Talk about a totally hidden gem. At a glance from the outside, Skinner’s looks like your regular downtown bar hall. We were absolutely shocked when we exited to the hidden patio out back and found an amazing and massive fenced-in patio with a multi-tiered deck, outdoor bar, and lush green plants everywhere! Skinner’s is truly a getaway in the heart of Brookings, South Dakota if you want to be transported to a lush green paradise. If it’s getting a little too toasty after a few hours outside, the inside features a spacious array of seating options and a giant bar. Skinner’s feels like home!

Pro Tip: Check their Facebook events – there is an amazing lineup of live music through summer months!

If you know Brookings, then you know that Cubby’s is Cubby’s. It is THE Cubby’s. This is where the entire city comes to watch home and away games of any sport downtown! On breezy summer days, there’s no better rooftop bar around. We chose a September evening to check out the rooftop and surprisingly had no problem grabbing spots at the bar with no wait on a Friday evening. It’s pretty amazing to have such a great view of Main Street and watch the bustling traffic and bar hoppers below.

Pro Tip: Worried about seating availability on the rooftop patio? Check the tv in the front main-level entrance – you can see if any spots are open on their camera!

Eponymous Brewing completely surprised me and won over my little craft beer-loving heart. Located on the ground level of recently built upscale apartments, Eponymous still somehow feels like a cool, lived-in hangout with years of street cred where you could easily become a regular. The true surprise was the lovely, warmly-lit patio that we had almost all to ourselves on a Saturday evening! Whether it’s a romantic date or a friend’s meetup for great conversation, Eponymous is definitely a great option for any socializing.

Pro Tip: Try their butterscotch beer!