While South Dakota is well-known for growing crops, raising animals, and serving hearty meat and potato meals, rest assured there’s more on the menu than steaks, and burgers! Vegetarian dishes are hidden gems at many local restaurants and it's time to give them the spotlight. These are only a few of the mouthwatering meals you’ll want to taste on your next trip to Rapid City.
Brunch
Feeling something sweet to start your day?
You’ll love the Berries and Cream Waffles or freshly made Acai Bowls at Harriet & Oak – a local coffee shop opening their doors at 7:00am and serving breakfast until close. These warm, fluffy waffles are lightly toasted and served with a generous handful of blueberries and strawberries, syrup, a dollop of whip cream and sprinkled with cinnamon. Bring a travel companion, so you can mix and match with the Classic Acai Bowl and grab a tasty pastry or homemade pop tart to go. (Some refer to these extras as “snacks” – we consider them temporary food souvenirs.)
Prefer savory brunch options?
Stop into Tally’s Silver Spoon, a staple breakfast spot for many locals, for the Vegetable Breakfast featuring garden greens, sauteed veggies, herbs, egg, and toast. A favorite way to eat it: Swap the sunny egg for poached and enjoy with a fresh glass of orange juice.
Looking for a hidden gem?
Spend your morning at Beau's Diner. Tucked away on Cambell Street, this hometown diner serves up large portions at great prices. Try the Big French Toast for three pieces of mouthwatering, hand dipped fluffy brioche bread or stick to savory with the Breakfast Fry Bread Pizza - hold the meat.
Lunch
Do you have a taste for adventure?
If your first instinct when arriving to a restaurant is to ask, “What’s good here?” and you trust the chef to tell you what to order, then Bokujo Ramen is the place for you. For starters, savor the unique flavors of the Oko Bun – loaded with your choice of pork belly or shiitake mushrooms, cabbage, Kewpie mayo, and stuffed in the perfect bao bun. Make it a full meal with a veggie-lovers Mushroom Mazemen bowl brimming with local Black Hills mushrooms, quark, a soy sauce egg, savory Furikake seasoning and scallions.
Want to add tofu to your food tour?
Tasty tofu creations are what you'll find at Pacific Rim Café. This Asian fusion eatery features Vietnamese dishes and offers a variety of vegetable only options including stir fry, soups, rice dishes, and fresh Tofu Spring Rolls. Tightly rolled in rice paper, enjoy four beautifully presented pieces stuffed with baked tofu, rice noodles, crisp lettuce, and cilantro. Homemade peanut sauce is served on the side with chopped peanuts dusted on top – giving that delicious extra crunch to each bite.
Do you believe in love at first bite?
Step inside Kathmandu Bistro or Kathmandu Momo House to a welcoming aroma of bold spices and herbs from Indian and Nepalese cooking traditions. Try the Bhindi Masala for a memorable culinary experience. “Bhindi” is the Hindi word for okra, which is a green fruit that grows in a tube-like shape. This vegan dish combines tender okra, tangy tomato, sauteed onions and green peppers cooked in lemon juice and fresh cilantro. It’s also available for dinner!
Dinner
Ready for the best surprise?
When perusing the menu at Downtown Rapid City’s Delmonico Grill, many are stunned to find more than one vegetarian option. The Falafel Salad exceeds many expectations. Rich and creamy Tzatziki sauce covers the salad plate, and then the layers begin: a fresh bed of baby kale, oil-cured black olives, diced cucumber and tomatoes, pickled red onions, and feta – all drizzled with a delicious black olive vinaigrette.
Hunting for homegrown produce?
Make a reservation for an intimate dinner above the city at Juniper at the Vertex. The featured ingredient in their Local Mushroom Ragu is Black Hills Lions Mane served with grey and pink oyster mushrooms, baby portabellas, sweet bell peppers, zucchini, and yellow squash over creamy polenta. To finish, this artistically arranged dish is dusted with Manchego cheese. In addition to year-round staples like this popular ragu, you can taste shareable plates inspired by what’s growing each season.
What could possibly wrap up a vegetarian bucket list this delicious?
Imagine a made-from-scratch 100% all-vegetable patty blending farro, red and black quinoa, tofu, garlic, panko breadcrumbs, and a mix of herbs and seasonings. When it comes to Veggie Burgers, Colonial House Restaurant & Bar does it right. Grilled and served with Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and a side of guacamole – yes please.
Still Hungry?
Find something sweet to end a fulfilling day of dining experiences. A few great options that never let us down include a scoop or two of slow churned goodness from Silver Lining Creamery, a gooey-goodness from Mary's Mountain Cookies, or box of some of the best cheesecake in town from Fork Real Cafe.
Discover more delicious places to dine in Rapid City in the related content below or sign up for our monthly travel tips newsletter and we will send dining suggestions and more straight to your inbox!
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