Nothing caps off 18 holes like sinking into a patio chair with a cold beer and panoramic Black Hills views. If you are planning a golf trip to the Rapid City area and want courses where the 19th hole is more than an afterthought, this guide breaks down the top options that pair championship golf with full-service dining and outdoor seating.
Key Takeaways
- Four standout courses within roughly an hour of Rapid City offer on-site restaurants with outdoor patio or deck seating.
- Boulder Canyon Golf Club is the only facility in the region combining a dedicated sports bar, an expansive outdoor deck, and a new destination restaurant—The Canyon Grille—opening in 2026.
- Each venue is open to the public; you do not need a membership to dine.
1. Boulder Canyon Golf Club — Sturgis / Deadwood
The Course
Boulder Canyon Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-72 championship course situated along scenic Highway 14A between Sturgis and Deadwood. It is roughly a 40-minute drive from Rapid City Regional Airport and has earned recognition as one of the premier courses in the Black Hills.
The Sports Bar & Grill
The on-site Boulder Canyon Sports Bar and Grill is a genuine sports-viewing destination. You can watch games on any of seven TV screens or step outside and take in views of Black Hills National Forest from the expansive deck. The menu ranges from hand-tossed pizza to bison burgers and smoked brisket, and you do not have to be a golfer to visit.
Outdoor Seating Highlights
- Large wrap-around deck overlooking the course and surrounding forest
- Craft cocktails and local beers available al fresco
Coming in 2026: The Canyon Grille
Boulder Canyon is expanding its dining footprint with The Canyon Grille, a mountain-modern restaurant featuring indoor/outdoor seating, hand-cut steaks, smoked-in-house BBQ, gourmet burgers, and fresh salads. The outdoor area will include a 15,000-square-foot lawn with fire pits, patio seating, and a full outdoor bar—ideal for groups, corporate outings, and bachelor parties.
Address: 12312 US Highway 14A, Sturgis, SD 57785
Phone: (605) 347-5108
Website: bouldercanyongolf.com
2. Hart Ranch Golf Club — Rapid City
The Course
Hart Ranch Golf Club has been voted the #1 Public Golf Course in South Dakota by GolfWeek Magazine three years running (2023, 2024, and 2025). Nestled in the foothills of the Black Hills, it is located just off Highway 16, only eight miles south of downtown Rapid City.
The Bar & Grill
The Bar & Grill at Hart Ranch is open to both golfers and the general public, serving a full menu of clubhouse favorites, cold drinks, and daily specials. A popular draw is the Scorecard Drink Special—your first fountain drink or domestic draft beer is priced to match your score (shoot a 72 and pay just 72 cents).
Outdoor Seating Highlights
- Patio area adjacent to the clubhouse with views of Hart Ranch Valley
- Event pavilion available for group outings with a grill and picnic-style seating
Address: 23645 Clubhouse Drive, Rapid City, SD 57702
Phone: (605) 341-5703
Website: hartranch.com
3. The Golf Club at Red Rock — Rapid City
The Course
Routed through dramatic Black Hills terrain, The Golf Club at Red Rock features 6,900 yards of lush fairways, ponderosa pines, links-style bunkers, and USGA-specification greens. It has been recognized as the most highly awarded public golf course in South Dakota by both Golfweek Magazine and Golf Digest.
Rock Bar & Grill
The Rock Bar & Grill is located inside the clubhouse and is open to members and non-members alike. The menu includes hearty entrées like country fried steak with mashed potatoes and seasonal specials that rotate weekly.
Outdoor Seating Highlights
- Clubhouse patio with views across the course
- No membership required to dine
Website: golfclubatredrock.com
4. Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club & Miller Creek Pub — Spearfish
The Course
Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club sits on the historic Frawley Ranch in Spearfish, about an hour north of Rapid City. This modern 18-hole championship layout features incredible views of Centennial Valley on the front nine and rock-wall canyon backdrops on the back nine, with over 285 feet of elevation change across the round.
