The Small-Town Restaurant That Is Worth A Visit From Anywhere In Iowa

Iowa has a lot of places that are worth seeing - but sometimes it can take a while to get there! We've all had those long country drives that feel like they last forever, and a restaurant or roadside cafe can feel like an oasis. Even better if that stop is actually good! You can find a classic place like this in the small city of Clarinda, located in Iowa's southwest corner, in a stretch without any big cities around. This is The Ice House, a casual sports bar and restaurant that has been called the best small-town Iowa restaurant by many locals and visitors. The menu here specializes in classic, hearty country cooking, but the big-screen TVs on the walls are anything but rustic. It's the best of both worlds, and it's the kind of place that makes roadtrippers cheer when it comes into view.

The Ice House is one of those great old-school joints that never seem to change - in the best way.

It's most popular on game day, as it's a hot sports bar, but the rest of the time, it's an excellent family restaurant.

You'll definitely want to start a meal here with the restaurant's famous quesadilla.

From there, the burgers and patty melts are always a great choice, topped with anything you can imagine.

Maybe the real highlight of the menu is the daily specials. This beauty is the Ultimate Porker - pork tenderloin topped with ham and bacon.

Want something heartier? Pot roast, pork chops, and prime rib are all on the menu for dinner.

If this is the end of your driving journey, celebrate with a unique drink from the massive selection at the bar! Much like the menu, there will always be specials to keep things fresh.

Have you visited The Ice House in Clarinda? What's your pick for the best small-town Iowa? Let us know in the comments section! You can visit the Ice House website for the full menu, and keep an eye on the Ice House Facebook page - that's where you'll find the daily lunch specials. If you're lucky, you might be in Clarinda when it's time for its famous craft festival. Wherever you're driving from, make sure you have some road trip snacks - it could be a long drive to Clarinda!