Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll likely find it in Downtown Rapid City. There’s plenty of art and entertainment if you need something to do. There are shops galore if you’re looking for a gift or gear for your next adventure. And, of course, you don’t have to walk far to find your next great bite to eat or a place to meet up for a coffee or local brew.
There are many long-standing local favorites. But Downtown Rapid City also continues to grow and evolve. Bringing with it new places to dine or drink. Check out three of the newest additions to the downtown culinary scene.
“One of the words they advise against using in culinary school when naming your restaurant is ‘ugly,’” says Nathan Dahl, owner of Ugly Graffiti restaurant. Dahl, one of only a handful of classically trained chefs in Rapid City, explained that the name Ugly Graffiti originated from a project during his studies at New England Culinary School, where students were tasked with creating a potential restaurant based on the theme of “controversy.” One thing that isn’t controversial? Ugly Graffiti knows how to make good food.
Dahl initially planned to launch Ugly Graffiti as a downtown restaurant in 2019 but shifted to a food truck in 2020 due to the pandemic. In the three years since the launch, Ugly Graffiti has become a staple among food trucks in the community, offering savory and original takes on carnitas, flatbreads, nachos, and mac & cheese. In March of this year, Dahl realized his dream of opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant in downtown Rapid City. When you walk into the downtown restaurant, you’ll feel welcomed right from the start. Dahl has created a comfortable atmosphere while also making you feel like you’re part of something special.
Ugly Graffiti offers various ways to enjoy the food and space. They provide catering services and can accommodate people’s needs; as Dahl says, “If you want something off the wall for catering, give us a call.” The space is also available for holiday parties and can accommodate up to 125 people.
725 St Joseph Street
https://www.uglygraffitidowntown.com/
Fun Facts:
- Dahl is a military veteran and was inspired to enroll in culinary school through a VA program that helps veterans navigate new careers after their service.
- Chef Dahl’s favorite menu item: Orange Beef Nachos.
- Ugly has 6 rotating tap beers with 20 local crafts beers available as well as 22 different options for wine
“Fun wines & chill vibes” is the motto at BB’s Natural Wine Bar, a phrase they effortlessly embody. BB’s, which opened in 2022, cultivates a modern charm with flourishing plants throughout the space, vinyl records playing, and staff who instantly make you feel at home. It’s as if the space is saying, “We’re so happy you’re here.”
BB’s was inspired by owner Brooke Sweeten’s quest to bring unique wines to South Dakota. “I had joined wine clubs, but there were issues getting the wine shipped to South Dakota.” With a vision in mind, BB’s emerged when an opportunity presented itself: the space it occupies in the same building as Sweeten and her husband Justin Warner’s other business, Bokujo Ramen, became available.
BB’s offers a rotating selection of over 40 different wines, with 10 options available by the glass. They also boast an impressive selection of elevated snacks with seasonal features; Sweeten recommends the Truffy Pop.
724 St Joseph Street
https://www.bbsnaturalwinebar.com/
Fun Facts:
- BB’s also offers craft beer by the can and a non-alcoholic selection of wine.
- You’ll find a rotating collection of local art adorning the walls, available for purchase; the current collection features work by a local art teacher.
- You can get wine to go in their ever-growing provisions section
- BB’s hosts a variety of events, including a monthly book club, an annual Halloween party, and a variety of pop-up events.
Juniper has been offering elevated comfort food to Rapid City for nearly a decade. Owners Alexis and Matthew Sullivan took over the menu in February 2016, and are known for its ever-evolving menu based on local and organically sourced ingredients. Most of their menu items are gluten-free and can accommodate a majority of dietary sensitivities.
So how does something that’s already great take it to another level?
In Juniper’s case, you take it to the top: The Vertex Sky Bar.
The Rapid City business community is known for its ability to collaborate and partner; this new partnership is a prime example. The Vertex Sky Bar recently built a kitchen and was on the hunt for a restaurant to fill the space that matched the ambiance they have worked hard to curate. As fate would have it, Juniper, was looking for their next home. Within the span of two weeks, Juniper moved out of its previous space and opened in the heart of downtown at the Vertex Sky Bar.
Juniper was able to bring their infamous locally-sourced menu, and the Vertex opened a new opportunity to expand with cocktails. “We’re excited to learn about cocktails and food pairings,” Alexis said. “I love the idea of building a menu with complimentary beverages. The staff at the Vertex has been helpful in teaching us.”
One adjustment with the transition of Juniper moving to the Vertex Sky Bar is that membership passes, day passes, or being a hotel guest are necessary to access the space. If you’ve been looking to get a membership, which offers many more benefits in addition to access to the space bar, November is a great month to make the purchase – they offer a BOGO free pass on Black Friday. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind dining experience with an unforgettable atmosphere, Juniper at the Vertex Sky Bar is the answer.
Fun Facts:
- Juniper uses no seed oil in their cooking but rather extra virgin olive oil for cooking, avocado oils for dressings, and an organic California oil for finishing dishes.
- Owner Alexis’ favorite dish is the petite filet but also recommends their French onion soup, made from scratch, and their charcuterie board which features Dimmock cheese as well as imported cheeses.
