City: Deadwood, SD

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (605) 578-3656, (800) 999-6482

Address: 677 Main St.

Description: You just can’t help feeling glamorous when you dine at Jakes, located on the top floor of the Midnight Star casino. Although you’re not likely to rub elbows with the glitterati here (but it’s not impossible, either), just knowing this splendid restaurant was created by Hollywood celebrity Kevin Costner and his brother, Dan, lends panache to the evening. Jakes opens each night for dinner on the top floor of the 1879 Phoenix Building, Deadwood’s first brick structure—and the only building in town that had a three-story privy out back (demolished in the 1940s). The Deadwood City Council held its first meeting in this space in 1881, but it’s doubtful the early-day city leaders had as much fun as you will in this lofty chamber of cherry, mahogany, and double-lead crystal. (The original third floor was torn off several decades ago because of damage from a leaky roof, but the Costners’ replacement is architecturally faithful.) With its tall windows and domed skylight, this is an exciting place to be during a summer thunderstorm, but you don’t need a taste for thrills to appreciate the amenities. A propensity for stellar cuisine will do you just fine, because there’s plenty of that at Jakes.Begin with a tasty appetizer such as escargot, roasted portobello mushrooms, buffalo carpaccio, shredded pheasant quesadillas, or duck satay. After your salad, let the sorbet intermezzo, served on a lemon leaf, cleanse your palate for full enjoyment of an entree, such as sautéed walleye, honey-glazed shrimp, grilled pork tenderloins with cinnamon plum sauce, steak fillets, or Cajun seafood tortellini. These are just a few of the selections from the menu, which varies a bit every few months. What remains constant is the elegance of the food, including handmade desserts, such as macadamia white-chocolate cheesecake. The luxury of two fireplaces, a full bar, and live piano music Tues through Sat are the final exquisite touches. Because this is a popular place, reservations are recommended. Jakes is open daily for dinner.The Midnight Star has a sports bar, Diamond Lil’s, which serves lighter fare, and you’ll find it listed in the Nightlife chapter.