Bob's

1312 W. 12th St., Sioux Falls, SD - (605) 336-7260

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Posted By Michael Stern on 7/3/2008 10:59:00 AM

If your life is dull and you need a challenge, may we suggest the Megabob? On a blackboard in Bob’s eatery, the names of those who have tried and succeeded are written in chalk … just waiting to be erased by a newer, faster gun in town. What is the Megabob Challenge, you ask? You must eat a 3/4-pound hamburger, 3/4 of a pound of French fries, and a cookie, plus drink a large bottle of soda pop faster than Jason Carpenter did it on March 7, 2002. It took him 5 minutes, 9.82 seconds. Beat that time, and you get the Megabob supper free. Otherwise, it’ll cost you $7.25.

Eating contest notwithstanding, Bob’s is a Roadfood joy. A tiny diner with a curvy counter and about a dozen seats, all with a view of the grill, it specializes in plentiful hash house breakfasts, burger baskets, broasted chicken, and sides of ribs. What fun it is to sit at the counter in the morning and watch Bob work the grill – as he has done since 1951 – all the while kibitzing with customers, buttering toast that pops from the toaster, and stacking pancakes hot off the griddle. Incongruously for a joint so steeped in blue-plate tradition, Bob’s partner in the operation tallies up bills on a computer opposite the grill.

Fans of diner food will think they’ve entered heaven the moment they walk into this place, take a sniff, and see what’s on other people’s plates. Bob is a true grillmaster. Eggs are made exactly as you like them; bacon (extra thick) is cooked under a press so it gets crisp and flat; hash browns sizzle alongside, absorbing the flavors of the grill.

Although it is a minuscule space, Bob’s specializes in cooking vast amounts of food for big parties, and will deliver in the Sioux Falls area. For example, 90 pieces of broasted chicken are available for $81; 25 slabs of ribs go for $117; and if you call a couple days ahead, you can get a whole broasted turkey for $23.

Scorecard

Overall: Legendary - Worth driving from anyplace

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"A good-size Bob's breakfast requires two plates. The bacon is extra-thick, cooked flat on the grill under a heavy press."
Michael Stern

"The sampler I ordered featured tender ribs and Broasted chicken."
darin pemberton

"11 seats. Get there early. "
darin pemberton

"At the counter in the morning, the coffee flows and the conversation never ends."
Michael Stern

"Architecturally, Bob's is plain as can be. Inside, seating is counter-only."
Michael Stern

"The modest exterior gives little clue to the treasures contained therein."
darin pemberton

"Bob's is a superior urban diner with character to spare."
Michael Stern