In Lawrence County, Western South Dakota, near the Black Hills, is a small city called Lead. It has a population of roughly 2,982 residents and is renowned for both its heritage and breathtaking surrounding landscape.
This small, welcoming community was established in 1876, not long after gold was discovered in the Black Hills.
In addition to its historical attractions, the Lead restaurants features a mix of traditional American fare and local specialties influenced by the city’s history and the Black Hills location.
Would you want to go on a food tour of Lead?, Here are the best restaurants in Lead, SD.
Best Restaurants in Lead, SD
1. Lotus Up Espresso & Deli
Lotus Up, according to its owner, Jamie, was established to foster a welcoming, judgment-free environment for patrons.
This restaurant aims to satisfy both locals and tourists by offering a comfortable, hygienic, and safe atmosphere for anyone who visits to enjoy high-quality meals and desserts at reasonable costs.
They also strive to give back to the neighborhood through volunteer work and employing a significant number of local vendors. The restaurant’s tranquil and peaceful ambiance is one of the core characteristics that sets them apart.
Here, customers have the liberty of unwinding or dining outdoors and getting some work done. The availability of free Wi-Fi at Lotus Up Espresso & Deli to provide additional convenience and enhance the overall customer experience is another key factor that attracts and retains patrons.
The menu highlights comfort food, healthy options, and quick bites such as breakfast fajitas, Monte Cristo sandwiches, breakfast bagel veggies, house coffee, Italian veggies, sausage fajitas, and delicious beverages like latte, cappuccino, and Americano.
Visit Lotus Up for that outstanding Lead city hospitality on Mondays to Saturdays from 6:30 am to12:00 pm.
Address: 95 E Main St #3, Lead, SD 57754, United States. Phone: +1 605-722-4670.
2. The Latchstring Restaurant
Among the top Lead restaurants is The Latchstring Restaurant. With a long history of competence and accomplishment, this restaurant, which is close to the Spearfish Canyon Lodge, serves meals that are just as exquisite and as stunning as its surroundings.
The Latchstring Restaurant, which operates annually, has more than 100 years of outstanding virtuosity under its belt to deliver excellent food and service to long-time customers and new food enthusiasts. This is a terrific location to refuel after having a blast at the canyon.
A fixture of the restaurant and one of the best gathering spaces is the Glendoris Room. This spot is ideal for hosting grand events like family reunions, private dinners, and wedding celebrations.
Weekly deals from Latchstring include their steak specials, burger of the week, and other delectable favorites. You also can enjoy other amenities such as wheelchair-accessible options, reservations, outdoor seating, free off-street parking, and free Wi-Fi.
For lunch and dinner entrees, enjoy high-quality dishes like wings, buffalo stew, garden salad, cheese curds, tortellini, dragon shrimp, chicken tenders, trout salad, onion rings, canyon dip, veggie wraps, bacon cheeseburgers, chicken fried steak, and Tuscan chicken melt.
They are open daily from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Address: 10619 Roughlock Falls Rd Lead, SD, 57754, United States. Phone: +1 605-584-3333.
3. Chubby Chipmunk Hand-dipped Chocolate Shop
If South Dakota is on your travel itinerary, you must visit Chubby Chipmunk Hand-dipped Chocolate Shop for a delightful time. A young girl’s intense fondness for chocolates and other delectable desserts was the inspiration for Chubby Chipmunk.
Established in 2005, Chubby Chipmunk has grown to be a neighborhood favorite as Chip, the founder, and owner, samples new and original creations to sate the sweet tooth of her customers. In order to ensure freshness in taste and texture, the truffles are skillfully handcrafted in modest quantities.
At Chubby Chipmunk, you can purchase gift cards as thoughtful gifts for friends and family. This restaurant also owns an online store where customers can purchase luscious chocolates and desserts.
Indulge in delicious creations like crème Brulee, chipmunk treasure, key lime pie, lemon meringue, milk chocolate cheesecake, German chocolate cake, and raspberry cream.
Visit Chubby Chipmunk every day from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on Sundays and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Mondays to Saturdays.
