6 Best Places for Dessert in South Dakota

The best part of dinner isn’t the entree or the appetizer, it is the scrumptious dessert afterwards. From melt-in-your-mouth ice cream to New York cheesecake with just the right consistency to decadent chocolate cake, there are so many desserts to enjoy in South Dakota. Satisfy your sweet tooth at one of the 6 best places for dessert in the state! 

Cafe Brule, Vermillion, SD

Owned and operated by a husband and wife team, Cafe Brule is a centerpiece of the Vermillion culinary scene. This quaint and cozy cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, just drinks, or just dessert. The extensive dessert menu is a favorite for local sweet teeth, with plenty of cake varieties (vanilla champagne cake, country carrot cake, cupcakes, chocolate stout cake), cake truffles (vanilla champagne, decadent chocolate, cookie dough, and other seasonal flavors), creme brulee, New York-style cheesecake, chocolate flourless torte, ganache fondue cake, chocolate banana Bundt cake, vanilla bean sundae, lemon curd tartlet, pie in a variety of flavors, and rustic berry or apple tartlet. There is a decadent dessert for all taste buds at this classy Vermillion cafe!

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Alpine Inn, Hill City, SD

Located in the quaint and quiet Black Hills town of Hill City, Alpine Inn serves up classic European fine dining in an elegant and worldly atmosphere. The charming restaurant has been family owned and operated for over three decades, carrying on a delicious culinary tradition in Hill City. While the simple menu includes many delectable options, the real star of the show are the dessert choices. Patrons can choose from brownies, Napoleon French pastries, bread pudding, apple cheese strudel, Alpine-style tiramisu, berry tarts, mousse, Belgian waffles, creme brulee, cake, pie, sundaes, and even more! 

Millstone Family Restaurant, Rapid City, SD

Millstone Family Restaurant has become a classic eatery in the Black Hills, due to their wonderful food, excellent service, and friendly, family-oriented atmosphere. The menu has local favorites like Indian tacos, barbecued pork ribs, and Philly cheese steak sandwiches, but the real crown jewels of the menu are the desserts! The dessert menu has cakes, fresh cream pie, fruit pies, ice cream sundaes, hot fudge cake, ice cream, hand-dipped floats, or thick shakes and malts. Millstone has locations in Rapid City and Spearfish. 

Dakotah Steakhouse, Rapid City, SD

Dakotah Steakhouse is the premier upscale eatery in Rapid City, known for its elegance and creative and fresh menu. Each dish is specially crafted with care by the talented chefs. Patrons can choose from South Dakota favorites like chislic, walleye fingers, venison short ribs, steaks served with traditional fry bread, buffalo, burgers, sandwiches, and delectable desserts like Lakota wojapi and fry bread, creme brulee, kuchen with berry toppings, apple crisp, and Silver Lining ice cream. 

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Shahi Palace, Sioux Falls, SD

Dining at Shahi Palace in Sioux Falls is like stepping into India itself, as the food and environment are perfectly traditional. The award winning menu serves up Indian cuisine made in their wood-burning tandoor oven. Whether samosas or pakoras or masala or naan, there is no way to go wrong here! But don’t forget to save room for one (or more!) of their delicious, traditional desserts which include kheer (a cold dessert made with long grain basmati rice, milk, and nuts), gulab jamun (deep fried cheese balls served in syrup), or ras malai (dumplings made from cottage cheese soaked in sweetened, thickened milk delicately flavored with cardamom). 

Rustic Rolling Pin, Spearfish, SD

Family-owned Rustic Rolling Pin is a Spearfish gem and a perfect spot to refuel after a long day of hiking in beautiful Spearfish Canyon. Stop here for a light lunch and then satisfy your sweet tooth with one of their many dessert and pastry offerings. From homemade pies to sticky caramel rolls, there is something for everyone. Available pie flavors change by season, but some of their most popular include Arizona lemon, blueberry, and chocolate walnut. 

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