I thought the first post about dining in the Black Hills would be about one of our fine dining options, but then I realized it is much more suitable for it to be about a favorite local eatery.

My friends, family and I dine at the Millstone Restaurant in Rapid City several times a month. The atmosphere is exactly what you would expect from a family restaurant, though with a slightly more old-fashioned feel than someplace like Perkins or Denny’s. The entry walls are decked with pictures of local folks who are serving in the military, pictures of teams who have invaded the restaurant for celebrations, and the odd celebrity who decided to stop in. Watercolors by Jon Crane, a local artist, hang above the booths and tables.

This evening, I have just returned from a very, very late breakfast there with my husband and some friends. Even though we arrived only 25 minute before closing, every employee we bumped into was friendly and helpful. The salad bar (which is always very good) was closed, but getting a full hot meal was still no problem.

The food they serve cannot be called gourmet, but everyone needs a place to go for comfort food. Hamburgers, hot roast beef sandwiches, turkey with gravy, biscuits with gravy – nearly anything with gravy, actually. And, of course, breakfast is available at any hour of the day.

But the crown jewel of the Millstone is the deserts: cakes, pies, bars, cookies – all just like your grandmother would make. Their list of pies is nearly endless, including everything from banana cream to pecan to raspberry. The pieces of cake are huge and delicious. My mother always orders an extra to take home for later.

If you’re looking for an excellent meal in a comfortable setting that can be had on a budget, the Millstone can’t be beat.