DINING, CRAFT BREWERIES, & ICE CREAM STOPS IN THE BLACK HILLS

Planning where to eat is part of the fun of a Black Hills getaway. From locally loved restaurants and casual mountain-town favorites to craft breweries and homemade ice cream, the Black Hills offers plenty of ways to enjoy the flavors of South Dakota.


Whether you're looking for a memorable dinner after a day at Mount Rushmore, a cold craft beer after exploring Custer State Park, or an ice cream cone to enjoy while strolling through town, you'll find plenty of options within easy reach of Summer Creek Inn.



Use this guide to discover some of the restaurants, breweries, and sweet stops worth adding to your Black Hills itinerary.

Where to Eat in the Black Hills


The Black Hills dining scene is as varied as the landscape. You'll find everything from elevated dining and locally inspired menus to burgers, pizza, Mexican food, delis, pubs, and classic South Dakota favorites.



Because Summer Creek Inn is centrally located in the Black Hills, you can easily build a meal into a day of sightseeing, scenic drives, hiking, shopping, or exploring nearby towns.

a steak dinner and veggies on a cutting board

Rapid City Restaurants


Rapid City is the largest city in the Black Hills and offers one of the area's widest restaurant selections. It's a convenient choice when you're looking for dinner, a casual lunch, drinks, or a meal before or after exploring the surrounding Black Hills.




Planning tip: Rapid City is also a great option when you want to combine dinner with an evening of exploring downtown, where you'll find shops, public art, entertainment, and other things to do.


A group of people are sitting at a table with plates of food.

KEYSTONE, HILL CITY, AND CUSTER RESTAURANTS



The communities of Keystone, Hill City, and Custer offer some of the most memorable dining stops for visitors exploring the central and southern Black Hills.


These towns are especially convenient to pair with days spent visiting Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, the 1880 Train, and the scenic roads connecting the Black Hills.



Planning tip: If you're spending the day around Custer State Park or Mount Rushmore, check restaurant hours before heading out. Hours can vary seasonally, particularly in the smaller Black Hills communities.

A wooden table topped with plates of food including shrimp

DEADWOOD AND SPEARFISH RESTAURANTS


For a different side of the Black Hills dining scene, head north toward Deadwood and Spearfish. Historic Deadwood combines Old West character with restaurants, pubs, and steakhouses, while Spearfish offers additional dining options along the edge of the scenic Spearfish Canyon area.




Planning tip: Deadwood and Spearfish make a great addition to a full-day Black Hills itinerary, especially when paired with a drive through Spearfish Canyon.

Four glasses of beer are lined up on a wooden tray.

CRAFT BREWERIES IN THE BLACK HILLS


The Black Hills has developed a thriving craft beer scene, making a local brewery a fun addition to a day of sightseeing.


Whether you prefer a crisp lager, a hoppy IPA, a seasonal release, or simply want to relax with a locally brewed pint, consider adding a brewery stop to your Black Hills vacation.




Planning tip: Spend the morning exploring Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, or the scenic roads of the Black Hills, then stop for a locally brewed beer before dinner. If you're planning to visit more than one brewery, designate a driver so everyone can enjoy the experience safely.

A waffle cone with ice cream and sprinkles.

Where to Get Ice Cream in the Black Hills


No Black Hills road trip is complete without an ice cream stop.


Whether you're looking for homemade small-batch ice cream, soft serve, a classic sundae, or a sweet treat to enjoy while exploring town, you'll find plenty of options throughout the Black Hills.