Inspired menus and clever cocktails aren’t exactly top-of-mind when you think “South Dakota” but if you know where to look, you’ll find some hidden gems! Here are our favorite Black Hills eateries.
Rapid City
Harriet & Oak
$$
Get in. We’re getting coffees. While most of the local cafes are truly great, Harriet & Oak may be at the top with a fun seasonal drink menu, sweet açaí bowls, and tasty breakfast and lunch options. We bring our laptops often to get some work done over a french press.
Tally’s Silver Spoon
$$$
We almost hate to tell anyone about Tally’s because there’s already an hour-long wait for a table, which is inconvenient for us but still worth it. They do breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and they do it really well. You’ll need a reservation for dinner. (Kia’s parents had their first date here 30 years ago!)
Try the Cinnamon Swirl French Toast or the Indecision Menu!
Kathmandu
$$
This is a favorite with friends, especially in the warmer months while their patio is open. The modern menu is trendy yet wholesome with features like the Pretzel Brisket sandwich, Cioppino, and Scallops & Pork Belly. The drinks are expertly prepared, as one would expect when there is a brewery attached!
Try the Tikka Masala with Garlic Naan!
Eddie’s Taco Truck
$
You can’t beat the $2 tacos at Eddie’s, usually located in Founder’s Park. They’re served by Eddie himself and topped with about $2 worth of freshly grated cheese.
Mexico Tipico
$$
Step into authentic Mexico for a warm welcome of homemade salsa, margaritas, and huge, delicious portions.
Sumo
$$
Sushi in South Dakota? Don’t overthink it. Sumo has the best fresh rolls alongside cooked dishes like Pad Thai, Teriyaki, and a Bibimbap Bowl.
Try the Bob Marley!
Gyro Hub
$$
Greek gyros are served up in a fast-food setting but with friendly, mom-and-pop service. They now have two locations in Rapid City – it’s that good! Gluten-free pitas are available.
Murphy’s Pub and Grill
$$
Irish comfort food meets a seasonal cocktail list and live music. There’s ambience to go around as the building itself is historic to Rapid City, with an entrance to the underground network of emergency tunnels. The basement houses the Blind Lion, a prohibition era speakeasy where you’ll need the passcode to enter.
Try the Bison Meatloaf!
Paddy O’Neils
$$
Located at street-level of the Hotel Alex Johnson, this Irish pub has great food and drinks in an establishment steeped with history. It’s also a popular stop for a night out downtown.
Bokujo Ramen
$$
Celebrity chef Justin Warner owns and operates this innovative comfort food haven. They have unusual appetizers like Shishito peppers and cravable ramens like Bison Bone Ramen with locally-sourced ingredients.
Try the Ono Buns appetizer and Mochi dessert!
Piesano’s
$$
The hometown hero of pizza, Piesano’s boasts the best, crispy crusts and original topping combinations.
Vertex Sky Bar
$$$
Sip a Manhattan and enjoy the best view of the city, fireside. There’s a cover charge to enter this unforgettable venue that sits at the crest of the historic Hotel Alex Johnson.
Juniper
$$$
Upscale, new-age cuisine meets locally-sourced ingredients. Juniper offers indulgent soups and salads that don’t “taste” healthy, exciting entrees, perfect steaks, and desserts. It’s a great place to impress the wife but you’ll need a reservation.
Sabatino’s
$$$
There’s something that feels so right about swanky Italian food in a cool downtown location. You’ll need a reservation to enjoy their great wine menu, thoughtful house-made pastas, and perfectly-balanced desserts. You’ll need a reservation.
Try the Lobster Ravioli!
Deadwood
Jacob’s Brewhouse & Grocer
$$$
This is a favorite with friends, especially in the warmer months while their patio is open. The modern menu is trendy yet wholesome with features like the Pretzel Brisket sandwich, Cioppino, and Scallops & Pork Belly. The drinks are expertly prepared, as one would expect when there is a brewery attached!
