Wakin’ Bacon

Crispy Bacon steals the show; Wakin' Bacon Burger anchors lunch.

When to come

6:00 AM–8:00 AM: cooler air and shorter waits; Saturdays are the busiest.

Dining

Dining★ 4.9

Crispy Bacon snaps with a clean bite, and the Wakin' Bacon Burger brings a char and runny yolk that ride the grease through the bun. Biscuits and Gravy arrives warm, the fluffy biscuit soaking up a peppery gravy while the meat adds heft to every bite. This breakfast-to-lunch lineup stacks honest ingredients, good value, and a solid finish near the park.

Quick facts

Meals Served
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Signature Dishes
Crispy Bacon; Biscuits and Gravy; Wakin' Bacon Burger
Local Specialties
Locally sourced beef for burgers
Popular Items
Crispy Bacon; Biscuits and Gravy; Wakin' Bacon Burger

What to order

Meals Served
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Signature Dishes
Crispy Bacon; Biscuits and Gravy; Wakin' Bacon Burger
Local Specialties
Locally sourced beef for burgers
Popular Items
Crispy Bacon; Biscuits and Gravy; Wakin' Bacon Burger
Menu Recommendations
Crispy Bacon, Biscuits & Gravy, Wakin' Bacon Burger; for caffeine, grab the $1 coffee
Dietary Options
  • Vegetarian options available (egg whites and spinach sandwiches)

Prices & reservations

Price Specifics
2 Eggs + Toast $5; Cheeseburger $9; Wakin' Bacon Burger $11; Biscuit & Gravy + Egg + Meat combo starts at $13
Reservations Policy
Walk-in only
Typical Wait Times
10-15 minutes
Payment Methods
  • Cash
  • Credit/Debit Card
Cash Only
No

Hours & seating

Operating Hours
6:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Mon-Tue, Thu-Sun; Closed Wednesdays
Seasonal Hours
Not documented
Closed Days
Wednesday
Happy Hour Times
Not offered
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Parking Details
Street-side parking near the truck; limited spaces; plan for quick in/out
Accessibility
Truck-specific accessibility details are not documented; nearby visitor centers offer accessible restrooms; outdoor seating is shaded by canopies, but no explicit ramp access to the truck; expect uneven ground near the service window.

Visit strategy

Best For
  • Families
  • Post-hike meals
  • Quick lunches
Not Ideal For
Indoor-dining purists; those needing guaranteed indoor seating
Service Type
Counter service
Service Speed
10-15 minutes for food
Vibe
  • Casual outdoor
  • Food-truck vibe
  • Pet-friendly
Noise Level
Moderate
View Type
  • Street/parking lot view
Busiest Times
Saturday mornings
Best Visit Times
Early morning (6:00-8:00 AM)
Tips Advice
  • Arrive early (6:00–7:00 AM) for a relaxed vibe and shorter waits
  • Start with Crispy Bacon and Biscuits & Gravy, then hit the Wakin' Bacon Burger for lunch
  • If you’re park-bound, grab the $1 coffee and take your meal to go

More details

Park Area
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Takeout Available
Yes
Delivery Available
No
Dress Code
Casual
Beverage Program
Coffee; $1 coffee noted; no full bar
Tasting Flights
No
Tours Available
No
Bottle Sales
No
Parking Available
Yes
Dog Friendly Patio
Yes
Wi-Fi Available
No
Family Friendly
Yes
Family Friendly Notes
Casual vibe; kid-friendly; pet-friendly outdoor seating
Age Restriction
All ages
Bar Seating
No
Live Music
Occasional during outdoor dining
Special Events
Occasional live music
Has Gift Shop
No
Unique Attractions
Outdoor food-truck experience with bacon-forward bites near Badlands
Unique Factor
Crispy bacon and breakfast-lunch mashups served fast near the park
Nearby Facilities
Nearby visitor centers with accessible restrooms
Recent Updates
Not documented
Best Time To Visit
6:00 AM–8:00 AM: cooler air and shorter waits; Saturdays are the busiest.
The Order Strategy
Skip the generic breakfast sandwich and go straight for the Wakin' Bacon Burger for lunch. For caffeine, order the $1 coffee.
The Vibe Check
Outdoor truck vibe; not laptop-friendly; casual; post-hike friendly
The Crowd Factor
Waits around 10-15 minutes; arrive early to enjoy a relaxed scene
Eat Here If Skip If
EAT HERE IF: you want bacon-forward comfort food near Badlands; SKIP IF: you need indoor seating or have a long drive ahead
Distance From Park
approximately 11 miles from park entrance
Review Summary
Reviewers praise crispy bacon and tender meat; fresh ingredients; service is quick and friendly. No major complaints; price is affordable for park-adjacent eats. Overall sentiment is strongly positive.

Location

Cheeseburger with crispy bacon and melted cheese on a toasted bun with fries, in Badlands National Park.Food truck with mountain mural beside a park map display at Badlands National Park in South Dakota, serving visitors.Food truck at Badlands National Park, a blue truck with sun logo and desert mural serving visitors.Hand holding a bacon sandwich from a truck adjacent to a Badlands National Park sign and nearby buildings.

Frequently asked questions

Is there vegan option?

Vegan options are not documented; vegetarian choices exist (egg whites and spinach sandwiches).

Is it kid-friendly?

Yes. Casual, family-friendly atmosphere; outdoor seating works for families with kids.

Is there wifi?

WiFi is not available.

Are there gluten-free options?

Gluten-free options are not documented.

Wasta Bar

Cheeseburger with locally sourced beef—crispy fries on the side, worth the bite.

Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.