Dakota Butcher-Rapid City — Attraction in Rapid City

A Meat Lover’s Paradise with a Little Bit of Everything!

If you haven’t been to Dakota Butcher at 651 N Creek Dr, Suite 108, Rapid City, SD 57703, you’re missing out on one of the best spots in town. This family-owned business, started by Randy and Karen Gruenwald in 2009 in Clark, South Dakota, has expanded to six locations across the state, and their Rapid City store is a shining example of why they’ve earned such a stellar reputation.

Unbeatable Variety and Quality Walking into Dakota Butcher feels like stepping into a treasure trove for food lovers. Their meat selection is top-notch—fresh cuts like rib eye steaks (which are melt-in-your-mouth amazing), smoked meats, sausages, and even wild game processing for hunters. I grabbed a rib eye on my last visit, and it was one of the juiciest, most flavorful steaks I’ve had in ages. But it’s not just about meat—they’ve got handmade pizzas you can take home to bake, a deli with ready-to-go meals like pulled pork sandwiches, and bakery items that smell as good as they taste. Oh, and did I mention the beer cave? It’s stocked with a huge selection of cold beers, alongside a liquor store with wine (including local South Dakota options) and spirits. Whether you’re planning a barbecue or just need a quick snack, they’ve got it all.

A Full-Service Experience What makes this location stand out is how much they pack into one spot. There’s a full-service meat locker for processing livestock and game—perfect for hunters or anyone who wants custom cuts. They also have a cozy sitting area where you can dig into their made-from-scratch meals right there. If you’re on the go, check out the Snackhub for quick bites featuring their signature meats. It’s clear they’ve designed this place to be more than just a butcher shop—it’s a community hub where you can shop, eat, and relax.

Service That Feels Like Family The staff here is a huge part of what makes Dakota Butcher special. They’re friendly, approachable, and genuinely excited to help you find what you need—whether it’s picking the perfect cut of meat or suggesting a beer to go with it. The Gruenwalds’ focus on “God, family, then work” shines through in the warm vibe of the place. It’s the kind of spot where you’re greeted with a smile and leave feeling like you’ve made some new friends.

Consistency You Can Count On The quality here is unreal. Everything I’ve tried—from the meats to the deli items—has been fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care. They source locally when they can, and it shows in the taste. Plus, they kept their doors open during tough times like the COVID-19 pandemic, proving they’re committed to serving Rapid City no matter what. That kind of dedication earns my respect.

Why You Should Go Dakota Butcher is a one-of-a-kind find in Rapid City. With its incredible range of meats, groceries, drinks, and ready-to-eat options, plus a team that makes you feel right at home, it’s the perfect stop for locals and visitors alike. They’re open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.—plenty of time to swing by and see for yourself. Trust me, once you try Dakota Butcher, you’ll be hooked. Go check it out—you...

I honestly haven’t been to this place yet, but I was curious, so I did what most folks nowadays do and went to Google to read the reviews. It seems that the 5star reviews are canned entries, whilst the lower rated reviews are the real deal. Here’s the deal: When I see the word “Butcher”, I imagine a meat expert, dressed in white, donning a blood soaked apron, walking in and out of the meat cooler where he has primals hooked up on a conveyance. Outside the cooler I would expect to see a display of fresh cuts from multiple animals. While I walk through the store, I would expect to be able to see, through a large window, the butcher and his apprentice cutting and wrapping meat. The air should smell of freshly cut meat and sausages. The facility should be cold and clean. The staff should me more than friendly and extremely knowledgeable of the art of butchery. The prices, of course, I’d expect to be high. After all, you’re paying for QUALITY, along with the experience. I would gladly give them all my money for this type of experience. Sadly, there are no more REAL butchers around. Everything is supermarket quality. The only real butcher is one who owns his own farm and cuts his own product for his friends and family. Just reading the reviews of this place, I can tell that it’s not a butcher shop. Just another place to buy the same meat you’d purchase at Sam’s Club or Walmart. Now, I could be wrong, since I haven’t been there yet. But I will this week. I’ll walk in and see for myself. Afterwards, I’ll come back here and write another review either confirming this review or retracting it. I hope I’m wrong and that it’s an awesome place. But, me thinks I pretty much nailed it...

I walked into the place this afternoon with high expectations. Since they just opened I expected someone to say hi at least . None of that happened . So I went straight to the fresh meat counter and stood there looking at all sorts of things I wanted to buy . No one was at the counter to help me and I didn't see a bell or something to call for assistance . Somewhat disappointed , I thought I'd peruse the store and stop back at the counter later. I did see a lot quality looking items throughout the store . After my quick tour , I returned to the fresh meat counter. Again I paced back and forth hoping someone would ask me if I needed help , but no one appeared . I then slowly walked towards the exit , just hoping some employee my save the day. But it want meant to be .

I hate writing reviews like this since I really want good quality butcher shops in RC to prosper and thrive. I hope my experience today was the exception and not the norm . I may go back again...