Address: 420 Cliff Street, Deadwood, SD 57732, United States. Phone: +1 605-722-2447
4. Jacob’s Brewhouse & Grocer
Jacob’s Brewhouse & Grocer is reputed the “home of the smoked brisket,” and works to ensure that the credibility of the company is portrayed in its services.
Customers are guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience whether they choose to dine in, take their food on the go, or relax under the sun.
Try their smoked pork steak, scampi ravioli, reggae Tatanka burger, chorizo, squash tacos, and BBQ pulled pork. You can find chicken strips, toasted PB&J, cheeseburgers, and homemade mac and cheese on the kids’ menu.
Experience culinary excellence at Jacob’s Brewhouse & Grocer today, where every bite is a taste of heaven.
Operating hours are from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on weekdays, and 11:00 am to 10:00 pm on weekends.
Address: 79 Sherman Street, Deadwood, SD 57732, United States. Phone: +1 605-559-1895.
5. Legends Steakhouse
Are you looking for lighthearted sophistication at a stunning price? Well, if you are, Legends Steakhouse at The Franklin Hotel is the place for you! This restaurant has been a premier dining destination for legends since 1876 during the Gold Rush days.
Legends Steakhouse is popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining. You can go for the convenient option of ordering takeouts if you want to enjoy their meals at home or in another location. They also provide a bar on site where you can sit and order drinks, typically including alcoholic beverages.
High chairs are also a common sight at Legends Steakhouse. They provide a safe and convenient way for parents to bring their children to the restaurant and ensure that young children are secure and comfortable while they are eating.
Enjoy sumptuous meals such as eggs benedict, baked potatoes, beef tip and eggs, huevos rancheros, lobster Benedict, wedge salad, escargot, Rumchata French toast, vanilla fields salad, lobster bisque, and steak and eggs.
They are open for breakfast from 7:30 am to 11:00 am every day and for dinner from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on weekdays, and 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm on weekends.
Address: 709 Main Street, Deadwood, SD 57732, United States. Phone: +1 605-578-3670.
6. Mavericks Steaks and Cocktails
Are you still looking to make your Lead adventure a memorable one? This American steakhouse and bar might just be the place you’ve been searching for, as it’s one of the best places to eat in Lead, SD.
It has masterfully excelled in the unique art of combining impeccable customer service with a distinctive, inviting and pleasant ambiance that engages visitors and draws them in to dine with them.
Mavericks Steaks and Cocktails is not just a steakhouse, it is also a popular place to watch live sporting events, and cheer for your favorite team. The establishment is also fully equipped with comfortable seating, including the wheelchair-accessible option so that patrons can easily relax.
Enjoy a fun-filled eating experience at Mavericks from delicious appetizers like chicken skewers, spicy mozzarella sticks, and gunslinger rolls to hearty entrees like chicken strip dinner, halibut, and tortellini Alfredo.
Their ‘fallin’ off the bone ribs are also a must-try, and you can wash it down with alcohol or a cocktail from their full-service bar.
Visit Mavericks Steaks and Cocktails for a wonderful time from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on weekdays, and 11:00 am to 11:00 pm on weekends.
Address: 688 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732, United States. Phone: + 1 605-225-1314.
7. Pump House
Pump House is a quaint coffee shop located at Mind Blown Studio where visitors can sit back in a cozy, tranquil setting and enjoy truffles, coffee beverages, hip digs, and light fare.
What makes this place even more exciting is that you can enjoy your meals and the sweet allure of Black Hills while watching the art and the creation of glass-blowing and artisan glass masterpieces.
Pump House is also a charming spot to spend a few hours on your laptop, and the patio provides the perfect environment for productivity and relaxation.
One of the standout features is the free Wi-Fi, which allows you to easily connect your laptop and work without any disruptions. Pump House also offers dine-in and takeout alternatives.
You can enjoy a wide selection of coffee, tea, and other beverages to keep you fueled throughout the day. Pump House also serves sandwiches, cinnamon rolls, bagels with cream cheese, piston, oatmeal, and junkyard dogs.
