Posted in South Dakota February 10, 2021 by

Here Are The 9 Most Highly Rated Restaurants In South Dakota

Simply put, these highly rated restaurants in South Dakota stand above the rest of the pack. Consider this a restaurant bucket list for all South Dakotans – if you haven’t been to some of these places, make it a point to check them out when you can. The food at the best restaurants in South Dakota is, of course, delicious!

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
1. Black Hills Burger & Bun Co. - Custer
Christie S./Tripadvisor
schinaman/Tripadvisor
Black Hill's Burger & Bun Co. has the best burgers in the west by a wide margin. Their seemingly endless combinations of toppings and burgers grilled to perfection will make every visit a great one. My personal favorite is The Fat Smitty burger - shown here - served with a fried egg and bacon on top, cheese and the rest of the usual goodies as well. Now that's delicious! You can upgrade any burger to a buffalo burger to really get a taste of the Black Hills.

More Information: Black Hills Burger & Bun Co. website
2. La Minestra - Pierre
pman940/Tripadvisor
La Minestra/Facebook
Italian and Mediterranean foods combine at La Minestra to create some outstanding dishes that are to die for. Their high ratings are well deserved because all of their food is creative and tasty. Whether you are in the mood for pasta and pizza or shrimp and fish, you can get both in beautiful harmony right here.

More Information: La Minestra Facebook page
3. Corona Village - Mitchell
Sandy B./Tripadvisor
Ginger L./Tripadvisor
That's some good, proper Mexican cuisine right there! Corona Village is one of the top rated Mexican restaurants in all of South Dakota. Get a great taste of this authentic food a ways north of the border, from the simple favorites everyone loves to the truly complex yet delicious dishes you may not have tried yet.

More Information: Corona Village Facebook page
4. Deadwood Social Club - Deadwood
Jacques K./Tripadvisor
Steve H./Tripadvisor
Get a taste of historic Deadwood at one of the most popular stops in town. Their food is utterly divine and will make your taste buds go crazy. If you're visiting Deadwood, definitely stop here for dinner. You won't regret a bite and will just be wanting more and more.

More Information: Deadwood Social Club Facebook page
5. Grille 26 - Sioux Falls
Beth S./Tripadvisor
Grille 26 knows how to make the perfect meal for any occasion or just because you feel like eating out. Their huge menu has a variety of everything from pasta and salad to rib racks and steaks. It'll be hard to not find something that'll make your mouth water at this place. Yummy stuff!

More Information: Grille 26 website
6. Everest Cuisine - Rapid City
Robert C./Tripadvisor
Dawn K./Tripadvisor
A real and genuine taste of both Indian and Nepalese food comes together at Everest Cuisine. Whether you like either or, you'll love the food here no matter what. Just look at that food, if it's as delicious as it is beautiful, you can't go wrong here. You won't find better Indian food in South Dakota.

More Information: Everest Cuisine website
7. Café Brulé - Vermillion
Matthew P./Tripadvisor
This wonderful cafe in Vermillion serves every meal and serves them right. Their extensive menu has some great options for any time of the day, and that's not even including their delightful desserts. Even if you're not that hungry, you can stop in for their awesome coffee from their huge list of drinks. All of it is just too good!

More Information: Café Brulé website
8. Killian's Tavern - Spearfish
Killian's Tavern/Tripadvisor
The wide variety of food served at Killian's Tavern will have you overwhelmed by how good it all is. Their specialty is meat and they have it perfected. Try their burgers or steaks and you'll be more than satisfied. Not in the mood for those? No problem, they've got plenty of things for everyone to enjoy. You won't be surprised by how highly their rated, their service and food prove it.

More Information: Killian's Tavern website
9. Alpine Inn - Hill City
hmusic/Tripadvisor
Ron T./Tripadvisor
Visiting Mt. Rushmore? Stop by here for lunch! It's only a few miles away and is a popular spot for a hearty meal and for a good reason. Their menu is loaded with fantastic options, including many German specialties like the dish shown. Stop by in the evening and get treated to their decadent filet mignon. It's a great stop to make your trip a memorable one.

More Information: Alpine Inn website

Tell us: do you agree with our picks of the top highly rated restaurants in South Dakota? Why or why not? Some of these were featured on our South Dakota Restaurant Bucket List. You should check them out – and all the others – to get a full tour of the awesome cuisine the state has to offer.

Address: 441 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD 57730, USA
Address: 106 E Dakota Ave, Pierre, SD 57501, USA
Address: 1101 S Burr St, Mitchell, SD 57301, USA
Address: 657 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732, USA
Address: 1716 S Western Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA
Address: 2328 W Main St, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA
Address: 24 W Main St, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA
Address: 539 W Jackson Blvd, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA
Address: Hill City, SD 57745, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Highly Rated Restaurants In South Dakota

February 15, 2021
Leah

What are the most famous restaurants in South Dakota?

There are several highly rated restaurants in South Dakota (see above), some of which are also quite well-known. It’s not surprising to hear that some of the most famous places to grab a bite in the state are around the most famous monument in the state. Indeed, with millions of visitors stopping by Mt. Rushmore and needing a place to eat while they’re there, these restaurants get thousands of reviews. Places like the Ruby House Restaurant, Powder House Lodge Restaurant, and Desperados Cowboy Restaurant are immensely popular during busy travel seasons. All three are located around Mt. Rushmore and each offers its own unique cuisine. The Ruby House Restaurant will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time while also offering your favorite American comfort food. The Powder House Lodge has incredible steak and even buffalo ribs on its menu. The Desperados Cowboy Restaurant is perfect for a drink, a hearty meal, and a wild west kind of good time.

What are the best hidden gem restaurants in South Dakota?

While there are many reasons to visit the most popular restaurants in South Dakota – after all, they are the most popular for a reason – you might be overlooking some hidden gems. A great example of a true diamond in the rough is Ron’s Cafe in Rapid City, South Dakota. It’s a tiny little restaurant that doesn’t look like much from the outside (and if you blink you’ll miss it), but what’s on the inside is worth repeat visits far into the future. Their breakfast is fantastic, with all of the classics like pancakes or biscuits and gravy. People especially love their corned beef and hash browns. While it looks a bit dated inside, the service is incredible and if you come hungry, you’ll leave more than satisfied. No frills – just great food!

What are the most unique restaurants in South Dakota?

After you’ve experienced the tried-and-true eateries in the state, you might be interested in changing it up and experiencing more unique, yet still must-visit restaurants in South Dakota. If you’re heading into Spearfish Canyon, stop by Cheyenne Crossing on the way. It’s hard to miss this bright red and green roadside stop right along the highway. It stands out among regular restaurants not only for its looks but for its food, too. Their Indian Tacos are legendary and you’ll want to stop by again on your way back. Here is an entire list of unique restaurants in South Dakota if you’d like to discover more.

Address: 441 Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD 57730, USA
Address: 106 E Dakota Ave, Pierre, SD 57501, USA
Address: 1101 S Burr St, Mitchell, SD 57301, USA
Address: 657 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732, USA
Address: 1716 S Western Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA
Address: 2328 W Main St, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA
Address: 24 W Main St, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA
Address: 539 W Jackson Blvd, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA
Address: Hill City, SD 57745, USA