Skogen Kitchen

Restaurant · Custer

Skogen Kitchen

Restaurant · Custer

1

29 N 5th St, Custer, SD 57730

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Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null
Skogen Kitchen by null

Highlights

Seed oil-free eatery with standout risotto, octopus, and filet mignon  

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29 N 5th St, Custer, SD 57730 Get directions

skogenkitchen.com
@skogenkitchen

$$$ · Menu

Reserve

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29 N 5th St, Custer, SD 57730 Get directions

+1 605 673 2241
skogenkitchen.com
@skogenkitchen

$$$ · Menu

Reserve

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reservations
reservations required

Last updated

Sep 29, 2025

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@eater

The Best Restaurants Near Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Black Hills | Eater

"Led by chef Joseph Raney, a 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest, and his wife Eliza, this seasonally driven, locally sourced restaurant blends global techniques with regional ingredients — think soft egg raviolo with lamb bolognese and brown butter, beef tartare tacos with yuzu truffle crema and pickled ramps, foie gras paired with crème fraîche ice cream, and buffalo short ribs with dried cherries and toasted pine nuts." - Matt Kirouac

https://www.eater.com/24239151/black-hills-south-dakota-travel-guide-restaurants-food
View Postcard for Skogen Kitchen

Peggy Bowes

Google
My husband and I travel around the US, and have dined in restaurants all over the nation. Skogen Kitchen is definitely one of our favorites. This is our second time eating here, and we can't wait to return. We are especially delighted that the menu is seed oil free! We ordered a bottle of reasonably-priced Napa Valley cab, several appetizers (gazpacho, octopus, steam buns, foie gras and lobster linguine), the duck confit entree and two desserts. We were blown away by everything! Our server, Yevhenii, was attentive, knowledgeable and made great recommendations. The restaurant has somewhat limited seating, so plan ahead and make a reservation. Don't miss the opportunity to dine at Skogen during your visit to the Black Hills. Highly recommended!

D. O.

Google
The favorites: risotto and roasted octopus. I’ve been here twice, got both dishes again! The risotto was saltier the second time around, but still very good. I really enjoy the dates in the octopus dish.

Swanny1016

Google
Wow, amazing! The four of us enjoyed our meals. The au gratin spuds and the sauce over my fillet was stellar. My wife loved the risotto and her parents munched up the halibut. $215 well spent.

Missy Strong

Google
This place has a great menu with some interesting choices. I also want to shout out the fantastic hostess who worked her magic to bump our reservation up early and our waitress, Destiny, who was so great. We got the carrot ginger soup which was very good. The endive salad was a great idea, but it was overdressed and pretty vinegar-forward for our tastes. My father got the halibut, which was excellent, but the absolute standout was the goat cheese and beet ravioli. It was beautiful to look at and every bite, from first to last was incredible!

Brian Misnuner

Google
Was in the area for a birthday celebration, and decided on this place. Everything was absolutely amazing, from the friendly staff, fantastic service, and exceptional food. Everything looked really good, we chose the Fillet Mignon and the Salmon, along with a starter of roasted peppers, walnuts, goat cheese. Definetly recommended!

monica kramer

Google
Wonderful and unexpected restaurant in Custer! We were very happy with everything ordered, and this was by far the best meal had on our 12 day trip through both of the Dakota’s. If you are a foodie, you will love it! I had a delicious cream of asparagus soup, and the risotto with English peas and morels was divine. Make reservations, you won’t want to miss this place!

Aleksandar Subotic

Google
This restaurant stands out as an absolute gem of Black Hills when it comes to amazing food and ingredients. You will probably not find anything like it in the 100 mile area and probably even further. They don't use inflammatory oils and ingredients are top notch. Everything that came from that kitchen was visually appealing, inviting and delicious. The Endive Salad blew my mind. They switch menus depending on the season but whenever you visit,you will be satisfied. Sometimes I visit to South Dakota just to eat here. Thank you for all the amazing experiences and service. Keep up the good job!

Emily Ellsworth

Google
What a lovely find in Custer! The food was delicious, definently the very best filet I have ever had. The prices are high, but worth every penny. Be prepared for a delightful experience from start to finish. Reservations are highly recommended! I made ours for a table of 6 two months in advance. The place is small and cozy.

Joelyn M.

