When the weather warms up, us Iowans want to get outside! After all, winters are long here, and there's nothing better than the feel of warm sunshine for the first time in months. If you're looking for an excuse to get out and about, try one of these restaurants that offer the best outdoor dining experiences you can find in the Hawkeye State!
1. The General Store Pub, Stone City
The General Store Pub is located in charming Stone City, and their porch offers a great view of the Wapsi river. Pig out with their enormous Tackle Box appetizer and one of the best tenderloins in the state.Address: 12612 Stone City Rd., Anamosa, IA
2. Gilroy's Kitchen + Patio, West Des Moines
Gilroy's is one of Des Moines' best irish pubs, and you'll always feel welcome here. Enjoy great burgers and creative moscow mules while you dine and relax on the best patio in town.Address: 1238 8th St., West Des Moines, IA
3. The Landing on Clear Lake
The Landing is the place to go for enormous nachos, delicious burgers and amazing seafood dishes. Enjoy your meal with a refreshing brew and catch the breeze coming off of scenic Clear Lake.Address: 1603 S Shore Dr., Clear Lake, IA
4. Candlelight Inn Restaurant, Clinton
The Candlelight Inn Restaurant doesn't look like much at first, but it's hiding one of the best porches in Iowa! You can't go wrong feasting on fried catfish with a panoramic view of the Mississippi River. Address: 511 Riverview Dr., Clinton, IA
5. Mullet's, Des Moines
If you like to start your day with a city view, head to Mullet's for their breakfast. You'll find enormous portions and a choice of two different decks where you can sit and enjoy your meal! The later crowd will enjoy their fried bar foods and delicious pizzas.Address: 1300 SE 1st St., Des Moines, IA
6. Bracco Okoboji, Arnold's Park
Enjoy some of the finest outdoor dining in Iowa at Bracco, which offers a stunning view of Lake Okoboji. Their fresh dishes include delicious pasta dishes, flavorful sandwiches, burgers and burritos, and quite a few tasty tropical salads.Address: 317 240th Ave., Arnolds Park, IA
7. Maxwell's Beach Cafe, Arnold's Park
Maxwell's is another Arnold's Park landmark where you'll find amazing outdoor dining in Iowa. Try their seared tuna sandwich, any of their shrimp dishes, or indulge in a flavorful and perfectly seared steak. You'll have a great view of the lake as you dine!Address: 37 Lake St., Arnolds Park, IA
8. The View Bar & Grill, Dubuque
You've got to try the burgers here - they're unbelievable! There are also amazing pork tacos on the menu, and you can never go wrong ordering one of their specialty pizzas. The panoramic view of the Mississippi is one of the best in town, and the friendly staff here will make you feel welcome. Address: 22500 Golf Lake Rd., Dubuque, IA
9. CRAVE American Kitchen + Sushi Bar, Sioux City
CRAVE replaced local favorite Bev's on the River a few years ago, but it's still a popular spot. Sioux City was lacking in great sushi, and now you can enjoy tuna rolls and more with a great view of the Missouri River.Address: 1100 Larsen Park Rd., Sioux City, IA
It's always a great idea to take advantage of warm weather with some outdoor dining in Iowa! If you're looking for more ways to enjoy the warmest days in the Hawkeye State, you should pack your bags and gather your friends to Take This Epic Road Trip To Experience Iowa's Great Outdoors.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!