Nestled in the heart of Rapid City, Black Elk Grille offers a culinary experience that combines traditional American flavors with a touch of regional flair. Known for its warm atmosphere and carefully crafted dishes, the restaurant embraces a commitment to quality, freshness, and authenticity.
Whether you’re a local or a traveler seeking a memorable meal, the Black Elk Grille menu promises an enticing array of options designed to please diverse palates. From hearty breakfasts to elegant dinners, every dish is thoughtfully prepared to highlight the best ingredients and culinary techniques.
The menu reflects a dedication to using locally sourced produce and premium meats, ensuring that every bite is a celebration of the region’s rich agricultural heritage. With an emphasis on seasonal changes, the offerings vary throughout the year, inviting guests to explore new flavors while enjoying familiar favorites.
The Black Elk Grille not only serves food but crafts an experience where each plate tells a story of tradition, innovation, and community.
Understanding the menu is key to maximizing your dining adventure here. Whether you prefer something light and refreshing or a decadent indulgence, Black Elk Grille’s thoughtfully organized menu sections make it easy to find the perfect dish.
Each category balances classic comfort with contemporary creativity, making this a must-visit stop for anyone passionate about great food and memorable dining moments.
Appetizers and Starters
The appetizers at Black Elk Grille are designed to stimulate the palate and set the tone for the meal ahead. These starters blend comfort with creativity, offering a variety of textures and flavors that cater to different tastes.
Perfect for sharing or savoring solo, the appetizers showcase the kitchen’s skill in balancing bold and subtle notes.
From crispy fried delights to fresh, vibrant salads, the menu presents a well-rounded selection. These dishes are prepared with carefully selected ingredients, emphasizing freshness and presentation.
Whether you’re craving something light or something with a little more substance, the appetizers section offers options that won’t disappoint.
For those who appreciate the nuance of seasoning and texture, Black Elk Grille’s starters deliver on both fronts. The kitchen’s attention to detail ensures that each bite is satisfying and encourages anticipation for the main courses.
Popular Choices
- Buffalo Wings: Tender wings tossed in a smoky house-made sauce, served with celery and blue cheese dressing.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Button mushrooms filled with a blend of cheeses, herbs, and breadcrumbs, baked to golden perfection.
- Spinach Artichoke Dip: Creamy blend served warm with freshly baked pita chips, perfect for sharing.
- Smoked Trout Spread: A regional specialty featuring locally smoked trout, served with crackers and fresh vegetables.
“Our appetizers are crafted to invite conversation and connection — the perfect way to begin any meal.”
Soups and Salads
Soups and salads provide a refreshing and healthy start or complement to any meal at Black Elk Grille. The menu includes a rotating selection of soups, often featuring seasonal ingredients that highlight local produce.
Salads range from light and crisp to hearty and filling, designed to satisfy varied appetites.
The chef’s commitment to freshness shines through in these dishes, with vibrant greens, crunchy textures, and balanced dressings. Soups are prepared daily, ensuring warmth and flavor in every spoonful.
Salads are thoughtfully constructed to combine taste and nutrition seamlessly.
Whether seeking comfort in a hot bowl of soup or a revitalizing salad, diners can expect dishes that are both satisfying and nourishing.
Signature Soups and Salads
- Bison Chili: A spicy, hearty chili made with local bison meat, beans, and a blend of bold spices.
- Roasted Beet Salad: Featuring roasted beets, goat cheese, candied pecans, and a balsamic glaze.
- Classic Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, parmesan, croutons, and house-made Caesar dressing.
- Seasonal Soup: Always changing, based on the freshest ingredients available, such as butternut squash in fall or tomato basil in summer.
| Soup Type | Flavor Profile | Calories (approx.) |
| Bison Chili | Spicy, robust | 350 |
| Seasonal Soup | Varies (vegetal, creamy, or tangy) | 200-300 |
Entrées and Main Courses
The entrée section at Black Elk Grille is the heart of the menu, showcasing a diverse range of dishes that highlight premium meats, fresh seafood, and inventive vegetarian options. Each entrée is thoughtfully plated and designed to provide a balanced and fulfilling dining experience.
Guests can expect a fusion of traditional American comfort food with a contemporary twist, featuring locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. The menu caters to a wide spectrum of tastes, from the carnivore’s delight to the plant-based enthusiast’s choice.
Every dish is crafted to capture the essence of the region’s culinary identity while embracing modern flavors and techniques.
Noteworthy Entrées
- Grilled Elk Medallions: Tender elk meat served with a red wine reduction, accompanied by seasonal vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes.
- Pan-Seared Rainbow Trout: Fresh trout caught locally, finished with lemon butter sauce and served with wild rice pilaf.
- Vegetable Risotto: Creamy risotto featuring seasonal vegetables, finished with parmesan and fresh herbs.
- Prime Rib: Slow-roasted prime rib, served with au jus, horseradish cream, and a baked potato.
“Our entrées represent a commitment to quality and innovation, celebrating the unique flavors of the Black Hills.”
Sandwiches and Burgers
For a more casual yet equally satisfying option, the sandwiches and burgers at Black Elk Grille offer a perfect blend of hearty ingredients and gourmet preparation. These dishes are crafted to satisfy cravings while maintaining the high standard of flavors the restaurant is known for.
Each sandwich and burger is made with freshly baked bread and premium fillings, often incorporating locally sourced meats and produce. The menu offers a variety of choices, from classic cheeseburgers to inventive combinations that reflect regional tastes.
Accompaniments such as house-made sauces and fresh toppings elevate these dishes beyond the ordinary.
Top Picks
- Bison Burger: Juicy ground bison patty topped with smoked cheddar, caramelized onions, and chipotle mayo.
- Black Elk Club: Triple-decker sandwich featuring turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and garlic aioli on toasted sourdough.
- Veggie Wrap: Grilled vegetables, hummus, and mixed greens wrapped in a spinach tortilla.
- Philly Cheesesteak: Thinly sliced beef, sautéed peppers and onions, melted provolone on a hoagie roll.
| Item | Main Ingredients | Price Range |
| Bison Burger | Ground bison, cheddar, onions, chipotle mayo | $14 – $17 |
| Black Elk Club | Turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, aioli | $12 – $15 |
Desserts
The dessert offerings at Black Elk Grille provide a sweet conclusion to a memorable meal. Crafted with care, each dessert combines classic comfort with a refined presentation, ensuring satisfaction for those with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients are often locally sourced, and desserts are made in-house to maintain freshness and quality. The menu features both rich, decadent options and lighter, fruit-based treats to accommodate different preferences.
This section of the menu invites guests to indulge while appreciating the balance of flavors and textures.
Featured Desserts
- Black Hills Huckleberry Cheesecake: Creamy cheesecake infused with locally harvested huckleberries, served with a graham cracker crust.
- Chocolate Lava Cake: Warm chocolate cake with a gooey center, served with vanilla ice cream.
- Apple Crisp: Traditional apple crisp with cinnamon and oats, topped with whipped cream.
- Seasonal Sorbet: A refreshing palate cleanser, featuring flavors like raspberry or lemon depending on availability.
“Dessert is not just an afterthought here — it’s a carefully crafted experience that rounds out the meal perfectly.”
Beverages and Cocktails
The beverage menu at Black Elk Grille complements the culinary offerings with a curated selection of wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails. Attention to detail extends to the bar, where mixologists create drinks that enhance the flavors of the dishes and elevate the dining experience.
Local breweries are featured prominently, showcasing the region’s vibrant craft beer scene. Wines are carefully chosen to pair well with the menu’s diverse flavors, from robust reds to crisp whites.
The cocktail program blends classic recipes with innovative twists, ensuring something for everyone, whether you prefer something light and refreshing or bold and complex.
Popular Drinks
- Black Elk Old Fashioned: A signature cocktail using local bourbon, bitters, and a hint of huckleberry syrup.
- Craft Beer Selection: Rotating taps featuring regional favorites and seasonal brews.
- House Chardonnay: A crisp, medium-bodied white wine that pairs well with seafood and poultry.
- Non-Alcoholic Mocktails: Creative blends of fresh juices and herbs for a refreshing alternative.
| Beverage | Type | Pairing Suggestions |
| Black Elk Old Fashioned | Cocktail | Grilled Elk Medallions, Prime Rib |
| House Chardonnay | Wine | Pan-Seared Rainbow Trout, Vegetable Risotto |
Breakfast and Brunch Options
Black Elk Grille also offers an inviting breakfast and brunch menu, perfect for starting the day with bold flavors and hearty portions. These offerings blend traditional breakfast staples with unique twists inspired by regional ingredients and culinary creativity.
The menu includes everything from classic eggs and pancakes to more inventive dishes featuring local meats and fresh produce. Whether dining early or enjoying a late brunch, the variety ensures there is something for every preference.
Freshness and presentation are hallmarks of this menu, encouraging a leisurely and satisfying dining experience to begin your day.
Brunch Highlights
- Wild Game Breakfast Hash: A savory blend of locally sourced game meats, potatoes, peppers, and onions topped with poached eggs.
- Huckleberry Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes studded with fresh huckleberries, served with maple syrup and whipped butter.
- Avocado Toast: Sourdough bread topped with smashed avocado, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Omelette of the Day: Made with fresh eggs and a rotating selection of seasonal fillings.
“Our breakfast and brunch menus celebrate local flavors and hearty portions, perfect for fueling your day in the Black Hills.”
Conclusion
The Black Elk Grille menu is a testament to culinary excellence and regional pride, blending tradition with modern flair in every dish. Its thoughtfully curated sections cater to a wide audience, from those seeking classic comfort foods to adventurous eaters eager to explore local specialties.
The emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients ensures that every meal is vibrant, flavorful, and true to the spirit of the Black Hills.
Whether you are indulging in a decadent dessert, savoring a perfectly grilled elk medallion, or enjoying a crisp seasonal salad, the menu offers something memorable at every turn. The beverage selections and cocktails further elevate the experience, providing thoughtful pairings that complement the flavors on your plate.
Dining at Black Elk Grille is more than just a meal—it is a celebration of community, culture, and culinary craftsmanship. This menu promises a journey through taste and tradition, inviting guests to return time and again to experience the best of Rapid City’s vibrant food scene.
