11 Out Of The Way Restaurants In Iowa That Are So Worth The Pilgrimage
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Iowa foodies rejoice! We’ve tracked down some tasty restaurants that are rather hidden in Iowa, and you’ll want to add each of these to your Hawkeye State dining bucket list this year.
Bluff Lake Catfish Farm comes from humble beginnings. This private lake was open to fishermen, who then wanted to snack after a day on the water. The snack stand grew to become a place where a catch could be fried up, and soon, it grew into the restaurant that it is today. People come from all over to dine at Bluff Lake Catfish Farm! Read all about this incredible hidden gem here.
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La Palmas is a colorful cantina that's earned a reputation for serving up some of the best Mexican food in the state. Stop by for tacos, burritos, fajitas and more. Don't leave without trying some guac!
Address: 219 High View Dr., Columbus Junction, IA 52738
Address: 219 High View Dr., Columbus Junction, IA 52738
Junction 21 is a lively bar and grill that serves up larger-than-life burgers and ribs that fall off the bone. You'll love the atmosphere and the food, and the drive to get here is always a scenic treat.
Address: 7653 Old Hwy. Rd., Peosta, IA 52068
Address: 7653 Old Hwy. Rd., Peosta, IA 52068
Rube's is one of the finest steakhouses in Iowa! The open, central grill means you'll be sure your steak is cooked to perfection before it hits the plate, and their fresh sides compliment each cut just right.
Address: 118 E Elm St., Montour, IA 50173
Address: 118 E Elm St., Montour, IA 50173
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Grace on Main was officially opened on March 18, 2020, in Elk Horn, Iowa. This award-winning hidden gem is a family-owned restaurant that makes some of the best pizza you’ll find. Picture from scratch, hand-tossed dough, homemade sauces, and the freshest toppings. Is your mouth watering yet?
Address: 4234 Main St., Elk Horn, IA 51531
Address: 4234 Main St., Elk Horn, IA 51531
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Prairie Canary in Grinnell is making waves for serving up some outrageous burgers. You'll love the hand-cut fries and the brioche buns, and everything they serve here is as fresh as can be. Discover this hidden gem next time you're in town.
Address: 924 Main St., Grinnell, IA 50112
Address: 924 Main St., Grinnell, IA 50112
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Perry, Iowa is a town that's home to about 7,000 people, and if you ask around, the locals know where to eat! The historic Hotel Pattee is the new home of Harvey's Diner, and the food is scrumptious as always. Stop by for a burger, steak, sandwich, or a cup of homemade soup and you'll be so glad you made the trek.
Address: 1112 Willis Ave., Suite A, Perry, IA 50220
Address: 1112 Willis Ave., Suite A, Perry, IA 50220
Darrell's Place is a rural restaurant that makes one of the best tenderloins in Iowa. If you consider yourself a foodie, a trip out to this famous kitchen needs to be on your bucket list!
Address: 4010 1st St., Hamlin, IA 50117
Address: 4010 1st St., Hamlin, IA 50117
Track down tasty tacos at this Sioux City restaurant! La Juanita is bright and colorful and hard to miss. You'll find delicious, fresh food here and it's worth the drive up to Sioux City for sure.
Address: 1316 Pierce St., Sioux City, IA 51105
Address: 1316 Pierce St., Sioux City, IA 51105
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Northside Cafe is known for making tasty tenderloins that go beyond the ordinary BPT. Try one of their specials or stick with a classic and you're sure to enjoy your meal here in Winterset. Afterward, go driving to find the Bridges of Madison County!
Address: 61 E Jefferson St., Winterset, IA 50273
Address: 61 E Jefferson St., Winterset, IA 50273
This legendary steakhouse serves up some of the tastiest food in all of Iowa. The restaurant is packed nearly every day, so you'd better make a reservation if you want a table! Enjoy prime rib, filet, and more at this charming middle-of-nowhere dining spot. Read about That Place in Conrad and find more information about this local legend here.
Every one of these restaurants hidden in Iowa features a menu full of tasty meals, and they’re worth the drive from anywhere in the state. Check out each of these places and you’ll be an Iowa culinary expert in no time!
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