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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  • 21. 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.
  • 22. Miner's Cup

    $

    Stop into this little drive-through joint for a coffee or smoothie to go, or sit down and enjoy it at one of the picnic tables on the lawn. There's also a surprisingly good selection of fresh-made breakfast and lunch sandwiches, wraps, salads, and pastries.

    1021 Mt. Rushmore Rd., Custer, South Dakota, 57730, USA
    605-673--3882

    Known For

    • Signature drinks
    • Fast service
    • Creative breakfast food combos
  • 23. 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
  • 24. 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
  • 25. 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
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 26. Pump House at Mind Blown Studio

    $

    This eclectic, locally owned establishment is a combination coffee shop, deli, and glassblowing studio all housed in a retro Texaco station that looks like something straight out of the 1950s, complete with old gas pumps and period signage.

    73 Sherman St., Deadwood, South Dakota, 57732, USA
    605-571--1071

    Known For

    • Locally roasted coffee
    • Opportunities to watch glassblowing in action
    • One of the few non-casino-affiliated, truly local shops in town
  • 27. Snitches

    $$$$

    Upscale, chef-inspired cuisine is on the short menu at this small, art deco--style restaurant with a clean, elegant, 1920s vibe inside the Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort. The restaurant bills itself as a "gastronomic experience" featuring "exotic ingredients" that dress up steak, chicken, and seafood.

    555 Main St., Deadwood, South Dakota, 57732, USA
    605-571--2255

    Known For

    • Elaborate presentation
    • Thoughtful extras like grilled baguettes with entrées
    • Three-course dinner with tastings from every part of the menu

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • 28. 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
  • 29. 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
  • 30. The 1891 Steakhouse and Bistro

    $$$

    In a shared location with the Red Rock River Resort, this steak house in a historic building sources produce from local farmers' markets and beef from locally grown cattle. The spacious dining room has wood floors and high ceilings with intimate, cloth-covered table settings.

    603 N. River St., Hot Springs, South Dakota, 57747, USA
    605-745--4400

    Known For

    • Filet mignon and rib eye
    • Signature Red Rock River Mud Pie dessert
    • Simple, pared-down menu

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
  • 31. 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
  • 32. The Green Bean Coffeehouse

    $

    Local character and flavor permeate this hip, comfortable coffeehouse inside a spacious former residential home, where the window seating is plentiful and padded chairs are tucked into corners and alcoves. Besides coffee and tea, there are also quick breakfast and lunch items on the menu.

    304 N. Main St., Spearfish, South Dakota, 57783, USA
    605-717--3636

    Known For

    • Cozy setting and atmosphere
    • Tasty paninis and grilled sandwiches
    • Smoothies, iced coffee, and other cold drinks
  • 33. 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
  • 34. 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
  • 35. 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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