South Dakota Restaurant and Dining Guide

Hey there, travelers and food enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive into the rich and delicious world of South Dakota's culinary scene? We are here to guide you through a scrumptious journey across the state, exploring its unique dishes, must-visit establishments, and some pretty rad tourist attractions. South Dakota is a treasure trove of flavors and experiences just waiting to be discovered.

In this epicurean adventure, we'll munch our way through cities like Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Custer, Brookings, and Spearfish, tantalizing our taste buds with local favorites such as Chislic, Kuchen, Pheasant, Buffalo Burger, and Indian Tacos. And, of course, I'll share some cool stories, historical tidbits, and amusing trivia to spice up our gastronomic escapade.

So, if you're a curious soul hungry for some fantastic eats and memorable experiences in the great Mount Rushmore State, stick with us, and let's chow down on the best of South Dakota!

Chow Down in Chislic City: Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls, South Dakota's largest city, is the perfect starting point for our flavorful expedition. And let me tell you, folks, their chislic game is on point! Traditionally made with cubed red meat, deep-fried, and served on a skewer, chislic is a must-try for every food aficionado. Botski's, The Attic East Bar & Grill, and The Barrel House are all top-notch joints to get your chislic fix. And if you're a kuchen connoisseur, you won't want to miss Pietz's Kuchen Kitchen & Specs in Scotland, just an hour's drive from Sioux Falls.

Once you've had your fill, head over to Falls Park to walk off those delicious calories, or take a stroll through Downtown SculptureWalk Sioux Falls, an open-air art exhibit. Trust me, the city's mix of natural beauty and creativity is the cherry on top of a perfect day.

The Rapid Rise of Rapid City

Next up, we're making tracks to Rapid City, where the pheasant and buffalo burgers reign supreme. Dakotah Steakhouse and Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge serve up some mean pheasant dishes, a nod to South Dakota's state bird. On the other hand, if you're craving something heartier, swing by Thirsty's for a juicy buffalo burger that'll knock your socks off.

After you've chowed down, check out the colorful, ever-changing Art Alley, or get up close and personal with some scaly friends at Reptile Gardens. Rapid City doesn't skimp on fun, that's for sure!

Custer's Tasty Treasures

Now, let's mosey on over to the charming town of Custer, nestled in the picturesque Black Hills. Home to the scrumptious kuchen and mouthwatering Indian tacos, Custer's got a little something for everyone. Swing by Laughing Water Restaurant, where you can savor both dishes alongside an unforgettable view of Mount Rushmore. And if you're craving a juicy buffalo burger, don't miss out on Black Hills Burger and Bun Co or Buglin' Bull Restaurant and Sports Bar – these two joints are local legends for their top-notch grub!

Once you've had your fill, explore the breathtaking Custer State Park or descend into the depths of Jewel Cave National Monument. Custer knows how to impress, both above and below ground!

A Bounty of Flavor in Brookings

Our next stop is the delightful city of Brookings, a haven for pheasant enthusiasts and burger lovers alike. Drop by Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge for a taste of their namesake dish, or grab a heavenly buffalo burger at Nick's Hamburger Shop. Your taste buds will thank you, I promise.

Afterward, immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of McCrory Gardens or delve into the world of art at the South Dakota Art Museum. Brookings has got it going on, folks!

Spearfish: A Culinary Oasis

Last but certainly not least, we venture to the enchanting town of Spearfish, where Indian tacos take center stage. Barbacoa's and Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant and Bar serve up their own unique spin on this tasty dish, and trust me, you'll want to try them all.

As for attractions, Spearfish doesn't disappoint. Be sure to check out Bridal Veil Falls, the stunning Spearfish Canyon, and the High Plains Western Heritage Center. Can you say "picture-perfect"?

There you have it, my friends – a whirlwind tour of South Dakota's incredible cuisine and captivating attractions. From Sioux Falls to Spearfish, each city has its own flavor, history, and charm just waiting to be explored. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your fork, put on your adventure hat, and dig in! South Dakota's culinary landscape is as diverse as its natural beauty, with each city offering its own unique take on local dishes. From chislic to kuchen, pheasant to buffalo burgers, and Indian tacos to boot, there's no shortage of mouthwatering delights to satisfy your cravings. And don't forget – nothing pairs better with good food than good company, so be sure to bring your friends and family along for the ride.

As you journey through the state, you'll also find a wealth of attractions to enjoy between meals. Whether you're marveling at the art in Sioux Falls, hiking through the Black Hills, or admiring the breathtaking waterfalls of Spearfish, South Dakota promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

So, to all you food lovers and adventure seekers out there, I wholeheartedly encourage you to embark on your own culinary quest through the heart of South Dakota. You won't be disappointed – in fact, you just might find yourself coming back for seconds!

Must-Try Restaurants in South Dakota

Laughing Water Restaurant

12151 Ave of the Chiefs, Custer, SD 57730

Very good self-service restaurant with a view of the monumental Crazy Horse.Good and generous cuisine, good place to eat.

