Family Fare

Light eaters can fire up their energy at Green Bean Coffee House at Two Pines (304 N. Main St., 605/717-3636, Mon.–Fri. 6:30 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat. 6:30 a.m.–6 p.m., closed Sun., $8), where great coffee and an assortment of wraps, sandwiches, and soups are served. The specialty of the house is homemade foccacia bread for the panini sandwiches. It’s a comfortable place within walking distance of downtown, with a nice front porch and interesting decor. In summer, the coffee house stays open one hour later.

The Cedar House Restaurant (130 E. Ryan Rd., 605/642-2104, www.cedarhousespearfish.com, Mon.–Sat. 6 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 6 a.m.–3 p.m., $5–10), a family-run restaurant since 1988, specializes in homemade, reasonably priced family dining.

The Spearfish Chophouse & Whiskey Bar (523 Spearfish Canyon Rd., 605/642-1134, Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–10 p.m., lunch $5–8, dinner $15, Sun. brunch $8) is the local steakhouse and bar—and also has non-meat offerings on the menu. Willing to alter a dish without much fuss, it is a local, casual establishment (with peanut shells on the floor).

The Buffalo Jump Steakhouse (Old Hwy. 14, Beulah, WY, 307/643-7173 or 866/409-6208, www.buffalojumpsaloon.com, daily 4–10 p.m., $16–28) is five minutes from Spearfish, just across the border in Wyoming, and serves the best steaks in the area. Located in a rustic and historic building built in the 1890s, the restaurant provides a casual, family-oriented dining experience. In addition to steak, the restaurant features South Dakota buffalo, barbecue, and seafood.

Ethnic Fare

For the best atmosphere in town, check out Roma’s Ristorante (701 Fifth St., 605/722-0715, www.romasristorante.net, Mon.–Fri. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and from 4 p.m., lunch $7, dinner $14–18). This favorite local Italian restaurant is housed in a restored historic sandstone building and is designed with an open kitchen. It provides a warm and inviting dining experience.

Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant (83 Old U.S. 14, 605/642-4765, daily 11 a.m.–10 p.m., lunch $6–8, dinner $10–13) is a family-run restaurant with a casual atmosphere. With all of the food made from scratch, this is one of the best Mexican restaurants in South Dakota.

© Laural A. Bidwell from Moon Mount Rushmore & the Black Hills, 1st Edition