Yelp
Amazing experience and food. I would travel hours to experience this restaurant again.

Elsie M.

Yelp
This place is amazing! Everything- the service was great and the food was amazing. Custer is a small town but this restaurant would rate highly in any city!
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Ka'ili H.

Yelp
Skogen was a happy surprise after our almost 7 mile hike to Black Elk's peak! We woke up early from camping in the badlands to do the Notch trail hike then drove to Custer State park to explore what they had to offer and get another hike in! We checked into our cabin and were ready to eat a good dinner. Our cabin had a list of places to try in Custer and I looked up Skogen curious because the name stood out to me and I saw that it had been a James Beard recognized we knew we had to check it out. We were almost discouraged because it said reservations are recommended but walk ins are welcome if available. Their earliest reservation availability was 8:00pm. My boyfriend suggested we just go, hiking attire and all, and see if they can seat us. We did, and we were seated on their patio pretty promptly! The patio area was cozy, they had heated lamps above us to cut the chill that would blow through every once in awhile. Our waiter was Eugene, he was friendly, had great recommendations on appetizers and entrees and managed to serve the tables in the patio pretty well considering there was a door and steps to get to it. My boyfriend and I went back and forth on what we wanted for our appetizers but finally decided on espressos to start, the beef tartar tacos and the bluefin sashimi. We finished each with satisfying smiles and were eager to try the Buffalo Short Rib. We both decided on the short rib because it's something we can't get in Omaha so we went for it. I especially loved the romesco sauce spread on the side of the plate along with the spinach, toasted pine nuts (huge lover of pine nuts!) and the dried cherries added a bit of sweetness to the hearty fall tasting meal. The pine nuts added a nice crunch while the shaved manchego cheese provided a nice milky nutty taste that balanced out the whole meal. Everything on our plate married well together and provided a harmonious wholesome meal. We were both equally impressed and satisfied. Being that this dinner was the only meal we ate "out" for we were happy we chose Skogen. The chef certainly knows what he's doing and deserves the recognition he's received. If you ever find yourself in Custer South Dakota, I highly recommend you check out Skogen! (just not during Sturgis Rally or January)
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Hillary P.

Yelp
An amazing dinner! Reservations, not only recommended, but required in order to get a seat at this most impressive table in front of this Jame Beard nominated kitchen. Street parking is readily available in the area, but you may have to hunt a peak hours. Our reservation was for not the dining room area but more of an enclosed porch that was added onto accommodate more people. We were pretty cozy although you do have to go outside and back into the restaurant to find restrooms, trust me, the food makes up for this! We enjoyed an à la cart experience and tried many wonderful dishes. The Parmesan soup was by far most outrageous experience for a soup that I've ever had. Entrées, one all better than the next, are all prepared to order with super fresh ingredients. The dessert, which was hard to believe that we had room, was amazing as well. Chef Raney checked on us several times and even shared one of his recipes! So totally unassuming for having been nominated not once, but twice, as a finalist for James Bread recognition. Chef Raney is a maestro. This is a must stop when in the Custer South Dakota area.
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Katrina G.

Yelp
We enjoyed dinner here and we can't say enough great things about this place! The food was flavorful and we both loved both of our meals. We got a salad to share and I got the risotto as an entry! The risotto and salad were both amazing! We both ordered a glass of Merlot from Goldschmidt Vineyards in Sonoma County. Being from Sonoma County, we were excited to see a Sonoma County wine on the menu and it was amazing! The service was excellent! This is a cute restaurant tucked away in the downtown area! Highly recommend to all looking for an amazing dining experience while in Custer!
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Tim H.

Yelp
Something's never change. From the apps to entree to dessert... "perfectomundo". When in Custer treat yourself to 5 Star excellence.

Harry S.

Yelp
Tucked quietly into its mountain town setting, Skogen Kitchen makes a resounding case for destination dining. The evening begins with a staff whose attentiveness never slips into formality -- a rare balance of warmth and precision that frames the meal without overshadowing it. The tasting menu, offered with an intelligent wine pairing, reveals a kitchen unafraid of nuance. A starter of truffle-ponzu-glazed foie gras is both daring and delicate: the earthiness of the truffle and the sharp lift of citrus-laced ponzu coax unexpected brightness from the richness of the liver. Equally thoughtful is a dish of egg and pasta, deceptively simple but revealing layers of texture and depth that mark the chef's steady hand. The centerpiece, a venison cooked to a perfect medium rare, arrives tender and succulent, its flavor lifted rather than masked by a red-berry sauce that resists the common trap of excess sweetness. Each bite balances game, fruit, and acidity in a way that feels inevitable, as though the dish could exist no other way. Skogen Kitchen is more than a restaurant -- it is an argument for care, craft, and a clear culinary voice. It is rare to find a kitchen where every element, from service to seasoning, aligns toward a singular expression. Here, it does.
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LuAnn S.

