By Kara Sweet
10. Isabella’s (Newcastle, Wyoming)
Though I may be biased, I had to start my top ten with a patio from my own small town. Isabella’s is a great Italian-inspired restaurant in an historic building on Main Street. The view of the post office, court house (both on the National Register of Historic Places), and library (whose original section was a Carnegie Library) make it a great place to have a meal.
9. Spearfish Creek Wine Bar (Spearfish)
Nestled on a side street of beautiful Spearfish, this quaint patio often has live music to enjoy while sipping on unique wine selections chosen specifically with customers in mind. A don’t-miss in Spearfish.
8. Belle Joli Winery (Sturgis)
An open patio with a view of the Black Hills in the distance makes a glass of Belle Joli sparkling wine taste even more phenomenal here. If you happen to sit here during the week of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the roar of the bikes will create a perfect pairing. Belle Joli’s tasting room in Deadwood also has a great patio.
7. Roma’s (Spearfish)
A beautiful view of Crow Peak can be experienced from this patio, making one in awe of the beauty of the Black Hills. Enjoy a wine from Roma’s list or an entrée from Roma’s menu…neither will disappoint.
6. Buglin’ Bull (Custer)
With a view of Pageant Hill and the well-known, light-up Custer sign, this rooftop deck is the perfect Black Hills photo opportunity. It also allows a great view of Custer’s charming Main Street and tourist traffic all summer long.
5. Que Pasa (Rapid City)
This large patio on the corner of Rapid City’s Main Street and near the action of Main Street Square is the perfect place to have a margarita or sample one of the bar’s fifty-two tequilas. Add some chips and salsa and every day (or night) can be a fiesta!
4. Murphy’s (Rapid City)
Bright, lively, and inviting, this patio is in the heart of what’s happening in Rapid. Sit on one of the comfy outdoor couches to munch on a tasty appetizer while sipping on a cold one. This is the place to meet all your friends on a summer evening.
3. Deadwood Social Club (Deadwood)
Overlooking Deadwood’s Main Street, this is the prime spot to witness all that happens in this historic Old West town. The food and wine are some of the best in the hills. Sitting here for a drink and a small plate is no gamble!
2. Firehouse Brewing Company (Rapid City)
Outdoor fire pits and live music make the original Firehouse Brewing patio a Black Hills favorite. Just down the block is also an outdoor patio facing Main Street in front of Firehouse Wine Cellars…the best of both worlds just feet apart.
1. Vertex Sky Bar (Rapid City)
At the top of the Hotel Alex Johnson, and my list, Vertex has a breathtaking view of Rapid City and the Black Hills. The sophisticated Art Deco style mixes with a modern vibe for a special place to enjoy a cocktail, whether day or night.
About Kara:
Kara Sweet is a certified sommelier through the International Wine Guild and intro level somm through the Court of Master Sommeliers; she does wine education classes and events throughout the Black Hills and surrounding areas. Follow all things food, wine, and the Black Hills on her blog, thesweetsommelier.blogspot.com.
Facebook: The Sweet Sommelier
Twitter: @SweetSommelier
