Iowa’s small towns are known for having delicious, unsuspecting restaurants, and Mt. Sterling is no exception. Even though only about 36 people live here, you’ll find dozens of foodies hiding out in the town’s famous bar and grill on any given day. Why do people make the trek out to the middle of nowhere? Well, AJ’s Bar and Grill is home to one of the biggest tenderloins in the Midwest, and it’s absolutely delicious.

AJ's Bar and Grill is a tiny hole in the wall spot in small town Iowa - but their breaded pork tenderloin has certainly made a big impact.
Google Local / Cindy Wage
You might not even know it's a restaurant when you drive by, but people come here from all over the state to find this welcoming and rustic bar and grill.
Google Local / Jeff Fisher
Come on in and make yourself at home. There are a handful of tasty bar bites on the menu that pair perfectly with anything they have on draft.
Facebook / AJs Bar and Grill

Related Stories

Sip Wine While You Read At Prairie Lights, The One-Of-A-Kind Bookstore Bar In Iowa

Sip Wine While You Read At Prairie Lights, The One-Of-A-Kind Bookstore Bar In Iowa

 For The Most Scrumptious Biscuits And Gravy In Iowa, Visit The Retro Pullman Diner

For The Most Scrumptious Biscuits And Gravy In Iowa, Visit The Retro Pullman Diner

 You'll Have A Great Meal At The Lively Donnelly's, An Irish Pub In The Heart Of Iowa

You'll Have A Great Meal At The Lively Donnelly's, An Irish Pub In The Heart Of Iowa
Most people who make the trek to Mt. Sterling are here for one reason - AJ's Tenderloin.
Facebook / AJs Bar and Grill
What toppings do you choose? Try it loaded, with pickles, onions, mustard and ketchup. You'll love how there's flavor in every bite!
Google Local / Travis Zimmerman
These gigantic tenderloins are some of the best you'll ever try. Unlike other outrageously large 'loins, AJ's aren't pounded impossibly thin.
Google Local / Michael Schaefer
Plan to stay a while, because you'll be making friends at the bar and you're sure to enjoy the company you find here at AJ's Bar and Grill.
Facebook / AJs Bar and Grill

Address: 101 Elm Street, Mt Sterling, IA, 52573

Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

For more amazing tenderloins in the Hawkeye State, read 8 Quirky And Unique Iowa Tenderloins You Just Gotta Try.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Iowa