About Us

Our History

Hill City, SD is a town with a rich history. Now known as The Heart of the Hills, it was once known as a rough and raucous mining town, and right in the middle of what used to be known as “the mile of hell,” sits Tin City Saloon.

For history buffs, Hilly City is one of the oldest settlements in the Black Hills. Originally referred to as Hilly-o, it has roots in gold, but was mostly abandoned when the mineral hit it big in the Lead-Deadwood area. Hill City sprang back to life with the discovery of a metal most of us don’t think twice about – Tin!! One could almost literally say that it was tin that built this town, but it’s also tin, or lack of it, that made this area part of one of the biggest mining scandals in history.

When circumstances made it both possible and necessary to rename the former Mangy Moose, the desire to keep some of the area’s history alive is how Tin City Saloon was born. The name “Tin City,” is an homage to the history that put this locale on the map and we hope, in some way, it helps keep it alive.

Our History​

Hill City, SD is a town with a rich history. Now known as The Heart of the Hills, it was once known as a rough and raucous mining town, and right in the middle of what used to be known as “the mile of hell,” sits Tin City Saloon.

For history buffs, Hilly City is one of the oldest settlements in the Black Hills. Originally referred to as Hilly-o, it has roots in gold, but was mostly abandoned when the mineral hit it big in the Lead-Deadwood area. Hill City sprang back to life with the discovery of a metal most of us don’t think twice about – Tin!! One could almost literally say that it was tin that built this town, but it’s also tin, or lack of it, that made this area part of one of the biggest mining scandals in history.

When circumstances made it both possible and necessary to rename the former Mangy Moose, the desire to keep some of the area’s history alive is how Tin City Saloon was born. The name “Tin City,” is an homage to the history that put this locale on the map and we hope, in some way, it helps keep it alive.

Our Goal

Hill City, SD is a town with a rich history. Now known as The Heart of the Hills, it was once known as a rough and raucous mining town, and right in the middle of what used to be known as “the mile of hell,” sits Tin City Saloon.

For history buffs, Hilly City is one of the oldest settlements in the Black Hills. Originally referred to as Hilly-o, it has roots in gold, but was mostly abandoned when the mineral hit it big in the Lead-Deadwood area. Hill City sprang back to life with the discovery of a metal most of us don’t think twice about – Tin!! One could almost literally say that it was tin that built this town, but it’s also tin, or lack of it, that made this area part of one of the biggest mining scandals in history.

When circumstances made it both possible and necessary to rename the former Mangy Moose, the desire to keep some of the area’s history alive is how Tin City Saloon was born. The name “Tin City,” is an homage to the history that put this locale on the map and we hope, in some way, it helps keep it alive.

About Us

In January of 2023, we embarked on a seven week long remodel, in which we moved the main bar seating to the lower level, and in doing so, were able to save a piece of local history. The bar itself is the original bar from what was AJ’s Ore Car in Custer, SD. It is a (mostly) mahogany wood art deco style 1936 Brunswick with the original, date stamped mirror.

Our busiest time of year is from late May until mid September, and during the warm weather, we have a large covered patio right along Main Street that is the perfect place to enjoy a drink & a bite to eat, people watch, and observe motorcycles and classic cars as they drive by. Our patio is smoke free and we welcome well behaved pets, so long as their people follow a few simple rules to insure health & safety.

For our food menu, we try to provide you with value for your hard earned dollar. We make many of the items in house or with components made from scratch, embraced a bit of heritage with our wild game dinner offerings, and occasionally get the opportunity to make unique menu items for special events. At the bar, you will find one of the biggest selections of wine, whiskey, and tequila outside of Rapid City, and on tap we feature almost exclusively South Dakota craft brews.

Our Goal

Hill City, SD is a town with a rich history. Now known as The Heart of the Hills, it was once known as a rough and raucous mining town, and right in the middle of what used to be known as “the mile of hell,” sits Tin City Saloon.

