Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills Restaurants

Like neighboring Wyoming, the Black Hills are not known for culinary diversity, and no matter where you go in this part of the world, beef is king. Nevertheless, thanks to a growing population and increasing numbers of visitors, the area is beginning to see more dining options. Rapid City and Spearfish have an abundance of national chain restaurants, and both communities have local eateries that specialize in Continental, contemporary, Native American, and traditional American cooking. Although dining in Deadwood's casinos usually involves an all-you-can-eat buffet, the tiny town also claims some of the best-ranked restaurants in South Dakota. Don't be afraid to try wild game dishes: buffalo, pheasant, and elk are relatively common ingredients in the Black Hills.

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  • 1. Leones' Creamery

    $

    Leones' is the kind of quiet, locally beloved, hole-in-the-wall place you could easily miss but definitely shouldn't---its handcrafted and ever-evolving ice cream flavors are the best in the Black Hills. The owners pour their passion into creative creations that often incorporate locally produced beers, produce, and other novel ingredients. Leones' is the ideal place to treat yourself after a day of exploring the Black Hills.

    722½ Main St., Spearfish, South Dakota, 57783, USA
    605-644--6461

    Known For

    • Transforming surprising ingredients (like rhubarb) into amazing ice cream
    • Small outdoor seating area
    • Rotating specialties including popsicles, floats, and ice-cream sandwiches

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.--Thurs.
  • 2. Blue Bell Lodge Dining Room and Lounge

    $$

    Feast on fresh walleye or buffalo, which you can have as a steak or a stew, in this rustic log-cabin structure with a stone fireplace. There's also a good selection of salads as well as kid-friendly burgers, sandwiches, and wraps. While the restaurant is most convenient for those staying in the Blue Bell Lodge or its associated cabins, the location on the western edge of the park also makes it a good lunch spot for anyone emerging from the western terminus of the Wildlife Loop Road or making a jaunt to the Mount Coolidge Fire Tower.

    25453 S.D. 87, Custer, South Dakota, 57730, USA
    605-255–4531-reservations recommended

    Known For

    • Park setting
    • Outdoor patio overlooking French Creek
    • Family-friendly

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed late Oct.--late Apr., Credit cards accepted
  • 3. Buffalo Dreamer

    $$$$

    Co-located with Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa, this restaurant is run by a local chef who trained in New York and is now attempting to bring high cuisine to the High Plains. The evolving menu promises food prepared "with love and deep intention," including dishes incorporating duck, salmon, grass-fed beef, and locally grown farm vegetables.

    1829 Minnekahta Ave., Hot Springs, South Dakota, 57747, USA
    605-745--6100

    Known For

    • Sophisticated food presentation
    • Elaborate desserts
    • Organic ingredients

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
  • 4. Gold Country Inn Cafe

    $

    For a change of pace from Deadwood's upscale dining options, try this affordable, comfort-food café with a small-town, unassuming atmosphere and a menu full of traditional options like eggs, hash browns, burgers, and chicken salad sandwiches.

    801 Main St., Deadwood, South Dakota, 57732, USA
    800-287--1251

    Known For

    • Friendly, hard-working waitstaff
    • Raspberry French toast on the breakfast menu
    • One of the most affordable dining options in Deadwood

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 5. Laughing Water

    $

    With windows facing the mountain sculpture, this airy pinewood restaurant is noted for its buffalo burgers. There's a soup-and-salad bar, but you'd do well to stick to the Native American offerings. Try the taco made with traditional fry bread or the Tatanka stew featuring prime cuts of buffalo meat. A short kids' menu is available.

    12151 Ave. of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse Memorial, South Dakota, 57730, USA
    605-673–4681

    Known For

    • Monumental views
    • Generous portions
    • Native American tacos

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Mavericks Steaks and Cocktails

    $$

    Recycled barn wood decorates this casual bar-and-grill establishment in the heart of downtown, where steaks are the star of the menu and big-screen TVs are tuned to ballgames.

