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. Deadwood Social Club

    $$$

    On the second floor of historic Saloon No. 10, this warm restaurant surrounds you with wood and old-time photographs of Deadwood. Light jazz and blues play over the sound system. The decor is Western, but the food is northern Italian, a juxtaposition that keeps patrons coming back. Try the wild boar bundles as an appetizer, paired with one of numerous martinis or a bottle from one of the largest wine cellars in the state. The menu stretches from pheasant to walleye, as well as creamy pasta dishes, buffalo, and melt-in-your-mouth rib-eye steaks. Reservations are recommended.

    657 Main St., Deadwood, South Dakota, 57732, USA
    605-578–3346

    Known For

    • Eclectic Italian menu
    • Great martinis
    • Historic setting

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 2. Steerfish Steak & Smoke

    $$$

    Western chic is the style of this restaurant, where a buffalo head and cowboy art adorn the walls of a historic, 1893 stone building with wood floors. Steaks, smoked meats, and burgers are the focus, but the menu also includes a large salad section, and the prices range widely from $12 sandwiches to $40 choice steaks. The bar serves an extensive selection of beer, wine, whiskey, cocktails, and mixed drinks. In a city with some great restaurants, this one stands out.

    701 Fifth St., Spearfish, South Dakota, 57783, USA
    605-717--2485

    Known For

    • Hand-cut certified Angus beef
    • Steaks grilled over hickory wood
    • Large, decadent dessert menu
  • 3. Antunez

    $$$

    Going for the feel of a Spanish or South American café, this small restaurant is one of the few in the Black Hills attempting to elevate Hispanic food into high cuisine. Although the elaborate dinner entrees are quite expensive, the menu also includes more affordable, all-day choices such as enchiladas, quesadillas, and tacos.

    117 E. Illinois St., Spearfish, South Dakota, 57783, USA
    605-722--8226

    Known For

    • Succulent meat dishes including buffalo rib eye and Wagyu steak
    • International wine selection
    • Spanish and Latin background music

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
  • 4. Branding Iron Steakhouse & Saloon

    $$$

    Much of the Belle Fourche--area economy is built on cattle, and when local ranchers and other residents want a good steak, they go to the Branding Iron. This is a no-nonsense, saloon-style facility with wood paneling on the walls, a bar, pool tables, lots of seating, and big food portions.

    19079 S. U.S. 85, Belle Fourche, South Dakota, 57717, USA
    605-892--2503

    Known For

    • Steak tips
    • Slow-roasted prime rib
    • Boisterous local atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 5. Legends Steakhouse

    $$$

    In a place where legends aren't taken lightly, this establishment in the lower level of the historic Franklin Hotel has quickly made a name for itself, beckoning back locals who like its aged beef, moderate prices, and flair. You'll find all the usual suspects on the menu—buffalo, beef, and chicken—but each with a flavorful twist. Arrive early and have a cocktail in the lounge, because they don't take reservations.

    709 Main St., Deadwood, South Dakota, 57732, USA
    605-578–3670

    Known For

    • Local hangout
    • Meat-eater's dream
    • Festive ambience

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch, Reservations not accepted
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Legends Steakhouse

    $$$

    The atmosphere is historic elegance in this intimate, fine-dining establishment where steak, seafood, and dessert are served up with pride and style in the basement of the 1903 Franklin Hotel. With its stone walls, dark wood finishes, and large wine list, Legends Steakhouse is a great place to step out and spend a little extra on a relaxing evening meal.

    709 Main St., Deadwood, South Dakota, 57732, USA
    800-584--7005

    Known For

    • Surprising choices such as escargot and elk meat
    • Thick, juicy steaks, both beef and bison
    • Lobster, salmon, and other unexpected seafood options
  • 7. 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.
  • 8. 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

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