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Buffalo Dreamer, Hot Springs, SD

Buffalo Dreamer

4.7
4.7
481 Reviews
$50 and over
American
Top Tags:
Guest must be 18 +

Balancing flavor in food is always a journey and a work of art. To create food alchemy is to get in touch with the ingredients, feel the little creative nudges, follow your instincts, take risks, have courage and just allow.

At Buffalo Dreamer, Chef Rebecca Christensen is a relentless perfectionist, pursuing harmony in American cuisine as she brings together food flavors and recipes from absolutely everywhere.

Located at Moccasin Springs, an ancient mineral spring with newly renovated soaking pools, Buffalo Dreamer offers the transformative experience of food prepared with love and deep intention. Come dine with us and rest awhile. You just might feel the spirits of the majestic buffalo that once bathed, wallowed and fed in this historic and sacred site.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 4 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    American, Fusion / Eclectic, Farm-to-table
  • Hours of operation
    Fri–Sun 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (605) 745-6100
  • Website
    http://buffalodreamer.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Rebecca Christensen
  • Private party facilities
    We would love to host your private event. Please visit BuffaloDreamer.com for your requests!
  • Location
    1829 Minnekahta Avenue, Hot Springs, SD 57747
  • Neighborhood
    Rapid City
  • Cross street
    Minnekahta Ave
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Additional
    Beer, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 481 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • South Dakota

    Best Overall

  • South Dakota

    Best Food

  • South Dakota

    Best Value

  • South Dakota

    Innovative

  • South Dakota

    Healthy

  • South Dakota

    Romantic

  • South Dakota

    Good for special occasions

  • South Dakota

    American

  • Rapid City

    Most Booked

481 Reviews

  1. PatriciaV

    South Dakota

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    My food was very good, but your black Alaskian Cod was horrible, very mis leading expecting baked not drown in soup. I would never recommend that to anyone. It was awful and tasted worse than it looked and way over priced. The price was unbelievable too much.

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  2. AMYJ

    South Dakota

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We always enjoy our time and meal at Buffalo Dreamer. If you’re looking for a quaint restaurant with outstanding cuisine, this is your place. If you’re looking for an inexpensive meal that’s served to you quickly, this isn’t your place. We enjoy the conversation with whomever is joining us while we wait for our meal to be thoughtfully prepared by the chef. Always a fantastic experience from start to finish!

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  3. EGGS20

    Fargo

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was excellent and definitely worth the wait! Definitely a place we will be going again!

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  4. BethB

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Truly delicious food, in an unexpected locale: the chef is creative but so clearly competent. Special mention for the service (James) which made the whole experience a delight.

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  5. ChristopherAmber

    South Dakota

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 13, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    This chef has some serious skills! Thank you so much for the delicious food!

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  6. Ann48

    South Dakota

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place did not disappoint us! We had a wonderful experience. The food was fresh and so divine I highly recommend eating here you will not regret it. It’s probably one of the best restaurants to eat in the Black Hills in my opinion.

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  7. Cari

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Buffalo Dreamer is a must anytime I'm in the area! Always incredible food, our waiter was very attentive and explained each dish so we knew exactly what we were getting. Don't expect a large menu but know you'll receive excellence! Don't miss out on the opportunity to dine at the Buffalo Dreamer!

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  8. SeanL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent as always. We loved the food and found it to be such a treat. The steak with chimichurri was Ana absolute delight. James, our server was also fun to engage with. We came with our friends and loved every last morsel. I recommend this small place to anyone and everyone!

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  9. BarbaraW

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent experience. We will return, with the knowledge that we have to book in advance. The blini starter was especially good.

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  10. Kerr

    South Dakota

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Eating at Buffalo Dreamer is a super special experience. Chef Rebecca crafts everything by hand with super fresh and local ingredients. The flavors are out of this world - every bite is a symphony of taste sensation. I've eaten here numerous times and i always leave feeling so happy and nourished as the food and the love put into the whole experience is super high vibration!

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    South Dakota

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The small plates and entrees are always a remarkable combination. This is the only restaurant I could contact in the Hills that offers a refined sugar free dessert so I could celebrate our wedding anniversary.😁

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  12. Marty444

    Minneapolis

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was amazing with many unique flavors and textures that blended together perfectly. It is a true treasure in an area that usually focuses on meat and potatoes meals.

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  13. MatthewC

    Central Texas

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on October 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Partner and I dined together. Very small space. Definitely waited for food but worth the wait. Delicious meal. The server was great, too; appreciated their drink recommendations. Would definitely return.

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  14. KimJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was accommodating and prompt. Food was beautiful and delicious. Was the perfect cap on a very relaxing day. Can not wait for the next time.

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  15. TysonH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We had a great time and the food was worth the wait. We will be back again.

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    South Dakota

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I loveeee food and consider eating out a joyful experience. The food and service did not disappoint. I’m a small gal and usual order a lot but just take a few bites because I want to taste it all but normally can’t eat it all …not this time I ordered 5 courses ( dishes were not small portions) and finished all of it except the desert because it was just to good not to and was so light and fresh. It was so good and made my heart so happy. My server was very engaging, kind and professional.

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  17. GregC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Overall a fabulous experience; The food was top notch. Wow. The wait time was longer than anticipated. We did order an appetizer that was great and came in a reasonable time. Then about 45 min to an hour before dinner, after finishing appetizers. Some table bread could have solved this issue. And a breath mint on the way out would have been nice. Definitely a good overall experience though. Would recommend to others. Sometimes a wait for good food is worth it though. I would rate at 4.5/5 honestly.

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  18. Rochelle

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Overall everything was really good! There was quite a bit of a wait for us to get our food (90 mins) which was hard since we were so tired and had a long drive home. But the food was fantastic.

