The charming and historic town of Dubuque is a favorite destination of many Iowans. There’s history, museums, restaurants and more all in one of the oldest cities in the state. One particular restaurant is hiding a unique secret – you can dine right in an old jail cell!

Vinny Vanucchi's is located at 180 Main St., Dubuque, IA 52001
Trip Advisor / Vinny Vanucchi's
This charming restaurant is set right in the heart of downtown Dubuque, which is one of the most historic towns in Iowa.
Trip Advisor / Travel From A56
When you walk in, you'll be greeted with a warm environment that feels like a family gathering.
Trip Advisor / Vinny Vanucchi's
The high ceilings and old-world decor hardly let on that the restaurant is hiding a fascinating secret.
Trip Advisor / Garth F.

Related Stories

Encounter Dinosaurs At This Interactive Iowa Science Museum

Encounter Dinosaurs At This Interactive Iowa Science Museum

 This Sunset River Ride Down The Mighty Mississippi Belongs On Your Iowa Bucket List

This Sunset River Ride Down The Mighty Mississippi Belongs On Your Iowa Bucket List

 You Can Get A Chicken-Fried Steak In The Drive-Thru At This Quaint Eatery In Iowa

You Can Get A Chicken-Fried Steak In The Drive-Thru At This Quaint Eatery In Iowa
It used to be a jail, and you can dine in an old jail cell! They probably won't lock the door...
Facebook / Vinny Vanucchi's
You'll be treated way better than the prisoners that dined here in the past, though...
Google Maps / Chase N. Silver
... because Vinny Vanucchi's authentic Italian food is some of the best you'll find in the state.
Trip Advisor / Vinny Vanucchi's
Vinny's isn't the only place in Dubuque where you can have a jail cell experience.
Trip Advisor / Lynn S.
After you've been "locked up" for your Italian dinner, head to the top of the hill for an overnight stay in the Jailhouse Inn.
Trip Advisor / Lynn S.
Read more about a night's stay in the renovated county jail right here.

There are so many unique restaurants like Vinny Vanucchi’s in Iowa – from one that was built in an old power plant (This Secluded Waterfront Restaurant In Iowa Is One Of The Most Magical Places You’ll Ever Eat) to the historic destination along Lincoln Highway (This Historic Iowa Restaurant Is One Of Lincoln Highway’s Best-Kept Secrets). Which is your favorite restaurant in the Hawkeye state?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
180 Main St., Dubuque, IA 52001