Everyone knows that small towns do everything better – including restaurants. From pizza to burgers to BBQ and more, these small-town restaurants, diners, and cafes have a little bit of everything to offer. Here are some of the most incredible hidden restaurants in Iowa you have to try:

1. Angelini's Pizza - Keokuk
Angelini's Pizza/Facebook
1006 Main St, Keokuk, IA 52632, USA
Angelini's Pizza/Facebook
Open since 2000, Angelini's offers delicious pizza, pasta, steaks, salads, fish, and more to people in the Keokuk area. And it's not just a pizza place - it has a lovely dining room that's perfect for a night out on the town as well.

Visit the Angelini's Pizza website for more information.
2. Archie's Waeside - Le Mars
224 4th Ave NE, Le Mars, IA 51031, USA
Archie's Waeside/Facebook
Archie's Waeside is an award-winning restaurant in Le Mars that serves some of the best dry-aged steaks around, plus seafood, burgers, chicken, and more. It's one of the best little-known restaurants in Iowa you'll just have to add to your dining bucket list! I

Read our previous coverage on Archie's Waeside to learn more.
3. Blue Mountain Culinary Emporium - Orange City
Blue Mountain Emporium/Facebook
814 Lincoln Pl SE, Orange City, IA 51041, USA
Blue Mountain Emporium/Facebook
(Editor's Note: Blue Mountain is closed. Visit the restaurant's Facebook page for more information.)

Blue Mountain Culinary Emporium is a unique restaurant that is split into three different themed eateries. There is The Smokehouse Grille, which serves BBQ and pizza, The Passport Club, which serves soups, salads, pizzas, and other globally inspired menu items, and The Lodge, which serves steaks and other classic dinner favorites.

Visit the Blue Mountain Emporium Facebook page for more information.
4. Fishback & Stephenson Cider House - Fairfield
Fishback & Stephenson Cider House/Facebook
1949 Pleasant Plain Rd, Fairfield, IA 52556, USA
Fishback & Stephenson Cider House/Facebook
The Fishback & Stephenson Cider House in Fairfield has some seriously delicious burgers and it's no surprise, as the beef comes from locally-raised cattle. The restaurant itself also provides a very fun, yet relaxed environment, and they have some delicious award-winning hard cider. You will definitely want to try the Cider House as it's one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Iowa.

Visit the Fishback & Stephenson Cider House website for more information.
5. QDogs BBQ Company - Marion
QDogs BBQ Company/Facebook

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895 Blairs Ferry Rd, Marion, IA 52302, USA
QDogs BBQ Company/Facebook
Next time you're in Marion, make sure to make a stop at QDogs BBQ Company - you won't regret it. Get their brisket, ribs, cornbread, and au gratin taters. Not only is the food great, but the atmosphere is great and it's one of the most unique little-known restaurants in Iowa.

Visit the QDogs BBQ Company Facebook page for more information.
6. The Rusty Duck - Dexter
The Rusty Duck/Facebook
723 Marshall St, Dexter, IA 50070, USA
The Rusty Duck/Facebook
The Rusty Duck in Dexter offers mouthwatering steaks and burgers, as well as gigantic, delicious, pork tenderloins. All their portion sizes are very generous, so you won't leave this place hungry.

Read our previous coverage on The Rusty Duck to learn more.
7. Starboard Market - Clear Lake
Starboard Market/Facebook
310 Main Ave, Clear Lake, IA 50428, USA
Starboard Market/Facebook
One of the best hidden gem restaurants in Iowa, Starboard Market is a charming and unique restaurant in Clear Lake that offers tasty sandwiches, soups, salads, and a variety of homemade desserts. Plus, they offer gluten-free options.

Read our previous coverage on Starboard Market to learn more.
8. Teluwut Grille House & Pub - Osage
Teluwut Grille House & Pub/Facebook
627 Main St, Osage, IA 50461, USA
Teluwut Grille House & Pub/Facebook
Small cities and small towns in Iowa often have some of the best restaurants, like Teluwut Grille House & Pub in Osage. This awesome, family-friendly restaurant offers delicious steaks, original pastas, seafood, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and more. The restaurant has been such a success, the owners have now opened up two more locations in Cresco and Lake Mills.

Visit the eluwut Grille House & Pub Facebook website for more information.
9. Northwestern Steakhouse - Mason City
304 16th St NW, Mason City, IA 50401, USA
Mark Chernesky Follow/Flickr
Last on our list of hidden restaurants in Iowa is quite the landmark in Mason City. It may not look like much on the outside, but Northwestern is truly a hidden gem. Since 1920, Northwestern has been serving the best Greek steaks in the Midwest. You may have to wait a bit for a table, but just know that it will be worth every second.

Read our previous coverage on Northwestern Steakhouse to learn more.

With so many amazing, delicious restaurants in the state, this list just barely scratches the surface. What are some small-town hidden restaurants in Iowa you would add to the list? Share your favorites with us!

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More to Explore

Hidden Restaurants In Iowa

Melissa M. | September 23, 2021

What are some of the best restaurants located in small towns in Iowa?

Small towns are often hiding the best restaurants and Iowa has many small towns with incredible restaurants you need to try. Located in the small town of Eldon, Chommy’s Bar and Grill offers some good ol’ fashioned comfort food that will have you coming back for more. In the small town of Logan, you’ll find the unassuming 4th Avenue Grill which has some incredible homestyle food. You won’t leave hungry after eating here! 

What are some hidden gem restaurants in Iowa?

Aside from the ones mentioned above, you can check out our list of 8 Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurants In Iowa You’re Going To Love. Discover the appropriately named Hole in the Wall Bar in Lawler which serves classic American fare. Baxa’s Sutliff Store & Tavern has some incredibly juicy burgers and offers live music in a tavern atmosphere. Food and fun - what could be better?

What food is Iowa known for?

Each state has particular foods and dishes it’s known for and Iowa is no exception. Pork tenderloins, fried catfish, taco pizza, Twin Bing candy bars from Palmer Candy Company, and sour cream raisin pie are just a few of the many popular foods in The Hawkeye State. 

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