story by ESTHER NOE
Tucked away in the Heart of the Hills , the 1885 Steakhouse & Saloon represents a piece of local history where customers are invited to step back in time and enjoy a warm western atmosphere over a delicious meal .
As they walk through the doors , customers are greeted with the fresh scent of pine from the newsiding . The copper ceiling adds to the authentic feel as do the wood floors . In the dining area , there are two rows of booths along each wall . Between these booths are hooksmade out of horseshoes . Down the middle of the room are tables of varying sizes . Then off to the side , there is a more enclosed space for large groups , parties or family gatherings .
All of the tables are live edge and were handmade by a local gentleman . Each one has unique objects inlaid underneath the surface . There are brands , playing cards , dice , horseshoes , gold coins , badges , feathers and more . However , the most notable feature of the building is the two hand-hewn log walls still standing from 1885 . In fact , the building itself is listed on the South Dakota National Register as the oldest commercial hand-hewn log building in continuous use .
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