These 9 Uniquely Themed Restaurants Will Transform Your Iowa Dining Experience

When you’re trying to decide where to grab a bite to eat this weekend, skip the boring chain restaurant and check out one of these 9 uniquely themed restaurants in Iowa instead; you’ll thank us later. Keep this list in your back pocket for the next time you want to get out and get some seriously good food in a fun and interesting spot. With so many great choices, we know you’ll have a hard time choosing. So make sure to visit them all!

Teresa Bjork of Iowa Farm Bureau

Teddy's Barn & Grill/Facebook

Head over to Teddy’s to grab a bite of Midwestern soul food while dining in the beautifully renovated hayloft of an old barn - it doesn’t get more Iowan than this. If you have room for dessert, order one of their cow pies. We promise that they're better than the ones you find out in the field. When you’re dining out in Iowa, make sure Teddy’s is at the top of your list. And don’t forget to make your reservations before you head out!

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12Jeepgirl~Never look back.../Flickr

https://fongspizza.com/ankeny/

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Atsuki Emma Mori/Flickr

Do you ever just want pizza, but at the same time want to enjoy the ambiance of your favorite Chinese restaurant? Well, Fong’s is the place for you. The legend goes that the restaurant used to serve Chinese food, but when the new owners bought it they didn't want to change the decor, and so Fong's Pizza was born. Fong's has become wildly popular for their fun, Asian-inspired theme, delicious pizza, sandwiches, salads and desserts. This iconic place is definitely one of the most unique places to eat in Iowa.

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Frida Kahlo Mexican Restaurant & Lucy's Bakery/Facebook

Frida Kahlo Mexican Restaurant & Lucy's Bakery/Facebook

Yes, this Mexican restaurant in Solon is Frida Kahlo-themed and it’s seriously awesome. They serve all your usual Mexican restaurant food, but they also have a bakery that serves up delicious, fresh sweets daily. As you would expect, the place is decked out in Frida Kahlo art, and has a really cool atmosphere going on. Check out their menu, including family packages, dinner, drinks, and more. And if it’s a beautiful night, be sure to sit on their patio!

Zombie Burger

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Tyrgyzistan/Flickr

What’s in a name? Pretty much everything at this zombie inspired restaurant. This zombie-themed burger joint is a hit with both the living and the dead. The restaurant itself is filled with zombie-themed decor, and their food is to die for — no pun intended. Their whole menu is loaded with insane, amazing, taste-bud-exploding choices like this one. This is one of the most famous restaurants in Iowa, and for good reason! And now there’s two locations for you to enjoy.

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anothertom/Flickr

The Ox Yoke Inn is an old favorite of those who visit the German villages of the Amana Colonies. The Ox Yoke serves traditional German family-style meals, with delicious dishes such as: schnitzel, sauerbraten, bratwurst, and even flammkuchen, a German-style pizza. Plus, their entire restaurant makes you feel like you’re sitting in your German grandma’s dining room— and it’s amazing. Their dishes are fresh and handmade, and reservations are recommended, so be sure to book ahead!

Dotzy's Restaurant and Saloon/Facebook

Dotzy's Restaurant and Saloon/Facebook

Walking into Dotzy’s in Elgin feels like walking into a saloon in the Wild West. This Western-themed eatery is covered in rustic wood for the true country feel, and their food is just as authentic. (Their adult grilled cheese with BBQ rib meat is to die for.) Grab your gang and pony up for a bite to eat at this spot; you won’t regret it. They’ve reopened under new ownership and are now even better than ever. Make sure to follow along on their Facebook page to see specials and keep up to date on their hours of operation.

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cohodas208c/Flickr

Drake Diner in Des Moines has that retro diner theme down - if you walk in there, it's like stepping back into the 1950’s. This place is perfectly old-school, and they serve up all the tried-and-true classics. Drake Diner is an institution, and a diner that should be at the top of your list if you’re craving all of your favorite breakfast foods.

Hessen Haus/Facebook

Hessen Haus/Facebook

On your visit to Hessen Haus (especially after a few swigs from Das Boot), you may just forget that you’re in Iowa, and not some old-world German Bier Hall. With 50 imported German biers on tap, and a menu full of items ending in "schnitzel," you know this place is authentic. Their beer menu is delicious and extensive, with fabulous options to try, so come thirsty!

Yelp/Nicole P.

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Next time you need to fill up quick, check out the Filling Station in Davenport. This lively, gas station-themed bar and grill is filled with old memorabilia, and they even have some vintage pumps out front. They serve all your favorite American food, plus plenty of draft beers to refuel you. This Americana themed restaurant is the perfect place to find a great meal. In fact, it’s so good, you may visit again and again.

We promise you won’t miss the chain restaurants after you try one of these spots. Have you visited any of these great stops? Which one is your favorite? Know of any more fun, themed restaurants here in Iowa? Let us know in the comments section below!

If you’re looking for more tasty food in the great state of Iowa, don’t miss The 14 Restaurants You’ll Want To Eat At In Iowa This Year.