Buffalo Dreamer — Restaurant in Hot Springs

We tried dinner last night at their new location. Overall this place was a disappointment expecially compared to past reviews and pictures we have seen in the past. For just my husband and I and 0 alcoholic beverages it was $205 before tip. For what you got, this was ridiculous

This place came highly recommended to us but was an utter disappointment. We made reservations months in advance, and had to call 3-4 times concerned about our reservation after we heard they had closed before someone called us back and told us that our reservations were confirmed and that they had just moved locations. When we spoke to the guy on the phone we asked if we should tell him verbally over the phone any dietary restrictions OR if we should respond to the email. He said over the phone was Fine so we told him I was 6 months pregnant and couldn’t have the usual pregnant lady debocal including raw meat, red meat, alcohol, uncured meats all the usual. He said this wouldn’t be an issue because the theme would be lunar new year. We said awesome and went about our time.

We got an email two days before the event that the theme had changed to “emergence of green” but didn’t think twice about it because we had already explicitly said what the dietary restrictions were.

day of the event we showed up better dressed knowing that this was a personal experience with 1 chef, 1 waiter, and only 4 groups. We were very surprised by the environment as it did not match such an “ intimate” food scene and was rather a large space with 4 tables thrown in the middle of this rented space. Additionally the other party was in blue jeans and t-shirts which also did not match the environment advertised.

It felt almost thrown together in a small space. The waiter was a kind guy truly but his waiter skilled were lacking. It was a lot of “do you need anything?” Or “anything else?” Rather than communicating to us. It was almost like we were a burden to them being there.

First course comes out and it is popcorn with sesame seeds and herbs. A unique experience and flavor but wasn’t what we had invisioned for this kind of meal.

Secound course was a tart, lovely tasting but dry and brittle. I guess because this was a gluten free crust but was ultimately very good but VERY small

Third course a tiny kale salad that was good but not exceptional.

Fourth course was a palate cleanser sorbet. Portion size was good for it being a palate cleaner.

Fifth course was where disappointment struck instantly. The Wagyu came out red as can be. Before someone says “wagyu is supposed to be red in the middle” like the waiter told another table. This is not inherently true and should be cooked a little deeper than this. Not much, but this is raw in parts. Not the whole thing. Not to mention I can’t eat it because I’m pregnant and the dietary restrictions we had heavily communicated about were thrown out the window, ignored, or forgotten. It’s just sad service. We did not feel comfortable enough to send the meat back to the kitchen.

Desert was the best part of the night, with a chocolate tart and ganache. Lovely lovely.l!

All of these meal items were paired together and it does show chef rebecca puts time and care into the food she cooks but unfortunately the portions were small and we left hungry. Looking at other reviews from other people at their previous location inside moccasin springs, the portions used to be much much larger. I don’t understand why the portions were so small making us feel the need to stop at a gas station on the way home to get more food. The price totaled $205 for two people and 3 drinks (1 tea and 2 charcoal lemonades - no alcohol). $245 after a 20% tip. I have no problem paying a pretty penny for quality food and service but this wasn’t it. The bill was too high for what was provided. Additionally popcorn is not a $100 meal item.

I really wanted to love this place but couldn’t. Not for the price tag, food expectations, and quality of what was served. We will not be able to recommend this to friends nor family...

On a best-friend-cation from west Texas. We came to Hot Springs for the Mammoth Site and to swim and the mineral springs. While searching online for somewhere nice and filling to eat,I came across Buffalo Dreamer. The 5 star reviews and great descriptive words people used on their reviews made it sound incredible. While my best friend and I are not "fancy" people we were excited to try this "fancy" food restaurant. With it being owned and prepared by one chef and a card needed to book a reservation I didn't mind how much it would cost I was excited.... we were seated and attended quickly. Waitress was great friendly and informative. My 3 star review comes from the amount of time we spent at the restaurant. From start to finish dinner took 2 and a half hours. No one mentions this in their reviews. Had I known I would not have chose this place. We had some wine which was very good. For dinner the waitress recommended something that sounded great with spicy peppers as an "appetizer". It was not spicy. It was just roasted peppers with a lot of different spices 🤷‍♀️. Then we ordered a braised beef and a filet. While the meat, potatoes and veggies were good. There was wayyyy to many different flavors to actually enjoy it. We had already ordered dessert since everything took so long. Had we tasted the main dish first we would not have gotten the dessert. Waitress said we got the dessert for free. Which was great since our tab was $173. I don't mind pricey food but for me this was not it. I wish the reviews I read gave more info on how much time the food takes and the excessive flavors. I would have just ordered a quick meal from somewhere and enjoyed swimming at the springs before they closed. I don't think this restaurant was "bad"..it just...

There are few restaurants that I rave about but this one really is exceptional! Well, that's not exactly true but I was on vacation and found this place. A true vacation restaurant destination if you're in Hot Springs, SD.

The chef studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York (where I'm from and have eaten there many times). The culinary chefs who taught the chef here should be proud of their graduate.

To start my food journey, I had the watercress and watermelon salad, followed by the Baja Sea Bass in jalapeño & mint chutney. Really, who does jalapeños & mint? It was indescribably delicious. The fish was utterly outstanding. My cousin had the cedar-sumac & maple braised local beef. It was tender, juicy and everything you want in a beef dish.

What I found through their very informative wait staff was that the chef uses resources from South Dakota in all the dishes right down to culinary Gold dust. It was excellent! I mean, really excellent.

This meal was on a whole different level of consciousness. I mean how can food make you swoon like this? Well, this chef is outstanding.

When 3 gals, sit at table and are quiet. You know the meal is something else.

My only issue was that the place was hot and with the temperature in the 90's it was a bit uncomfortable.

YET, I still have to give it 5 stars because when it comes down to it it's all about the food and that's what it should be about.

The menu isn't big and I appreciate a chef who knows enough to make fewer dishes and concentrate on the quality of their meals instead of the quantity in their menu.

The place is tiny with only a few tables. So you should make a reservation. Small is what makes it cozy and comfortable without it being crowded. It's all about the...