The Donuts At This Iowa Restaurant Are So Good That They Sell Out Every Day

Lally’s Eastside Restaurant in Le Mars, Iowa, is renowned for its broasted chicken and now also for its fresh donuts from the iconic Vander Meer Bakery.

Lally's Eastside Restaurant is one of those humble Iowa institutions that has been serving good food for so long, it usually slips under the radar. The nondescript brick building is best known for its broasted chicken - but in 2023, it quickly gained a reputation for selling the best donuts in Le Mars, Iowa! How did this old-school diner suddenly rocket to the top of the bakery game? It's all thanks to a partnership with another Le Mars institution that got a second lease on life - the iconic Vander Meer Bakery. When the storied bakery closed its doors, it was bought by the restaurant, and fresh donuts are now part of the daily routine at Lally's. That is, if you get there on time! The donuts are usually gone early, so make sure you don't miss out on these delicious baked goods!

Lally's Eastside Restaurant is an old-school Le Mars institution, but it's a lot busier than it used to be.

The most famous sign of the restaurant is the large chicken advertising... broasted chicken!

Inside, Lally's is the definition of an old-school diner. It likely hasn't changed all that much in decades, and the food is still just as delicious.

Its broasted chicken, the signature item, is as crisp and flavorful as you might expect.

There are also delicious daily specialties, like southern-style barbecue.

However, now the restaurant opens at 6 a.m. - and it's packed.

Because the kitchen is now selling Vander Meer Bakery donuts!

If the donuts are gone by the time you get there, don't worry - the odds are good the delicious donut holes will still be on sale! Bet you can't eat just one.

Have you tried the fresh-baked donuts at Lally's Eastside Restaurant? Let us know your favorite, and tell us if they're your pick for the best donuts in Le Mars, Iowa in the comments section! Lally's Eastside Restaurant keeps a low profile online, but the restaurant’s Facebook page is updated regularly with specials. While you're in town, don't miss the state's largest farm toy store.

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