Dining

Wasta Bar

Dining★ 4.8
Interior of a rustic bar inside Badlands National Park, with wood paneling, high stools, and muted lighting.

Juicy cheeseburger built from locally sourced beef hits the grill with a thick, springy bite. Crispy fries crackle at the edges as grease whispers through the air, while the 12 oz sirloin and 10 oz filet sit at a friendly $14 a notch. The joint wears rustic wood, a warm glow, and a crowd that laughs through karaoke nights—the vibe that keeps Wasta Bar buzzing after a long day in the prairie. It’s a bar that serves honest bites and a sense of community you can feel in every clink of a glass.

Quick facts

Meals Served
  • Late lunch
  • Dinner
  • Late Night
Signature Dishes
Cheeseburger (locally sourced beef)
Local Specialties
Locally sourced beef burgers
Popular Items
Cheeseburger and crispy fries

What to order

Meals Served
  • Late lunch
  • Dinner
  • Late Night
Signature Dishes
Cheeseburger (locally sourced beef)
Local Specialties
Locally sourced beef burgers
Popular Items
Cheeseburger and crispy fries
Menu Recommendations
Cheeseburger—locally sourced beef; fries; pair with a local beer

Prices & reservations

Price Specifics
Hamburgers: $6.50, 12 Oz Sirloin: $14.00, 10 Oz Filet: $14.00, Sausage Pizza: $9.00, Pepperoni Pizza: $9.00
Reservations Policy
Walk-in only
Typical Wait Times
Not reported; expect casual waits outside peak dinner times
Payment Methods
  • Cash
  • Credit Card
Cash Only
0

Hours & seating

Operating Hours
  • Monday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Thursday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Friday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Saturday: 3:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
Seasonal Hours
No seasonal changes published; hours are 2:00 PM–2:00 AM daily.
Closed Days
Open daily; no regular closed days reported
Happy Hour Times
Not published
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Parking Details
Free parking lot and free street parking available
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and parking lot; level access and seating options available; bar and dining areas accessible

Visit strategy

Best For
  • Locals
  • Post-hike travelers
  • Casual group dining
Not Ideal For
Seek a quiet, quiet-dining experience; prefer formal settings
Service Type
Table service
Service Speed
Casual pace
Vibe
  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Community hub
Noise Level
Moderate with karaoke nights; lively energy
View Type
  • Rolling prairie views
Busiest Times
Evenings, especially during karaoke nights
Best Visit Times
Mid-afternoon on off-peak days; evenings for the full vibe
Tips Advice
  • Go for the cheeseburger with locally sourced beef.
  • Fries deliver a crisp snap.
  • Arrive mid-afternoon to beat the rush; evenings are lively with karaoke.

More details

Park Area
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Takeout Available
1
Delivery Available
1
Delivery Details
Delivery is available within the local area; exact delivery windows aren’t published.
Dress Code
Casual
Beverage Program
Alcohol, beer, wine, cocktails, and hard liquor; strong beer selection
Local Beers
Local beers available on tap
Tasting Flights
0
Tours Available
0
Tour Details
Not offered
Bottle Sales
0
Parking Available
1
Dog Friendly Patio
0
Wi-Fi Available
1
Family Friendly
1
Family Friendly Notes
Casual vibe; family-friendly seating; expect some noise during karaoke
Age Restriction
All ages welcome
Bar Seating
1
Seasonal Rushes
Varies with local events and karaoke nights
Live Music
Karaoke nights
Special Events
Karaoke nights and local events
Has Gift Shop
0
Unique Attractions
Karaoke nights; rustic bar charm with rolling prairie views
Unique Factor
Local burgers with beef sourced from nearby farms in a small-town bar setting
Nearby Facilities
Free parking lot; street parking; on-site restrooms
Recent Updates
Not reported
Best Time To Visit
Mid-afternoon on weekdays (around 3:00–5:00 PM) to dodge crowds; evenings are the peak for the full bar/karaoke vibe.
The Order Strategy
Skip the generic menu items and go straight for the Cheeseburger—locals swear by the locally sourced beef. For drinks, choose a local beer to pair with the fries.
The Vibe Check
This is a Post-Hike HQ turned social hub: casual, sturdy, and welcoming with a crowd that leans into karaoke and good company.
The Crowd Factor
Evenings and weekends draw a crowd; sit at the bar for quicker seating and a taste of the local rhythm
Eat Here If Skip If
EAT HERE IF: You want a burger with local beef and a friendly bar scene. SKIP IF: You’re after a hushed, formal dining room.
Distance From Park
approximately 16 miles from park entrance
Review Summary
Locals praise the cheeseburger and fries, with the locally sourced beef highlighted; warm hospitality and a community vibe elevate the experience. The bar acts as a social hub, delivering solid bites and a sense of small-town charm that sticks with you after the visit.

Location

Burger and fries with melted cheddar at a Badlands National Park dining spot, served in a casual indoor setting.Exterior of a rustic roadside bar at Badlands National Park, with a covered porch and string lights.Interior of a rustic bar in the Wasta area of Badlands National Park, wood-paneled walls and warm lighting.Brightly lit bar and restaurant exterior in Badlands National Park at dusk, with snow on the ground.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an age policy beyond all ages welcome?

All ages are allowed, but adults should expect a bar vibe during peak hours.

Do they offer delivery or takeout?

Yes, both takeout and delivery are available within the local area.

What’s the standout dish?

The cheeseburger made with locally sourced beef is the cult favorite and the move.

Is there vegetarian or vegan options?

Dietary options aren’t specified; focus on the burger and sides.

Is WiFi available for maps or posting photos?

WiFi is available.

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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.