Iowa’s Oldest Mill Is Worthy of A Pilgrimage, Serving Up The Best Beer, BBQ And Live Music Around

In Bellevue, Iowa, an historic grist mill is turning out a lot more than sacks of wheat flour. Potters Mill is home to Flatted Fifth Blues & BBQ at Potters Mill, a must-visit destination for people who love great BBQ and blues music.

Here's why you need to head to Bellevue to experience the best of Potters Mill.

The mill is a historic treasure, located on a creek that's just off the Mississippi River. From 1845-1969 it produced flour that was sent to cities all over the Midwest and Eastern United States. But after sitting vacant for 11 years, the mill was slated to be torn down, so its lumber could be salvaged.

Fortunately, that didn't happen. An extensive renovation turned the mill into a gem and its not going anywhere. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and has been home to a variety of businesses. In 2014, Flatted Fifth Blues & BBQ at Potters Mill moved in and the music started.

When you step into this place, you might think you're a little further downriver. The establishment strives to bring together the jazz and southern food of Bourbon Street with the blues and BBQ of Beale Street.

The restaurant serves up some great Southern specialties, including a wonderful fried catfish po'boy, chicken tchoupitoulas, crawfish etouffee and black eyed peas and collard greens. The food gets some great reviews.

You'll find plenty of great options to wash your meal down, including a good beer selection and some top-shelf scotch.

Live jazz and blues bands perform regularly at the mill and the place has a big following - it's a great destination for a night out with friends.

Flatted Fifth Blues & BBQ at Potters Mill has won a lot of awards, including the 2020 Iowa Tourism Award for Outstanding Rural Dining. See for yourself why it's so great - the establishment is open for lunch and dinner, Wednesday-Saturday. If you're hungry to explore more great Iowa BBQ, here are 12 joints that will make your mouth water.