6 South Dakota Restaurants That Nail Buffalo Burgers And Bison Steaks

South Dakota’s rugged landscape is home to some of America’s most magnificent bison herds. These majestic animals don’t just roam the plains; they also star on menus across the state.

From juicy buffalo burgers to tender bison steaks, South Dakota restaurants have mastered the art of preparing this lean, flavorful meat that captures the wild spirit of the West.

1. Gold Bison Grill – Rapid City, SD

Located in the DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Rapid City, the Gold Bison Grill makes regional fare part of its identity. The menu features bison short ribs and a buffalo burger, both of which give diners a taste of South Dakota’s most famous protein.

Reviews highlight the short ribs for their tender texture and rich flavor. The restaurant offers a comfortable dining space that reflects its name, with warm colors and nods to the Plains heritage. Visitors often choose the bison options for a meal that feels tied to the region.

2. Buglin’ Bull Restaurant & Sports Bar – Custer, SD

In the historic town of Custer, Buglin’ Bull serves hearty pub favorites to locals and travelers exploring the Black Hills. Their menu includes a buffalo burger, which remains one of the most popular items for those wanting a true South Dakota flavor.

The restaurant is set in a rustic building that fits the area’s mining-town character. Patrons appreciate the casual atmosphere after a day at Custer State Park, where they may have spotted live bison herds. Inside, the menu bridges that experience by offering the same animal as a meal.

3. 1885 Steakhouse & Saloon – Hill City, SD

Hill City’s 1885 Steakhouse takes its name from the year the town was founded and reflects its history through both atmosphere and menu. The restaurant includes bison alongside its beef offerings, most notably through cuts like bison steak.

Guests dine in a space decorated with reminders of the region’s railroad and mining heritage. Reviews consistently mention the quality of the steaks and the opportunity to try bison prepared simply and well.

4. Wall Drug Western Art Gallery Restaurant – Wall, SD

Wall Drug is famous worldwide as a roadside attraction, but it also houses a full restaurant known as the Western Art Gallery Café. Among its varied menu items are buffalo burgers, which provide a convenient introduction to the meat for the millions who pass through each year.

Diners eat surrounded by hundreds of original Western artworks displayed throughout the space. The café keeps the food simple and hearty, with burgers prepared in classic style.

5. Minerva’s Restaurant – Sioux Falls, SD

For over forty years, Minerva’s has represented culinary excellence in eastern South Dakota, offering a wide range of American dishes in an elegant setting. Among the items regularly appearing on its menu is a bison ribeye, prepared to highlight the lean texture of the meat.

The restaurant balances sophistication with Midwestern comfort, making it a destination for special occasions as well as everyday meals. Guests often note the quality of both the steaks and the service.

6. Tally’s Silver Spoon – Rapid City, SD

Tally’s Silver Spoon is known for combining diner tradition with creative flair, and its menu often features bison in multiple forms. Diners can order a Black Hills buffalo burger, or, depending on the time of day, dishes like buffalo hanger steak and eggs.

The restaurant emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients, which complement the rich flavor of bison. Its downtown Rapid City location makes it an accessible stop for both locals and travelers. Visitors frequently point to the variety and inventiveness of the menu as reasons for return trips.