Good food and good memories go hand in hand. When travelers are making new memories on their South Dakota vacations, they can make their taste buds happy along the way. Restaurants in South Dakota offer a wide variety of cuisines, decors, and prices. Whether diners want a cup of tomato soup, a lobster, or something in between, they'll be sure to find a meal that suits them. Whether they're visiting the big cities such as Sioux Falls or Rapid City or spending time in rural communities, visitors will find that one thing is constant: good food. Restaurants in South Dakota also reflect the state's diverse heritage by serving up European recipes, Native American flavors, and classic Western tastes.

When dining in South Dakota, travelers should take the opportunity to try the official state dessert, kuchen. This recipe for the custard-filled dough, handed down by German and Russian immigrants, had its start in the small town of Eureka. The community's bakeries, cafes, grocery stores, and markets feature this tasty treat, in addition to Old World specialties, including strudels, dumplings, cheese buttons, and homemade noodles. Every September, this town by the North Dakota state line celebrates its heritage with a festival.

Travelers also can enjoy Old World food in South Dakota when they include a stop in Tabor. Settled by Czech immigrants, this town just outside of Yankton also honors its heritage with a festival every June, and food is a central component of the festivities. At this time and other times throughout the year, Tabor's South Dakota restaurants serve Czech specialties.

South Dakota Map

Diners also can step into South Dakota restaurants to taste Native American cuisine. The state is the home of the Sioux Nation and nine tribal governments. Many of the reservations welcome tourists and host powwows. During these special events, guests often have the chance to sample some traditional food in South Dakota, including fry bread and a fruit pudding called wojapi.

Many of the tribal casinos also offer a taste of Native American culture, both literally and figuratively. At these South Dakota restaurants, located within steps of the gaming floor, diners can sit down to a gourmet meal, pick their favorites from the buffet, or grab a quick bite to fuel up for fun. The Crossroads Restaurant, a part of the Dakota Connection Casino in Sisseton, is known for its Indian tacos and breakfast buffet. The Dakota Sioux Casino & Hotel just outside Watertown also is home to an extensive buffet, a way to sample food in South Dakota for one low price.

The casinos in Deadwood give their patrons a taste of the Wild West. While this town is more refined than it was in the Old West and is no longer a haunt of outlaws, it retains its historic flair. Right on Main Street, Tin Lizzie offers slots, blackjack, and a restaurant serving daily specials and free coffee. The Mineral Hotel and Gaming complex includes a steakhouse and a menu inspired by the Wild West characters who once walked the streets of Deadwood.

Travelers also can consider the restaurants in South Dakota that are found at the resorts. The resorts located among the scenic acres of Custer State Park in the Black Hills serve up game, trout, buffalo, and other Western specialties. Many of the guest ranches also include chuck-wagon suppers on their list of things to do.