9 Irresistible Restaurants That Define Iowa
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Some of the most famous restaurants in the Midwest are located right here in Iowa, and each of them shows off a little Hawkeye State charm. From the riverfront to the rural corners to the capital city, you’ll find amazing food in every section of Iowa if you choose to dine at these iconic Iowa restaurants.
Bluff Lake Catfish Farm started off as, well, a catfishing lake! When fishermen needed some fuel, Bluff Lake opened up a small snack shack. Eventually, that snack shack evolved into a full restaurant, which offers some of the best all-you-can-eat catfish and haddock in the state. Read more about it right here.
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When it comes to tenderloins, it's hard to beat Butch's River Rock Cafe. Of course, it's also a little hard to find Butch's River Rock Cafe... but the journey is so worth it! This rural restaurant is one of the best places for a tenderloin in Iowa, and it's easy to see what makes this one of the most iconic Iowa restaurants around. Read more about it right here.
Breitbach's is the oldest restaurant in Iowa, and it has earned a reputation for being outstanding when it comes to food, friendliness, and service! The view from the porch shows off a truly rural Iowa scene, and the food inside is absolutely unforgettable. Read more about it right here.
Archie's Waeside is the most famous steakhouse in Iowa, thanks to its well-deserved recognition by the James Beard Award Foundation. The restaurant was named one of America's Classics, and since then, it has been drawing foodies from across the country to the small town of Le Mars, Iowa. Read more about it right here
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If you think every Maid-Rite is the same, you're so wrong! One visit to Taylor's Maid-Rite in Marshalltown is all you'll need to realize that there's good —and then there's amazing. Read more about it right here.
Northwestern is one of the most iconic Iowa restaurants when it comes to steak — they make theirs both American and Greek Style! If you want a truly amazing Iowa beef experience, you've got to try their porterhouse.Read more about it right here.
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Proof is a simple, elegant restaurant in Des Moines that has been making headlines for their seasonal menus created by their incredible head chef. When it comes to gourmet Midwestern food, you really can't beat this Locust Street establishment. Address: 1301 Locust Street,Suite C, Des Moines, IA 50309.
The General Store Pub is more than 120 years old, and it sits in the middle of historic Stone City, right on the "Wapsi" river. Anyone who's dined here knows that it's one of Iowa's most famous and historic restaurants, and their locally sourced menu is a highlight of any trip. Read more about it right here.
There are more than100 menu items to choose from at historic Hickory Park, in Ames. Their BBQ is famous throughout the country, and they might have perfected the hickory-smoke technique! Be sure to save room for one of their old-fashioned sundaes! Address: 1404 S. Duff Avenue
Ames, Iowa 50010.
What’s your all-time favorite restaurant in Iowa? Tell us in the comments!
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