For history buffs, Hilly City is one of the oldest settlements in the Black Hills. Originally referred to as Hilly-o, it has roots in gold, but was mostly abandoned when the mineral hit it big in the Lead-Deadwood area. Hill City sprang back to life with the discovery of a metal most of us don’t think twice about – Tin!! One could almost literally say that it was tin that built this town, but it’s also tin, or lack of it, that made this area part of one of the biggest mining scandals in history.

When circumstances made it both possible and necessary to rename the former Mangy Moose, the desire to keep some of the area’s history alive is how Tin City Saloon was born. The name “Tin City,” is an homage to the history that put this locale on the map and we hope, in some way, it helps keep it alive.

In January of 2023, we embarked on a seven week long remodel, in which we moved the main bar seating to the lower level, and in doing so, were able to save a piece of local history. The bar itself is the original bar from what was AJ’s Ore Car in Custer, SD. It is a (mostly) mahogany wood art deco style 1936 Brunswick with the original, date stamped mirror.

The goal of the remodel was to make entry into the building as comfortable as possible to all who enter, by having dining in the upper level and the option to be seated near the bar down below. We are fortunate enough to get visitors from far & wide, as well as having a lot of regular “locals,” and we want everyone to feel like they belong here. As part of our commitment to our customers, we also pledge the price you pay is the same price we charge all year long! We won’t increase prices for tourism season or for the motorcycle rally.

Our Value

In January of 2023, we embarked on a seven week long remodel, in which we moved the main bar seating to the lower level, and in doing so, were able to save a piece of local history. The bar itself is the original bar from what was AJ’s Ore Car in Custer, SD. It is a (mostly) mahogany wood art deco style 1936 Brunswick with the original, date stamped mirror.

Our busiest time of year is from late May until mid September, and during the warm weather, we have a large covered patio right along Main Street that is the perfect place to enjoy a drink & a bite to eat, people watch, and observe motorcycles and classic cars as they drive by. Our patio is smoke free and we welcome well behaved pets, so long as their people follow a few simple rules to insure health & safety.

For our food menu, we try to provide you with value for your hard earned dollar. We make many of the items in house or with components made from scratch, embraced a bit of heritage with our wild game dinner offerings, and occasionally get the opportunity to make unique menu items for special events. At the bar, you will find one of the biggest selections of wine, whiskey, and tequila outside of Rapid City, and on tap we feature almost exclusively South Dakota craft brews.

Our Value

The goal of the remodel was to make entry into the building as comfortable as possible to all who enter, by having dining in the upper level and the option to be seated near the bar down below. We are fortunate enough to get visitors from far & wide, as well as having a lot of regular “locals,” and we want everyone to feel like they belong here. As part of our commitment to our customers, we also pledge the price you pay is the same price we charge all year long! We won’t increase prices for tourism season or for the motorcycle rally.

If you’ve been in our upper dining room, you will have seen our Wall of Honor. This is one small way we honor the men and women who serve and have served this great country. We welcome patches from all branches of the military, as well as law enforcement/first responders. Visit us on a Friday, and you will observe of staff dress in R.E.D. (Remember Everyone Deployed) and Freedom Friday. As a show of our gratitude, we also support several veterans’ organizations, such as Jack Daniel’s Operation Ride Home, Mission22, and Folds of Honor. Tin City is also proud to give to and support one of the most philanthropic kids we’ve ever met through Wyatt’s Lemonade.

But, ultimately, everything we are is because of YOU – our valued guests & friends. Your experience here is genuinely important and we are constantly looking at ways to improve our offerings for you. If we didn’t meet your expectations, please let us know during your visit so we can make it right.

Our Story

We’re not just a restaurant. We’re a cultural experience

Food Sourcing

Menu Devlopment

Restaurant

Main Dishes

Winter Menu

Wraps, Salads, French Dips, Reubens, Chicken Wings and more.

Heritage Menu

Braised, Stew, Burger and Hot Dog style optons.

Nachos

5 varieties to choose from, fresh chips cooked throughout the day.

Burgers

Seasoned with our special blend, 1/3 lb, never frozen Midwestern beef patties.

Make a Reservation

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