Yelp
This is a very unique place to eat in our area!! The menu is limited but everything we ate was cooked to perfection and had great presentation. Things to know are it's expensive and you need to make reservations! The service is top notch, but the inside and outside are very deceiving! The outside would not draw you in for sure and the inside is very small and a little crowded feeling, with a long bench along the wall and little tables and chairs all along it! My husband had filet mignon and he said it was the best steak he's ever had. I had lobster linguini and even though it was on appetizer menu, it was a perfect size serving and delicious! With recommendation from our server, we had the fried chicken sammie's for our appetizer and she was right, they were perfection. We did not have dessert, but it looked delicious. I would say Skogen is perfect for that special evening out!
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Krystal C.

Yelp
What a find A chefs table dining experience in the middle of Custer SD on the off season. A fine dining experience with a relaxed atmosphere. We had such an awesome experience from the service to the food, this is a can't miss. We ordered the lobster buns which were amazing! The goat cheese beet raviolis are to die for. For the main course the steak, sauce was awesome, and the salmon. Everything is an order again My only regret is not being able to order everything on the menu! Don't question and make a reservation!
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Robyn W.

Yelp
This was the best meal I've had in a long time. Everything was cooked perfectly. The service was impeccable. If you enjoy fine dining, make a reservation. You won't be disappointed!
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Missy S.

Yelp
This place has a great menu with some interesting choices. I also want to shout out the fantastic hostess who worked her magic to bump our reservation up early and our waitress, Destiny, who was so great. We got the carrot ginger soup which was very good. The endive salad was a great idea, but it was overdressed and pretty vinegar-forward for our tastes. My father got the halibut, which was excellent, but the absolute standout was the goat cheese and beet ravioli. It was beautiful to look at and every bite, from first to last was incredible!
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Troy W.

Yelp
We arrived in Custer Friday night and noticed this restaurant had very high reviews on yelp and James Beard nominated. Somehow we got lucky to get a reservation for the same night. The restaurant was very small and packed as it was Labor Day weekend. Our hostess worked very quickly to get us seated and the server was not far behind. Everything on the menu looked so good It was hard to decide. We chose the duck confit and the Buffalo short ribs. Everything was moist and tender, perfectly cooked, made form scratch of course and the flavor combinations were outstanding. We only wish we could have gone back during our stay in the Black Hills. We will make sure we have a reservation next time we're in Custer. Advice: book at least one night at this restaurant while you are in the Custer area. You will not be disappointed.

Rod H.

Yelp
Best restaurant is South Dakota hands down. Cozy and intimate interior and atmosphere with creative, gourmet food and great service. My wife and I had the bison short ribs main dish while my son had the Iberico pork chop special. Shared appetizer were the lobster buns. All outstanding with perfectly blended flavors. Desserts were to die for. Very, very highly recommended.

Sue D.

Yelp
Omg it was so delicious we went there 2 days in a row! We think it's the best restaurant in the state of South Dakota. The menu is small farm to table fresh and seasonal! The staff and owner are so friendly and welcoming. Ambiance is great they have two adjoining rooms in addition to the main dining room. Reservations are definitely recommended!
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David J.

Yelp
I didn't expect to see a fine dining restaurant in Custer SD. I was skeptical that Skogen was the real thing. It is truly fine by any standard. The building itself is a typical local place, probably an old bar. The vibe is energetic, but not too loud. Service was excellent, clearly benefiting from intensive training. The food, tomato salad, lobster buns, and the great butter cake, could not have been better. We shared a nice California Chardonnay, fairy priced. We were a little disappointed that martinis were not allowed, but we got over it. Great!
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Kelly L.

