The Prairie Dog Taproom — Restaurant in Hill City

This may be long so I apologize. We drove past and decided to drop in for a quick drink. We we're greeted and asked if we were there before. We hadn't so we got a tour of one of the most unique places I have had the pleasure of finding. They have a bracelet with an rfid chip tied to your payment type that you wear and instead of waiting to try different beers or wines, you unlock the type you wish to try and drink by holding your wristband on the dispenser of the unit that has the flavor you wish to try. The system is such a unique way of finding out about your beverage that you feel comfortable exploring different types of beers or wines by tapping on the screen to reveal a more detailed description. It details the basic info and the touch screen goes into further detail so you can make informed decisions. Very techy and cool! We met the brothers Mike and Jim and both sat down with us and explained their vision of their establishment. They have the three components of a successful bar, social, comfort and activity. Live music, environment and an outdoor area that rivals everyone in a 100 square mile area easily. No cheesy led lights, the warm glow of Edison bulbs that you bask in a warm yellow glow from days of old. It just feels homey but festive. Checking out the menu, it is exactly a menu for a purest that is simple but full of flavor. No 40 different entrees, just the wholesome favorites. Pizza that an Italian mother would approve of. Hotdogs made with love in a way that brings the senses alive. Here is the thing. We got there close to closing but they still served us. Spend time with us. Lit the fireplace and sat and told us their dream and vision. Now, not everyone will get this treatment. But they will if they can. These guys had no clue I would leave this type of review and rare it is when I feel compelled to leave something this detailed. We all hope to come across a great place and make a memory. I did. And I also found a place I will return to as soon as I am in the area. They have bottled wine to take with. Their prices are spot on and they won't gouge anyone. Not even tourists. They have board games for families that want to stop and eat food and relax. Talk about a dialed...

Whilst visiting Hill City, SD, this place came upon the Google radar. I was intrigued by the unique food selections that was offered.

The food was very reasonably priced (albeit we are basically in the area of a tourist town) and was very high quality. As a trusted foodie, by most in my vast circle, this place ranks high on my scale. There were no corners cut, and it was obvious much pride was taken in the recipies and preparation of the selections.

I gave a 4 on the service because it was a 45-minute wait on delivery of the food with less than 10 customers in the establishment at the time of our dine. However, if I had known there was ring toss and corn hole games on the back patio, this would've made the time pass more smoothly. (Didn't realize this until after we'd eaten).

The owner was very friendly, personable, and made it a point to come and speak to everyone. This made the experience all that much better! Great guy! Many on the staff were very friendly and pleasant as well.

Traveling from NW Ohio to the Black Hills is a long way in a car, but this place put a smile on my face. If I'm ever here again, I'll definitely go back. Stop by, y'all, it's...

First impressions stopping by today were great, but then our experience was a bit mixed after that.

The owner gave us a tour and showed us how to use their self-pour system. Then he asked what beer I wanted and poured more then I would have liked, as well as adding some small charges from touching a few taps that he said he would remove from my bill, which didn't happen until I asked the server to take them off.

We ordered a bison brat, cheesesteak sandwich, and a bison burger. The brat and cheesesteak sandwich were quite tasty, but the burger was cold. The owner remade it, which was appreciated, but the patty seemed like it was just heated from a frozen package and was very messy. I don't recommend the burger.

After getting the extra beer charges removed from my bill, we paid and left. On my way back into town, I noticed my credit card had been charged twice for $70.

When I called the owner, he said it happens sometimes.

Great environment. Nice service for the most part. Food was hit or miss. Billing is sketchy. It doesn't please me to leave this review as I really wanted to...