Ah, Le Claire. I think it just might be the best town along the beautiful Mississippi River corridor that holds so many great Iowa locations. Just outside the Quad Cities, including Davenport and Bettendorf, it’s a charming town of just under 5,000 people. It’s full of water attractions, parks, and other spots that make it a wonderful destination for a day trip – and it might be home to the best small-town dining in Iowa. That’s all thanks to the Crane & Pelican Cafe, a unique restaurant that combines Iowa comfort food with the flair of fine dining. It’s located in a historic house that has been transformed into a family-owned restaurant serving scratch-made comfort food. The views inside and out are remarkable, and it’s a great spot for everything from a casual lunch to an event gathering. Read on to discover what makes this restaurant so special!

The Crane & Pelican Cafe looks more like a museum than a restaurant, but it's great food that's on display here!
Megan Bannister/Google Local
Inside, the stately dining room is the perfect place for a relaxed lunch or dinner. There's often live music playing.
Crane & Pelican Cafe/Google Local
The menu is varied and ambitious. You'll definitely be able to find classic Iowa comfort food staples.
P Nibwhit/Google Local
However, at dinner you can also expect to find elegant plated entrees that put much more well-known restaurants to shame.
Jodi Bee/Google Local

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Desserts are always inventive here, but flavor never takes a backseat to plating and showiness. They eat just as well as they look!
Christine Brettingen/Google Local
The old-fashioned bar is another place where it feels like you've just stepped into a time machine.
Kent Reed/Google Local
The skilled bartenders are always innovating, but can mix up a classic cocktail at the drop of a hat.
Crane & Pelican Cafe/Google Local
The Crane & Pelican is a popular event venue, and from one look at that beautiful waterfront it's not hard to see why!
Crane & Pelican Cafe/Google Local

Have you dined at the Crane & Pelican Cafe in Le Claire? Let us know if you think it’s the best small-town dining in Iowa in the comments section! You can find out more by visiting the Crane & Pelican Cafe website and the Crane & Pelican Cafe Facebook page. While you’re in Le Claire, make sure to visit the town’s historic wooden-hull sternwheeler. You can also book a stay at the Holiday Inn Express Le Claire.

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Crane & Pelican Cafe, 127 S 2nd St, Le Claire, IA 52753, USA