Yelp
Made a reservation and came here after visiting the local sights. Super cute little restaurant that seems constantly busy. I reserved a seat in the side patio which was a nice little getaway from the crowd. I had already seen the menu so I knew exactly what I wanted so I just went for it and a treat yourself type of meal. Shishito peppers (5/5) - the goat cheese crema was a great sauce for the snap peas and shishito peppers, which were expertly blistered. The walnuts were a great bit of crunch. Tuna sashimi (4/5) - nice to get some seafood but this probably had a little too many components that took away from the fresh fish. Still good though! Good kick from the green chermoula and calabrian peppers. Blood orange for a bit of sweetness. Roasted Halibut (5/5) - I was surprised, it was pretty big filet! The yuzu butter sauce had bits of rhubarb giving it a citrusy/tart yet rich flavor. Fish was perfectly flaky and tender. Basque cheesecake (5/5) - amazing cheesecake! Super fluffy and not at all dense. Topped with salted caramel ice cream and a drizzle of olive oil. The olive oil was an interest component and did go great with everything! Spent about $130 with tax and tip, so not light on the wallet but definitely worth it for the satisfying food! Will be back shortly haha
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Bill R.

Yelp
One word .... Exquisite ! Had a wonderful time at Skogen Kitchen. Everything you read about it in the reviews is spot on. Flavors were superb and portion sizes were very adequate. The restaurant itself seats about 30, has an open kitchen and a chef that remains right in the middle of the preparation and patrons. He supervises everything coming out of the kitchen, and he interacts table side. The menu had about 8 appetizers and 6 entrees. Appetizers were very creative. We chose the Lobster Rolls and Shishito Peppers. Lobster Rolls (3) were delicate rolls stuffed with perfectly prepared lobster and fresh bushed off with a light hollandaise sauce. Pepper dish was sautéed with veggies and walnuts over a light crema. Shishito peppers were plentiful and delicious. We could have easily made a meal from the appetizer listing. We chose the Sea Bass as the main course. Perfectly prepared with a light lemon sauce and accompanied with fingerling potatoes and a vegetable medley. The sauce was tremendous. We finished with a Carmel butter cake accompanied with popcorn ice cream. Crazy good. Highly recommend without any reservations. Superb rating on everything start to finish. Wish I lived in the area.

Greg G.

Yelp
High end food, medium prices. Knowledgeable staff. They know the food and how it's prepped. Popular do reservations required. Small and has a great vibe. My favorite fine dining. Chef is a James Beard finalist.
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Lisa S.

Yelp
Don't let this seemingly small, non-descript building deceive you. Inside is a culinary experience to tantalize your taste buds. Service was exceptional from recommending a delicious Grenache wine to pair with our sweet potato agnolotti topped with shelled lobster - Mmmmm. We started with carrot soup and a caprese salad that were both exceptional. And we ended the meal with the most delicious butter cake topped with Carmel popcorn and salted Carmel ice cream - WOW. My husband was seriously considering licking the plate but re-thought the plan for fear someone would take a video of him. Needless to say, we are coming back again before we leave the area to try other dishes on the menu. Chef Joseph greats customers and works as hard as his staff to provide an exceptional experience.
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Brianna W.

Yelp
Best meal we've had in ages! Couldn't go wrong with anything on the menu and our server was awesome and very attentive.

Jean H.

Yelp
The food was so unique and the presentation was amazing. Our waitress, Sidney, was extremely knowledgeable on the menu and the wine list. You will not be disappointed if you eat here.

Jax C.

Yelp
Renata was our server and she was wonderful. She provided great suggestions and was very attentive. We had looked at the menu before hand and went with the shishito peppers and was delighted at the alternative cooking with a goat cheese sauce, zaatar spices and walnuts. Came together very nicely. My husband had the Black Sea bass. The sauce was a unique tangy smoky tomato based and paired very well with the fish that was nicely cooked. The buffalo spare ribs just melted off the bones. The sauce on the side had a nice nutty flavor but wasn't needed for the ribs that already has a sweet glaze. The spinach salad with dried cherries, pine nuts and manchego cheese was a delight. (Personal preference for light or no salt, so this was on the salty side for me. Still enjoyed a few bites). Overall the spare ribs were a highlight being able to fall off the bones and simply a delight on its own without the sides. Popcorn fan but not a butter cake fan... but WOW! if you like a dense moist cake with nice caramel flavors but still feels light after finishing a bite (or the whole slide), this is it! Kettle corn is a favorite snack but like top chef, this dessert +/- the popcorn on top...one popcorn got a little soft. It really did add an element of texture compared to dense full cake with light ice cream. I get it, the crunch factor from the popcorn was fun. And yet, perfect as well without. This restaurant is on our list of recommendations for sure if you want something new, flavorful, creative, and simply done well! Make reservations well ahead of time. It is a small quaint restaurant. We went mid week so noise level was not an issue. Great for smaller groups, date night, a get-away from the kids dinner.

