Great Restaurants in the Black Hills
Rapid City Dining
Juniper
Located in downtown Rapid City, Juniper Restaurant serves up some of the best food I've ever had outside of a five-star establishment. The menu is full of locally sourced ingredients and creative combinations that will tantalize your taste buds. Juniper Restaurant is a must-visit for foodies, offering handcrafted cocktails to unique entrees.
Located in downtown Rapid City, Juniper Restaurant serves up some of the best food I've ever had outside of a five-star establishment. The menu is full of locally sourced ingredients and creative combinations that will tantalize your taste buds. Juniper Restaurant is a must-visit for foodies, offering handcrafted cocktails to unique entrees.
If you're staying at one of the downtown Hotels there's nothing better and more convenient than Tally's Silver Spoon. It stands out from other Rapid City eateries by offering gourmet dishes using locally sourced ingredients. Everything from grilled pork chops to herb-crusted salmon can be found here, and the wine list is extensive. The eatery appears like a diner, serves like a 5-star, and the atmosphere encourages conversation and relaxation.
Murphy's Pub and Grill is a local favorite. Offering American-inspired choices, Murphy's also has a secret Speak Easy in the restaurant's basement. Craft cocktails and a great atmosphere can be found here. To locate the speak-easy, ask one of the friendly staff, and they'll point you in the right direction. If you'd like a more international flair, head down to one of my favorites, Kathmandu Bistro. Tandoori, Curry, and fresh vegetable plates are fantastic. Don't worry about spice; you can customize the heat according to your palate.
Keystone Dining
Keystone tends to be a favorite for visitors due to its proximity to Mt Rushmore, and there are more than a few places to enjoy. First off, there's the Carvers Market at Mount Rushmore. Its offerings are sustainable, green, and tasty. It just so happens to be the only four-star Certified Green Restaurant® in South Dakota. That's pretty amazing. Just next door you can indulge in Thomas Jeffersons French Ice Cream. He was a Francophile and the recipe is very good.
In downtown Keystone, I recommend the Powder House Restaurant. It's a little up the hill, but worth it. The restaurant is classic and serves up anything from Crab Cakes to Buffalo Medallions. For some great coffee and dessert, head on down to Grapes and Grinds. There's indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for a sunny South Dakota day.
Hill City Dining
The little town of Hill City is in the Center of the Black Hills. It's charming and set up to enjoy a lovely walk up and down its main street. I have a few recommendations that I frequent often. The first is Chute Rooster, a Western Style restaurant and bar with live music. Billiards are upstairs, and it's family-friendly.
The ultimate classic restaurant, the Alpine Inn is just down the road from here. It serves European Cuisine with a focus on Germany. The building was built in 1886 and has been family owned and operated for over 3 decades. The Alpine in is cash only, and an ATM is available near the bar. A great surprise to me is Mangiamo Pizzeria! They have the most wonderful Italian food that rivals anything on the east coast.
Custer Dining
A few of my favorite restaurants are in Custer, along with some great entertainment. Whenever I crave an incredible burger, look no further than the Burger and Bun. It's a local delight. Often there's a wait, but fortunately, an authentic Rock Shop is right next door to pass the time. For a slightly upscale experience with indoor/outdoor dining, try out the Custer Wolf. It has a wide variety of choices, and the servers are great. We stop here all the time.
The finest dining in all the Black Hills goes to Skogen Kitchen. Its innovative cuisine changes throughout the year based on local ingredients. The word Skogen means "The Forest" in Norwegian, but in my mind, it translates into DELICIOUS.