Mustang Sally’s
$$
We’ve only eaten here after a night on the town (so take that into consideration) but we’ve always really enjoyed their burgers, wings, and cheap beer, located in the heart of Deadwood.
Snitches
$$$
You wouldn’t expect to find an upscale, Gatsby-themed restaurant in an unsuspecting corner of Tin Lizzie’s. At least, we didn’t! However, we were greeted by a mirage of marble, brass, and an off-menu cocktail, prepared by the owner himself. The rotating menu dazzles with mouth-watering tastes of land and sea.
Maverick’s Steak & Cocktails
$$$
Located in the Gold Dust Casino, Maverick’s somehow always has a table and dishes out great steakhouse food. They’re best known for their ribs, steaks, Jack Daniels sauce, and something called the Hairy Buffalo drink.
Chubby Chipmunk
$$$$$
Think we’re being dramatic on the cost rating? When you eat four of these truffles in one sitting, they get pricey! These are the best chocolates you can find just about anywhere and we aren’t ashamed to say we’re some of their best customers.
Hill City
1885 Steakhouse & Saloon
$$$
You can’t come to South Dakota and not order a steak! One of the newest Black Hills eateries, 1885 Steakhouse is a great place to head for a high quality steak meal with a focus on freshness. The owners also have a gorgeous vacation home within walking distance from their restaurant.
Black Hills Bistro
$$
This cafe on main street Hill City has the best breakfast in town. You can be sure that you won’t leave here hungry! We recommend their skillets and street-side breakfast burritos.
Alpine Inn
$$
Old world charm is rooted throughout this local-favorite, built in 1886, and featuring European-inspired dishes like Spaetzle and Schnitzel along with steaks and some of the best desserts around. Expect a wait to get a table.
Chute Rooster
$$
Everyone deserves a ‘lil western every now & then. Inside this 1890’s built venue you’ll instantly be taken back to a simpler time. Their flavors, however, are complex. Whether you’re dining, drinking or dancing, here’s your chance to go Get Western!
Custer
Hjem
$$
The Danish word for “home”, Hjem offers seasonal dishes inspired by Scandinavian/American flavors in a cozy atmosphere. It’s pronounced “yem” and is new to town, opening their doors in 2022.
Begging Burro
$$
More authentic than your standard texmex, Begging Burro is the place to get crisp taquitos, saucey enchiladas, and exceptional margaritas.
Try the Burritos with a Pear Margarita!
Baker’s
$$
This modern day “Hash House” serves some of the best breakfast in South Dakota. They also have a full lunch menu as well as fresh pastries, donuts, and an espresso bar. Everything is served on or with homemade bread and we guarantee “YOU’LL LOVE THEIR BUNS!”
Custer Beacon
$$
Local musicians call this the best venue in the Black Hills for live music, drinks, and great food. Their motto is providing the area with a beautiful space to play, eat, and be together.
Black Hills Burger and Bun Co
$$
There’s a line at the door and for
good reason! These are definitely in the running for best burgers in the Black Hills, especially paired with their perfectly salted fries and a homemade milkshake.
Try the Hot Granny!
Skogen Kitchen
$$$$
In the Norwegian language, Skogen means “The Forest” and this shines through into their locally-sourced, chef-driven menu. You’ll need a reservation for this upscale restaurant founded by Southern Californians turned Midwesterners. Many would argue it’s South Dakota’s best.
Try their desserts!
More
Sugar Shack – Merritt
$$
They claim to have the best burger in the Black Hills, and the always-full parking lot may prove their point. This is located on HWY 385 near Pactola lake.
Buffalo Dreamer – Hot Springs
$$$
Inside one of South Dakota’s most luxurious spas, Buffalo Dreamer is the place to go after a luxurious massage and mineral springs soak. The menu is sophisticated centered around artful food alchemy.
Are we missing something? Let us know in the comments!
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