Alexandria N.

Yelp
Skogen Kitchen is our favorite restaurant ever! We come for every birthday from Nebraska. Skogen is the kind of place where no matter what you get, even if it's not something you'd typically order, it's amazing. We had the paquillo peppers and oysters on the half shell for appetizers, and wild mushroom risotto, halibut and the filet for entrees. Then a birthday sorbet, crème brûlée and the butter cake for dessert. Amazing as always!
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Sara S.

Yelp
This place was recommended to us by friends. I was a little worried when looking at the menu because it's definitely not our normal food, but it was fantastic! I don't think you could get bad food there. We had the filet and risotto the first night we went, both were amazing, and we would order again. The second night, my husband decided to go outside his comfort zone and ordered the duck, it was great. The lobster bao buns are a must. The desserts were also perfect. Service was great. Only complaint, the building is very small and cramped and you are sitting very close to other people.

Whit R.

Yelp
Had a wonderful dinner here on a road trip through North and South Dakota and it was for sure the dining highlight of our trip! We started by sharing a very generously portioned arugula salad, loved both the entrees (rabbit leg and filet) and finished with both the choc tart and the butter cake and they were equally delicious! The wait and kitchen staff were all very welcoming and friendly as well! An overall excellent and surprising experience to discover in a small town like Custer!
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Ira C.

Yelp
Amazing food! Had the chef's menu with a trout starter and pheasant main course. Took my time to savor every bite. We'll be back the next time we are in Custer.
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STEVE B.

Yelp
A true foodie experience sitting at the chefs table tonight. An incredible amount of kitchen activity to prepare one of the most tender filets I've ever had. Fantastic sorbet and campfire chocolate plus cappuccino to finish the evening. From soup to nuts / Skogen Kitchen is a special dining experience!
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J B.

Yelp
This is by far the finest food in all of the Black Hills. Each plate is so thoughtfully prepared, and Chef Joseph has put together a beautiful selection of local ingredients. If you love watching a kitchen staff, ask for the chef's counter table! You will be able to watch every move and you will also see the very quiet yet brilliant guidance of Chef Joseph. Everything in the exceptionally clean kitchen ran like a well oiled machine and I did not see any plates coming back. I cannot express how unexpected this place is. It's tiny, and you absolutely need a reservation... But it will be a very memorable meal for you!
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Suzann S.

Yelp
If you are searching for the perfect evening for the most memorable dinning experience ... you have found your Nirvana... Chef driven menu everything prepared to perfection... Enjoy!

Joshua J.

Yelp
My boyfriend and I ate here in a recommendation from the owner of Hjem A.M., the Scandinavian breakfast spot in town. It was the best recommendation of our entire trip. The star of our meal were the lobster bao buns. Neither of us care much for lobster, we prefer the briny flavor of crab over the sweetness of lobster. However, we could have eaten the lobster bao buns by the dozen. The balance of flavors was perfect, with a little touch of miso, and the bun itself was pillowy and soft. We also ordered the soft egg raviolo (homey and comforting), the black sea bass (cooked to perfection, and the blistered cherry tomatoes were full of flavor), and the filet mignon with the meunière sauce which, honestly, I could have bathed in it was so delicious. For dessert, I had the chocolate panna cottage, which came with graham crackers and toasted marshmallow meringue. Not to sweet, and a great way to end the meal. The service here was wonderful as well. Our server Sydney was personable and engaging, but never in an overbearing way. She always seemed to swoop in right when we reached a lull in our meal or conversation, and chatting with her only enhanced our experience. I cannot recommend this place enough, and I truly hope I get to come back and experience this place again!
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Greg N.

