We’d spent the day playing tourist at Mt. Rushmore and then motoring down into Custer State Park. We hadn’t planned to invest much time in Custer, after all, the trip was beginning to take its toll on us, and we were getting a little road weary. However, when we entered the park and were immediately surrounded by about 80 of the 1,000 bison that call it home, our agenda quickly changed, and we spent the rest of the day being wooed by the variety and quantity of wildlife in this amazing 71,000 acre park.
Bison were plentiful in Custer State Park
and dining was delightful in Lead.
Consequently, we arrived at Deadwood, our final destination for the day, somewhat late. Asking the hotel’s desk clerk for a dinner house recommendation, we were a little surprised at how quickly she replied: The Chophouse in Lead. But we were even more surprised when we arrived at the location to find a stately old structure that had been beautifully restored/decorated to the nth degree. Without question, the Chophouse turned out to be the most elegant restaurant and the finest dining on our trip.
During the productive gold mining days, the town of Lead boosted a population of over 8,000 which has dwindled over the years to about 3,000. Named for the leads or lodes of the deposits of valuable ores, it is centrally located to Deadwood, Spearfish, and Sturgis. Yet we’re convinced that it is the Chophouse that ensures the town has a future and has a steady flow of tourists and regulars entering the “downtown” for an upscale ambiance and culinary experience beyond comparison in the area.
We dined under crystal chandeliers, beside a player piano and surrounded by beautiful woods. Service was professional, impeccable and efficient. The food was finest anywhere we’d been over the past weeks. My black cod with asparagus in a cream sauce felt a little extravagant at $36 but the preparation was memorable and delicious…a lovely reward for a long day of driving. Steven’s halibut was perfectly prepared and interestingly accompanied by a noodle spring roll.
Let’s not forget to mention the starters. My husband selected a cup of elk chili and was quite satisfied with his choice. My preference was a salad which was served table side with 12 (yes, twelve) bowls of optional condiments to embellish the greens.
My only regret is that the Homestake is about 1,500 miles away from Port Orford. Otherwise, I’d wish to be transported back to Lead on a regular basis for another perfect dinner at the Chophouse. Come to think of it, maybe the 23 hour drive would be worth it simply to nourish the soul!
During the productive gold mining days, the town of Lead boosted a population of over 8,000 which has dwindled over the years to about 3,000. Named for the leads or lodes of the deposits of valuable ores, it is centrally located to Deadwood, Spearfish, and Sturgis. Yet we’re convinced that it is the Chophouse that ensures the town has a future and has a steady flow of tourists and regulars entering the “downtown” for an upscale ambiance and culinary experience beyond comparison in the area.
We dined under crystal chandeliers, beside a player piano and surrounded by beautiful woods. Service was professional, impeccable and efficient. The food was finest anywhere we’d been over the past weeks. My black cod with asparagus in a cream sauce felt a little extravagant at $36 but the preparation was memorable and delicious…a lovely reward for a long day of driving. Steven’s halibut was perfectly prepared and interestingly accompanied by a noodle spring roll.
Let’s not forget to mention the starters. My husband selected a cup of elk chili and was quite satisfied with his choice. My preference was a salad which was served table side with 12 (yes, twelve) bowls of optional condiments to embellish the greens.
My only regret is that the Homestake is about 1,500 miles away from Port Orford. Otherwise, I’d wish to be transported back to Lead on a regular basis for another perfect dinner at the Chophouse. Come to think of it, maybe the 23 hour drive would be worth it simply to nourish the soul!
Homestake Chophouse
106 Glendale Drive
Lead, South Dakota 57754
605.722.1901