Spearfish, cradled by Spearfish Canyon's limestone cliffs, serves a friendly, outdoors-driven dining scene. Locals praise Cheyenne Crossing's fry‑bread and carrot cake, Killian's dependable gastropub fare, Basecamp Kitchen's butter chicken and naan, canyon plates at The Latchstring, and a lively craft‑beer patio culture.
Based on Reddit discussions, travel forums, and local blogs.
Locals and travelers most often praise Cheyenne Crossing (fry-bread/Indian tacos and carrot cake), Killian's (consistent gastropub fare), Basecamp Kitchen (butter chicken and naan), and canyon spots like The Latchstring for scenic, hearty dishes. Breweries (Crow Peak, Sawyer, Spearfish Brewing) are popular for local beer and patio atmosphere; a few places earn warnings for slow or inconsistent service (notably Steerfish and some small local venues) or isolated bad service reports (Redwater Kitchen).
Overall sentiment: positive
Must-stop when driving Spearfish Canyon — known for Indian-fry-bread tacos (Indian tacos), steak/bison options, and a famous carrot cake. Popular scenic stop but occasional restroom issues reported.
"Cheyenne Crossing … the carrot cake is to die for."
"Get the fry bread taco!!!"
"I ordered the small taco… I just knew [the carrot cake] would be amazing."
Sources: reddit.com · tripadvisor.com · evansoutdooradventures.com
Overall sentiment: positive
Locals frequently recommend Killian's for consistent, creative pub/gastropub food, a strong beer list, and a friendly bar/restaurant vibe. Popular menu items include a gouda jalapeño burger, sweet-potato chips, and vegetarian options; occasional mixed service reviews but overall positive consensus.
"My favorite eatery in Spearfish is Killian's tavern!"
"one of the best all-around restaurants in Spearfish"
Sources: reddit.com · trustreviewers.com · tripadvisor.com
Overall sentiment: mixed
Praised for steaks, smoked items, and appetizers (popular guacamole), often described as a high-quality local steakhouse. Multiple reports of very long waits and inconsistent service — best if you have time or can call ahead.
"In Spearfish get the guacamole at the Steerfish restaurant."
"DON'T go there if you're in a rush!"
Sources: reddit.com · tripadvisor.in · menupix.com
Overall sentiment: positive
Classic canyon dining with scenic setting near Spearfish Falls; known for bison stew in a bread bowl, cheese curds, trout dishes — a common stop after hikes. Some reviewers note higher pricing typical of scenic canyon restaurants.
"The Bison Stew is a homemade stew… served in a savory homemade bread bowl."
"cozy spot"
"foodie must if visiting Spearfish Canyon"
Sources: 605magazine.com · tripadvisor.com
Overall sentiment: positive
Locally praised Himalayan/Indian & Nepalese spot — butter chicken and garlic naan highly recommended, with strong vegetarian/vegan options. Some reviewers mention cramped seating or inconsistent service at times, but food praise is common.
"Basecamp Kitchen in Spearfish is really solid Indian food."
"Best place to eat in Spearfish!!! … Butter Chicken and Garlic Naan."
Sources: reddit.com · tripadvisor.com · mapquest.com
Overall sentiment: positive
Frequently praised for beer quality and brewery atmosphere; regarded by many locals as the best beer in town. Note: brewery patios and food options can vary by season and may rely on food trucks or limited menus.
"locals say "best beer" in town"
Sources: crowpeakbrewing.com · reddit.com
Overall sentiment: positive
Recommended as family-friendly with a creekside patio and wood-fired pizza; good spot for families and casual dining in warmer months. Patios can be busy in season.
"Sawyer Brewing in Spearfish is very family friendly. The patio is on Spearfish Creek and overlooks Crow Peak. They sell beer and woodfired pizza."
Sources: reddit.com
Overall sentiment: positive
Commonly recommended as a convenient spot with local beers — a typical local brewery option for visitors and residents.
Sources: reddit.com
Overall sentiment: positive
Local pizza option appearing in Visit Spearfish listings and travel writeups — a recommended casual choice for pizza lovers.
Sources: visitspearfish.com
Overall sentiment: positive
Recommended by some Redditors as excellent sushi in downtown Spearfish — a go-to for sushi lovers in town.
"excellent sushi"
Sources: reddit.com
Overall sentiment: positive
Repeatedly recommended for ice cream in Reddit threads; popular local spot for desserts.
Sources: reddit.com
Overall sentiment: mixed
Small-plates and wine-focused bar praised for selection and small-plate offerings, but some visitors report a cliquish vibe and slow service when staff socialize with regulars — mixed experiences for tourists.
"...such a 'locals' place, the servers spend too much time gabbing with their buddies and tend to ignore others…"
Sources: tripadvisor.com
Overall sentiment: negative
Single-thread anecdotal warning from Reddit calling out terrible service and unfriendly staff; treat as an isolated personal experience rather than broad consensus.
"DON'T go to Redwater Kitchen, terrible service and mean waiters."
Sources: reddit.com
Hours, directions, and contact info for restaurants in Spearfish.
1606 North Ave, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA
Longtime supermarket chain carrying brand-name & house-label groceries, plus a deli, bakery & more.
Open now
539 W Jackson Blvd, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA
Low-key outpost offering American pub grub & vegan fare plus spirits, wine & a 17-tap beer list.
Open now
131 Ryan Rd, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA
Classic, long-running fast-food chain known for its burgers & fries.
Open now
2423 Platinum Dr, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA
Fast-food chain specializing in frozen custard & signature burgers made with Midwest beef & dairy.
Open now
620 E Jackson Blvd, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA
Unassuming American joint with homestyle eats, a soup & salad bar & a large breakfast menu.
Open now
304 N Main St, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA
This coffee chain that donates some proceeds to military families also has baked goods & cafe fare.
Open now
2301 E Colorado Blvd, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA
Kid-friendly chain known for baked goods, breakfasts & other standards in dinerlike digs.
Open now
741 N Main St Suite #120, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA
Classic American menus with brunch & craft beers on tap in a modern space with red interior details.
Open now
744 N Main St, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA
Down-to-earth hangout drawing sports fans for draft beer, burgers, beef tips & hearty pub fare.
Open now
1705 North Ave, Spearfish, SD 57783, USA
Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos.
Closed
