There's no denying that the state of Mount Rushmore is a party animal. You'll undoubtedly discover a distinctive bar experience in South Dakota, ranging from pubs that serve heavy metal to bars that deliver drinks directly to your car (don't drive!). You won't ever become bored. View the 2024 version of South Dakota's top 9 bars and fill it out.
With 40 taps of beer in constant rotation, the Independent Ale House knows how to keep customers coming back. Not only do they serve beer, but also a dozen different handcrafted pizzas. Beer and pizza go together like peanut butter and jelly, so head over to Independent Ale House to experience the best that Rapid City has to offer.
Blind Lion is Rapid City’s best local secret. To get into this speakeasy, you need not only the frequently-changing code, but also the location which is kept top secret. This prohibition era bar features handmade cocktails and a delectable, often changing food menu. Live acoustic musicians perform live, providing top-notch entertainment. To keep in touch with the 1920s atmosphere, cellphone use is not permitted and employees wear vintage outfits. Blind Lion oozes high-class, hip, and relaxed. Shhhhh!
With over 40 beers on tap, Monk’s is a can’t-miss for beer aficionados. They have a variety from all over the country, such as Boulevard Rye-On-Rye-On-Rye American Strong Ale from Kansas City, Brickway BA Epic Blackout Stout from Omaha, Founders Frootwood Cherry Fruit Beer from Grand Rapids, and many more. Head over to this cozy bar to sip some craft beer, sit back, and relax.
The Icehouse is South Dakota’s most iconic bar, partly due to the fact that you can have beer delivered to your car. You’ll want to order bottles instead of cans! This bar allows—and even encourages—guests to smash their glass bottles under the deck. After chugging a cold one and smashing your bottle, enjoy the scenic view of the Missouri River from the deck. While Ice House is a dive bar and you won’t find many microbrew hipsters, it is so much fun that you won’t care!
Indulge in Hill City’s best bar, offering over a dozen microbrews. Sick N Twisted also offers a limited menu with typical bar food, including pizza, sandwiches, soft pretzels, and meat & cheese platters. They also offer wine tasting in the Naked Winery tasting room. The wide selection on tap makes this bar worth stopping for!
With the claim of the world’s largest biker bar, Full Throttle always attracts party-goers and free spirits. This saloon is famous world-wide and had a five-season reality TV series filmed here, documenting the daily operations of the bar. Many nights have live music. For a real crazy experience, come during the annual Sturgis Biker Rally, when the saloon is the busiest. Anything goes at this biker paradise!
This friendly, quirky little bar is a great spot for a burger and a beer after a long day. It’s a backwoods saloon that is adored by the locals for its delicious food, welcoming atmosphere, and cold beers. The walls and even ceilings are adorned with a variety of pictures and memorabilia. Occasionally, there is live music by local talent. Join the locals at Moonshine Gulch for good times!
This humble little brewery packs a punch with craft brews and an atmosphere that makes you know you are home. The tasting hours are limited—4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday—and they’re always full of loyal customers. A husband and wife team built Dakota Shivers from the ground up in 2015 but have been home brewing for over 30 years. Their dedication to their craft is evident from your first sip.
The small town of Piedmont has only 200 people, but this little place harbors one of the best bars around. This clean, friendly saloon is known for their refreshing beers and amazing food. The patty melts and steak tips are local favorites. Take a trip to Piedmont and head over to Slash J!