Don’t you love those hidden gem restaurants that don’t look like much from the outside, but you find out they’re awesome when you taste the food? They’re not big on looking fancy or trendy, they just serve great food for great prices. Those kinds of restaurants always make me feel like I’m in on a good secret. Here are some of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Iowa where you'll find amazing food and welcoming, friendly staff. Enjoy!

1. Hole In the Wall Bar, Lawler

This hole in the wall is a literal hole in the wall, at least by name! This place has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with classic American food. They’re popular for their salad bar, amazing chicken, and the all you can eat Friday night fish special. Rea more about this literal hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Iowa on their Facebook page.

2. Northwestern Steakhouse, Mason City

A local favorite that’s been around forever, this unique steakhouse offers delicious Greek-style steaks and salads, among many other options. The steaks are cooked with olive oil and a blend of Greek seasonings to create steak so tender you can cut it with a fork. The walls are decorated with posters of old movies and the atmosphere is cozy and relaxing. Get all the info you need about this local landmark here.

3. Baxa’s Sutliff Store and Tavern, Sutliff

Situated next to the scenic Sutliff bridge on the Cedar River, this tavern is a fun place with many tavern-style favorites, like tasty burgers and giant pork tenderloins. You can tack a dollar bill to the ceiling to mark that you were there, and there’s plenty to learn about the bridge and look at in the attached store. Check it out right here and plan your trip.

4. Canteen Lunch in the Alley, Ottumwa

A local fixture known for its loose-meat sandwiches and homemade pies, The Canteen Lunch in the Alley originally opened in 1927. It moved in 1936 and has 16 stools situated on a horseshoe-shaped counter. The iconic loose-meat sandwich with cheese sauce paired with a malt shake and piece of pie will definitely make your stomach and taste buds happy.See what the hype is all about by reading more about it right here.

5. Taylor’s Maid-Rite, Marshalltown

While Maid-Rite is a franchise, Taylor’s is an iconic and long-time favorite in Marshalltown. They’ve perfected their tasty loose-meat sandwich and have been selling it for over 80 years. The menu is limited (this is the only sandwich option available) but you won’t want anything else anyway. They also have amazing shakes. The meat is ground fresh every day, and it’s 100% Iowa beef. Get all the info you need to plan your visit right here.

6. Mac’s Tavern, Davenport

This classic Irish Pub is clean and simple with friendly bartenders serving up super cheap drinks and tasty, greasy bar food like nachos, pizza, burgers, fries, and tacos that people swear by. Follow their Facebook page here to keep up with their specials and offerings.

7. Lighthouse Inn Supper Club, Cedar Rapids

The Lighthouse Inn has been around since 1912, and families have loyally eaten at this classic supper club for generations. It has a rich and interesting history as a common stop for Chicago mobsters during prohibition. Both Al Capone and John Dillinger ate there, and there was even a bullet hole in the wall where Dillinger’s gun went off. Although the hole is no longer there, it remains part of the restaurant’s history. One of their most popular items is their "fall off the bone" ribs, but they also offer a large selection of sandwiches, chicken, pasta, seafood, and more. Read more about this storied supper club here.

8. Diamond Thai, Sioux City

It’s hard to find really good Thai food in an Iowa town, and that’s what’s so great about this hidden gem. This small, authentic Thai restaurant serves up excellent spring rolls, curries, pad Thai, and other traditional Thai dishes. Follow Diamond Thai on Facebook, here.

Iowa has a whole culinary world to explore. Want to learn more? You might be interested in these 10 Restaurants In Iowa You Have To Visit Before You Die.