South Dakota is the Mount Rushmore State, a land of sweeping Great Plains, dramatic Badlands formations, and the storied Black Hills. From the granite faces of four presidents to the fossil-rich Badlands, the buffalo herds of Custer State Park, and the raucous saloons of Deadwood, South Dakota rewards travelers with authentic American West experiences far from the usual tourist circuits.
At a glance
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Firehouse Brewing Co.
Known for: Award-winning craft beers brewed on-site; bison burgers and pub fare
610 Main St, Rapid City, SD 57701
Hay Camp Brewing Company
Known for: Small-batch ales and stouts; live music Thursdays and Saturdays
601 Kansas City St, Rapid City, SD 57701
Loud American Roadhouse
Known for: Legendary biker bar; outdoor concerts during Sturgis Rally; wings and burgers
859 Main St, Sturgis, SD 57785
Bodega Bar & Bistro
Known for: Craft cocktails, curated wine list, charcuterie; live jazz monthly
509 W 11th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Nutty's Bar
Known for: College bar with cheap drinks; pool tables and jukebox; busy Thursday–Saturday nights
1002 S Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Silverado Franklin Hotel Casino
Known for: Historic casino hotel; slots, blackjack, poker; full bar; live entertainment weekends
709 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732
Murphy's Pub & Grill
Known for: Irish-style pub; 40+ beers on tap; pub quiz nights; sports TVs throughout
510 6th St, Rapid City, SD 57701
The Pomp Room
Known for: Historic cocktail lounge inside Hotel Alex Johnson; Art Deco interior; craft cocktails with local spirits
523 6th St, Rapid City, SD 57701
R Wine Bar
Known for: Curated wine list; small plates; intimate atmosphere; good for dates
300 S Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Paddy O'Neills Irish Pub
Known for: Irish pub in the heart of Deadwood; Guinness on tap; live music; rowdy on weekends
631 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Most venues warm up after midnight — earlier arrivals get easier entry and shorter queues.
Carry ID, even if you look older — bouncers check at most venues.
Plan your ride home before you go out — last transport runs earlier than the clubs close.