This Restaurant In Iowa Used To Be A Grist Mill And You'll Want To Visit

Everyone knows we have some great restaurants here in Iowa. But some have that added something special that makes the visit even better. The Bonaparte Retreat Restaurant is just such a place. The restaurant is located in what was formerly Meek’s Grist Mill in Bonaparte, Iowa. This beautiful and historic restaurant will impress you with its history and architectural interest, as well as its great food. People travel for miles to eat at the restaurant, and their guestbook contains signatures from people all over the world.

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William Meek built the first mill located at the site in 1836. When it burned down in 1841, the current building, where the restaurant now resides, was built in 1878.

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During this time, woolen, grist and lumber mills powered by large water wheels lined the Des Moines River. Settlers from as far as 100 miles came to Meek’s Mill to have their grain ground into flour.

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This family owned restaurant, run by Rose and Ben Hendricks, is a steakhouse serving comforting food like "Grandma used to make." Ben recalls having visited the mill as a child, playing amongst the equipment upstairs.

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When you walk into the restaurant, you’ll be charmed by exposed brick walls that add warmth and history to the ambiance, as well as eclectic decor that gives the eye plenty to take in.

Tripadvisor/Hillsboro Traveler

The restaurant is famous for its hand-cut steaks that are broiled to perfection. Their rib eye, especially, is known for being outstanding. They also serve plenty of other entrees, like fried chicken, ham, pork chops, homemade soups and more.

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If you’re feeling like a stroll before or after your meal, make sure to wander down Main Street. Bonaparte’s Retreat Restaurant is part of the Bonaparte National Historic District, a riverfront district of shops located in beautiful old buildings.

Wikipedia/Jon Roanhaus

The entire district is on the National Register of Historic Places, and the area has also been named a winner of the "Great American Main Street Award."

Address: 713 1st St., Bonaparte, IA.

For more amazing Iowa eating experiences, here are 10 Restaurants In Iowa You Have To Visit Before You Die.