Posted in Iowa Dining October 11, 2021 by Michaela Kendall

These 7 Unique Restaurants In Iowa Will Give You An Unforgettable Dining Experience

Iowa invented the walking taco, taco pizza, Eskimo pie, and is home to the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, so obviously we Iowans know our food. No matter where you go in this great state, incredible food is just around the corner. While this list could go on forever, here are seven of the most amazing, delicious, and unique restaurants in Iowa that you’ll want to try.

Yummmm. Who’s hungry? What are some of your favorite, unique restaurants in Iowa? Let us know in the comment section!

Address: 223 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Address: 1450 SW Vintage Pkwy, Ankeny, IA 50023, USA

Address: 1006 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, USA

Address: 3018 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, USA

Address: 300 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Address: 101 Jordan Creek Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266, USA

Address: 206 N Linn St, Iowa City, IA 52245, USA

Address: 614 W 5th St, Davenport, IA 52801, USA

Address: 1072 Main St, Dubuque, IA 52001, USA

Address: Ox Yoke Inn, 4420 220th Trail, Amana, IA 52203, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Unique Restaurants In Iowa

October 17, 2021

Melissa M.

What are some of the best hidden restaurants in Iowa?

Everyone loves to go out for a meal once in a while and although there are plenty of chain restaurants and popular eateries, some of the best restaurants can be found in the most unexpected places. Located at a private lake in the rural town of Maquoketa, Bluff Lake Catfish Farm is as good as it gets when it comes to catfish, haddock, and midwest specialties. It’s definitely worth a drive from any part of the state! Canteen Lunch in the Alley is located under a street parking ramp in Ottumwa and is known for its Canteen sandwich of loose meat, ketchup, mustard, pickle, and onion on a bun. Not only is the food great but it’s worthwhile visiting such an iconic place with its 11-seat horseshoe-shaped counter inside.

What are some of the best small town restaurants in Iowa?

Small towns are abundant throughout the great state of Iowa and many of these towns’ restaurants offer some of the best food you can get. In Keokuk, Angelino’s Pizza serves delicious pizza, plates of pasta, salads, fish, and more in its elegant dining room. If you find yourself in Marion, QDogs BBQ Company offers up some of the most mouthwatering BBQ you can find in the state. Pair with some cornbread, tots, and smoky beans for the perfect meal. Located in Clear Lake, Starboard Market is quite a hidden gem that serves amazing homemade sandwiches as well as soups, salads, and desserts. If you love steaks, pork tenderloins, and burgers, you need to make your way to the town of Dexter to The Rusty Duck. Not only is the food incredible but the portions are quite generous. You can find more small-town restaurants by reading our article, Most People Don’t Know These Small Towns In Iowa Have AMAZING Restaurants.

What food is Iowa known for?

It is incredible to think that each of the 50 states has its own particular foods its known for. And, of course, Iowa has its own particular dishes and food items that residents grew up with. For example, the breaded pork tenderloin is perhaps the most famous dish in the Hawkeye State. Fried catfish is also quite popular along with taco pizza, grilled Iowa pork chops, loose meat sandwiches, and Steak de Burgo. Most Iowans grew up eating all of these foods, many of which can be found at restaurants throughout the state. You can read more about the iconic foods of Iowa in this post.