If you’re anything like me, finding a great place to read a book in public is almost as thrilling as that epic first kiss in an enemies-to-lovers spicy romance. Lucky for you, Sioux Falls, South Dakota is full of places that’ll be your new favorite spot to read!

Whether you’re a book lover living in or visiting Sioux Falls, our city is packed with charming coffee shops and beautiful outdoor spots that feel practically designed for book lovers. Whether you’re a coffee-in-hand bookworm or an outdoor reader soaking up sunshine and storylines, this list has the ideal nook for your next reading escape. Trust me, your TBR pile is about to get a little smaller: let’s explore the best public places to read a book and get lost in a good story in Sioux Falls!

Favorite Sioux Falls Coffee Shops to Read a Book

1) Coffea Roasterie and Espresso Bar (Various Locations; My Favorite: 2318 S. Louise Avenue in Sioux Falls)

Sioux Falls is brimming with cozy coffee shops to enjoy a book (and a latte). Coffea Roasterie and Espresso Bar’s comfy chairs and tucked-away corners are the perfect go-to place to turn pages, making it my absolute favorite place to read a book in Sioux Falls!

Drink: I absolutely LOVE their chai tea lattes, but they’re famous for their Barista’s Choice drinks!

2) Josiah’s Coffeehouse, Cafe and Bakery (Located in Downtown Sioux Falls at 104 West 12th Street)

In addition to serving the best omelet in Sioux Falls (fight me on it), Josiah’s is a bustling place to enjoy a meal with friends and then linger for a bit and read. My only complaint? Josiah’s doesn’t offer a lot of comfortable seating, but the homegrown, slice of downtown vibes are so good that I still love to spend time here with a book in my hands.

Eat: Five Egg Omelet (my favorite is a simple ham and cheese!); Drink: It’s the chai tea latte for me…

3) Scooter’s Coffee (Various Locations; A Virtual Book Club Member’s Favorite is located at 5009 Western Avenue in Sioux Falls)

When I was in college, I would often hole up at Scooter’s Coffee in Sioux Falls for a few hours and write literature essays. Then, when I was a teacher, I’d find myself back at Scooter’s often to grade my students’ essays!

The environment inside Scooter’s is relaxed, and the lighting and furniture are perfectly cozy, making it an ideal place to read a book in Sioux Falls. Whether you read with AirPods in or you read best with the background noise of people chatting and milk being steamed, you’ll love the vibe at Scooter’s.

Drink: Caramelicious with Oat Milk

4) Dunn Brothers Coffee (Two Locations; My Favorite: 5320 E. Arrowhead Parkway in Sioux Falls)

Another one of my favorite meeting spots on the east side of Sioux Falls is Dunn Brothers Coffee! Seating is more minimal here, so be sure to arrive early to claim one of the comfy recliners in front of the fireplace, AKA the best spot to curl up with a book!

Drink: I’m plugging the chai tea latte again here, but my kids like the hot cocoa!

Favorite Outdoor Places to Read a Book in the Sioux Falls Area

4) The Outdoor Pool at Grand Falls Casino + Hotel (1415 Grand Falls Boulevard in Larchwood, Iowa, just minutes from Sioux Falls)

Sioux Falls enjoys all four seasons, and summer is a perfect time to take a dip in the pool to cool off! One of my virtual book club members LOVES reading beside the outdoor pool at Grand Falls Casino, which is located just outside of Sioux Falls in Larchwood, Iowa.

The hotel’s proximity to Sioux Falls means it’s easily accessible, yet removed enough from the busy city to feel like a getaway with your favorite book in tow. Swim in the pool, grab a drink from the bar, and settle into a cozy patio lounger to read a book!

5) Benches Along the Lake Walk at Lake Lorraine (located in western Sioux Falls between 26th and 41st Streets off of Interstate 29)

Lake Lorraine, located in western Sioux Falls, is a shopping lover’s dream, with a bevy of stores to get your retail fix. More importantly, however, the area also features a beautiful lake (hence the name, Lake Lorraine) that’s the perfect place to read!

Whether you find a bench along the one-mile paved Lake Walk to read a chapter or two, or you opt to sit on the patio at the Hyatt Place hotel (free, even for non-guests!), you’ll enjoy the lakeside views as you turn the pages!

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Sioux Falls, with its cozy coffee shops and great outdoor spaces, is full of hidden gems perfect for devouring a fantasy adventure or blushing over a spicy romance. Whether you’re a “just one more chapter” kind of reader (we all know it’s never just one) or someone who loves savoring a book alongside your favorite drink, I hope you enjoyed reading this list of my favorite local reading spots in Sioux Falls!

What Sara Reads – The Only Mobile Bookstore in Sioux Falls, SD

Thanks for reading this post, which was brought to you by What Sara Reads, a mobile bookstore and pop-up shopping experience for creative and inspired women in the greater Sioux Falls, South Dakota area.

I believe that reading for pleasure should be more than just opening a plain brown box sent to your doorstep or swiping away that purchase confirmation on your Kindle. To me, discovering your next book to read should be an experience and an adventure.

And that’s exactly what I’ve set out to help create in the Sioux Falls community for female book lovers who enjoy romance and fantasy novels! Make sure to follow along and subscribe to my newsletter to stay in the know for all things What Sara Reads.