I never in my life thought I'd find myself in South Dakota, but the fact that I did is a story for another day. I'd searched for months for things to fill up my week, and with speakeasies on my radar this place was a MUST! I don't know if downtown Rapid City is usually jumpin' but it was pretty dead the night I went in July. This was fine for me as a first-timer. The drinks and atmosphere were great! The food... not so much. The lamb didn't have much seasoning or char. Make sure to follow the instructions and get your password before the evening begins. I'll definitely make it a point to come back next time I'm in town. read more

The drinks were AMAZING, and the atmosphere was excellent. The service was great, and we thoroughly enjoyed our evening there. read more

Blind Lion - The absinthe drip - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

Make sure to show up with your password to enter! I love the bartenders who work here they are always so nice and personable, Anya especially is such a peach and is so knowledgeable! I love coming here to relax and spend quality time with my friends and family! The vibe is so cool and old fashion the new menu is also so amazing and has so many great dinner options! read more

Blind Lion - Anya makes the best drinks in Rapid City! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Rapid City, South Dakota

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One of the best bars I've been to! The bartenders are knowledgeable in what they're serving you, and take the time to get to know what you like in a cocktail. Food is amazing, cocktails are amazing. They have special $10 deals all the time, tons of board games, and are always posting about events they have. But what I like most about it is the fact that it's not a typical dining setting, and it's not a typical bar. It's not a Jack and coke bar, or a speed bar. All of their liquor is more expensive and their juices/syrups are homemade and hand pressed. Yes they take a couple minutes to make cocktails, but I'd rather spend an extra couple dollars on high quality drinks that have been perfected and personalized than spend it on an $10 seltzer that taste like nothing ‍‍ read more

July 19 Waited 45 min for 3 cocktails . Mind you 6 servers. Vodka tonic'ish came undrinkable.. We waited an add 10 min for the server to calculate 20-12.00. When we approached the server about our change, she responded "first world problems" Service slow to none. Cocktails tasted nasty. Servers non apologetic, rude. They need to find new jobs that aren't service related or basic math. DONT BOTHER WITH THEM read more

We have been to a lot of speakeasies in our travels, and this one was just MIND BLOWING. Absolutely don't miss it. We stumbled across it on a road trip years ago, and this one still stands out in my memory as some of the craziest, most amazing drinks. You're not allowed to take any photos or even be on your phone. So you get to be in the moment and just enjoy your time and company. It was just a super fun time, with very talented bartenders. The clientele even dresses up in 1920s attire sometimes. We did not have anything appropriate with us, but were welcomed anyway. We liked it so much we are even thinking about planning a road trip to go back. read more

My wife and I had been upstairs at Murphy's Pub and heard about the restaurant. Custom cocktails and a unique menu brought us back from Pierre to have dinner and spend the night in town. Like a cover of a book sometimes being better then the book. This was this time. The excitement of getting in was good. The servers did well. The Smokey drink...presentation was good...just to much after smoke and after a couple of sips i couldn't drink anymore. The menu wasn't different from upstair. A disappointing experience. read more

1. Was seated in someone's grandma's wrought iron garden chair. Very uncomfortable. 2. Table seemed like it may collapse. 3. I was told to go to a phone booth to use my phone. Cool, but idk communicate this random info somehow, up front, maybe? 4. We were there for Rapid City's restaurant week. Opening night "didn't have" half of their menu. 5. Food was ok. 6. Good cocktails, pretty pricey. It was an experience, likely won't be back. read more

Some things are secret. The Blind Lion is one of them. There's a reason and it should be kept sacred in some way. Know this: There are multiple access controls. (i mean it's a speakeasy. There should be.) You'll have a great time. You'll be transported to a time without cell phones or devices. You'll pay an above standard amount for the spirits on hand, but it's so worth the price to play. You'll have small plates to dine from if you do choose. You'll be entertained by local melodic voices. You'll not regret finding someone who knows how to make their way into THE Blind Lion. It's all about the secrecy. So find someone who knows someone. There's a reason for it to be kept such a way. I've given you the gist but I won't give you the details. read more

Great evening had by all. Shhhh... its a secret Text the number and receive that evenings password... Down a dark hall and staircase a 1920s mystery awaits. The barkeep greets you at the door as you check your electronic devices into your pockets for the duration of your time there. The drinks are worth the effort. Our party ordered a plethora of specialty drinks, appetizers and dinner menus. None disappointed. After eating and drinking our fill; our amazing waiter, Drake, found us seated on a early 1900s vintage century sofa.. to take our nightcap order. We will definitely be back.. read more

Great craft cocktails and even better small plates of food. We loved the Wagyu Bone Marrow! The Axe meat and cheese for two was awesome too! All in a very unique basement with the bartender and waitress in period speakeasy outfits. We will return. read more

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What can I say besides amazing!? This place is simply that. Yea you could take the elevator down from the restaurant upstairs, but taking the back way through the dirty restaurant basement hallway just adds to the prohibition era touch. The drinks are, well, they're outstanding. They are crafted to perfection the old fashioned way. The service was spectacular and extremely professional. The server was training and was one if his first days but was doing an awesome job, I believe Marcus was his name. The only downfall was they were not open the following day and we were headed out of down. Definitely a must when visiting rapid city! read more

I would have to say one of the coolest bar experiences I have ever had the pleasure of being part of. From finding out how to receive entry into the Blind Lion, to locating it, and the fun, and secrecy of it all. I left there thinking "best bar I've ever been to, and it's in Rapid City?" I stumbled across this bar by accident while reading reviews for another bar/restaurant, found out how to gain entry, and reserved a spot for 6 of us. One in our party was skeptical about all the secrecy, and such, but in the end he was a believer in what they were trying to accomplish, make you feel that you were in a speakeasy back during the prohibition, that is why cell phone usage is not allowed. I will not say much more, except "the colonel" was the best cocktail I have ever had. This is a place you need to experience for yourself. Have fun. Oh yeah, Cody one of the barkeeps is a master of drink concoctions. read more

This is a brilliant bar - must see if you're in Rapid City. Make sure you text the number first - they fill up quickly and you need a password to get in. The effort is totally worth it - fantastic food, amazing cocktails. It felt like a piece of Brooklyn (or Melbourne) in the middle of S.Dakota. I recommend the Sidecar cocktail, or the Burnt Apple if you want to see some fancy fire action. The bar staff are friendly and funny - get a seat at the bar if you can! read more

Fantastic food and a very fun concept. Loved the fancy drinks and the decor. Some people dress like 1920s, but most just dress casually.

Really had a good time. The atmosphere is pretty cool and the drinks are great! I didn't order off of the cocktail menu, just had Manhattans and Old Fashioneds - delish. And the food... It was quite good but the kitchen was short handed. So, we all pretty much inhaled our food when it came out. Our server was ok. He wasn't unfriendly, but he wasn't warm. Would be a 5-star if we had another server that brought us a round of drinks. Can't remember his name, but had a beard (which is pretty much all guys today). read more

Great drinks!!! I loved the atmosphere and the bartenders were very social and entertaining. Loved Dre. He was awesome!!! 4 stars because my Halibut came half done and my meal had to be returned. read more

The Blind Lion was my parents favorite stop in Rapid City. Very 1940's era, no cellphone use, and a secret code to enter. The cocktails are mind blowing! Cody is a genius! I recommend sitting at the bar for the full experience from the bartenders. read more

Wow. Cody was probably the most accomplished, professional I have ever seen behind bar. Passionate. Personable. A true expert. And also a ton of fun to both watch and interact with. I live in the Twin Cities, and it's almost impossible to find bad service in that hyper-competitive market. Yet here my fellow patrons were a true joy to get know. Who'd a thunk such an enjoyable, fulfilling, experience was waiting for me right here in this cool city called Rapid City, South Dakota. Unbelievable. Can I move in? read more

Craft cocktails in a speakeasy setting in Rapid City? That's exactly what you'll get at the Blind Lion. Great cocktails, small plates and enthusiastic staff made for a great evening. I recommend sitting at the bar for a front row seat on the cocktail magic. The cocktails are thoughtfully crafted and well priced (in the $10 range for most) if you can't decide or aren't familiar with cocktails, they'll be happy to guide you. I believe there was wine available, not sure about beer. But you came here for cocktails. That's what you should drink. We split a meat and cheese tray. Very tasty. They even accommodated our cow dairy allergy. There were a number of very tasty sounding dinner/snack options. There was a piano player when we were there. Very pleasant and low key. Currently they are open on Fridays and Saturdays only, 6pm to close. To get in you need to text 605 939 0095 (text only) before 6pm. They will give you directions on how to find the place and get in. If they were open during the week, I'm certain we would have been here every night. Whether you are paying through Rapid City or call this beautiful place home, Blind Lion should be on your must try list. read more

Hands down the best drinks in town. Food is ok, not really into eating kangaroo. Environment and drinks - best!

It's not easy to find bartenders who can make great cocktails. These guys are awesome! They can sling out the classics as well as some amazing new cocktails. They use juices squeezed fresh every day, freshly muddled herbs, and great spirits. You won't find a finer cocktail in Rapid City. read more

Hand crafted cocktails that delight the palette and bring the joy back to savoring a cocktail rather than drinking a drink. The staff is dedicated to presentation and perfection. The atmosphere is elegant and fun. A step back in time inspires you to slow down, put the phone away, and enjoy the moment. Finally a destination that inspires women to dress for an evening out and men to be gentleman. The live music on tap is always a special treat. One caution would be... don't set at the bar unless you are okay with the ice chips flying as the talented drink masters hand chip or carve each drinks ice. I love this place and so will you.. they have brought class back to cocktails. read more

Man, we were happy to stumble upon this place. The guys upstairs gave us a hand getting the "low down" on the speakeasy and we were admitted without to much hassle. The live music, awesome drinks and comfortable vibe were an awesome surprise. We all can't wait to go back! read more

The gentlmen mixing cocktails gave a beautiful performance with ice and fire that was delicious when finished every time. The food was also wonderful and elegantly presented with flavours strong enough to stand up and work with the cocktails. This is clearly the lower level of an old building in RC, but it was not grimy or musty; it is appropriate and, in fact, an asset for the desired speakeasy atmosphere. The staff was friendly, attentive and appeared genuinely interested in having the customers enjoy their experience. I have a new favourite place to go while in RC! read more

So glad I found this place while I was in Rapid City. The best drinks I had on my trip and by far the best atmosphere you can find. What a fun place with great staff. read more

Thank you so much to the entire staff of the Blind Lion for one of the most amazing experiences ever! You all were the most hospitable group to an out of towner! I was traveling alone and made a reservation for one. I never felt like I was dining alone for a second. I decided to go for the 3 course Barkeeps Selection and was not disappointed. You made drink magic! What stellar customer service and artistry! The only downside is the Blind Lion is in SD and I'm in California. Special thank you to Cody for letting me try the "Pinkie and the Brain" cocktail. Keep up the good work! read more

Went here for the first time last night-- and it was so fun! I love the secrecy of it and would recommend this place for a date or a place to casually hang out for a drink. The ambiance was awesome and the entire place was really fun. I went there with a girlfriend and had a lavender star and she had a bees knees. I love lavender cocktails and Rapid City, as small as it is, has a limited supply of those. So, I was really excited to try it. The drinks were delicious and hand crafted by the sociable, friendly and genuine bartenders. Half the fun of this place is watching the drinks being made so sit at the bar! Make sure you follow the rules and dress semi-nice. It really is a cool spot, and I'll be back for sure. read more

This place is da bomb. A speakeasy. Super fun to look for, code to get in, (changes every once in awhile so don't ask anyone for the "cheats"...ya gotta text for the instructions) and just a super cool joint. Check out their Facebook page for details, because they keep it all on the down low. Read and obey the rules before you enter - you won't be sorry. Go with a "no care in the world attitude" and chill, be patient, enjoy the food, and sip the delicious cocktails. If you are in a rush, this joint ain't for you! Amazing, mixologist style cocktails - fantastic bartenders. We had a different menu than we've seen in the past, so food changes. But it is excellent - absolutely excellent. Atmosphere is dark, gritty, hip. Servers are hip, trendy. The place oozes "cool". I can't say enough about the chef. We had a menu of (starters) scallops with cherries and garlic. Caprese salad. Entrees - Red Stag and beef stuffed calamari. Dessert - white chocolate mousse - decadent and some flourless chocolate cake - dark, rich, chocolate overload of heaven. We were in town for Sturgis, and this find was the best experience all around! read more

Love this place ! So quiet not a lot of people just perfect!! Not a lot of people know about this place you actually need to get a code to get in. The drinks are out of this world! Our waiter was so nice, polite and helpful. The only thing about this place is no pictures and it's PRICEY! read more

I have loved this place since I found out about it! It's a little spendy but in return you get amazing custom crafted cocktails made from fresh ingredients, the best and friendliest customer service around and a very laid back atmosphere. I've brought all of my family here every time they visit and they all love it. We ordered food the last time we went and everyone said it was divine. If you're looking for a low key place to enjoy a high class cocktail and/or dinner in a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere--this is it! read more