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Food|Bars & Nightlife

The Best Pork Tenderloin In Iowa Is Hiding Miles Down A Bumpy Dirt Road, But It’s So Worth The Effort

Imogene, Iowa, is home to The Emerald Isle, a renowned pub famous for its pork tenderloin and classic pub fare.

Published Sep 12, 2023

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

There's small-town Iowa, and then there's the town of Imogene. Located in the western part of the state, it truly is in the middle of nowhere. With a population of under a hundred residents and surrounded by prairie on all sides, the odds are you'll be driving a long way before you get to it. It's about ten miles north of Shenandoah - the closest mid-sized town - and an hour southeast of Council Bluffs. So why are people coming from all around Iowa to visit this tiny town? Simple - because it's home to the best pub in small-town Iowa. The Emerald Isle, a quaint old watering hole that sometimes feels like it hasn't changed in decades, is home to a delicious menu including what might just be the best pork tenderloin in Iowa. So come on in and discover this local gem for yourself!

It's hard to miss the large, barn-like exterior of Imogene's Emerald Isle - it means your drive is over, and good food is ahead.

A green building with the sign "Imogene's Emerald Isle" and a shamrock, located in a small town.
Josh King/Google Local

Inside, the classic pub-like style feels like you've stepped back in time to a small-town watering hole.

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A spacious bar interior with empty tables and chairs, green walls, and a long counter with various drink signs.
Timothy Wilson/Google Local

The food here is classic and hearty - you'll definitely want to start with some spicy, perfectly-fried wings.

A plate of crispy chicken wings with a side of dipping sauce on a checkered paper.
Nicholas Buck/Google Local

Even the salads here are over the top.

A large plate of salad topped with fried chicken, cheese, and assorted vegetables, with a side of dressing.
Timothy Wilson/Google Local

That's a lot of popcorn chicken atop those greens!

For those looking for a hearty meal, the burgers will always satisfy, but they're not the sandwich that put this place on the map...

A plate with a burger topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and bacon, alongside a serving of crispy fried bites and dipping sauce.
Ashley Mills/Google Local

That would be the pork tenderloin - a crispy treat that has people happy to drive from miles around.

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Two fried chicken sandwiches with lettuce, tomato, and pickles, served with fries and potato wedges on a tray.
Timothy Wilson/Google Local

The odds are you'll have a pretty laid-back time here - unless you're driving up when the recreational bike race RAGBRAI is in town.

A large crowd of cyclists gathers near a bike parking area, with tents and a building in the background.
Matt Ladwig/Google Local

That's a lot of hungry cyclists!

Have you visited The Emerald Isle in the tiny town of Imogene? Tell us about your visit to this small-town pub in Iowa, and let us know your favorite small-town restaurants - and where you think we can find the best pork tenderloin in Iowa - in the comments section! This is a low-key local joint without any social media, but the City of Imogene Facebook page offers the latest updates about the town's pride and joy. For a good night's rest, head south and the Shenandoah Inn and Suites will have you covered.

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Food|Bars & Nightlife

This Amazing Iowa Pool Features A Swim-Up Bar With Craft Cocktails

Published Jul 17, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Ah, summer. We all love those long, sunny days - except when the temperature seems to keep shooting up with no end in sight. Then it's time to head to the pool, and there's no more epic pool than the one at Adventureland Bay. Part of the Adventureland Resort complex in Altoona, Iowa's premiere theme park is also home to its largest and best waterpark. This massive destination for slides and wave pools is perfect when you really need to cool down, but did you know it's also home to the best pool bar in Iowa? That's right, the Sandbar is the perfect destination for grownups who want a frosty drink with their summer splashing. And the best part? You don't even need to leave the pool to indulge!

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Adventureland Bay is a massive waterpark complex filled with Iowa's most thrilling rides and waterslides.

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Adventureland Park/Facebook

It's also home to the biggest wave pool in the state, giving guests an adrenaline-pumping taste of the tropics.

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Adventureland Park/Facebook

But on the hottest days, our favorite spot here is the more laid-back Pirate's Port. It's one of the most relaxing spots in the park...

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Adventureland Park/Facebook

And it's also home to the Sandbar, the best pool bar in Iowa. You can get a drink on land...

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Adventureland

Or simply swim up to the bar and place your order for a beer, cocktail, or snack.

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Adventureland Park/Facebook

There are always new concoctions on offer here, including delicious frozen drinks perfect for 90-degree days.

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Adventureland Park/Facebook

It might be tempting to spend all day lounging here - but there are slides to tackle!

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Adventureland

Don't worry, the bar will be waiting right here when you get back down to the water.

Have you enjoyed a drink at the Sandbar at Adventure Bay before? Let us know if you think it's the best pool bar in Iowa in the comments section! You can see more about this unique destination on the Adventureland website, and make sure to follow the Adventureland Facebook page for more details on this summer's events! There's more good news across the resort - the famous roller coaster The Underground is open and renovated for 2024! If you feel like you'll need more than one day to fully experience this resort - and we don't blame you! - you don't even need to leave the grounds. You can book a room at the family-friendly Adventureland Inn and keep the good times rolling.

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Food|Bars & Nightlife

A Historic Department Store Is Now Iowa’s Best New Steakhouse And Speakeasy

Published Jul 3, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Historic buildings are a big part of what makes cities unique, and I always love to see that old-time charm even as the purpose of the building changes. That's exactly what's happened to one building in the charming Mississippi River city of Davenport, and the result is the best new speakeasy in Iowa. The Garrison, which opened in late 2023, is located in the historic Redstone Building, which used to house an iconic department store. That business is long gone, but management has preserved the famous exterior even as it now plays host to some of the best food, drinks, and music in Davenport. The Garrison is still building buzz as a new restaurant, but it seems clear that this is now one of the gems of the Davenport dining scene.

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The façade of the Redstone Building is still deeply impressive today - as is the restaurant inside it.

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Google Street View

Welcome to The Garrison, an elite restaurant and speakeasy with a Roaring Twenties theme.

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Michelle Kelley/Google Local

It's a speakeasy, but it's also a modern Davenport dining destination.

There are tables available, but a place at the old-fashioned bar is the best way to enjoy The Garrison.

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The Garrison/Google Local

The menu trends old-fashioned, with classy twists on standards like deviled eggs.

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Grace Restauro/Google Local

This is a steakhouse at heart, and you can trust that whatever you order will be cooked to perfection.

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Lisa Armstrong/Google Local

The sides are delicious too, and if you're not in the mood for meat, the dinner menu also offers some amazing seafood. Even the sauces are made in-house!

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A lot of effort goes into the plated desserts - like this flavorful red velvet cannoli.

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The Garrison/Facebook

Of course, for many, the star attraction will be the wide selection of high-end spirits on offer - perfect for completely legal tippling in this modern speakeasy!

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The Garrison/Google Local

Have you dined at The Garrison in Davenport? What did you think of this new speakeasy in Iowa with a Prohibition theme? Let us know in the comments section! You can see the full menu on the website of The Garrison, and visit the Facebook page of this Iowa speakeasy for the latest updates. If you're interested in more of Davenport's history, check out the city's historic German village. And if you need a place to spend the night here, we give high marks to The Current Iowa, Autograph Collection, which offers stunning waterfront views.

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