Yelp
Fascinating menu, truly a dining experience. Fabulous flavors in everything we had. Wonderful service, Destiny was great! I rate service staff on the timeliness of being there when you need stuff. Never were we sitting for more than a minute looking for our server if that. The staff works more as a team, if there was an empty plate or two on the table someone would stop and ask if they could take them. Let me start at the top on the food. Shishito peppers were an extremely pleasant very slight variation from the norm. They were cooked with walnuts, snap peas and unique seasoning with a very pleasant goat cheese crème. Lobster steam buns left me wanting to order a second round. This is a must have! We had Seabass, Shortribs and Cavatelli which were all very flavorful with wonderfully original flavors. Just make sure to wrap your evening with the butter cake! If you're not too full get one per person. One thing to know the decor and ambience don't align with the food experience. This isn't so much of a problem because the food was so good you don't notice it. When i first walked in I thought this isn't what i was expecting based on what i had been told about the restaurant. The indoor area where we sat was smaller than expected and it was very brightly lit. Once the food starts arriving that all fades away. It is exceptionally clean and it was easy to have a conversation. If you are interested in dining here make your reservations a couple weeks ahead of schedule. It is very popular and for good reason. Their prices are mid range for high quality food experiences. Expect to pay $80-$100 per person but it's worth every penny!

Nikki A.

Yelp
The food and service here were exceptional. I would have licked my plate if I could. I tried mushroom soup, duck, scallop. Everything had such a different flavor but the one thing they all had in common was how good they were. Service and atmosphere were great. I recommend sitting at the chefs counter. You get to see all the food being prepared and interact with the staff more. It's so good I'm visiting again!

Matt M.

Yelp
I found this place on yelp with good reviews. I decided to try it. It seems like reservations are highly recommended because I was asked for one, but I didn't have one. Since I was by myself, I was able to get in and they seated me at the 2-person "bar", which was fine. I was able to talk to, the cooks, which was pretty cool. The food was more expensive than I normally pay for, but it was very, very tasty. The butter cake was uniquely delicious.
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Gus C.

Yelp
The person that booked our reservation told is to come half hour early but the manager told us we would have to wait. She was rude to my wife when my wife asked why we now had to wait till 8:30pm. She gave us complimentary drinks but got in my wifes face and said that she is trying to please you, so you should accept it.

Tom J.

Yelp
Wow! Wow!! I didn't expect this on our Western US road trip. This is a true hidden gem. Very friendly staff. Nicely priced wines. The entrees were spectacular. Enjoyed the bison short ribs, but the filet was one of the best accompanied by the green peppercorn sauce. As good as any big city steakhouse filet. Bravo Skogen!

Kris H.

Yelp
Amazing evening at Skogen Kitchen! Food was amazing, we started with the egg ravioli....can I just say divine, we next tried the lobster Buns topped with hollandaise.....the best I have ever had and we are huge foodies....we then tried the special appetizer of linguini with chanterelle mushrooms...delight. For our dinner we shared the Buffalo short ribs with blood orange reduction, salted spinach woth cherries....so tender and the meody of flavors was just incredible.
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Jennifer M.

Yelp
If you have a trip planned to this area in the next few months, check right now, right this second for reservations at Skogen Kitchen. The restaurant is small, but Oh My God, worth trying to get into. We scheduled our visit for a Wednesday night about mid-way through our South Dakota tour. We were really looking forward to it. REALLY REALLY. We are foodies, from foodie towns, so the standard fare in South Dakota was really getting boring. We arrived for our reservation and were seated not too long after. We got the tartare app and it was scrumptious, the favors were so interesting and multilayered, we loved it. Perfect start. Our entrees were equally as spectacular. Every accompaniment was delightful. Every bite a delight. We ordered a few desserts too, they were also amazing. The notable one was the Melon sorbet. Get in to this restaurant and you will not regret it.
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Leslie B.

Yelp
We had dinner reservations at Skogen. We were seated promptly. The service was great. We got the ravioli as an appetizer. I wish it had come with a spoon. Two of us got the filet. Wow. So good! I got the bison short ribs. They were also excellent. Dessert was a cheesecake. This really must be the best food in South Dakota!
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Brendan D.

Yelp
Food was incredible and the service was top notch. Sam took great care of us throughout the entire meal. Good recommendations, not overbearing, and stayed around if we needed anything. 10/10!
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Jan K.

