When you think of lip-smacking good BBQ, which towns and states come to mind? Kansas City? Memphis? Texas? While all of the above are iconic and delicious, the Mount Rushmore State happens to have some pretty impressive joints of our own, some of which we will visit during this delicious road trip to the best BBQ restaurants in South Dakota:

Google Maps

Here is an interactive map to South Dakota’s best BBQ.

1. Bunky's BBQ (Spearfish)
TripAdvisor/Valerie K
125 US-14, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA
TripAdvisor/Cricketblue99
There is no better place to begin this road trip than in the heart of the Black Hills via Bunky's BBQ! Billed as being a "small takeout restaurant with limited catering service," Bunky's BBQ features a rotating menu that includes pulled pork (daily), brisket and chicken (Fridays), and ribs and pork loin (Saturdays).
2. J.R.'s Rhodehouse BBQ Pit (Summerset)
Google/Julie Ryan
7201 Infinity Dr, Summerset, SD 57718, USA
Google/Justin Rhodes
Who says you have to go to Texas to get Texas-style BBQ? Not J.R.'s! Inspired by Justin Rhodes' time in the Lonestar State, J.R.'s offers "Good food. Cold Brews. Good Service. Nothing fancy. Just Good Eats..." a la its tantalizing assortment of classic brisket, links, turkey breast, sandwiches, and "other stuff." Yum!
3. Richie Z's Brickhouse BBQ and Grill (Pierre)
TripAdvisor/Todd S
401 S Central Ave, Pierre, SD 57501, USA
Google/Brittany Moyer
No road trip through South Dakota is complete without stopping at our capital and the mouthwatering Richie Z's Brickhouse. In addition to all of your BBQ favorites, Richie Z's also offers a unique selection of burgers complete with a fresh beef patty and - if you want - piled high with a raspberry glaze, bacon, cheese, and onion rings.

Learn the history of Richie Z's and find out how this delicious barbecue is made:

4. Squealer's Smoke Shack (Tea)
Corey Geier/Google
840 Gateway Ln, Tea, SD 57064, USA
Google/Roxie Stanga
Who says small towns can't have memorable BBQ? Not Tea! Featuring 100% smoked meats and homemade sides, Squealer's is the town's go-to for bar food, baskets, burgers, and - of course - prime rib, baby back ribs, loaded mac and cheese, and pulled pork.
5. Cody's Smokehouse BBQ (Sioux Falls)
Google/Tim Beaman
6401 S Louise Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57108, USA
Google/Cody's Smokehouse BBQ
Can you see why Cody's slogan was "Darn good BBQ"? Whether you opt for the sampler, 1 or 2-meat platter, or a gigantic family bundle, you would have found your new favorite restaurant in Sioux Falls. (Editor's Note: Unfortunately, Cody's Smokehouse has closed its doors for good.)
6. Backyard BBQ (Brookings)
Google Street View
1805 6th St, Brookings, SD 57006, USA
Google/Jason B
Last but certainly not least on our road trip is Brookings and its hometown Backyard BBQ, an authentic BBQ smokehouse that serves its fare via both a standalone location and food trucks.

Have you been to any of the best BBQ restaurants in South Dakota? For even more deliciousness, check out these bucket list-worthy restaurants in South Dakota.

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The Culinary Creativity of South Dakota

William Suphan | February 09, 2023

What are the most iconic foods in South Dakota?

The most iconic foods in South Dakota include:

  • Chislic. This is a dish made up of cubed and skewered lamb or beef with onions and is either grilled or deep-fried.
  • Kuchen. The state dessert is kind of like a large tart made with custard and fruit and it is utterly scrumptious.
  • Chili and Cinnamon Rolls. Yes, together. Locals love to dip cinnamon rolls into their chili for a sweet and spicy treat.
  • Kolache. These are pastries topped with cream cheese or candied fruit made from traditional Central European recipes.

Discover more about the most iconic foods in South Dakota. 

What are the best bucket list restaurants in South Dakota?

The best bucket list restaurants in South Dakota include:

  • Grey Goose Store & Social Club in Pierre. This is the place to go for succulent prime rib as well as Mexican food and sandwiches.
  • Alpine Inn in Hill City. This old place has been around since 1886 and specializes in delicious German cuisine.
  • Purple Pie Place in Deadwood. Locals flock here seasonally for some of the best pies and milkshakes in the state.
  • Boom’s Drive-In in Platte. This is a nostalgic icon with huge onion rings, tasty burgers, and old-fashioned root beer.

Learn more about the best bucket list restaurants in South Dakota. 

What are the most unique restaurants in South Dakota?

The most unique restaurants in South Dakota include:

  • Desperados Cowboy Restaurant in Hill City. This is an Old-West style restaurant with homemade potato chips and delicious buffalo burgers.
  • Cheyenne Crossing in Lead. Come here for yummy Indian Tacos which are fry bread topped with beans, cheese, tomatoes, onions, and more.
  • Khorasan Kabob House in Sioux Falls. If you’re looking for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, this place should not be missed.
  • Nick’s Hamburger Shop in Brooking. This little burger joint urges customers to “Buy ‘em by the bag,” and you’ll end up wanting more than one bag.

Find out more about the most unique restaurants in South Dakota. 

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