The great thing about fish and seafood is that you don’t need to go to a fancy restaurant to find the best out there. More than any other type of food, it’s about the raw ingredients and the skill at cookery – and you can find some hidden gems in unlikely locations. To find the best fried fish in Iowa, you want to head to Waterloo to a humble fish shack not far from the Cedar River. Cedar Valley Fish Market is a working fish market, but they also run a second business for casual fish and seafood takeout. Most of the fare is simple – perfectly-fried pieces of fresh fish and seafood, with sides and toppings that make it sing – but you can also find some unexpected specialties. No matter the time of the year, it’s the best place around to enjoy the river’s fresh catch.

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Have you visited the Cedar Valley Fish Market? Let us know about your visit to this hidden gem, and tell us your pick for the best fried fish in Iowa in the comments section! If you’re looking forward to trying it for yourself, make sure to visit the market’s Facebook page for details on their latest specials. For another Iowa hidden gem, check out this mac-and-cheese haven.

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