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. 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
  • 2. 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
  • 3. 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
  • 4. 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
  • 5. 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
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. 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
  • 7. 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
  • 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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