5 Lesser-Known Restaurants Rapid City Locals Love

Like every good local favorite, these gems are hidden in plain sight. Once you step foot in any of these unique spots your nose will pick up the smell of d*mn good food, you’’ll hear the warm welcome of a small staff, and the sounds of a restaurant buzzing with life.

Moral of the story, don’t judge these lesser-known restaurants by their covers. Once you get a taste you’ll become a sucker for what you find, just like the rest of us. 

1.    Jambonz Deux

If you like your food to feel like a southern hug but with a kick of spice, this is your place. Locally owned Jambonz Deux brings everything you love about southern soul food to your plate in Rapid City. We’re talking Po’ Boys, Cajun pasta, gumbo, jambalaya, and they even do crab and shrimp boils every Friday and Saturday evening. Everything about this place will make you want to come back, from the food, the atmosphere, to the servers that make you feel like family. Don’t forget to end your meal with an irresistible slice of Shoo-fly Pie.

2.    Sumo Japanese Kitchen

Found near the campus of the South Dakota School of Mines, this local restaurant will be on your mind long after you finish your meal. Sumo offers a variety of delicious authentic Japanese food options like sushi, rice bowls and poke bowls. And they pack the flavor into every dish. The interior decoration of Sumo enhances your experience with a fitting Japanese theme, right down to the Godzilla posters.

3.    Bengal Kitchen

Bengal Kitchen is the first Bangladeshi ethnic establishment in Rapid City. This husband-and-wife duo are committed to serving authentic food inspired by their own family recipes. The menu includes flavorful curry, Pulao, Biriyani, with options for protein or vegetarian and varying spice levels tailored to your preference. For those unsure what to order, ask for a recommendation – the best suggestions always come from those who love what they are creating. Next time we go back we will be trying the Rasmalai dessert.  

4.    Thai Thai Restaurant

Brace yourself for what might possibly be the best Thai food you’ve ever had. Thai Thai in Rapid City serves up everything from drunken noodles to curry, all in unexpectedly large portions and full of amazing flavors. The cozy space and dedicated staff only add to the inviting ambiance of this local favorite. 

5.    The Mud Hole

Tucked onto the end of Downtown Rapid City, The Mud Hole of the Black Hills would be an easy spot to overlook. But if you know about this place, which is typically through word of mouth, it’s probably one of your favorite breakfast spots in Rapid. It’s simple, it’s small, and it’s half a café, half a secondhand store. Which in our opinion, makes it so much cooler. Run by a husband-and-wife team, who are a real hoot, this local café makes you feel like you just entered a diner in a much smaller town. They serve breakfast on paper plates, but don't be fooled by the simplicity - it's unbelievably delicious and affordable. 

If you want to dine where the locals love while you’re in Rapid City, this is your list. The dining scene in Rapid is diverse and delicious, offering something for every palate. Looking for more tasty recommendations? Check out the related content below and request our free Rapid City Guide!