Opening hours are Mondays through Saturdays from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm and Sundays from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm.
Address: 73 Sherman St, Deadwood, SD 57732, United States. Phone: +1 605-571-1071.
8. Mustang Sally’s
Mustang Sally’s is a diner offering its customers the best of both worlds as an American restaurant and a sports lounge. It is one of the best restaurants in Lead, SD.
The creations at Mustang Sally’s are usually the finest and freshest meals you’ve ever tasted, and you can bet that you’ll be in for a treat because of the years of experience put into delivering the most convenient and exceptional services.
The real draw of Mustang Sally’s is the sports-viewing experience. The restaurant is equipped with multiple TVs so that you won’t miss a single play of your favorite game, slot machines, a claw machine, and Golden Tee 2018.
With its extensive menu of pub grub, including burgers, hot wings, and appetizers like breaded mushrooms, mozzarella sticks, super nachos, French fries, mini corn dogs, and onion rings, and a full bar featuring cocktails, wines, and spirits, Mustang Sally’s never fails to intrigue guests.
Drop by Mustang Sally’s from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm daily.
Address: 634 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732, United States. Phone: +1 605-578-2025.
Are you considering more exploration of South Dakota? Here is our list of things to do in Hot Springs and things to do in Hill City for a fun vacation.
9. Gem Steakhouse & Saloon
One of the popular Lead restaurants is Gem Steakhouse & Saloon, a restaurant located inside the Mineral Palace Hotel. Here dishes are served with names inspired by “Deadwood” personalities.
This full-service establishment offers a range of dining options and services to customers, including takeouts, dine-in, wheelchair-accessible services, reservations, a bar on site, and free Wi-Fi for customers who want to catch up on some work.
Gem Steakhouse & Saloon aims to offer a more personalized and attentive level of service. They provide a wide range of menu items, including specialty dishes made with high-quality ingredients such as giant chicken fried steak, seafood soups, cheese and onions, and garlic mash.
Gem Steakhouse serves breakfast from 7:00 am to 11:00 am, lunch from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, and dinner from 4:00 pm to 10:00 am.
Address: 601 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732, United States. Phone: +1 605-578-2036.
10. Buffalo Bodega
Still, on the list of the best places to eat in Lead, SD, is Buffalo Bodega. It is an establishment that offers a unique and exciting dining experience that combines the fun of gaming and singing with the enjoyment of a meal.
It has become a well-known restaurant in the city that draws in different people who like to have a good time. Karaoke nights every weekend is a key feature at this casino, and the room is fully equipped with a wide selection of songs you can choose from.
The Buffalo Bodega is a smack dab in the heart of the bustling Main Street. You can also enjoy the lively atmosphere by watching buoyant festivities such as street fairs, live acts, gunfights, carnivals, and more.
The menu here features lots of yummy treats like buffalo burgers, chicken sandwiches, ribeye steak, sweet potato fries, seasonal veggies, and baked potatoes.
Buffalo Bodega operates from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on weekdays and 11:00 am to 10:00 pm on weekends.
Address: 658 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732, United States. Phone: +1 605-578-1162.
11. Deadwood Miners Hotel & Restaurant
If you want to relish in the serene sights of the city while enjoying sublime meals, Deadwood Miners Hotel & Restaurant is the ideal place for you.
The positive reviews this restaurant has gotten through the years speak for the establishment, resulting in making it one of the best restaurants in Lead, SD. Deadwood Miners provides a tasteful and minimalist atmosphere to create an enjoyable dining experience for guests.
This restaurant features highchairs, takeouts, and convenient parking spots, and they accept Visa, Discover, and credit card payments.
Enjoy all your favorite meals in one place including juicy burgers, steak tips, cinnamon rolls, country gravy, and breakfast burritos.
During the winter, they operate daily from 6:30 am to 8:00 pm and from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm during the warmer months.
Address: 137 Charles St, Deadwood, SD 57732, United States. Phone: +1 605-578-1611.
12. The Deadwood Grille
The Deadwood Grille, one of the locals’ favorites, which was just given the honor of the best restaurant in the Black Hills region, boasts a relaxed, luxurious setting and an extensive gourmet menu.
