Wife and I are planning a trip to the Back Hills and then on through Cody, Jacksonville and up to Red Lodge. I'm sure there are a TON of restaurants....but which are your favorites and not to be missed places?

 

Sanford's grub n pub in Spearfish

 

The Gaslight in Rockerville. Lewie's Saloon in Lead. The Depot in Mitchell (not really in the Black Hills, but might be on your way). The Ruby House in Keystone. The Firehouse in Rapid City. I have more. I like to eat...

 

Depends upon what type of food you are after Spearfish has many options. Best Pizza is a Dough Trader Pizza Co. 543 W Jackson Blvd. Best semi fancy non chain lunch and dinner spot to me is Bay Leaf Café at 126 W Hudson St.
I would detour to spearfish just to eat at either of these places.

 

Elk Creek Lodge in Piedmont

 

We had burgers and beer at grizzly creek in keystone last summer it was pretty good and expensive. I asked for red beer and the gal looked at me like I spoke some foreign language. Most of the staff including her appeared to be from india or somewhere other than sd just saying. fwtw

The lodge in custer state park is a real good place to eat or was when I was a kid and spent my summers in the park with my grand parents.

 

Alpine Inn- Hill City

 

2nd for Alpine Inn Hill City. The wife and I frequent that place.

 

I only eat buffalo burgers in the Black hills. Anywhere is fine.

 

Once in Wyoming look for Buffalo and Elk ribeye and burgers or anything else they make with those two fine animals. When ordering and they ask how you want it, tell them as the Chef recommends. Unless you are a chef yourself and know better. They will take care of you.

Had my first Buffalo ribeye in Cody, just some place on the strip no recollection of the name. Cody is a good spot in general.

If you go to West Yellowstone, a couple of miles west out of town (now in Montana by a stones throw) look for the Bar-N-Ranch and restaurant (890 Buttermilk Creek Rd, West Yellowstone, MT 59758). Best buffalo and elk were had there. It is the same place that they will rent you a tent for the night, "Yellowstone under the Stars".

In Jackson, go to Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Take a taxi or walk if you can, hard place to stay sober. They claim to be the biggest dispenser of Jack Daniels in the USA, and they will try to prove it to you. Great restaurant downstairs, that is were I had the elk steak.

You just made me very hungry.