The best bars & nightlife in Black Hills

13 bars & nightlife we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

Browse another shelf: all of Black Hills’s best · Restaurants · Entertainment · Arts & Culture · Bakeries & Sweets · Beauty · Home & Garden · Shopping · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Parks & Outdoors · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Pets · Sporting Goods

Pinned in Black Hills today

This spot is open today.

Two pinned places a day in Black Hills — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →

Paid placements are always marked.

Nightlife · 13 places · showing the latest additions first

Brass Rail Lounge is that small, family-owned Rapid City spot where you slide onto a stool, trade stories with neighbors, and let a no-fuss…

624 St Joseph St (Rapid City) · ✓ checked Jul 30

Brass Rail Lounge is that small, family-owned Rapid City spot where you slide onto a stool, trade stories with neighbors, and let a no-fuss drink hit the reset button. Nearly a century of regulars can't be wrong, so when you need low-key this week, you know where to land.

Website ↗

Set in Rapid City’s original fire station, Firehouse Brewing Company pours South Dakota’s oldest craft beers with a rotating lineup worth…

610 Main St (Rapid City) · ✓ checked Jul 30

Set in Rapid City’s original fire station, Firehouse Brewing Company pours South Dakota’s oldest craft beers with a rotating lineup worth flight-testing, then backs it up with classic American plates and in-house smoked BBQ that hits the weeknight comfort spot.

From the Black Hills newsletter, August 4, 2026

Website ↗

Blind Lion

Nightlife

Cool Prohibition-era speakeasy-style destination for classic cocktails and burgers, plus dancing.

510 9th St (Rapid City)

Cool Prohibition-era speakeasy-style destination for classic cocktails and burgers, plus dancing.

Website ↗

Neighborhood watering hole offering pool, karaoke, and bar bites, plus happy-hour drinks.

1200 E Saint Patrick St (Rapid City)

Neighborhood watering hole offering pool, karaoke, and bar bites, plus happy-hour drinks.

Website ↗
Run a Black Hills business? Two pinned spots a day — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. Advertise →

American grill dishing out faves from grilled fare to seafood in white-tablecloth surrounds.

2111 N Lacrosse St (Rapid City)

American grill dishing out faves from grilled fare to seafood in white-tablecloth surrounds.

Website ↗

Casual eatery featuring a full bar and plenty of burgers and beers.

9356 Neck Yoke Rd (Rapid City)

Casual eatery featuring a full bar and plenty of burgers and beers.

Website ↗

Upscale gathering place at Baken Park offers comfort food and cocktails, plus live music.

707 Mountain View Rd (Rapid City)

Upscale gathering place at Baken Park offers comfort food and cocktails, plus live music.

Website ↗

Craft cocktail bar specializing in whiskeys and other spirits, plus beer, and wine.

627 St Joseph St (Rapid City)

Craft cocktail bar specializing in whiskeys and other spirits, plus beer, and wine.

Website ↗

Located in the Hotel Alex Johnson, this laid-back tavern serves draft brews & American-Irish dishes.

523 6th St #300 (Rapid City)

Located in the Hotel Alex Johnson, this laid-back tavern serves draft brews & American-Irish dishes.

Website ↗

Tapas, beer and wine bar with outdoor seating serving flatbreads and cheese boards.

2001 Hope Ct (Rapid City)

Tapas, beer and wine bar with outdoor seating serving flatbreads and cheese boards.

Website ↗

Relaxed self-serve bar, featuring pizzas, Detroit-style and deep-dish, and tap wines.

615 Main St (Rapid City)

Relaxed self-serve bar, featuring pizzas, Detroit-style and deep-dish, and tap wines.

Website ↗

Expansive rooftop nightspot offering craft cocktails & comfort eats in a polished, modern space.

523 6th St #300 (Rapid City)

Expansive rooftop nightspot offering craft cocktails & comfort eats in a polished, modern space.

Website ↗

Tavern specializing in beer & pizza, with wide varieties of both, served in casual surroundings.

625 St Joseph St (Rapid City)

Tavern specializing in beer & pizza, with wide varieties of both, served in casual surroundings.

Website ↗

Listed here?

You’ve earned the mark — get the BaseLocal’s Best badge for your site →. Want in? List your business →