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Good85 Reviews4.2

Pietz's Kuchen Kitchen & Specs

800 Fourth St, Scotland, SD 57059

Amazing pizza and selection, and if your grandma, family, mother, father or whoever ever made you Kuchen try Pietz's. For those who have never tried...

Superb11 Reviews5

Botski's

1914 S Sycamore Ave Unit 104, Sioux Falls, SD 57110

Supper was mediocre at best. I heard so many good things and was really sad that I didn't enjoy the food.

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Good49 Reviews4.2

Thirsty's

819 W Main St, Rapid City, SD 57701

Very disappointed in our order. Menu said shrimp basket but failed to say it was tiny popcorn shrimp that wasnt brown and charged us $16.

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Superb109 Reviews4.3

Buglin' Bull Restaurant and Sports Bar

511 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD 57730

Food was edible, but not nearly as good as it should have been for 20 bucks for a burger and fries! Service was pretty decent, and fairly timely. But pri...

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Good224 Reviews4.1

Black Hills Burger and Bun Co

441 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD 57730

EDIT: At the time of my below review, this was still Black Hills Burger and Bun Co. I have yet to be here after the change to pizza, but I'm sure it...

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Superb104 Reviews4.4

Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge

726 Main Ave S, Brookings, SD 57006

We came for the Chislic and we weren't disappointed.
My daughter and I came for the weekend for girl time and we decided to go to the Pheas...

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Superb61 Reviews4.5

Nick's Hamburger Shop

427 Main Ave, Brookings, SD 57006

Heard these burgers were good and it certainly did not disappoint!! First time being there and will go again!!! Burgers were just the right size.

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Superb92 Reviews4.6

Dakotah Steakhouse

1325 N Elk Vale Rd, Rapid City, SD 57703

We had the absolute best dinner here!! Our server was great she went above and beyond for us! And the food was absolutely bomb! If we’re ever back in SD ...

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Good421 Reviews4.2

The Barrel House

4701 E 54th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57110

Service was slow, and not comprehensive. We asked for lemons with waters, several times. Asked for crackers for a little kid, had to ask again. General...

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Good134 Reviews4.1

Barbacoa's

305 W Jackson Blvd, Spearfish, SD 57783

Barbacoa's used to be a staple for us when going through Spearfish. Over the years, the food quality has gone down, the prices have skyrocketed, and...

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Good75 Reviews3.5

Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant and Bar

83 US-14, Spearfish, SD 57783

We had been on the road for over 10 hours and were looking forward to a good Mexican meal. We found the Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant and Bar and, becau...

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Superb169 Reviews4.4

The Attic East Bar and Grill

4601 E 41st St, Sioux Falls, SD 57110

Great food and service.

Wheelchair accessibility: Wheelchair accessible tables.

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Superb68 Reviews4.4

Recently Opened Restaurants

Flyboy Donuts

4117 W 41st St, Sioux Falls, SD 57106

Went for our daughter’s birthday this morning (along with 3 other children). Patient staff, great atmosphere and delicious food. Tried 6 different donuts...

Good9 Reviews3.9

Pho Thai West

3801 W 34th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57106

Hands down my favorite restaurant in Sioux Falls. Not only is the food amazing, but the staff goes above and beyond with each visit.

U...

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Superb32 Reviews4.9

The Sandbar

100 N Lake Dr, Watertown, SD 57201

Great place to relax, grab a bite to eat and have a drink. Lots of different stuff to do in the inside as well. Staff is always friendly!

Delivery

Superb23 Reviews4.4

Blondie's Tables & Taps

203 N 9th Ave, Faulkton, SD 57438

Great food!! Acoustics for old building and group visiting were superb. Very hot day and temperature inside very comfortable. Noted ramp for ADA entran...

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Superb5 Reviews5

Taqueria El Jarocho

605 Main Ave, Brookings, SD 57006

So delicious and great service. Tamarind water!!! We ordered a little bit of everything and loved it all

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Superb37 Reviews4.8

Wendy's

937 5th St SE, Watertown, SD 57201

I was lucky enough to be helped by a person when I went in. Other people I know were forced to use their unbelievably slow kiosks.

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Drive-Through

Good15 Reviews4

Fat Sams Home Cookin

434 US-16A, Keystone, SD 57751

Service was ok. The food was awful. $ 14 for a dried up piece of chicken on a tiny bun with lettuce tomato and onion. Pretty basic . I couldn't even...

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Superb28 Reviews4.5

Peak Bar and Grill

12620 SD-244, Hill City, SD 57745

We were camping at the KOA here so decided to try the Peak Grill and Taproom on our last evening. We were still on Eastern Time Zone, so came in around 4...

Good2 Reviews3.5

Downtown Deli & Bakery

148 Main St, Hill City, SD 57745

My husband went here this morning because it had good reviews on Google. We got two muffins, a banana bread and cinnamon roll, he came back to our camp a...

