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. Alpine Inn

    $$

    With its pastoral paintings, lacy tablecloths, and beer steins, the rustic Alpine Inn brings a version of old-world charm to the Old West. The lunchtime menu changes daily but always has selections of healthful sandwiches and salads—and no fried food. The dinner menu has just two dishes: filet mignon, which is one of the best steaks around, and a vegetarian pasta primavera option. Weather permitting, lunch is served on the veranda overlooking Main Street. Hard liquor is not served. Arrive early, because this spot fills up fast, and they don't take reservations (or credit cards, for that matter). 

    133 Main St., Hill City, South Dakota, 57745, USA
    605-574–2749

    Known For

    • Family-friendly
    • Local atmosphere
    • Really good beef

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Reservations not accepted
  • 2. Dough Trader Pizza

    $$

    Whether sitting by the fireplace in the small, indoor seating area or by the fire pit on the outdoor patio, you'll get some of the best pizza in the Black Hills at this beloved Spearfish eatery, located in a remodeled former Tastee Freeze. The gourmet pizza is cooked in a stone oven and served with fresh toppings generously applied.

    543 W. Jackson Blvd., Spearfish, South Dakota, 57783, USA
    605-642--2175

    Known For

    • Crust made from 1880s sourdough starter
    • Fun signature pizza names like "Dances with Goats" and "Naked in the Garden"
    • Associated bakery sells sourdough treats

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues.
  • 3. 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
  • 4. Cruizzers

    $$

    Tasty and hearty made-to-order pizzas, calzones, subs, and pasta make this pizzeria overlooking Keystone's boardwalk a favorite stop for visitors who are hungry from a day of exploring Mount Rushmore and other attractions.

    110 B. Winter St., Keystone, South Dakota, 57751, USA
    605-666--4313

    Known For

    • Focus on service
    • Indoor and outdoor balcony seating
    • Pizza that's filling with generous toppings

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Oct.--Apr.
  • 5. 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.
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  • 6. Nonna's Kitchen

    $$

    Finding a good Italian restaurant can be challenging in some cities, but not in Spearfish. Nonna’s (Italian for grandmother) Kitchen opened in 2020 in an 1895 building that’s full of character and good, authentic Italian food. The owner wanted to share family recipes that have been passed down for generations, so everything is made fresh. There’s also a great wine selection. Outdoor seating along Main Street allows you to take in the crisp Black Hills air when the weather allows for it.

    544 N Main St., Spearfish, South Dakota, USA
    605-307–1345

    Known For

    • Authentic food
    • Unique experience
    • Exceptional service
  • 7. Powder House Restaurant

    $$

    This rustic steak house at the Powder House Lodge is made for quiet mountain evenings with its indoor, log-cabin-style dining area and expansive, covered, outdoor patio. The menu focuses on quality meats (but with vegetarian options) and relaxing drinks. This is a place to unwind and enjoy a quality meal.

    24125 Hwy. 16A, Keystone, South Dakota, 57751, USA
    800-321--0692

    Known For

    • Prime rib
    • Forested, mountainside setting
    • Full bar with wide selection of wine, beer, and spirits

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed after Labor Day until Memorial Day
  • 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. 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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