The Lakeside BBQ Restaurant in Small-Town Iowa with Breathtaking Views

Lakefront dining in Iowa is a Hawkeye State tradition, but many of the top spots are upscale restaurants specializing in high-end seafood dishes - and sometimes, a weekend trip requires something a little more casual. I certainly don't feel like sidling up to a high-end restaurant after a day at the waterpark. That's where places like Louie's Lakeside Bistro & BBQ in Moravia, Iowa, come in. A casual, long-time family restaurant on the shore of Rathburn Lake, not far from Honey Creek Resort, it's one of those neighborhood dining spots that just feel like a quintessential vacation spot. The views are impeccable, and the food is surprisingly good - the specialty here is traditional, slow-smoked barbecue. Read on to discover why this might just be the best place for dinner with a view in rural Iowa!

Lake Rathburn is a beautiful spot for a restaurant, and Louie's Lakeside has won a big fanbase for its location and food.

This casual, BBQ-focused spot draws a big crowd and has a casual feel perfect for families and vacationers.

Unlike many beachside BBQ shacks, the barbecue here is done the old-fashioned way - smoked low and slow. You can smell it well before you enter!

You can get a sandwich, a platter, or a combo depending on how hungry you are for pulled pork, chicken, burgers, or more.

Not in the mood for meat today? Dig into some of the varied sandwiches, including delicious fish options, or a specialty pizza.

If you want to stay inside but still want a view, some of the restaurant's dining rooms have stunning vistas of the lake.

This place is especially gorgeous when the sun goes down, and the Rathburn Marina looks like it's cast in multicolored lights.

Have you taken in the view and the food at Louie's Lakeside Bistro & BBQ in Moravia? What's your favorite spot for lakefront dining in Iowa? Let us know in the comments section! You can see the whole menu on the Louie's Lakeside Bistro & BBQ website, and check out the Louie's Lakeside Facebook page for all the current specials. While you're in Moravia, be sure to look into going on one of the beautiful hikes at Honey Creek State Park. If you're looking for a more laid-back place to stay than the namesake resort, consider booking a room at the Westbridge Inn & Suites, only minutes away in Centerville.