This restaurant offers the option to make dinner reservations and helps to ensure that there is a table available for customers when they arrive.
There are also options for seating beyond making a reservation and Deadwood provides wheelchair accessibility to make the dining experience enjoyable and inclusive for all guests.
Enjoy signature tomahawk chops, peppered ribeye, seafood Italiano, brown butter chicken, Tuscan beef gnocchi, filet mignon, and carbonara.
Deadwood Grille is open on weekends from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Address: 100 Pine Crest Dr, Deadwood, SD 57732, United States. Phone: +1 605-571-2120.
13. Snitches
It might interest you to know that the Michelin-star meals at Snitches are true culinary delights for foodies and those who appreciate the art of fine dining. These meals are usually the result of a passion for food, creativity, and dedication to using natural ingredients.
One thing that sets the food at Snitches apart is the attention to detail and finesse that goes into the preparation of meals. This fine dining establishment offers a range of services for the comfort of customers including reservations, free Wi-Fi, takeouts, a bar on site, and wheelchair seating.
From the selection of the freshest ingredients to make meals like steak tips and scallops, sea bass, bison filet mignon, and pappardelle, to the precise execution of cooking techniques, Snitches is designed to be an elevated dining experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Drop by Snitches from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Tuesdays to Saturdays.
Address: 555 Lower Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732, United States. Phone: +1 605-571-2255.
14. Silverado Grand Buffet
Silverado Grand Buffet, a Las Vegas-style restaurant, has consistently been the most excellent and outstanding buffet in the Black Hills Region. It is one of the top restaurants in Lead, SD.
This establishment put a huge amount of effort into its development and involved every means to provide visitors with the finest dining experience and atmosphere in the area, placing them at the forefront of success. It is no wonder that locals and tourists frequent this restaurant.
With outstanding customer service options like high chairs, table services, and wheelchair accessibility, Silverado ensures the overall satisfaction of customers and this significantly impacts its growth.
The menu features wood-fired pizzas, salad bars, all-you-can-eat prime ribs on weekend nights, desserts, and drinks.
Visit Silverado for Saturday Breakfast Buffet from 8:00 am to 10:30 am, Sunday brunch from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm, prime rib buffet from 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm on Sundays to Thursdays, and lunch buffet from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm on Mondays to Saturdays.
Address: 709 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732, United States. Phone: +1 605-578-3670.
15. Dale’s Sportsbook, Bar and Grill
Sportsbook, Bar & Grill has become a beloved staple of the South Dakota dining scene due to its delicious food, stylish atmosphere, and commitment to sustainability.
With 65+ inches 30 screens, a video wall, and lots of other amenities, this location provides the most advanced technology freely accessible to catch any of your favorite games while enjoying a mouthwatering plate of burger and fries or chicken quesadillas.
Their service is second to none as they value and prioritize customers’ ease and satisfaction. The workers are friendly and efficient, enhancing the overall dining experience. This has helped to build a loyal customer base following over the years.
Enjoy delicious meals like chicken tender salads, cheese curds, meathead pizza, cheese steaks, steak tips, and chicken wings inside the restaurant, or dine al fresco on the terrace overlooking the beautiful city skyline. Either way, you can be sure to enjoy every moment.
They are open Sundays through Thursdays from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, and on weekends from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Address: 1906 Deadwood Mountain Drive, Deadwood, SD 57732, United States. Phone: +1 605-559-0386.
Map of the Best Restaurants in Lead, SD
To get around during your trip to Lead, here is a map of the best restaurants in Lead with markers of the top places to eat in Lead, SD.
Are you considering more exploration of South Dakota? Here is our list of things to do in Custer, things to do in Keystone and things to do in Yankton for a fun vacation.
Plan a Visit To Lead
For those who love the outdoors and want to explore the unique culture and history of the Black Hills region, the city of Lead awaits you!
This is the perfect destination for foodies who are looking to experience the best of what the region has to offer. From locally sourced ingredients to unique and innovative dishes, Lead restaurants is sure to satisfy you.