Dining

The Steakhouse

Dining★ 4.4
Cozy restaurant dining room in Badlands National Park with wagon wheels, skull mount, and warm lantern lighting.

The Steakhouse in Badlands National Park serves American steakhouse fare in a welcoming, casual, family-friendly setting with a spacious dining room. The ribeye delivers a sturdy crust and a juicy, tender center; the sirloin is also very tender. The loaded baked potato delivers a warm, creamy bite, while the salad bar includes lighter options. On Saturdays, a band keeps the dining room lively and family-friendly.

Quick facts

Meals Served
  • Dinner
Signature Dishes
Ribeye steak
Local Specialties
Chicken Fried Steak (South Dakota tradition)
Popular Items
Ribeye steak; Loaded baked potato; Sirloin steak

What to order

Meals Served
  • Dinner
Signature Dishes
Ribeye steak
Local Specialties
Chicken Fried Steak (South Dakota tradition)
Popular Items
Ribeye steak; Loaded baked potato; Sirloin steak
Menu Recommendations
Ribeye steak and loaded potato are the moves; salad bar can be limiting
Dietary Options
  • Vegetarian options available
  • Salad bar

Prices & reservations

Price Specifics
Burgers $8.99-$14.59; Top Sirloin $17.95-$21.95; Ribeye: market pricing; Salad Bar $7.95
Reservations Policy
Reservations not required but recommended during peak hours.
Typical Wait Times
No consistent wait times reported; reservations recommended during peak hours.
Payment Methods
  • Cash
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
Cash Only
0

Hours & seating

Operating Hours
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Wednesday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Thursday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Friday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Saturday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Sunday: Closed
Closed Days
Sunday; Monday
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Parking Details
Ample free street parking.

Visit strategy

Best For
  • Families
  • Casual dinners
  • Group celebrations
Service Type
Table service
Service Speed
Moderate; pace shifts with crowds
Vibe
  • Welcoming
  • Casual
  • Family-friendly
  • Spacious dining area
Noise Level
Moderate to lively; a band appears on Saturday nights during celebrations
Busiest Times
Saturday evenings; lively with celebrations
Best Visit Times
Thursday late; avoid peak weekend if you want quieter service
Tips Advice
  • Get the Ribeye; it’s the cult favorite.
  • Skip the small baked potato; opt for the loaded potato.
  • Grab an ice-cold beer in frosted glasses to pair with the beef.

More details

Park Area
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Takeout Available
1
Delivery Available
0
Dress Code
Casual; come as you are
Beverage Program
Full-service bar with ice cold beer in frosted glasses
Tasting Flights
0
Tours Available
0
Bottle Sales
0
Parking Available
1
Dog Friendly Patio
0
Wi-Fi Available
0
Family Friendly
1
Family Friendly Notes
Kid-friendly menu; kids have enjoyed meals
Bar Seating
1
Live Music
Occasional; bands on Saturdays during parties
Special Events
Saturday band nights and birthday parties
Has Gift Shop
0
Unique Factor
Ribeye consistently cooked to order with a reliable sear in a casual, family-friendly setting near the Badlands
Best Time To Visit
Thursday late; open late on that day, with Saturdays busier.
The Order Strategy
Skip the salad bar and baked potato; get Ribeye steak. For beer, order ice-cold beer in frosted glasses.
The Vibe Check
Welcoming, casual steakhouse with a family-friendly, spacious dining room and occasional live music that energizes the room
The Crowd Factor
Saturdays bring a lively crowd; reservations help, especially for larger groups
Eat Here If Skip If
EAT HERE IF: you want a solid ribeye and a family-friendly setting. SKIP IF: you’re seeking a quiet, romantic dinner with a refined vibe.
Distance From Park
approximately 36 miles from park entrance
Review Summary
Steaks are praised for cook, tenderness, and beefy flavor; the loaded potato gets compliments, while some reviews note inconsistent service and mediocre non-steak items; overall sentiment leans positive with friendly service and a welcoming vibe

Location

Grilled steak dinner with a baked potato, salad, and roll at a Badlands National Park restaurant.Inside a retro-style bar and grill at Badlands National Park, illuminated by neon signs.Interior dining at a park restaurant in Badlands National Park with a grilled steak on a plate.Juicy grilled steak with greens and an orange slice on a plate at Badlands National Park.

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth the price?

Prices align with a small-town steakhouse; ribeye is strong, with good value for the area, though some non-steak items vary in quality.

Do they have vegetarian options?

Vegetarian options exist via the salad bar and lighter fare.

Do they take reservations?

Not required but recommended during peak hours.

Is there outdoor seating or accessibility information available?

No outdoor seating noted; specific accessibility details are not provided.

What’s the standout dish to order?

Ribeye steak is the standout—great sear, tender center, beefy bite.

Katie’s Kantina

Cheese-crusted tacos rule; Chickles and pulled pork burritos deliver.

Wakin’ Bacon

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

Wasta Bar

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

Salty Steer

Open Range Buffalo Burger: buffalo patties, grilled huckleberries, onion straws, bacon jam.

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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.