The Tiny Town In Iowa With The Most Mouthwatering Restaurant

Editor's Note: Since the publication of this article, the Blue Mountain Culinary Emporium has permanently closed.

Orange City is a small town in Northwest Iowa, and while it may only have a population of 6,004, it has an epic restaurant that’s actually three restaurants all rolled into one. Not only does the Blue Mountain Culinary Emporium serve delicious food, you’ll find interesting and varied atmospheres in different parts of the restaurant, including the Lodge, the Smokehouse Grille, the Passport Club and the Barn.

The Blue Mountain Culinary Emporium opened in 2005, and it has been a popular favorite to locals and tourists alike.

Just walking around the restaurant is an experience in itself.

The building is large and interesting, and you’ll see garden space where the restaurant grows fresh herbs and vegetables for their dishes.

There are three eateries at the emporium.

There’s the Passport Club, a semi-private club open to members, the Smokehouse Grille, which serves delicious BBQ, and the Lodge, a ski-lodge inspired space that serves American food in a casual atmosphere.

At the Smokehouse Grille, you’ll enjoy pit-smoked BBQ, with meat that is slow cooked in a hickory smoker.

This smoking technique ensures that their dishes are packed with flavor and falling off the bone.

You can choose from a wide variety of meats, like beef brisket, ribs, pulled pork and more, with delectable sides, like mashed potatoes, baked beans and coleslaw, to name a few.

The Smokehouse Grille also specializes in mouth-watering wood-fired pizza.

The Lodge is a casual bar with a mountain lodge vibe, equipped with flat screen T.V.s, a cozy fireplace and an outdoor fire pit for warmer weather.

The Passport Club Bar is a semi-private club that offers intimate and unique atmospheres.

There’s a Zebra Room, with an actual Zebra hide hung on the wall, and the Elephant Room, which features an antique elephant sculpture.

Finally, there’s The Barn, a private space that can be rented out for events.

The barn has the charm of an antique Iowa barn, beautifully decorated with world art and furnishings.

As you can see, there’s something for everyone at the Blue Mountain Culinary Emporium, with interesting spaces and incredible food based on quality, local ingredients. You’re going to want to visit very soon.

Address: 814 Lincoln Place SE, Orange City, IA.

Have you been to this restaurant? What was your experience like? For more amazing small town restaurants in Iowa, These 12 Iowa Towns Might Be Tiny But Their Restaurants Are Fantastic.