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Tatanka Stew
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Reuben Sandwich
Philly Beef Sandwich
About
Laughing Water Restaurant
Welcome to Laughing Water Restaurant, a hidden gem located at 12151 Ave of the Chiefs in beautiful Custer, South Dakota. Just a stone's throw away from the iconic Crazy Horse Memorial, this dining establishment is a delightful fusion of cultural history and culinary creativity. The restaurant’s name pays homage to a nearby creek, making for a truly immersive experience in the heart of the Black Hills.
As you step inside, you're greeted with large windows offering breathtaking views of the Crazy Horse monument. The atmosphere is serene and inviting, perfect for families and explorers alike. Emilie Garrelts praised the menu as "decently priced for being on-site," highlighting their tempting offerings like the Native American Taco and Tatanka Stew. With melt-in-your-mouth flavors and generous portions, the dishes here embody a commitment to quality and authenticity.
Service at Laughing Water Restaurant is exceptional, with staff noted for their warmth and attentiveness. Amanda Blackwell shared her enjoyment of the bison burger and sweet potato fries, which were cooked to perfection. The bustling ambiance combined with the attentive service ensures a delightful dining experience that transports you to the essence of the Black Hills.
On the menu, you’ll find signature items like the BBQ Bourbon Burger topped with deliciously crisp bacon and Swiss cheese, perfectly paired with a side of potato salad. And let's not forget the Tatanka Stew, a treasure trove of tender Black Hills bison simmered with fresh vegetables, served alongside the must-try Indian fry bread. It’s a dish that evokes comfort and warmth, perfect for dipping and savoring.
For dessert, indulge in their delightful Kuchen or Indian Fry Bread at a price that won't break the bank. Kids can also enjoy a diverse menu featuring buffet options that cater to all tastes, ensuring satisfaction for every member of the family.
As you've heard from patrons like Nicole Eng-Pierson and Michael Hoover, the views, food, and service all contribute to an unforgettable experience at Laughing Water Restaurant. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of taste and culture. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this restaurant is a must-visit destination. Come for the food, stay for the views, and leave with a smile!
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“ The restaurant kitchen closed at 7PM on a Wednesday, so we rushed from the parking lot to get seated in time! The restaurant has large windows to view the memorial carving and we got seated closest to that end. The menu was decently priced for being on-site and we loved the food! We ordered the Native American Taco & the Tatanka Stew (buffalo). They were both delicious! ”
“ First the view there was just breath taking. Sitting there waiting for lunch. The atmosphere there was so peaceful. The girls were so quick with the service. Being out of state we all wanted to try different things. We pretty much did. And it was all so good. The service. The food. The views. Prefect! ”
“ The waitress was really nice and always made sure we had what we needed. My bison burger and sweet potato fries were delicious and cooked perfectly. The restaurant was nicely decorated with good views of the Crazy Horse monument. ”
“ #LaughingWaterRestaurant takes its name from an area creek with headwaters at the bottom of Crazy Horse Mountain. We were seated looking out the window with great views of the Crazy Horse monument. The waitress took our order and the food arrived quickly and hot. My husband opted for the #BBQBourbonBurger which was drizzled with a wonderful bourbon BBQ sauce. the burger came with several strips of bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and some lovely onion rings. The burger came with a choice of side, he enjoyed the #PotatoSalad I wanted to try one of their specialties the #TatankaStew Prime cuts of tender Black Hills Bison, slow cooked with carrots, sweet peas, onions, potatoes and celery, simmered in their own blend of tasty seasonings, served with fry bread, and cheese garnish. I loved that the stew came with their native fry bread. The dish was yummy, loved the flavor, and enjoyed dipping the bread in the stew. Overall a great meal, with a great view with wonderful service. A great way to end our visit at Crazy Horse Memorial. ”
“ I really enjoyed my experience here. The host was hilarious and was very kind. The server was quick and got us our food in a timely fashion as we needed to catch the tour bus. The food was super tasty. The views were awesome. The other staff were funny as well. I highly recommend you give them a try. ”
“ Great views and awesome food. Came in for the Native Taco but opted for the Tatonka stew. Very good. Meat was very tender. Not my grandmother’s stew. This was much better. ”
“ I had the Tatonka stew that came with fry bread, and I had it on the side with powdered sugar and honey. The fry bread was the star of the show, and the stew was a bit mild in my opinion, but it might just be how the stew normally tastes. ”
“ The restaurant is in the middle of the Crazy Horse complex and offers a good view of the monument. It was surprisingly affordable given the context and the quality of the food. I highly recommend the Indian Taco, and be sure to save room for the authentic desserts! ”