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About
Skogen Kitchen
Welcome to Skogen Kitchen, a standout culinary destination nestled in the beautiful Black Hills of Custer, South Dakota. Located at 29 N 5th St, this intimate eatery has garnered a loyal following of food enthusiasts and casual diners alike, all eager to savor the innovative flavors crafted by Chef Raney and his exceptional team. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, each visit promises to be a memorable experience, where the artistry of food meets a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
One of the highlights of dining at Skogen Kitchen is the opportunity to sit at the chef's table. This unique setup allows guests to observe the culinary magic unfold right in front of their eyes, providing a fascinating insight into the intricate processes that make each dish a masterpiece. As noted by satisfied patrons, dining at this kitchen is not merely a meal; it's an engaging journey through flavor and creativity.
The menu at Skogen Kitchen is ever-evolving, inspired by the seasons and centered around high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. From the tender octopus served over a chorizo and date hash to the delicious Dimock Butter Cake paired with homemade popcorn-infused ice cream, each dish reflects a careful consideration of flavor and presentation. Diners rave about the lobster steak buns and the halibut with yuzu, testifying to the kitchen’s commitment to offering remarkable food that sets a high bar for the region.
But the experience doesn’t stop at the food. Skogen Kitchen is celebrated for its exceptional service, a key element that enhances any dining occasion. Guests frequently mention the attentive and knowledgeable staff, who ensure that each plate is delivered with care. A recent diner remarked on the seamless teamwork among the staff, making it evident that this restaurant operates like a well-oiled family unit. Such camaraderie and dedication to customer satisfaction create an inviting environment that makes you feel appreciated and cared for.
In a region where dining options often skimp on quality, Skogen Kitchen emerges as a beacon of excellence. The restaurant is not just another stop on the culinary map; it's an experience that leaves an imprint on your palate and your heart. Make sure to reserve your table ahead of time, as demand runs high for this delightful dining gem. Whether you're indulging in a romantic dinner, a celebratory occasion, or simply treating yourself to a night of great food, Skogen Kitchen will undoubtedly leave you eager for your next visit.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ This is our third time visiting Skogen Kitchen in 4 years. Wait, what?? We live and travel full time in our RV and this is our 3rd time in the Black Hills. Otherwise, we’d eat here several times a year. First, Make. A. Reservation! You MAY be able to walk in but why risk being turned away? They have several seating options (if you book far enough ahead). We enjoyed sitting at the chef’s counter. Second, be ready to be wowed. We had the steam buns (Chef switched from lobster to fried chicken with a bit of caviar... oh my Gosh, he’s a genius!) and the octopus. I’m not an octopus fan because it’s usually a little tough and fishy tasting. Not this octopus! Did I mention Chef is a genius? It was tender and the chorizo/date/potato “hash” (sorry, Chef!) was to die for. We followed up with the filet mignon and the duck confit (sorry, forgot to take photos) which were both amazing! I don’t usually like duck but this was amazingly tender and quite delectable. I admit to splurging a bit more on dessert. We each had a glass of port (one 30 year and one 40 year) and we split the Dimock Butter Cake with popcorn infused homemade ice cream (we watched the sous chef make a batch of ice cream right in front of us). We can’t forget the over the top service. Ashley was our server and she made the evening spectacular. She had excellent recommendations (three of the four we took her up on) and spent a little time just chatting with us. When our entrees were ready and Ashley was with another table, someone else stepped in to bring us our meals. This is important because you can see the whole restaurant staff is a team and a family. The service was top notch. Next time our RV route brings us back to the Black Hills, you can bet we’re coming back to Skogen Kitchen for one of the finest meals we’ve ever had. ”
“ Outstanding in every way you want it to be. We made reservations for a birthday dinner for my wife and say at the Chef’s table which allows you to watch the kitchen operation. It was a really cool experience to see how things run and how wonderful the entire staff was. We were seated right at our reservation time and our service was excellent throughout. The restaurant is small, but quiet enough to have a conversation still. The food was amazing from start to finish. We had lobster steak buns and a tomato Gazpacho to start and both were wonderful. Entrees were exceptional! My wife had the filet with morels and I had the halibut. Every single element was well thought out and delicious. We had the basque cheesecake with salted caramel ice cream for dessert and I could have put down at least 6 pieces of it. Wow! Wine and beer selection were excellent and I loved that they multiple great non-alcoholic beer options. All told a wonderful evening. Custer and the Black Hills in general are lucky to have this kind of dining experience close by. We will be back as often as we can! ”
“ We enjoyed the Chefs' table. It's set up like the Porto restaurants we went to. There's a window to see in and the "bar not a bar" or chef's table, seating to eat and watch. To describe further, this is like a diner seating but by the actual kitchen, not just a fountain. My chef son states he'd like guests to hear music but we didn't miss it. We loved this location. We witnessed a professional team working together like family. Focus, and laughter. Loved it. The duck was succulent. The peppers appetizer was potent with flavor. I'd like more Midwest wines featured. They have a nice Port menu...next time. Sydney pulled a perfect doppio espresso to go with my #Dimock butter cake with popcorn ice cream. Perfect sweet and salty end to a dinner. This high end place was packed. We left before 7 and the family restaurants were closing and empty in town. Don't be afraid of the porch seating in the Winter. It's covered, enclosed and warm. ”
“ 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! ”
“ This was truly one of my best meals in years, and I come from a fancy ski town with “5 star” dining... they don’t compare to this little gem. It was perfect from “soup - a sublime asparagus with local honey drizzle and crushed almonds on top-to cake” -the butter cake and popcorn ice cream they seem to have become known for... they kindly gave us a scoop each of their other ice creams -milk chocolate and pineapple sorbet. I don’t even like milk chocolate, but this ice cream may have converted me! The pineapple sorbet was so airy and fluffy I thought it had cream- but no! It was true sorbet. The halibut with yuzu and pickled ramps- sounds simple but oh so special. Perfect tender octopus cooked in the Spanish way, started us out in this amazing culinary journey. The service couldn’t be friendlier or more efficient. And like a wise chef once said, “without great staff performance who am I?” Chef Raney has a superb staff, so he must really be someone special. We certainly thought so! Quick, make a reservation before you can’t anymore, and get the chef counter! ”
“ I really hope the town of Custer appreciates the gem they have here. We had two different servers in Rapid City tell us to dine at Skogen so we knew we had to! The service was stellar and every course was outstanding. We were only sad we couldn’t eat one of everything on the menu. ”
“ What a lovely find in Custer! The food was delicious, definently the very best filet I have ever had. The prices are high, but worth every penny. Be prepared for a delightful experience from start to finish. Reservations are highly recommended! I made ours for a table of 6 two months in advance. The place is small and cozy. ”
“ Wonderful and unexpected restaurant in Custer! We were very happy with everything ordered, and this was by far the best meal had on our 12 day trip through both of the Dakota’s. If you are a foodie, you will love it! I had a delicious cream of asparagus soup, and the risotto with English peas and morels was divine. Make reservations, you won’t want to miss this place! ”