This Off-the-Beaten-Path Restaurant in Iowa Is Worth a Day Trip

Iowa has a lot of rural counties, and those on a road trip may find themselves looking around for a place to eat that isn't a gas station! This is especially the case in the more remote areas of the state - and northwestern Iowa certainly qualifies. Sure, there's Sioux City and a few other hubs, but there is a lot of farmland in between. That's why it's all the more exciting to find a great rural diner in Iowa - and that's exactly what we found in the town of Pomeroy. The Co-Op Bar and Grill is a charming local joint that serves up humble but delicious food at affordable prices - perfect for a road trip - but that's not the only reason to stop in here. This place lives up to its name: It has 69 owners to make this a true town project. You're getting more than a meal when you visit this eatery - you're getting a welcome from the whole town!

Like an oasis in the middle of the prairie, the Co-Op Bar and Grill might be the only diner cooperative in Iowa.

The 69 (!!!) owners from the town have put together a likable, laid-back family restaurant with a constantly changing menu of specials.

The focus here is low prices and big portions - starting with the hearty plates served for lunch every day.

The hot wings are always delicious and a great way to kick off your meal.

Lunch specials lean toward sandwiches - including originals like this Mac Wrap.

At dinner, hearty country-style plates are on offer, with the specials of the day changing all the time.

The style here is homestyle, which means you might just find something completely new - like these meatball casserole bites on garlic toast.

Have you visited the Co-Op Bar and Grill in Pomeroy? What did you think of this unique rural diner in Iowa? Tell us all about your meal in the comments section! As you'd expect from a humble place like this, it keeps a low profile online, but you can follow the Co-Op Bar and Grill Facebook page for details on daily specials. It might be a long ride to get here if you're coming from Des Moines, but this makes a great stop on the way to a place like Storm Lake - where you'll find the beautiful Awaysis Beach and can book a room at the King's Pointe Waterpark Resort, one of our favorite family getaways in Iowa. Discover more of our favorite spots in Iowa using our new Travel Planner!