good?

There is some good news. Owner of Top Hat Bar Andrea Shaw says she's already looking into new locations for the bar. It might not be the same space, but the "spirit of the Top Hat — the friendships, the laughter, and the welcoming atmosphere" will continue in this next chapter.

Come to Top Hat Bar to celebrate the people and history for the rest of the year. We can't wait to see what's in store for Top Hat Bar next. I know my friends and I will be there to toast to the Sioux Falls staple. Cheers!

Check Out This 1962 Listing of Sioux Falls Bars and Restaurants - Do You Remember Any?

Check out this collection of Sioux Falls bars and restaurants. We have Giovanni's Steak House, The Rainbow Bar, Harry's Hamburgers, Eagle Bar and Lounge, Pancake House, Nickel Plate, and more. Do you remember any of them? Or how long any lasted?

Best Bars in Sioux Falls

There is always something different to try when you visit a local Sioux Falls bar or brewery. There could be a specialty drink at one bar and a new beer recipe at the next. It's kind of like a smorgasbord of drinks to taste test. The only problem is deciding which bars are the best bars in Sioux Falls to explore with your family or friends?

This is a difficult decision just because there are so many great local options. Luckily, our friends at Yelp identified the top ten bars in Sioux Falls thanks to numerous reviews on each establishment.

The next time it's your turn to select a bar for a night out on the town, be sure to visit one of these ten bars highly reviewed by Yelp.

Gallery Credit: Christine Manika