Before I traveled to South Dakota, the only thing I knew about the state was, that’s where Mt. Rushmore is. Little did I know that in addition to having some of the most oddly unique tourist attractions like the Corn Palace Museum in Mitchell or the renowned Wall Drug in Wall S.D., to the picturesque hidden gems like Chapel in the Hills and Sylvan Lake, is that the food scene is just as teasingly diverse and offers a lot of options for vegetarians and vegans alike. A personal favorite, that I admittedly visited on more than one occasion during my stay, was the Indian restaurant Kathmandhu Bistro. They have a great menu with a ton of vegetarian options. The servers make sure to ask if cream is permissible and if you have any other dietary restrictions. The food came out fast, hot and it was the best Indian food I’ve ever had, bar none. If you’re in Rapid City, be sure to pay them a visit because if you like naan, there’s truly naan better! (Sorry, couldn’t resist.)
Feeling like some Pub Grub? Murphy’s is a downtown American bar that offers pub fare and flat screen t.v.’s for the sports enthusiasts, as well as live music and a beautiful outdoor patio. The menu offers a couple vegan options like salads, soups, and a portabello sandwich (though you’ll have to ask for no cheese). If you can’t survive a vacation without a chips and salsa fix like me, be sure to check out Que Pasa Cantina! They have an expansive menu offering a ton of vegetarian options with a plant-based soy protein substitute. And I’m not sure what they make that corn cake out of, but it was delicious.
Since I booked a room at a bed and breakfast I took advantage of the breakfast there. The owner at the Summer Creek Inn makes delicious meals and bought vegetarian sausage to make just for me. Not only are they thoughtfully accommodating, the breakfast was delectable…and I’m not even a breakfast person. The room was beautiful, it had a bathtub nestled in front of a fireplace where water filled from the ceiling. After a long day hiking, taking an epsom salt bath and falling asleep in that bed was heavenly. The bathroom featured not only a double sink, but a dual shower head. Breakfast was delivered to the door, and one could eat overlooking the beautiful landscaped waterfall from the porch. Listening to the water was so peaceful first thing in the morning. Venturing out for breakfast on the weekend, we ate at Tally’s Silver Spoon. If you are vegetarian they have a vegetarian breakfast of garden greens & vegetables with an egg. The great thing about that restaurant is they source local & if you don’t see anything on the menu that is vegan they will make something for you that is!
However, hands down, the pièce de résistance of the trip was discovering the best coffee shop in South Dakota and one of my all time top 5. Those who know me will know, that is no simple feat. My weekends are spent traveling to places I’ve never been to explore nature and new coffee shops. Dunn Brother’s Coffee in Rapid City was a game changer for me. I’ve never been a cold brew fan and I ordered it almost every day! Yes, I was there every day after I found it, it’s that good. They have a great menu for quick breakfast sandwiches, pastries, salads and hearty oatmeal to take on a hike too. For vegetarians, (not vegans) they offer plant-based sausage for the egg sandwiches and many different toppings like avocado. Who doesn’t love avocado?
If you can, try to visit in the fall. The weather was clear and brisk for hiking . Plus, they have an amazing German Beer Festival in Black Hills during the fall that will not disappoint. This past year has been tumultuous, to say the least, but a road trip to South Dakota was just what I needed. It was truly an experience I’ll never forget!
