Foodie Tour of the Black Hills and Badlands — The Ultimate Guide to Dining on Your Black Hills Vacation

Take a culinary tour through the region while exploring the natural beauty that abounds. This Food Tour of the Black Hills and Badlands is the perfect complement to our Great American Road Trip Itinerary.

Over five days, you will experience a variety of cuisines, including New American, Italian, Mexican, German and everything in between.

Try Chislic, the official state “nosh,” or a dish made from bison, a nod to the states’ native history. Homemade desserts and treats sweeten any meal.

Use the Tasting Trail Map to guide your way through the region’s wineries, breweries and distilleries that use local ingredients to capture the region’s flavor.

If seeking out the culinary must-tries of the region is your flavor, read on!

Day 1 – Badlands

Start your Black Hills adventure at Badlands National Park. Located near the town of Wall, you may be surprised to find an oasis of culinary delights.

Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at Red Rock Restaurant in Wall. This farm-to-table venture in the heart of beef country offers all the classics — like burgers and fries or steaks cooked to perfection.

A trip to the Badlands isn’t complete without a stop at the world-famous Wall Drug — featured in 2021 ‘Best Picture’ Winner Nomadland. Their homemade donut recipe has been preserved and perfected over the years. Grab a cup of 5¢ coffee (or the free ice water) and head to the backyard to ride the giant jackalope. Check out their lunch and dinner menus for hearty fares, like the hot beef sandwich.

Day 2 – Keystone

Begin day two at Mount Rushmore National Monument. Visitors from around the world come to see this monument site, but the monument’s food and drink offerings will leave you with more than just a sense of patriotism.

You can have breakfast, lunch, dinner or a quick snack at Carver’s Marketplace inside the park — the only 4-Star Certified Green Restaurant® in South Dakota. Fuel up for your adventure with hand-poured espresso drinks at Rushmore Roasters. Find made-to-order favorites at the Memorial Grill. Indulge in hearty-plated meals from Dakota Kitchen or lighter fare at Black Hills Harvest. But be sure to save room for dessert. Memorial Team Ice Cream uses Thomas Jefferson’s original vanilla recipe from 1780. We suggest topping your cup with chokecherry for a local flare.

On your way back into the town of Keystone, there are several options for a fantastic meal. George's Grille is located inside Rushmore Tramway Adventure park. Take the lift up to the restaurant and enjoy a delicious burger among the trees with ultimate views of the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore. The Ruby House Restaurant features turn-of-the-century décor, prime rib, steaks, seafood and a full-service bar.

Get away from the crowds and find a seat at the Powder House Lodge Restaurant enjoyed by visitors and locals alike for their celebrated prime rib. Check out Big Thunder Family Bar & Grill for authentic South Dakota-made food such as homemade soups, burgers, steaks, sandwiches and salads, as well as wild game including buffalo elk, pheasant, duck and even rattlesnake. Finish off your meal with a treat from Grapes and Grinds. A coffee for a pick-me-up, a local wine tasting to end your day or homemade gelato for a sweet treat.

Day 3 – Hill City

Moving further into the Black Hills National Forest, you’ll find yourself in Hill City. Indulge in a taste of Italy at Mangiamo Pizzeria, where you can find wood fire pizza and other authentic Italian dishes.

Do you have more time to spare? Sit down for an unmatched fine-dining experience at The Alpine Inn, with classic German dishes or filet mignon.

Chute Rooster, located off of Highway 385, is the perfect stop for a true Western experience. Originally built as a ranch barn, this historic site is listed on the South Dakota State Register as well as the National Historic Register. Offering a wide variety of delicious food, this spot is great for families and groups.

Filling up on food or fuel? Add Three Forks Bar & Grille at The Country Store to your list. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. While you're there, enjoy a beverage at the full bar and relax on the deck.

On your way into or out of Hill City, you can’t miss Prairie Berry Winery. Stop in for the perfect pairing of hand-crafted South Dakota wines and expertly curated plates.

Day 4 – Custer

Home to a diverse culinary scene, Custer has a lot to offer the hungry traveler.

Satisfy your south of the border cravings at the Begging Burro, where you can find authentic Mexican dishes and a new tequila bar. Try an elk burger at the Buglin' Bull or the aforementioned South Dakota classic, chislic.

Stop by The Custer Beacon for “home-cooked food, full of flavor and heart.” Their dishes, like bison steak salad, reflect the local scene.

Visit Mount Rushmore Brewing for taproom classics like pizza and burgers. Make your way upstairs to The Pounding Fathers Restaurant for a fine dining experience for lunch and dinner. Dishes like Beer Can Chicken or Walleye Beurre Blanc will leave a lasting impression.

Day 5 – Spearfish, Lead & Deadwood

Head north on I-90 to the communities of Spearfish, Lead, and Deadwood to round out your foodie adventure.

Deadwood may be known for gambling but there is no betting on the probability of good food. Find Deadwood’s only Las Vegas-style buffet at the Silverado Grand Buffet, featuring crab legs, prime rib, wood-fired pizza and more.

Take a seat among legends for a perfectly prepared steak at Legends Steakhouse. The restaurant has seated guests like Teddy Roosevelt, Babe Ruth and John Wayne.

Drawing inspiration from HBO's series Deadwood, the Gem Steakhouse (located inside the Mineral Palace gaming complex) has crafted a menu based on charters in the series like Wild Bill's Walleye or Hickok's Wild Sirloin.

Catch a flight at FLYT Steakhouse by Alpine Inn. Fine dining with a twist. FLYT offers flights of their menu and drink options allowing you to customize your dining experience.

End your tour of Deadwood at Six String (located inside the Deadwood Mountain Grand). Enjoy the ‘Rock-N-Roll’ look and feel in this casual setting, featuring exceptional food. From burgers and wild game to walleye sliders and a mammoth 24 oz Porterhouse.

Lead is only a stone's throw away from Deadwood. As you travel along Highway 85 on your way to Spearfish Canyon a stop at Cheyenne Crossing is a must. Experience friendly hospitality and home cooking at this historic location. Home of the Legendary Indian Taco as seen on Food Network TV and Magazine.

Meandering through the twists and turns of Spearfish Canyon State Scenic Byway, you’ll find yourself at the last stop on our foodie guide — Latchstring Restaurant at Spearfish Canyon Lodge. Nestled right next to Little Spearfish Falls Trail, The Latchstring is the perfect spot for a wonderful meal and amazing view. Specializing in American cuisine, the restaurant stays true to its 100-year-old traditions with all homemade menu items.

No matter what your flavor is, the Black Hills and Badlands have something for every pallet. Discover more places to eat and drink here.