About
With its motto “No Crap on Tap!” and its wine selections, salads, and artisan pizzas, Independent Ale House has been delighting beer lovers and vacationers since 2011.
Justin and Jeane Henrichsen built the Rapid City spot to offer outstanding craft beer selections and food worth talking about.
With the beer hall’s success, the couple expanded and, in 2020, purchased Monks Ale House in Sioux Falls. The couple continued growing in 2022 by opening Windsor Block Bar, an upscale cocktail lounge next door to the Independent Ale House.
With 50 taps, you'll find regional favorites like Crow Peak Brewing Company, Sawyer Brewing Co, Spearfish Brewing, and Lost Cabin Beer Co. Also available are Belgian classics, German pilsners, and hazy IPAs from across the country.
Remember the song “100 Bottles of Beer on the Wall”? In addition to draft, they carry 100 bottles of brew. All this to say that if you’re a beer enthusiast, Independent Ale House is for you.
The food goes above and beyond the classic pub grub, with lunch specials, flavorful salads, and an array of creative pizzas. These pies are oval with thin, slightly chewy crusts and inventive toppings, like mashed potatoes. Yes, you read that correctly! We’ll dive into these flavorful pies later.
Its location puts it close to some of South Dakota’s iconic landmarks, like Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park, and 1800 Train. You’re never far from an ice-cold brew and artisan pizza on your sightseeing adventures, making Independent Ale House a must-visit.
Vibe
You’ll find this hotspot in one of the well-kept brick buildings on Joseph Street, blending contemporary elements with the historic setting.
The shotgun-style interior features brick walls, exposed ductwork, and an eclectic mix of brewery signs and antique odds and ends. Together, they make the space feel welcoming and chic.
Wooden tables flank the entrance ramp and walls, while bar stools line the long bar. Chalkboards above the bar and digital displays at either end list the beers on tap, while the flat-screen TVs broadcast sports. Outside, a small patio holds around four tables where dogs are welcomed.
At lunchtime, the vibe is laid-back and ideal for family meals or those seeking a quieter setting. After sunset, the energy picks up, as guests flock here to watch the game or recap a day of Black Hills adventure.
Independent Ale House: Menu & Drinks
Before we explore the beer and wine options, let’s check out the food, which is a refreshing change from the traditional tavern offerings. The Mediterranean Salad is a perfect example, featuring mixed greens, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, red onions, banana peppers, diced tomatoes, and Greek vinaigrette.
Lunch options include the soup-salad-bread combo, the spring garden soup (also vegetarian), or the pork belly sliders.
We’ve saved the best for last: the pizzas! Remember the mashed potato pizza? Well, it’s one of the standouts with garlic mashed potatoes, crumbled bacon, green onions, and a cheese blend. Topped with a dollop of sour cream, this artisan pie delivers a comfort food classic with Italian charm.
Bob's Popper pizza is another standout with Ranch sauce, jalapeños, bacon, cheese blend, cream cheese, and raspberry preserves. You’ll also find classics like pepperoni, carnivore (meat lovers), and vegetarian. With such variety, there’s a pizza for everyone, including your pickiest eater!
With its promise of “No Crap on Tap,” you can rest assured that there's a brew waiting for you to discover. And with its frequent rotation and seasonal offerings, there’s always a fresh pour to discover.
The Lost Cabin Lord Grizzly Scotch ale or the local SoDank IPA showcase South Dakota brewing, while the 100 bottles of beer and the various wines let you find something to pair with your meal.
After a full day outdoors, Independent Ale House turns an ordinary dinner into a highlight of your South Dakota vacation.
Local Tips
- Order take-out and enjoy dining in the comfort of your Casago rental.
- There is plenty of free parking on the street or in the lot.
- Happy Hour is daily from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Sample various pours with a flight of beer.