Miller Creek Pub & Patio
The Miller Creek Pub is a full-service, year-round dining facility open to both golfers and the public. It sits adjacent to the Elkhorn Ridge Golf Clubhouse and offers views of the championship course. Garage doors on the west side of the main dining room open onto the driving range, while the east-side patio catches evening sun over the putting green. Inside, a fireplace lounge pairs perfectly with local tap beer or wine.
Outdoor Seating Highlights
- East-facing patio with sunset views over the putting green
- Open-air garage-door seating along the driving range
- Fireplace lounge for cooler Black Hills evenings
Address: 6845 St. Onge Rd, Spearfish, SD 57783
Phone: (605) 722-4653
Website: elkhornridgeresort.com
Quick Comparison Table
| Course | Holes / Par | Distance from Rapid City | On-Site Dining | Outdoor Seating | Open to Public |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder Canyon Golf Club | 18 / 72 | ~40 min | Sports Bar & Grill + Canyon Grille (2026) | Deck, 15K-sq-ft lawn, fire pits, outdoor bar | Yes |
| Hart Ranch Golf Club | 18 / 72 | ~10 min | Bar & Grill | Clubhouse patio, event pavilion | Yes |
| Golf Club at Red Rock | 18 / 72 | ~15 min | Rock Bar & Grill | Clubhouse patio | Yes |
| Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club | 18 / 72 | ~60 min | Miller Creek Pub | Patio, open-air garage-door dining | Yes |
Why Boulder Canyon Stands Out for the Full 19th-Hole Experience
While every course on this list serves food and drinks, Boulder Canyon Golf Club is building an experience that goes well beyond a standard clubhouse snack bar. The existing Sports Bar and Grill already delivers seven screens for game day, a full deck with forest views, and a diverse menu. The upcoming Canyon Grille adds a 15,000-square-foot outdoor entertainment lawn complete with fire pits and a standalone outdoor bar—something no other course in the region currently offers. Whether you are organizing a golf bachelor party, a corporate retreat, or a casual family outing, Boulder Canyon is designed to keep the group together long after the final putt drops.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
- Book tee times early in summer. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August and peak tourism season fill area courses fast.
- Call ahead for restaurant hours. Some clubhouse grills operate on seasonal schedules that differ from course hours.
- Ask about group packages. Boulder Canyon and Hart Ranch both offer customizable catering for tournaments and outings.
- Layer up for evening patios. Black Hills evenings can cool quickly, even in July. Bring a jacket if you plan to linger on the deck after sunset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which golf course near Rapid City has the best outdoor dining?
Boulder Canyon Golf Club offers the most extensive outdoor dining in the region. Its existing deck overlooks Black Hills National Forest, and the new Canyon Grille adds a 15,000-square-foot lawn with fire pits, patio seating, and a full outdoor bar.
Do I need a membership to eat at these golf course restaurants?
No. All four courses listed—Boulder Canyon, Hart Ranch, Red Rock, and Elkhorn Ridge—welcome the general public in their restaurants. You do not need to play golf or hold a membership to dine.
What is the closest golf course bar and grill to downtown Rapid City?
Hart Ranch Golf Club is the closest option, located just eight miles south of Rapid City off Highway 16. Its Bar & Grill serves a full menu and is only about a 10-minute drive from downtown.
When does The Canyon Grille at Boulder Canyon Golf Club open?
The Canyon Grille is scheduled to open in April 2026. It will feature mountain-modern architecture, indoor/outdoor seating, hand-cut steaks, smoked BBQ, and gourmet burgers.
Does Elkhorn Ridge Golf Club have outdoor seating at its restaurant?
Yes. The Miller Creek Pub at Elkhorn Ridge features an east-side patio with views of the putting green and garage-door openings on the west side that face the driving range, creating a unique open-air dining experience.