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4 Seasonal Restaurants In Iowa You Have To Visit While The Weather Is Warm

Explore unique Iowa restaurants that are only open during the summer for a limited-time dining experience.

Published Jul 8, 2022

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

An Iowa summer is the perfect time to go exploring, and there are no shortages of unique dining destinations around the state. But if you want to get the most out of these warm, long days, why not visit some of the restaurants that are ONLY open during this time of year? Some are in popular summer vacation towns, others have outdoor seating, and others know their treats are mostly wanted during the warmer months. But whatever the reason, the clock is ticking - so enjoy these restaurants before the fall hits and time runs out for this year!

1. PM Park (Clear Lake)

A lively outdoor gathering by the water, with people dining at pink tables under trees and colorful flags.
PM Park/Facebook

This century-old lakeside institution opens up around May every year, and is known for its rustic picnic-style outdoor seating!

The menu features old diner and picnic favorites - including a massive pork tenderloin sandwich that can stand up to the state's best.

A plate featuring a fried chicken fillet, a bun, onion rings, lettuce, tomato, and a slice of onion.
Cris B/TripAdvisoe

2. Dari Barn (Grinnell)

A restaurant menu board with a red background, flanked by two decorative cow and pig sculptures outside.
Dari Barn LLC/Facebook

A seasonal ice cream and lunch counter, the small-town favorite opens for the season every spring and greets you with its cow mascots.

The light lunch menu has a popular selection of sandwiches and salads, which are just enough to whet your appetite for...

Two salad containers with chopped chicken, shredded cheese, sliced eggs, lettuce, tomatoes, and dressing on the side.
Dari Barn LLC/Facebook

A wide menu of desserts and ice creams, each more indulgent than the last. Can't choose between soft-serve flavors? Why not try a swirl?

A close-up of a swirl of pink and brown soft serve ice cream in a cup.
Dari Barn LLC/Facebook

3. Maxwell's Beach Cafe (Arnolds Park)

A vibrant sunset over a beach café sign, with colorful clouds and outdoor seating visible in the foreground.
Maxwell's Beach Cafe/Facebook

This old-school lakeside restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating and is an incredible place to watch the summer sunset.

Unlike most beachside restaurants, this is a fine-dining location - featuring some of the state's best seafood and pasta dishes.

A table setting with two pasta dishes, one with scallops, a glass of red wine, and a cocktail.
Maxwell's Beach Cafe/Facebook

4. Barefoot Bar at Okoboji (Okoboji)

A bustling outdoor bar scene with palm trees, crowds of people socializing, and tables under umbrellas.
The Barefoot Bar at Okoboji/Facebook

Less a restaurant than a never-ending party, this bar and grill opens every spring and is packed with music-loving beach-goers.

The small but delicious menu features old boardwalk favorites - including a plate of nachos that will rival your childhood favorites.

A plate of nachos topped with shredded chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese on a wooden table.
The Barefoot Bar at Okoboji/Facebook

Have you been to any of these seasonal restaurants this or any other summer? Let us know your favorite summer dining spots in the comments section! If you're looking for another one-of-a-kind summer adventure, check out this floating restaurant.

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