There are some places you come across that are so incredibly amazing that you feel the need to come back time and time again, even if it means driving a little while (or a long while) to get there. If you’ve never been to the town of Hot Springs, South Dakota, for example, there’s a little mom-and-pop, hole-in-the-wall joint that’s so amazingly good, you’ll make sure to eat as much as you can while you’re here… and then you’ll surely be back. For some of the best comfort food in South Dakota – if not the whole Upper Midwest – come out to Hot Springs, and visit Southern Hills Diner. It’s as charming as the food is delicious… which is saying a lot.

Southern Hills Diner is the epitome of a small mom-and-pop place you will never, ever find anywhere else.
Dan Cottrell/Google Local
It's small, but we promise: It's huge on service and the doggone best homestyle comfort food you've ever had in your life.
It's a quaint, quiet little spot in the country that's well worth the effort to reach.
Dan Cottrell/Google Local
The overall vibe of the place is homey and comfortable, and you'll always be greeted with a kind, friendly face and excellent service.
The menu is incredible, and the servings are HUGE.
Deborah Gardner/Google Local
Not only are they huge, they're delicious. Every dish here is made under this roof, and they are outrageously flavorful.
There's an excellent variety, too,
Dan Cottrell/Google Local
You can get everything from spaghetti and meatballs to steak, chops, and tasty, tasty shrimp. Everything on the menu is made with love, and it shows.
We're not sure what the best part is, so we'll just go with all of it.
Dan Cottrell/Google Local
The food, the vibe, the entire place are uniquely South Dakotan and uniquely delicious.
You can't go wrong with anything on the menu.
Carl Muhm/Google Local
Of course, you'll have to come back so you can try everything...
...you definitely don't want to miss a thing.
Nico Klassen/Google Local

For more information about this delightful little mom-and-pop stop in rural South Dakota, check out its listing on the official Hot Springs, South Dakota website. While you’re in Hot Springs, check out Cascade Falls, and if you need a place to stay while you’re in town, check out the offerings from our friends at Booking.com.

What are your favorite places for comfort food in South Dakota? Let us know!

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Southern Hills Diner, 12572 Sheps Canyon Rd, Hot Springs, SD 57747, USA