When you think of eating a hot dog, does the word “gourmet” come to mind? If not, that’s probably a sign that you’ve never been to Bob’s Drive Inn in Le Mars, Iowa. Known to locals as just “Bob’s Dogs,” this retro restaurant is open seasonally from mid-February to mid-December and serves up not-your-ordinary hot dogs. Don’t just take our word for it, read on to learn about the best hot dogs in Iowa as well as other delicious delights on the menu of this family-owned restaurant. 

The stars of the show at Bob’s Drive Inn are, no surprise, the hot dogs.
Bob's Drive Inn / Facebook
As you can see, these delicious franks at Bob's in Le Mar are naturally cased and topped with a mouthwatering, homemade meat sauce. Keep it simple or dress it up by ordering the Chili Cheese Dog. There's also the Step Dog with pepper jack, jalapenos, mustard, onions, and chips. We also suggest making your meal featuring the best hot dogs in Iowa with a variety of tasty sides (go for the onion rings - you won’t regret it!).
Kayelene L / Tripadvisor
Bob’s taverns, or loose meat sandwiches for those unaccustomed to northwest IA lingo, also keep diners coming back again. You can also order a variety of other entrees from chicken sliders to pork tenderloins to hearty salads. There’s something to satisfy every palate when you dine at Bob's Drive Inn, Le Mar.
Lori S / Tripadvisor

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And while the ice cream competition is stiff in Le Mars, Bob’s holds its own in that department too. Check out their shakes, malts, cones, and sundaes; with flavors like black raspberry, mocha, butter pecan, and caramel, Bob’s is worth a pit stop just for their ice cream! 
Bob's Drive Inn / Facebook
There's a small amount of seating inside Bob's Drive Inn and plenty of space outside on their patio.
At Bob's Le Mar, there's more than just food. There's also the experience, from the perfect photo opportunity thanks to their giant hot dog cut-out sign to a giant ice cream cone sculpture.
Lori S / Tripadvisor
You can order outside at the window and eat on the patio, but the dining area has a great atmosphere, too. Between the 1950s décor that nods back to the restaurant’s roots and the upbeat staff, you’ll enjoy the experience that this family-owned town icon offers. 
Bob's Drive Inn / Facebook
Bob’s Drive Inn's stated mission is to serve quality food with a smile, and they deliver on that promise. The hot food, always made to order, hits the spot every time. Yum!

Well, have you had the chance to dine at Bob’s in Le Mar? If so, how often have you chowed on some of the best hot dogs in Iowa? Let us know in the following comments section. Feel free to also visit Facebook to learn more about the menu and hours at Bob’s Drive Inn.

Since the restaurant is a destination, how about making plans to visit this part of Iowa over the weekend? To help you plan, we recommend checking out the ice cream museum in Le Mar. We also suggest referencing Vrbo for vacation rentals in the area.

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Bob's Drive Inn In Le Mars, Iowa

Marla S. | April 02, 2024

What restaurants serve some of the best hot dogs in Iowa?

Along with Bob's Drive Inn, the following restaurants serve some of the best hot dogs in Iowa:

  • Milwaukee Wiener House in Sioux City: If you can't get to New York but are craving a frank, we suggest heading to this popular spot in Iowa that's been serving up Coney Island-style hot dogs since 1918.
  • Hudson's Southside Tap in Iowa City: Along with comfort food classics like burgers and fries, satisfy your craving for a hearty bite when you order one of the restaurant's infamous chili hot dogs.
  • Hot Diggity Dogz in Dubuque: We suggest coming hungry so you can try a few hot dogs off of the menu of this Chicago-style inspired family restaurant.

 

What is one of the best Iowa road trips to hole-in-the-wall restaurants?

One of the best Iowa road trips will take you to five delicious BBQ joints scattered around the state. This delicious journey starts at Crazy Bob's in Hartley and goes to Bett and Bev's BBQ in Perry. Along the way, enjoy BBQ chicken, ribs, pulled pork, and other favorites including some of the best hot dogs in Iowa.

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Featured Addresses
Bob's Drive Inn, 23 5th Ave SW, Le Mars, IA 51031, USA