The Best Places to Satisfy Your Taste Buds in the Black Hills and Badlands
Embark on a culinary adventure through the natural wonders of the Black Hills and Badlands region. Our Food Tour is a perfect complement to our Great American Road Trip Itinerary.
During this multi-region journey, you'll indulge in a variety of cuisines, including Italian, Mexican, German and New American. Sink your teeth into Chislic, the official state snack, or savor bison dishes that honor the state's native history. Sweetness is always on the menu with homemade desserts, treats, and local flavors.
If you are looking for something to compliment that perfect dish we have a plethora of wineries, breweries and distilleries that locally source their ingredients to enhance the regional taste.
Ready to discover the region's food scene?
Badlands
Begin your Black Hills adventure by exploring the Badlands National Park located near the town of Wall. To your surprise, you'll find an oasis of culinary delights in the area.
Head over to Red Rock Restaurant in Wall for delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This farm-to-table restaurant located in the heart of beef country, has all the classics covered, from burgers and fries to steaks cooked to perfection.
Your Badlands experience is not complete without visiting the world-famous Wall Drug Store, featured in 2021 ‘Best Picture’ Winner Nomadland. You won't regret trying out their preserved and perfected homemade doughnut recipe. While you're there, grab a cup of their 5¢ coffee or enjoy some free ice water and head out to the backyard to ride the giant jackalope. Checking out their lunch and dinner menus is also a must, as they offer hearty, flavorful dishes like the hot beef sandwich.
Keystone
If in Keystone, your monumental food adventure should start at Mount Rushmore National Monument, where food and drink options go beyond satisfying your patriotism. Carver’s Marketplace, the only 4-Star Certified Green Restaurant® in South Dakota, offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and quick snacks to fuel you up for your adventures. Savor a hand-poured espresso drink at Rushmore Roasters or a made-to-order favorite at Memorial Grill. Indulge in hearty meals at Dakota Kitchen or light bites at Black Hills Harvest, but don't forget to reserve some room for dessert. Before you leave, cool with ice cream straight out of time, a 1780s original vanilla recipe by Thomas Jefferson himself — add local flavor with a chokecherry topping.
As you leave the park towards Keystone, enjoy a delicious burger with a view of the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore at George's Grille located at the top of the scenic chairlift to the top of the Rushmore Tramway Adventures. The Ruby House Restaurant transports you back in time with its turn-of-the-century décor and full-service bar offering prime rib, steaks, seafood, and more.
For a quieter meal away from the crowds, check out Powder House Lodge Restaurant, where visitors and locals alike come for their celebrated prime rib.
Big Thunder Family Bar & Grill serves authentic South Dakota-made foods, such as homemade soups, burgers, steaks, sandwiches, and salads, and even wild game, including buffalo, elk, pheasant, duck, and rattlesnake. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a tasty treat from Grapes and Grinds. Whether it's coffee to pick you up, a local wine tasting to end your day, or homemade gelato for a sweet treat, your culinary adventure of the Keystone wouldn't be complete without this final stop.
Hill City
Hill City offers a diverse and delightful dining experience that is sure to satisfy every taste bud.
Head over to Mangiamo Pizzeria, where you can treat yourself to the aroma of an authentic wood-fired pizza and other traditional Italian dishes. For a more upscale option, The Alpine Inn is the perfect spot. This fine-dining restaurant serves classic German cuisine and a mouthwatering filet mignon. Don't miss the opportunity to relish the unmatched dining experience of this establishment.
If you're looking for a relaxed and cozy atmosphere, visit Three Forks Bar & Grille at The Country Store. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, and offer a well-stocked bar where you can enjoy a refreshing drink while relaxing on the deck.
Last but not least, Prairie Berry Winery is a must-visit for food and wine enthusiasts. The skilled chefs serve expertly curated plates that perfectly complement the hand-crafted South Dakota wines. It's the ultimate experience of relishing delicious food and wine in a serene and picturesque setting.
Custer
Custer is a foodie's heaven, offering a diverse culinary experience to the hungry traveler.
The Custer Wolf has something for everyone, offering a relaxing atmosphere for locals and tourists. Their delicious homemade food and fantastic selection of beer and wine make it a well-loved spot in the area. Try the Shrimp Po'Boy, the Rueben, or the Carolina Pulled Chicken for a flavor-packed, unique experience. The Smoked Trout BLT is another excellent choice with bacon, lettuce, smoked trout, and lemon dill cream cheese packed between whole grain sprouted wheat bread. The menu also includes the popular Wolf Burger and the BCJ Burger, which features a jalapeno cream cheese spread.
Kickstart your tastebuds with some authentic Mexican dishes and tequila shots at Begging Burro. Sink your teeth into a juicy elk burger at Buglin' Bull or indulge in the classic South Dakota dish, chislic.
For those craving classic pub food, head to Mount Rushmore Brewing for delicious taproom classics like pizzas and burgers.
For a more upscale dining option, head upstairs to The Pounding Fathers Restaurant, offering lunch and dinner. Be sure to try their Beer Can Chicken or Walleye Beurre Blanc for a meal you won't forget.
Spearfish, Lead & Deadwood
To complete your foodie adventure in the Black Hills and Badlands, head on I-90 towards the towns of Spearfish, Lead, and Deadwood.
Deadwood's food scence is just as hot as the craps table. Treat yourself to the Silverado Grand Buffet, the only Las Vegas-style buffet in Deadwood, featuring crab legs, prime rib, and wood-fired pizza. Visit Legends Steakhouse for a chance to dine in the same seat as legends such as Teddy Roosevelt, Babe Ruth, and John Wayne. HBO's series Deadwood has inspired the Gem Steakhouse at the Mineral Palace gaming complex to create a menu based on the series' characters, such as Wild Bill's Walleye or Hickok's Wild Sirloin.
In Deadwood, come to enjoy a game while eating good food at the most modern sports bar, Dale's Sportsbook Bar & Grill. With dozens of large screens, including a massive 40’ video wall and almost 30 65” screens, you won't miss a single sporting event. Try their famous burgers, South Dakota walleye, and homemade margaritas.
A quick stop at Cheyenne Crossing on Highway 85 while heading toward Spearfish Canyon is a must. Eat home-cooked meals at this historic place in a friendly atmosphere, and don't miss the Legendary Indian Taco as seen on Food Network TV and Magazine. Finally, visit Latchstring Restaurant at Spearfish Canyon Lodge, located on Spearfish Canyon State Scenic Byway. With the Little Spearfish Falls Trail next door, it's the ideal venue for a delightful meal with an excellent view. The restaurant specializes in American cuisine, offering all homemade menu items rooted in tradition for over 100 years.
No matter what your flavor is, the Black Hills and Badlands have something for every pallet. Discover more places to eat and drink here.