Skogen Kitchen
A chef-driven gem in Custer, Skogen Kitchen offers gourmet American comfort classics with a focus on fresh, high-quality, seed oil-free ingredients.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Skogen Kitchen
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A chef-driven gem in Custer, Skogen Kitchen offers gourmet American comfort classics with a focus on fresh, high-quality, seed oil-free ingredients.
"This is not just a great restaurant in Custer. This is a great restaurant in any big city."
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, often weeks in advance, due to the restaurant's popularity and small size.
Explore the Menu
Try unique items like endive salad, goat cheese & beet ravioli, or the standout Buffalo short ribs.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Exceptional American Comfort Classics
Indulge in expertly crafted dishes from succulent steaks to flavorful duck confit and delightful desserts.
Seed Oil-Free Dining
Enjoy high-quality ingredients and creative cuisine without inflammatory seed oils, a standout for many diners.
Intimate and Cozy Atmosphere
Experience fine dining in a small, charming space that makes you feel at home, perfect for special occasions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, often weeks in advance, due to the restaurant's popularity and small size.
Explore the Menu
Try unique items like endive salad, goat cheese & beet ravioli, or the standout Buffalo short ribs.
Winter Porch Dining
Consider the covered porch seating even in winter; it's warm and offers a unique dining experience.
Wine Selection
Enjoy their excellent wine and beer selection, including non-alcoholic options.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, often weeks in advance, due to the restaurant's popularity and small size.
Explore the Menu
Try unique items like endive salad, goat cheese & beet ravioli, or the standout Buffalo short ribs.
Winter Porch Dining
Consider the covered porch seating even in winter; it's warm and offers a unique dining experience.
Wine Selection
Enjoy their excellent wine and beer selection, including non-alcoholic options.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Skogen Kitchen is consistently praised as a gem, offering an exceptional fine dining experience that rivals big-city restaurants. Diners rave about the high-quality, innovative dishes, attentive service, and cozy atmosphere, making it a must-visit. While the prices are considered high, most agree it's worth every penny for the unforgettable culinary journey.
"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!"
Aleksandar Subotic
"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!"
Missy Strong
"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!"
Peggy Bowes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, often weeks in advance, due to the restaurant's popularity and intimate size.
Yes, they have porch seating that is covered and warm, making it enjoyable even in winter.
Diners frequently praise the Endive Salad, Buffalo Short Ribs, Goat Cheese & Beet Ravioli, and various steak and seafood entrees.
The restaurant is noted for being seed oil-free, and many guests appreciate the focus on high-quality ingredients.
The restaurant is considered upscale, with prices reflecting the fine dining experience and quality of ingredients.
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Restaurants in Custer
The small town of Custer is one of the last places a visitor might expect to find gourmet cuisine, but it's available at Skogen Kitchen, where a chef with national experience has settled into a small, modest-looking establishment and built a widespread following. The restaurant takes its name from a Norwegian word for "the forest," which reflects the owners' heritage and influences the restaurant's menu and simple, clean decor. Hours are limited and the place fills up fast, so you'll need a reservation well in advance of your visit.
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Originally based on an earlier breakfast concept of Skogen Kitchen (which is now only open for dinner. Reservations are highly recommended! Read “48 hours in the Black Hills for the foodie” for our favorite things about Skogen Kitchen), HJEM AM is what breakfast dreams are made of. Pronounced “hem” (the “J” is silent), it means “home” and it certainly feels that way when you’re greeted by owners Cami and Erik. Where else can you get a Breakfast Caesar, Salmon Deviled Eggs, Fresh Oysters, Walleye (with bacon, buttermilk sauce, sugar snap peas, and roasted mushrooms), or Pancakes covered with fried chicken, franks hot sauce, and maple syrup for breakfast?.
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Coming up the street, the aroma of the food wafting from the restaurant, smelled amazing!. When I walked in the door, I was greeted warmly and the place was bustling. I had reserved a counter spot and the hostess asked if I would like to wait a few moments for a table; I chose to remain at the counter.
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A chef-driven concept, Skogen Kitchen offers innovative breakfast and dinner options. Owners Eliza (general manager) and Joseph Raney (executive chef) have worked and learned from some of the best companies in the food service industry, like Disney and the Patina Restaurant group.
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Another popular restaurant, the Skogen Kitchen offers a small, intimate environment with fine dining. Skogen means “The Forest” in Norwegian. The owners explain, “This name is a nod to our heritage and our surroundings.
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Skogen Kitchen is one of the most unique, chef-inspired dining destinations in the Black Hills. The inventive food, warm atmosphere and unique charm make for an unforgettable night out. They serve dinner from 5-8 P.M.
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You will also find a few more dining options in the nearby town of Custer, including Black Hills Burger and Bun Co. serving comfort food, Skogen Kitchen for American fare, and Purple Pie Place for yummy desserts.
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But you will also find pizza places, burger places, and even a super foodie place (Skogen Kitchen) all packed in and around Main Street. It is a great little town that is touristy but not completely overdone.
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Skogen Kitchen: An amazing fine dining experience perfect for a birthday dinner celebration or special occasion. Fresh and innovative eats in a small hip space. Reservation recommended!
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This spot has a chef driven menu, with high quality and creative dishes. Make sure to make a reservation in advance!
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