    688 Main St., Deadwood, South Dakota, 57732, USA
    605-578--2100

    Known For

    • 30-day aged, certified black Angus beef
    • Slow-roasted baby back ribs
    • Signature specialty drinks

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 7. Mornin' Sunshine Coffee House

    $

    Coffee, tea, smoothies, and quick choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in a small, historical, and architecturally interesting structure with exposed-stone interior walls. This friendly, locally owned establishment is a great place to stop on your way through Hot Springs, before or after your adventures in the area.

    509 N. River St., Hot Springs, South Dakota, 57747, USA
    605-745--5550

    Known For

    • Wide selection of coffee
    • Hearty breakfast selections
    • Friendly staff
  • 8. Stage Stop Cafe at Cheyenne Crossing

    $$

    Located at a crossing that can take you west to Wyoming, north into Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, or east to Lead, this country café with simple decor serves up hearty, home-cooked food without pretension. It's 8 miles southwest of Lead on a site that also includes a small lodge and gift store.

    21415 U.S. 14A, Lead, South Dakota, 57754, USA
    605-584--3510

    Known For

    • Native American tacos
    • Fry-bread desserts
    • Popular stop for motorists driving Spearfish Canyon
  • 9. Stampmill Restaurant & Saloon

    $$

    Pub food is served up in a relaxed setting in this downtown Lead establishment, located in a lovingly preserved 1897 building with exposed-brick walls, wood floors, high ceilings, and a fireplace. There are two Victorian-style rooms for rent on the upper floors.

    305 W. Main St., Lead, South Dakota, 57754, USA
    605-717--0554

    Known For

    • Laid-back vibe
    • Lovely patio seating available
    • Bleu cheese--and--olive burgers and chicken sandwiches

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed winter
  • 10. The Custer Wolf

    $$

    This bar and grill is in a renovated brick building with wood floors and a long, wooden bar, where the food is elevated a bit beyond standard pub fare. It's a great spot for a casual, affordable meal during a day of exploring the southern Black Hills.

    607 Mt. Rushmore Rd., Custer, South Dakota, 57730, USA
    605-673--9653

    Known For

    • Outdoor seating area
    • Surprising menu choices for a bar and grill, like the falafel burger
    • Selection of craft beer and wine
  • 11. The Latchstring Restaurant

    $$$

    This restaurant with a simple menu focusing on buffalo meat, beef, fish, soup, and salads is built in a log-cabin style with a stone fireplace and animal heads on the walls. It's in an unbeatable setting 14 miles from Lead, next to Spearfish Canyon Lodge in Spearfish Canyon. If the weather is good, no diner should miss walking the short trail behind the restaurant to Spearfish Falls, a 50-foot waterfall.

    10619 Roughlock Falls Rd., Lead, South Dakota, 57754, USA
    605-584--3333

    Known For

    • Locally caught trout dishes
    • Buffalo stew
    • Outdoor seating available with beautiful canyon views
  • 12. Turtle Town

    $

    Treat yourself to a delectable dessert item from this tiny shop and enjoy it on one of the nearby boardwalk benches next to the 1880 Train depot.

    117 Winter St., Keystone, South Dakota, USA
    605-666--4675

    Known For

    • Hand-scooped ice cream
    • Specialty chocolates
    • Shakes and malts
  • 13. Woolly's Grill and Cellar

    $$

    As it's family-owned and -operated, it's no surprise that this place caters to families. Though it specializes in hand-cut steaks and prime rib, entrées on its modestly priced menu include helpings from the 18-foot salad bar. It's right next to the Mammoth Site.

    1648 Hwy. 18 Bypass, Hot Springs, South Dakota, 57747, USA
    605-745–6414

    Known For

    • Family-friendly
    • Great value for money
    • Convenient location

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.–Wed., Credit cards accepted

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