Posted in Iowa Food & Dining, Hidden Gems October 08, 2017 by

This Historic Iowa Restaurant Is One Of Lincoln Highway’s Best-Kept Secrets

Ready for an epic road trip across Iowa? This place is worth a stop. A charming piece of the past, it’s been popular for decades. See what keeps customers coming back.

Cronk's Cafe is located at 812 4th Ave S. in Denison. This newspaper article, displayed proudly on the wall of the restaurant, tells the story of a place that has been providing locals and travelers with delicious and comforting meals for most of a century.
ShirlieJChilders\TripAdvisor
It's open seven days a week between 6 am and 9 pm.
Nearly 85% of the original Lincoln Highway remains intact in Iowa.
Lincoln Highway Association
Some of it is gravel, but with a good map, it's easy to navigate. There are many points of interest along the way, and this historic restaurant is a great example of the amazing roadside stops you'll find along the Lincoln Highway in Iowa.
Cronk’s Café is famous for their pie. You’ll find them at 812 4th Ave S. in Denison.
Google Maps
Denison has just over 8,000 people living there and is in Crawford County in western Iowa. Donna Reed grew up here, and the Donna Reed Foundation headquarters are downtown.
Cronk's Cafe lays claim to the title of Oldest Restaurant in Iowa.
Michael A./Yelp
Rigs R./Yelp
If you aren't in it for the history, stop by for their amazing Sunday breakfast buffet.
Cronk's Cafe is a laid-back place to relax and enjoy a great Midwestern meal.
Michael A./Yelp
The staff are friendly and the food is consistently good.
Frequent diners know that not much has changed around this classic cafe over the years.
ShirlieJChilders/TripAdvisor
Dan R./Yelp
Their menu is traditional and their burgers are divine.
You really can't go wrong ordering anything here.
Paul C./Yelp
If you are having trouble deciding, ask your server or any local Denison resident. They eat here, frequently.
A drive across Iowa's Lincoln Highway is a great way to spend a lazy long weekend during Iowa's beautiful fall season.
Eric M./Yelp
Be sure to put Cronk's Cafe on your list of places to stop.

You’ll get authentic Midwestern hospitality to go with your amazing meal.

Iowa is full of family-owned restaurants that serve great food. Here’s a list of 11 legendary restaurants in Iowa you have to try.

 

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