Yelp
If I could give Skogen Kitchen more than 5 stars I happily would. From beginning to end our dinner was a wonderfully flavorful experience. Starters were the gazpacho soup and Lobster steam buns. Dinners were Roasted Halibut and Buffalo Short Ribs. Desserts were Basque cheesecake and Chocolate Tart. And I wouldn't change a single thing about any of it. All of the flavors were fresh, well-balanced, inventive and absolutely delicious. I, perhaps embarrassingly so, made 'yummy noises' all the while I was eating. We're traveling thru Custer but sure hope we can get back here someday and SOON!

Mark M.

Yelp
A real surprise to find a restaurant one might find in a metropolitan area, yet it is situated in a smallish town in western S Dakota. Having lived in LA area all my adult life, experiencing every type of cuisine, and quality level of said cuisine, these folks are knocking it out of the park. Diversity of menu items @ a given time, and obvious attention to quality of finished product. A rare gem.
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Johanes M.

Yelp
It's true - the food here is quite good. During tourism season, a reservation is definitely required because the restaurant is small. It is well staffed and quite pricey. There is a surprisingly large wine list for such a small restaurant and surprisingly fee Gluten free options for such a high quality restaurant. Began with the arugula salad that included apple matchsticks, shaved parmesan and pistachios with a tart dressing. Simple, and tasty. The duck leg entrée came in a unique sauce that was spicy, a little sweet and with zing from mint. It was served with wild rice and carrots that tasted like citrus. The branzino came in an herb emulsion like a pesto, that was very flavorful and bit intense that hinted of North Africa, along with broccolini. The intense flavors rather ruined the pinot noir from Cristom we ordered. The service was friendly and helpful.
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David L.

Yelp
I do not understand why anyone would give Skogen fewer than 5 stars. We made a reservation before we arrived in Custer because it had so many glowing reviews and it certainly lived up to the hype. No, this may not be a Michelin star restaurant, but it should be. I believe the chef moved to the Black Hills from San Francisco or some place like that. Wherever he came from, I am sure glad he ended up in Custer. We got mostly appetizers. The soup special was Gazpacho and it was some of the best gazpacho I have ever had outside of Spain. Another highlight was the Shishito Peppers, which were cooked perfectly and came garnished with walnuts. The Prosciutto plate was sizable with burrata and parmesan but I wish it had come with more bread. We also tried the sashimi, which was surprisingly good considering how far we were from the ocean. For dinner, we got two orders of the Rabbit Leg, which felt appropriate for the Black Hills. I have not eaten much rabbit but I imagine this is some of the best you will find. It was not gamey and practically fell off the bone. It came with delicious mashed potatoes and carrots. I would recommend getting at least one plate of this to share. For dessert, I tried the Caramel Butter Cake which came with popcorn ice cream and even had a few pieces of caramel corn on top! My ONLY complaint about the entire meal was that ice cream was too melted (although I suspect this is intentional - it almost served as a sauce for the cake). Please try this place, you will not regret doing so. Skogen gets five star all around, from the food, to the drink menu and coffee, to the wonderful wait staff. I may come back to Custer just to eat here again. Thank you all for doing such a wonderful job off the beaten path!
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Kyle H.

Yelp
I was leaving my vacation at Yellowstone and stumbled on the restaurant. OMG, I am so happy to dine where the executive chef table side shaves white/ brown truffles on any dish. This cozy restaurant was comfortable but upscale. Everything was in small portion but fulling. Each plate was plated with such a delicate touch. It was such a romantic date.

Nina M.

Yelp
Very limited menu. Way overpriced. Didn't know this until speaking to someone at the restaurant shortly before dinner time

Maria S.

Yelp
Wow. This place blew us away. Truly sensational. I can't remember the last time I ate such downright delicious food. The tagliatelle with chanterelles special we had was just about the most perfect pasta dish I've ever tried outside Italy. I don't remember having such terrific duck confit since I lived in Toulouse. What a find. I just wished we lived closer!
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Carrie J.

Yelp
This is one of the best restaurants in the Black Hills. It's a great place if you want a charming atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and delicious food. Save room for dessert!

Debra J.

Yelp
The food was amazing; beautifully presented; unusual combos that work! Great service, friendly staff; Sam is a fantastic waiter!!

Nick F.

Yelp
By far the best meal we've had in SD. Elevated food with great service and atmosphere must try in Custer.