Grab a Bite

Dining

The saying ”eat, drink, and be merry” is especially useful when you're on vacation. If you’re a die-hard foodie, some things should just be tasted right from the source. Make meals a part of your Black Hills adventure by trying dishes unique to the area and experiencing things you normally wouldn’t try. We’ve chosen a few iconic South Dakota experiences you won't want to miss during your time in the region.

Take in the monuments and dine with four of the nation’s presidents at Mount Rushmore National Memorial in Keystone and Chief Crazy Horse at Crazy Horse Memorial ® near Custer. It's not often you get to sit and see that kind of view, but people in the Black Hills do it every day! Enjoy delicious cuisine from a cup of espresso and breakfast to a full-course gourmet meal, while you sit in front of a cascading wall of windows showcasing one of the magnificent carvings and admire the work in front of you.

Mix it up from the norm and try regional favorites by local restaurateurs. The Black Hills are filled with traditional American cuisine, as well as Mexican, Indian, Chinese, Italian, and everything in between. Dive into something new; you're sure to find a bite you like!

Saddle up for an authentic Western family dinner under the stars. It's a cowboy experience like no other. Chuckwagon Suppers and Dinner Shows are both entertaining and memorable, with Dakota-grown beefsteaks grilled over the campfire, Dutch-oven side dishes, and specialty dishes you won't want to miss. Shows feature a variety of acts, often showcasing the country music genre.

Looking for something upscale for a night out with your sweetheart? The Black Hills boasts a variety of dining that will be perfect for the evening. Get dressed up and enjoy a unique combination of ingredients, textures, and tastes crafted by award-winning chefs located in Deadwood, Rapid City, Custer, and beyond!

A Must Try Meal: Bison is one of the most popular menu items to try during your trip to South Dakota. The meat has a slightly sweet yet rich flavor, is very low in saturated fat, and naturally loaded with nutrients. Appetizers such as skewers and main course meals like burgers and steaks are common. For the best flavor, order your bison medium-rare to rare; with such a low fat content, the meat will dry out fast the more it’s cooked.

Save your seat at one of the small local diners, restaurants, and eateries. Although quaint, these venues typically are packed with big flavors like no other experience you would expect to find. Many places take reservations, but for those whose lines are out the door, take a chance and wait! You'll be pleasantly surprised.

Go sky high and enjoy your lunch or dinner on a rooftop bar or patio. The scenery, the urban sounds, and the delicious plates will be the perfect experience your trip is looking for.

Indian fry bread is a Native American quick bread, and the way it is served varies from region to region, with different tribes holding different recipes. The authentic Indian Fry bread is what makes this taco the best thing since, well, tacos! South Dakota even designated Fry Bread as the official state bread in February 2005, so you know it must be good. The fry bread is surprisingly light and crispy, has a perfect flavor profile of lightly salty and lightly sweet. It's topped with seasoned beef or buffalo meat and other toppings you would expect to find on a regular taco. Choosing an Indian Taco for your meal won’t disappoint.

Find a food truck in Rapid City! There are numerous vendors with an array of eats from Jamaican, Mexican, and of course, American favorites like stuffed burgers, cheese steaks, and BBQ. Where are they hiding? They are typically parked near one of the local craft breweries, by a park, or even at events throughout the Black Hills. Follow along on Facebook to find some local favorites.

Taste a little bit of everything by going to a buffet-style dinner. These restaurants are an excellent option, especially for picky eaters. From homestyle favorites to seafood platters and sushi bars, you're going to find the perfect fit for your travel group no matter which community you are in—Deadwood, Rapid City, and beyond.

Pizza is a local favorite. If you can think of a concotion of flavors, you're likely to find it here. We've got jalapeno popper pizza, mashed potato pizza, cheeseburger pizza, and a pizza Humpty Dumpty would be proud to call his own. Thick crust, thin crust, gluten-free—you've got all the options. Pair your pizza with a Black Hills brew and you have a dinner of champions.

A sweet tooth’s haven is here! Watch in wonder as delicious saltwater taffy is made through the storefront window in Keystone. Enjoy homemade fudge or caramel apples. Try a scoop of homemade ice cream at a local parlor in every town you visit—many of them have secret recipes making them one-of-a-kind. No matter where you go in the Hills, you can find sweet memories to take home.

Did someone say dessert? There are a lot of people unsure about bread pudding, but you can’t say you don’t like it until you’ve tried it at the Alpine Inn; trust us—it’s worth it! And when you want the best caramel rolls, Rapid City locals choose Colonial House hands down. You can even think outside the box and order dessert for breakfast; we won’t tell. Remember what we said—you’re on vacation; calories don’t count. There are so many yummy specialty desserts to choose from, go ahead and ask for the dessert menu or get a flight of options. When paired with a little cup of espresso, its the best way to wrap up an amazing meal.

Food is the way to the heart, as some may say. Keep the hangry under control and stop into one of the local places waiting to serve you and your family in the Black Hills.