The Brookings Area Burger Clash is a mouthwatering way to show love for local restaurants. Created after the pandemic and during a traditionally slower time to help support the industry. This event brings the community together for a little friendly competition and a whole lot of flavor. From January 1 to February 28, 2026, you’ll have two months to sink your teeth into the area’s best burger creations and cast your vote for the next burger clash winner!
The 2025 Burger Clash Winner:
1st Place: The Merc (located in Flandreau)
2nd Place: The Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge
3rd Place: Rub ‘N Tug BBQ
The 2026 Burger Clash Participants will be announced on January 1, 2026.
Cook up more fun
As you work your way through the participating burgers, share your favorites on social! Tag @VisitBrookingsSD or use #VisitBrookingsSD and #BurgerClash2026.
Looking for a fun challenge or an easy way to track the restaurants you’ve visited? Download the checklist and start eating!
Frequently Asked Questions
Each burger can be ranked on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 is the least and 5 is the most) in three categories: taste, creativity and customer service.
Voting is completed after trying a participating burger. Each participating restaurant will have table tents with a QR code or a website link to vote. The program uses the honor system so please vote only time per meal.
Yes. Participants will only vote after trying a participating burger.
At the restaurant scan the QR code or type the link into a web browser to vote. Only vote once for the burgers you have tried.
Brownie (or burger) points if you try them all!
If you are a participating restaurant for the 2025 Burger Clash, Shane Andersen will be your primary contact for all questions.
As a restaurant display the Burger Clash table tents prompting guests to vote, share the Burger Clash on your social media and encourage guests to try your special burger, vote and share their experience with others.
If you are not a participating restaurant but want to get involved in the 2026 Burger Clash reach out to Shane at shanea@century21gka.com.
Absolutely! Share your experience with others on Tripadvisor, Google reviews, Facebook reviews or Yelp. Simply find the business you want to review on your preferred platform and leave your experience.
Need some help with what makes a good review?
– Be specific about your own experience
– Share the good, the bad and/or the OK
– Provide tips or recommendations others might want to know
2025: The Merc, located in Flandreau
2024: Pints & Quarts
2023: Rub N’ Tug BBQ
2022: Pints & Quarts
2021: Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge