There are favorite eating spots, and then there are the best, favorite eating spots when experiencing the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Below is a list, in no particular order, of places to grab a burger, steak tips, giant pretzel, alcoholic beverage and more during the 83rd Anniversary of the rally Aug. 4-13, 2023.
J.R.’s Rhodehouse BBQ Pit
7201 Infinity Dr., Summerset, SD 57718
605-787-7070
Hours: Wed-Sat 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m., or whenever the meat runs out
http://jrsbbqpit.com/
Traveling from Rapid City into Sturgis on the I-90, take a detour to J.R.’s for what’s been called the “best BBQ hand’s down.” Started by Justin Rhodes, a state USDA meat inspector, this man understands “quality in equals quality out” and his passion for true pit barbeque shines in the brisket, beef ribs and pulled pork served daily from the smoker. And with prices that won’t break the budget (a meat, two sides and bread will run you just shy of $17) J.R.’s Rhodehouse BBQ Pit is worth the stop.
The Knuckle Saloon | The Knuckle Brewing Company
931 1st St.
Sturgis, SD 57785
605-347-0106
Hours: Mon-Sun 11 a.m. – close
Kitchen hours: Sun-Thurs 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Fri-Sat 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
https://www.theknuckle.com/
Housed on property once owned by the town’s namesake, Colonel Samuel D. Sturgis, The Knuckle Saloon and Brewery features not only food, but antiques and memorabilia of the history of Sturgis, making for a unique dining experience. Smoked meats, pizza, breaded steak tips with crispy tater tots and wings take center stage. As for the beer, try the Knuckle Head Red, Runkle Road IPA or the Va’Knockers Blonde. The Sturgis Brewing Company is a sister company and brews some of the Knuckle Saloon’s offerings.
Sturgis Brewing Company
600 Anna St.
Sturgis, SD 57785
605-720-2337
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Fri-Sat 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
https://www.sturgisbrewingcompany.com/
Stop by as you ride into town and enjoy a craft beer like the Purple Grain Ale, Sturgis Pale Ale or the Fools Gold Lager. You won’t be disappointed by the selection or the food – the giant pretzel, flatbread pizza and the Rocky Mountain Oysters are top picks here. Not sure which beer to drink? Try a flight of four and find your craft beer bliss.
Loud American Roadhouse
1305 Main St.
Sturgis, SD 57785
605-720-1500
Hours: Kitchen – Mon-Thurs 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Fri 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. | Sat 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. | Sun 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Bar: Mon-Thurs 11 a.m. – Midnight | Friday 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. | Sat 10 a.m. – 2 a.m. | Sun 10 a.m. – Midnight
https://loudamericanroadhouse.com/
Located on Main Street in the heart of the Sturgis Rally, The Loud American features great service and a different twist on the whole steak tips craze. The Walleye Tips (think chicken nuggets but made with fish) offers a beef consumption break. Still hungry? Try the Foot of Onion Rings, stacked on a stick and served with ranch dressing. Don’t like your tips as fish? The Legendary Steak Tips is always a winner, as are the salads, wraps, and sandwiches. Need a closer? Try for dessert a salted caramel chocolate brownie. Need to feed a crowd? Check out the Bag of Burgers, which includes six quarter-pound cheeseburgers and fries, or the pound and a half steak tips and fries, both under $50. A kid’s menu with more than just chicken nuggets includes the Walleye tips, grilled cheese and of course the Legendary Steak Tips. The Loud American also features live music and concerts, so check out the offerings, especially during the Rally.
Ironhorse Saloon
888 Junction Ave.
Sturgis, SD 57785
1-866-90-BIKER
Hours: Times vary during Rally week. Generally, the Saloon and Kitchen open at 11 a.m. but close at either 10 or 11 p.m. Check their Facebook page for details.
ihsturgis.com
Raucous concerts, good food and three stories of balconies are the hits at the Ironhorse Saloon. Ray’s Chop Shop features pork chops, steak tips, sandwiches and more, while outside food trucks like the Sweeto Burrito offers burritos with chicken, shredded pork, beef and even a breakfast option. During the Sturgis Rally 2023, the Ironhorse will host concerts on the Dennis Kirk Main Stage, including Aaron Watson, Skillet and Yelawolf featuring Nicolas Alan. All concerts are free, with options to upgrade to a VIP experience. Check their website and Facebook page for more details.
Sturgis Coffee Company
2275 Lazelle St
Sturgis, SD 57785
605-720-1480
Hours: Mon-Fri 6 a.m.-5 p.m. | Sat 7 a.m. – Noon | Sunday Closed
https://www.sturgiscoffeecompany.com/
Need that triple-shot expresso after a night out during the Rally? Stop by the Sturgis Coffee Company, a full-service coffee bar started in 2000 by South Dakota native Anna Rowett. A biker herself, she understands the need for caffeination, and her hand-crafted drinks offer just the hit you’re looking for to start your day or fuel your afternoon.
One-Eyed Jack’s Saloon
1304 Main St.
Sturgis, SD 57785
860.488.6272
Pre-Rally Hours: Mon-Sun 7:30-10 p.m. | Breakfast 7:30 – 10 a.m.
Rally Hours: Daily 7 a.m. – 2 a.m.
oneeyedjackssaloon.com
Known for its steaks, this huge biker bar features a rustic theme complete with taxidermy animals lining the walls. During the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, One-Eyed Jack’s Saloon will host concerts and other events, all enjoyed with a frosty beer, signature cocktail such as the OEJ Margarita, or a tasty Jack’s Steak Tips appetizer. Located along Main Street, the outdoor patio is the perfect spot for people watching.
Jake’s Fine Dining
677 Main Street
Deadwood, SD 57732
605-578-1555 ext. 6
Hours: Tue-Sat 4-9 p.m.
https://www.themidnightstar.com/
While dining options during the Sturgis Rally are typically served in a raucous atmosphere, if you’re looking for a refined, elegant place to have a nice dinner, head the 13 miles out of town to Deadwood. The drive is through beautiful pines and hardwood trees and once you arrive, the food at Jake’s Fine Dining is some of the best in the area. Try the Trio of Tenderloin, featuring buffalo, elk and venison, or the Grilled Colorado Lamb Chops. The emphasis is on fresh, inspired meals served with cloth napkins. A full bar serves libations of all kinds, and gluten-free options also are available. The restaurant is set atop the Midnight Star casino, so after you finish dinner, try your luck at the slots or table games. Reservations are recommended.
Sturgis Buffalo Chip Campground
20622 Fort Meade Way
Sturgis, SD 57785
Rat’s Hole Bar
Stage West Café
Both adjacent to the Wolfman Jack Main Stage
Hours vary
www.buffalochip.com/rally-food-beverage/
The expansive Buffalo Chip Campground hosts many of the headliner concerts during Sturgis, as well as providing lodging for many of the rally participants. In order to keep everyone happy, hydrated and well-fed, the Rat’s Hole Bar and Stage West Café are located on-property at the Chip. Rat’s Hole is known for its limited-edition, 34-ounce insulated collector mug for only $12, which can be filled up repeatedly with your choice of beers for between $6-$8. Combine that with a Sturgis Rider® Meal Deal for the week, and you’re set. Food choices include pancakes, biscuits and gravy, prime rib, chicken, pork and beef entrees to name a few. Reserve both a mug and the meal deal on the Buffalo Chip website before the rally and beat the crowds when you arrive.
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