Visit the Best Pubs in South Dakota for a Casual Night Out

There’s no better way to relax after a long week at work than by grabbing a drink at a friendly local pub. These watering holes are the perfect neighborhood gathering place—whether you’re meeting up with coworkers or old friends. Check out one of these awesome pubs in South Dakota!
Murphy’s Pub & Grill, Rapid City, SD
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Murphy’s Pub & Grill is the spot that Rapid City locals go to hang out. This authentic Irish pub is located in downtown Rapid City and was voted as the best pub in the Black Hills. In addition to a huge variety of drinks, Murphy’s also has a food menu with unique items like buffalo meatloaf, gourmet mac and cheese, Shepherd's pie with marinated lamb and a host of other options.
Paddy O’Neill’s Irish Pub & Grill, Deadwood, SD
Located inside the Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort, Paddy O’Neill’s Irish Pub is the perfect place to start or end an exciting night hitting the town of Deadwood. This pub has plenty of drinks like Deadwood’s largest selection of small-batch beers, 48 fine whiskeys, craft cocktails, as well as a food menu that features scrumptious bar food Paddy O’Neill’s also has a location in Rapid City, so people from all across the Black Hills can enjoy this fun pub. Check out some of their fun events like ladies’ night, college and professional football viewing parties, and happy hour.
Dempsey’s Brewery, Pub & Restaurant, Watertown, SD
Founded in 1999, this family owned and operated pub is one of Watertown’s best eateries. They’ve won numerous awards including “Best Brew” at Brookings Beer Fest and “Best Chili,” as well as winning the South Dakota Great Service Gold Star. This pub is the second oldest brewery in the state and have cemented themselves in Watertown’s bar scene. Make sure to stop in a take a tour of the brewery to see the behind the scenes process in making these refreshing drinks!
Wobbly Bobby, Rapid City, SD
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Another of downtown Rapid City’s lively pubs, Wobbly Bobby has 48 beers on tap as well as scotch, whiskey, bourbon, and bevvies, so there is truly something for everyone. The menu features limited English fare and Mexican cuisine from a nearby restaurant. The classic and elegant decor perfectly complements the old-world atmosphere, making it one of the most beautiful bars around.
Pounders Pub & Grub, Aberdeen, SD
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This casual bar has 40 craft beers on tap and 60 bottled varieties, so there is a drink that everyone can enjoy! Pounders Pub & Grill has 18 flat screen TVs, making it the best spot to watch the latest sporting game while drinking a beer!
Key Insights at a Glance
- Murphy's Pub & Grill: Popular downtown Irish pub, voted best pub in the Black Hills, known for buffalo meatloaf, gourmet mac and cheese, and Shepherd's pie.
- Paddy O'Neill's Irish Pub & Grill: Located in the Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort, it is famous for craft cocktails, extensive whiskey selection, and vibrant events like football viewing parties and happy hour.
- Dempsey's Brewery, Pub & Restaurant: Family-owned since 1999, the second oldest brewery in South Dakota, award-winning beers and chili, offers brewery tours.
- Wobbly Bobby: Downtown Rapid City bar offering 48 beers on tap, an elegant atmosphere, and a blend of English pub fare and Mexican cuisine.
- Pounders Pub & Grub: Known for 40 craft beers on tap, extensive bottled beer selection, and 18 flat-screen TVs perfect for watching sports.