Superb39 Reviews4.9

Tony Gringo's Mexican Grill

201 Main St, Hill City, SD 57745

Food is rated 5 star. But this is a store, not a restaurant. We wanted to sit in a restaurant and have a meal. So we went rlsewhere.

Good2 Reviews4

Melts Ice Cream Shoppe

Big Stone City, SD 57216

What a great place. So cute. Had a couple of 1 scoop waffle cones and they were so good. Very generously sized and the cone was so good and crispy. Stopp...

Superb9 Reviews4.6

Pizza Hut

3464 Sturgis Rd #300, Rapid City, SD 57702

I love Pizza Hut pizza. I ordered a pizza and bread sticks tonight. The lady working both register and prepared pizza looked swamped. Maybe another emplo...

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Average9 Reviews3.2

Kathmandu momo house

405 Canal St Suite 1300, Rapid City, SD 57701

Great traditional food and outstanding service. Pleasant service and food came out hot and fresh. I have been to Nepal and India. Loved the Chili Moms an...

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Superb126 Reviews4.9

El Mariachi

519 S Main St, Lennox, SD 57039

Our meal was excellent with very friendly service from each of the employees. This was the first visit, but certainly not the last. Keep up the good work!

Superb44 Reviews4.8

El Rapidito Restaurant

203 Main Ave, Hayti, SD 57241

Friday night we went with friends and had chicken fajita meal which was so good. Then we went back Sunday for a late lunch. Our wait staff was once aga...

Superb21 Reviews4.7

Recent Reviews

El Fredo Pizza Vermillion

831 E Cherry St, Vermillion, SD 57069

We had a wonderful experience last evening at El Fredo's. Things got off to a slightly rocky start when I spilled a large lemonade across the table ...

Superb41 Reviews4.7

Cowboy Back Bar

618 5th Ave, Belle Fourche, SD 57717

Had to wait for a long time to get a drink bartenders were too busy taking pictures of each other. To loud and really hot in the bar

Superb5 Reviews4.4

Outlaw Bar

616 5th Ave, Belle Fourche, SD 57717

Didn’t eat any food but the prices are great and bartenders are awesome. Best bar in Belle Fourche by far

Superb8 Reviews5

The Back 40 Taphouse Grill

511 N Main St, Mitchell, SD 57301

This was a great dog friendly restaurant right across from the renowned Corn Palace. We were greeted by staff as we came in and seated quickly. Drinks we...

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Good98 Reviews3.9

Subway

501 SD-44, Platte, SD 57369

Went in there on a Sunday afternoon to treat my family. Stood at the counter and was given a very unpleasant look by the young man behind the counter and...

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Average6 Reviews3.2

Toronto Cafe & Lounge

485 Main Ave, Toronto, SD 57268

New owners trashed what was a good place, ran out all the original employees, raised prices far past inflation rates, brought food quality down, and can ...

Good11 Reviews4

The Frontier Bar & Grill

680 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD 57730

Food was really good. Staff was great, and I felt right at home. Veteran friendly place.

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Superb86 Reviews4.3

Taqueria Los Dos Hermanos

Uptown Rapid, 2200 N Maple Ave Suite 607, Rapid City, SD 57701

Super good! Got the carne fries and it was amazing. Wish more fries for all the toppings!

Delivery

Superb47 Reviews4.6

Marlin's Restaurant

605 US-281, Aberdeen, SD 57401

We visit once a year during our annual youth camp. Service and food have always been excellent.

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Average53 Reviews3

Sky Dine Restaurant and Bar

4550 Terminal Rd, Rapid City, SD 57703

Brianna was amazing tonight!! Our flight was supposed to take off at 850 pm but got delayed due to weather. She was very accommodating and kept us enter...

Good39 Reviews3.4

Buzzards Bar

103 3rd St, Pukwana, SD 57370

Small town feel with big time flavor. Reminds you of home cooking with family. To be honest, the home town atmosphere is #1. Food is #2.

Superb6 Reviews4.7

McDonald's

131 Ryan Rd, Spearfish, SD 57783

Umm. Ummmmm I was loving it

Wheelchair accessibility: Front door parking

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Drive-Through

Good76 Reviews3.4

La Corita

312 6th St W, Brookings, SD 57006

Amazing Food. They have the best tamales in town. They only accept cash so be prepared . The food is amazing you won't be disappointed.

Superb18 Reviews4.8

Big Dummy's

112 N Main St, Mitchell, SD 57301

Friendly people and fire chislic, 10/10 stopping here made Mitchell memorable for me!

Superb21 Reviews4.5

Culver’s

616 Centennial St S, Aberdeen, SD 57401

on Feb. 27,2024 around 5:15 pm went through the drive thru and ordered 2 -3 piece cod dinners. I never looked at the food containers until I got home in ...

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