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  19. RichardS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food here is amazing. Small restaurant with big tastes. So glad Hot Springs has a place like this.

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  20. Linart62

    South Dakota

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Beautifully balanced flavors and seasoning. Food is creative and artistically presented. We loved it and will ll return again.

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  21. Tree

    South Dakota

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We ❤️ the Buffalo Dreamer! We eat there a couple tomes per month & the food is always amazing. It is our favorite because most of the time it is gluten-free and local sourced. Chef Rebecca makes everything taste delicious.

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  22. NelidaM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Very small space but absolutely glorious food and pristine service!

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    South Dakota

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We love Chef Rebecca’s food. One of our top places to dine in the Black Hills. Appreciate that everything is gluten free, and the dessert’s are phenomenal. Recommend starting with dessert 😊!

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  24. ShellyJ

    South Dakota

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is amazing and very unique. Quaint and pleasant atmosphere. It is a bit pricey, but worth it. Great for a special occasion. Love it!

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  25. OpenTable Diner

    Salt Lake City

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Absolutely fabulous food. Highly recommend eating here. Just be sure to come prepared to wait quite a while for your food and do be sure to order an appetizer since the wait for the main dish is quite long. But, the chef prepares everything exquisitely and the plating is so great that the wait is worth it.

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  26. ColbyL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Entire menu is amazing. Outstanding service and beautiful setting in the Southern Hills.

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  27. CarsonP

    Minneapolis

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    In my Opinion, the best restaurant in South Dakota. Always incredible food and incredible service from James.

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  28. AllegraP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best restaurants I've ever been too. Food is definitely worth the hour wait- this is a restaurant that you would find in NYC, but fortunately is here in the Black Hills!

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  29. Meghan

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    We came here for our anniversary dinner. The server was great and had nice suggestions. The food was absolutely incredible! The only complaint would be that is was pretty hot in the restaurant, but even though, it was still a beautiful experience! We will be back!

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  30. BachFan24

    South Dakota

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    This is a beautiful little eating place with high quality food, well-prepared and tastefully plated. I really like the waiter I had. He's just friendly enough and very efficient.

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  31. LukeH

    South Dakota

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience1
    Food so-so, service negligent Our second visit and same experience. Food is “over-engineered”, to many ingredients and a mix of flavors so it all ends to be a undefinable, pricey mash. My wife’s Halibut was tasty by itself but the sauce that came with it made it almost inedible, it was so hot. More of a chemical spill then Alchemy. At the time of ordering we asked the server about the characteristics of the dish, the uninspired answer was: “ It comes with a sauce.” At both visits, we had to wait for one and a half hour for our food, although the place was half empty. How disregardful the Staff is proved itself after our visit. I left my credit card behind and called the place the next day. The message I left was not answered. Once I finally was able to get a hold of someone, I was reassured, that they would send me the card. An offer on my part to reimburse any expenses to do so was declined. The card was never returned to me, even after a second Call to check on it. What a way to operate a business, disgraceful.

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  32. SFEating

    San Francisco

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a find!!! A spectacular meal with exquisite service. Our waiter was wonderful as he explained the different items on the menu in great detail and answered all of our question. The food was wonderful and cooked to perfection. Everything we had was absolutely delicious, including the wine. This is a true gem of a restaurant in Hot Springs, South Dakota. I would come here again just so I could eat here!!!

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  33. KathleenM

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience2
    We were looking forward to a nice meal and was surprised that our salads were really spicy. Jalapeño peppers were cut into small bits in the salad and the dressing was overpowered by vinegar. The main course was good but not worth the hefty price tag. We were seated at a table that was very cramped and once we sat down, one could not move for fear of hitting a chair abutted against each other.

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  34. ArtB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding food. Beautifully prepared and crafted. This should be a “must stop” for anyone looking for a wonderful culinary experience when visiting Hot Springs South Dakota

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    Des Moines

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic dinner as always ! It’s our favorite place in the hills

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was the best meal I have had from a restaurant in a few years. Everything tasted amazing, the service was great and the atmosphere was wonderful.

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  37. KaylaD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Buffalo Dreamer was recommended by multiple people and as visitors, we decided to try it. We made a reservation. We got there and were sat down promptly. While we were waiting for our food, they brought us a small salad, which was delicious! They were super accommodating to food allergies (e.g., dairy) and stated clearly on the menu that they can do vegan! Our food was delicious and great portions! The service was great! We’d highly recommend Buffalo Dreamer!

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  38. BlackHillsDiner

    South Dakota

    26 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on August 4, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    As always, Chef Rebecca creates amazing food with amazing ingredients. There is no other restaurant in the area producing the kind of dishes she does - a wonderful and unique experience in the Black Hills.

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  39. RachelW

    Orlando

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The dinner was healthy, delicious and prepared perfectly, including a lovely presentation. The service was also spot on!

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  40. MarthaT

    Grand Rapids

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely fantastic food!! The flavors were amazing!! Took a little long to get the food but worth the wait.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Buffalo Dreamer is rated 4.7 stars by 481 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 4 times today
Google Map for Buffalo Dreamer

1829 Minnekahta Avenue, Hot Springs, SD 57747

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Minnekahta Ave
  • Neighborhood
    Rapid City
  • Hours of operation
    Fri–Sun 5:00 pm–8:00 pm
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    American, Fusion / Eclectic, Farm-to-table
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Rebecca Christensen
  • Additional
    Beer, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://buffalodreamer.com/
  • Phone number
    (605) 745-6100
  • Private party facilities
    We would love to host your private event. Please visit BuffaloDreamer.com for your requests!
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