South Dakota doesn’t just make kolaches — it defends them like family heirlooms. In this state, a soft, fruit-filled pastry can start a debate as fierce as a Thanksgiving dinner argument. Every Czech grandmother swears hers are the right kind — whether they’re filled with poppy seed, apricot, or sweet farmer’s cheese.
If you think all kolaches are created equal, South Dakota’s Czech communities are ready to prove you wrong — one bite at a time.
Tyndall Bakery
On Tyndall’s Main Street, Ed and Carol Radack weave magic with their kolaches. This bakery’s yeasted dough, used across their products, creates a texture unmatched by others. Each kolache is adorned with streusel and filled generously.
Locals and travelers alike rise early to secure a batch. The charm of their old oven, combined with a patient baking process, captures the essence of small-town appeal. It’s the kolache worth a county-crossing drive.
Pietz’s Kuchen Kitchen
Pietz’s started in the Pietz family basement in Scotland, SD, with Roger and Lori. Growing from a home endeavor, they now distribute Moravian-style kolaches statewide. Their recipes, blending German and Czech influences, ensure a soft, sweet dough with classic fillings.
Available in local groceries and at their shop during direct sales, Pietz’s kolaches are a staple for those who crave authenticity.
Czeckers Sports Bar & Grill
In Yankton, Czeckers Sports Bar & Grill is a hub of Czech culture. With the Hunhoff family at the helm, they bake weekly and serve kolaches with their traditional Beseda dinner.
These pastries bridge comfort food with heritage, featuring hearty fillings and subtle sweetness. As locals gather for polka and pivo, Czeckers’ kolaches remain a beloved local claim.
Queen City Bakery
Nestled in Sioux Falls, Queen City Bakery offers a cozy café experience. Known for their fruit-filled kolaches, locals flock here for the perfect breakfast pastry.
Each bite of their flaky-yet-pillowy treats showcases balanced sweetness, making them a favorite weekend delight. Seasonal fruits keep the offerings fresh and exciting, drawing early morning lines for a taste of genuine kolache flavor.
Baking Up A Storm / Baking by Alex
Baking Up A Storm, led by Alex, is famed for oversized kolaches in Sioux Falls. Alex’s culinary school roots show in their giant, fluffy creations. With generous fillings and tender dough, these pastries are perfect for any occasion.
Offering same-day pickup and catering, Alex provides a taste of tradition without the long drive. Office events and family gatherings find these kolaches irresistible.
Daylight Donuts
Rapid City’s Daylight Donuts blends tradition with convenience. Known for sweet and savory kolache-style rolls, their menu includes sausage-and-cheese and jalapeño-cheddar options. Opening early, Daylight caters to the grab-and-go crowd, offering comfort and speed.
These kolache variants are a local favorite, energizing everyone from hikers to miners with their hearty filling and perfect pastry balance.
Tabor Czech Days
Tabor Czech Days is a kolache celebration, not just a bakery. Volunteers gather at Beseda and Legion Halls to bake thousands during the festival. With recipes passed down through generations, this event is a living testament to Czech heritage.
Visitors indulge in folk dance, dumplings, and, of course, kolaches. It’s a community bake that sparks friendly debates over whose are the best.
Coborn’s
In Mitchell, Coborn’s offers convenient access to kolaches supplied by local producers like Pietz’s. Their in-store bakery features fruit, cheese, and poppy-seed varieties.
With mainstream hours, Coborn’s ensures kolaches are available beyond festival weekends.
They’re the practical choice for church suppers and road trips, providing a ready taste of tradition for families on the go.