Located about 20 miles east of Stevens Point is the tiny town of Iola. With just about 1,200 residents, this small town is pretty much smack dab in the middle of Wisconsin. And tucked away in this gorgeous little spot is the Crystal Cafe, who are serving up “Pies 2 Die 4” and have been doing so for more than 50 years. Now, a third generation of women from this family are working here preparing pies the same, hand-made way their grandmother did. Crystal Cafe is an adorable little spot in the middle of a quaint town and you really need to plan a visit.
The story of the success of this delightful little cafe is amazing. A widowed mother of three was looking for a way to support her family and cooking is what she knew. She'd managed a cafe in Stevens Point and loved the little town of Iola. She eventually bought the cafe and when they opened, there were just settings for 12 people and 13 coffee mugs.
The fourth generation of this family is just starting to get into the family business and it's been an amazing tale of more than 50 years of women creating magic by hand in this small town cafe.
You know that southern saying about big hair putting you closer to the sky? They seem to extend that philosophy to the meringue and whipped cream here.
You'll find the standard fruit pies on the menu here, but you'll also find some of the most intriguing and delicious flavor combinations you could ever imagine.
Pie is their specialty, but there are all kinds of stellar baked goods here. Even if you're not very hungry, consider a bowl of the thick and creamy chicken soup accompanied by two slices of thick-cut, fluffy bread straight from the oven.
Of course, dessert is just the end of the meal. The full menu here is worth checking out and sticks to the same "bigger is better" axiom. The omelettes look like they could feed your whole family.
Even the sandwiches showcase the great baking happening at this awesome spot - just look at the big slices of bread trying to hold this thing together.
Crystal Cafe is the kind of place that has survived because it welcomes the locals, who treat it as a daily gather place to chatter and gossip. But its reputation has grown so that the regulars share counter space with folks who traveled just to try the amazing food here. You will not regret a little road trip to Iola to experience this dining gem. Just make sure you save room for dessert!
Crystal Cafe is located at 126 N Main St, Iola, WI 54945. They are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. Learn more about this amazing family-owned spot at their website or by checking out their Facebook page.
Have you ever eaten at Crystal Cafe? Let us know your favorite pie in the comments!
