Downtown bar, city's 'best kept secret,' to close this week

After nearly 35 years on downtown's east bank, Little Coalinga will close its doors this Saturday for the last time.

The bar and kitchen has been sold, according to owner Jane Bammert, and the new owner intends on opening another bar.

"It's a happy, sad time," Bammert said. "The bar needs a breath of fresh air that I haven't been able to give it."

Over the years, Argus Leader writers have dubbed Little Coalinga a "downtown mainstay" and the "city's best kept secret," while lauding the food as "Top 5 lunch in the city" and a hot roast beef sandwich that "sets the standard."

Food will be served through Friday, though the kitchen will be closed for the final day on Saturday. Famous for its lunch specials, Little Coalinga will have steak sandwiches on Wednesday and Friday, and the Hot Turkey Sandwich on Thursday.

Bammert has been with Little Coalinga for more than 20 years, 17 as the owner. With her sister, Jean Bammert, she says they've tried to be a good neighborhood bar.

"The toughest part will be missing the neighborhood regulars," Bammert said. "And I couldn't have done it without her (Jean)."

I just had a patty melt there today, and I'm sure I'll gather with some friends on Friday night to pay respects to one of my favorite Sioux Falls establishments.

Food Falls: More coverage of the Sioux Falls food scene here - argusleader.com/foodfalls