Posted in Iowa Dining June 27, 2022 by

5 Wackadoodle Restaurants In Iowa That Will Change The Way You Think Of Eating Out

Have you ever eaten pizza topped with Chinese food? Eaten a burger in the presence of the walking dead? Taken your traditional British high tea in the middle of the Iowa prairie? All this and more is possible when you visit the five strangest, most unique restaurants in Iowa. These five unique restaurants in Iowa aren’t just novelties – they’re some of the most memorable dining experiences in the Hawkeye State.

1. The Filling Station (Davenport)
Bob3868/TripAdvisor
As you pass by, you might mistake this old-school bar and grill for a gas station!
Even inside, the restaurant is decorated with hundreds of pieces of road memorabilia from around the country.
Mvinkc/TripAdvisor
The food is as Iowa as it gets, though - including a massive pork tenderloin sandwich that will give you all the strength you need for the drive ahead.
Bobby d/TripAdvisor
2. Miss Spencer's Special-Teas of Longview Farms (New Virginia)
Miss Spencer's Special-Teas of Longview Farms/TripAdvisor
Located at this small Bed and Breakfast, their by-reservation high-tea room is a quirky exercise in British culture.
But the "Full English" doesn't stop at the decor - the meals served here are packed with authentic British flavor. Don't miss the scones!
Robpricer/TripAdvisor
3. Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl and Grill (Altoona)
Management/TripAdvisor
This quirky small chain's Iowa location has a dining room that feels like you're in a ship...
And that's nothing compared to the ocean-themed bowling alley, so you can play a game before your food arrives!
Management/TripAdvisor
Don't worry if you're a landlubber, though - the menu's specialty is massive burgers packed with toppings.
Management/TripAdvisor
4. Zombie Bar + Drink Lab (Des Moines)
Geo6453/TripAdvisor
Are you able to keep your appetite while the walking dead stare you down? This restaurant is for you.
The bar - or "Drink lab" - specializes in unique mixed drinks with horror themes.
Latifa K/TripAdvisor
As for the menu, you'll have your choice of over twenty themed regular burgers with unique toppings like cheese curds, mac and cheese, or guac, plus regular specials!
Konrad Von Hochstaden/TripAdvisor
5. Fong's Pizza (Des Moines)
T E/TripAdvisor
Now part of a small Iowa chain, this unique pizzeria opened in what was once the oldest Chinese restaurant in the United States - and chose to keep the decor!
But they kept far more than that. This unique east-meets-west joint serves offbeat fusion pizzas like this General Tso's Chicken-topped beast!
Adam S/TripAdvisor

Have you visited any of these five wackadoodle restaurants before? Let us know about your experience in the comments section, or tell us about the most bizarre restaurant you’ve found that we didn’t mention. If you’re looking for another unique Iowa restaurant, take a look at this classic lunch counter hidden in an alleyway.

Address: Fong's Pizza, 223 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Address: Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl and Grill, 1000 Bass Pro Dr NW, Altoona, IA 50009, USA
Address: Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, 300 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
Address: Miss Spenser's Special-Teas & Longview Bed and Breakfast, 3220 Wyoming St, New Virginia, IA 50210, USA
Address: The Filling Station, 305 E 35th St, Davenport, IA 52806, USA