My 605: Matt Barthel

What’s home unless you make it your own? My 605 takes you inside the lives, loves and little secrets of those who call South Dakota – area code 605 – home.

This week’s My 605 is Matt Barthel, communications manager at Experience Sioux Falls and owner of pigeon Sparty.

My home in the 605 is: My current home in the 605 is the southwest side of Sioux Falls; however, I grew up on the east side of Sioux Falls, so I still have a lot of love for that area.

The biggest reason I live in the 605 is: Family. I was born and raised in Sioux Falls, and I have lived here my entire life, minus my four years in Vermillion while attending USD. After graduation, I moved back to Sioux Falls because this is where my parents are, and it’s what I was familiar with, to be honest. But I have really grown to love Sioux Falls since then.

After home, I spend the most time here: At work at the Experience Sioux Falls office in downtown Sioux Falls. 

When I need to get away, you’ll find me: More than likely in Minneapolis. I love weekend road trips to that city for their restaurants, breweries, sports and more. Plus, my sister lives there, so that’s always a good reason to visit that city.

The best meal I ever ate in the 605 was at: It’s hard to narrow it down to one because we have so many fantastic restaurants in Sioux Falls, but two of my favorite meals are the Curried Caulifower at Bread & Circus – I loved this long before “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” found it – and the Wet Jacky’s Burrito at Jacky’s Restaurant – al pastor and red sauce is the way to go.

My go-to coffee shop is: I’m not a coffee drinker, but my wife swears by Coffea.

My favorite place to grab an adult beverage in the 605 is: During the summer, it’s definitely outside at Stogeez/Bin201. The live music and wide variety of drink options makes it the perfect spot to enjoy those beautiful summer nights.

When I need to experience the great outdoors, you’ll find me: Either near the river in Yankton or exploring the Black Hills region.

The spot I’d recommend for a date is: JJ’s 3.0 Bar is a go-to spot for my wife and I. But if we’re looking to be downtown, then it’s got to be Oshima followed by drinks at Carpenter Bar.

The best pizza in the 605 is: Easy answer: The Kunu, or spicy Hawaiian, at Look’s Marketplace.

When my friends and I get together, you’ll probably find us: Likely at a brewery or cocktail bar spending more money than we should be spending.

The place you never can go wrong taking kids is: I don’t currently have kids, so I’m going to say one of my childhood favorites: Gigglebees – RIP.

When I want to meet new people in the 605 I go: Downtown Sioux Falls events such as the Eastbank Block Parties or Riverfest.

My best memory in the 605 is: I think I would get yelled at if I didn’t say my wife and I’s wedding a couple of years ago. It was great to have so many friends and family all together for one big celebration.

The one thing I’m least crazy about in the 605 is: I hate that there isn’t an interstate that runs right through downtown Sioux Falls. Rush-hour traffic to/from DTSF can be a real pain sometimes. 

And finally, life in pictures. Here are the top three photos that most sum up My 605: