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    Carver's Cafe

    3.3 (53 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Carver's Cafe Photos

    CARVER'S CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Touristy
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Carver's Cafe

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    Reviews With Photos

    Interior
    Albert T.

    The only reason we came here to Carver's Cafe was to try Thomas Jefferson's original recipe vanilla ice cream. We actually originally visited Mt. Rushmore a couple of years ago, but the cafe was closed thanks to Covid. This time, we managed to make it when they were open. TJ's Vanilla, Single ($6.75) - I think they either have some issues with the ice cream freezer or perhaps this recipe just doesn't store very well. Even though this is probably the most popular flavor in the cafe, I found a ton of ice crystals throughout the ice cream, giving a distinctively non-creamy texture. In terms of taste, it's full of vanilla flavor with a good sweetness level. The ice cream is not stringy or stretchy at all, which is good. It's churned until decently dense. I wouldn't say it's super premium, but it has decently low overrun. Note: TJ's Vanilla is the only ice cream here that is unique. The rest of the ice cream is sourced from Sysco. Overall the ice cream is just okay. I'm not sure I would get it again, purely because of how much ice was in the ice cream. If not for that, I think it would be a good choice.

    The cheeseburger
    Elizabeth S.

    It's the fast food cafe inside Mt Rushmore monument park. Regular burgers and fried menu. Nothing extraordinary Yet the place was clean, service was fast. Overall it was good. I ordered cheeseburger and fries for lunch . Again this specifically critic with my experience.

    Huge portions. Get a scoop of vanilla and something else.
    Bob T.

    If you're here then you have to. You Stop in for the ice cream and stay for the view. You also get to change scenes from North By Northwest.

    View from Carver's Café patio

    Awesome scenery in an historic location. Needed a cup of coffee during our chilly October visit. Servers were husband and wife team from our hometown of Pasadena. Just had coffee, but absorbed the magnificent view from inside the café, very reminiscent of the classic scene in North by Northwest by Alfred Hitchcock. See the movie. Come here for the grandeur and a cup of coffee. Food looks pretty good too.

    Buffalo Bacon Cheeseburger and French fries
    Brandon S.

    The ambience is nice and professional, I expect no less from the park services. The service was meh, one person was training the other person, and they were the entire staff. The food is meh as well, it's basically cafeteria food. The french fries were slightly overcooked.

    mint chocolate chip
    Maggie D.

    Our cashier Liberty was awesome when my group came up for food and then a second time for ice cream. There are clear gluten free and vegetarian labels on each menu item. I got the veggie burger with the (surprisingly good) gluten free bun. The patty was southwest style but not too spicy and had many condiments to top it with. Inside was decorated cutely and was another great edition to the historical ambiance.

    the entrance to the restaurant
    Kevin M.

    There's not much around when visiting Mt. Rushmore. Good thing Carver's Cafe is there! I thought the restaurant was nice with a pretty decent selection of healthy and fatty foods. I had a cold ham sandwich. My brother had the buffalo burger with fries. We thought each of our selections were tasty. I also thought the prices were pretty reasonable. They've got a friendly staff willing to assist you.

    Ice cream from original recipe of Thomas Jefferson
    Keo N.

    Had the cone from America's first ice cream recipe. Simple, unadulterated and delicious; all from a patio with a great view! Great way to end the Rushmore experience!

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    3 years ago

    Waited over 30 minutes for lukewarm chicken strips and soggy fries. Great view, awful food

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    3 years ago

    Dry buffalo burger with stale fries. Disappointed. The walk up and order was nice and easy though.

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    3 years ago

    Enough variety to include my picky daughter. Decent food. Good prices. Convenient since it's at Mount Rushmore. We enjoyed eating there

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    7 years ago

    As seen in North by Northwest! Grateful to find healthy options on the road. Great view.

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    Powder House Restaurant

    Powder House Restaurant

    (635 reviews)

    $$

    If you're visiting Mount Rushmore and looking for a place to eat before or after your visit, I…read morecan't say enough about the Powder House restaurant. It is a must stop. Service was really good from the time I called to be added to the waitlist to our hostess all the way to our server. The food came out at a reasonable time. Ordered: -Kids spaghetti -Kids cheeseburger and fries -Ribeye- a little chewier but still a great cut. -Prime rib made perfectly very flavorful I was super surprise and highly recommend prime rib if you are a prime rib fan. It comes with two sides which I got to pay extra and ordered the garlic fries. Overall, I highly recommend stopping by here to dine. I have no complaints whatsoever. It was actually the best meal I have had during my visit to this state. When my sister in law recommended this spot, I did not think that I would have enjoyed it as much as I did. Just because there is not much food options in the area and I didn't think that this spot could produce really good food since I am from California and am a foodie. And well Powder House is kinda in the middle of no where. Well, 2 thumbs up from this Yelper. Add this spot to your bookmark and make sure you go! Tips: -Call ahead to be added to their waitlist. -Indoor seating only -Alcohol served here -They have a kids menu -They have their own private parking lot -Credit card accepted -They do charge for splitting plate of eight dollars. -Restroom available. -Very laidback casual atmosphere.

    Restaurant on site at the motel. Small cabins close to Mount Rushmore. We got both dinner and…read morebreakfast while staying there. The mashed potatoes were so good! The country fried steak is one of the best ones my husband's said he's had. Our waitress for dinner could have been better with checking on us. Breakfast came fast but our waitress was good. Feels like a lodge in the dinning area.

    Carver's Cafe - cafes - Updated May 2026

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