2024 America's Classics: Pheasant Restaurant and Lounge

Pheasant Restaurant and Lounge is one of six recipients of the 2024 America's Classics Award, presented by Heinz. A Restaurant and Chef Awards category, the America's Classics Award is given to locally owned restaurants that have timeless appeal and are beloved regionally for quality food that reflects the character of its community.
Currently the oldest full-service restaurant in the Brookings, South Dakota, this family-run establishment was born in 1949 as a gas station café. Georgiana Olson and Ronald Olson purchased the Pheasant in 1966 and ran it concurrently with a pizzeria in Madison, South Dakota, before moving to the college town of Brookings in eastern South Dakota. The Pheasant sources from local farmers, serving South Dakota’s "state nosh” chislic (cubed, deep-fried sheep meat)-made with lamb from Sturdy Post Ranch in rural Ward, South Dakota. Current chef and manager Michael Johnson introduced pheasant salad to the menu in homage to the restaurant’s name and South Dakota history. Under Johnson’s leadership, the Pheasant remains a community anchor while being open to change. As it updates accessibility for patrons and staff with disabilities, supports local musicians, and serves $9 “early bird” dinners, Pheasant Restaurant and Lounge embodies the good, simple food and hospitality of South Dakota.

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Excellent dining experience