If there’s one thing Iowans can all agree on, it’s that we really, really love to eat. We’re known for our steaks and tenderloins, and we are quick to recognize a great restaurant. Here are our picks for iconic spots that need to be on your Iowa Restaurant Bucket List for 2018.
January: Start your year off right with the best fried chicken you’ll ever try.
Facebook / Bluff Lake Catfish Farm
Facebook / Bluff Lake Catfish Farm You can’t go wrong at Bluff Lake Catfish farm, but do prepare yourself for a wait. Word has gotten out about their amazing fried food - including the best fried chicken you can find in the state! Read more about it right here.
February: Warm up with a cup of hot soup from Iowa’s best diner.
Facebook / Morg’s Diner
Facebook / Morg’s Diner Morg’s Diner is a throwback to the 1960s diners everyone grew up with. Enjoy pancakes the size of your head and other classic comfort foods. It’s one way to get through a cold, blustery February!Read more about it right here.
March: Enjoy some fine BBQ at this off-the-beaten-path spot.
Facebook / Big’s BBQ Brew Pub
Facebook / Big’s BBQ Brew Pub No matter what the March weather has in store for us, one thing that will cheer you up is some world-class BBQ. Big’s BBQ and Brew Pub is one place that you really need to put on your Iowa Restaurant Bucket List, because their time-tested recipes are true winners.Read more about it right here.
April: Go on a drive to find this small town steakhouse that’s sure to impress.
Tripadvisor / Stevehreallife
Facebook / Rube’s Steakhouse There are fewer than 300 residents in Montour, but Rube’s Steakhouse brings people to the town from all over the state! Their award-winning restaurant has been a favorite of Iowans since it opened in 1973 . When the weather starts to clear up, plan a road trip to this destination restaurant.Read more about it right here.
May: Take in the sights of spring at the most charming greenhouse restaurant you’ll find in Iowa.
Facebook / Ladybug Greenhouse Cafe
Facebook / Ladybug Cafe Ladybug Cafe is the cutest little lunch spot in Iowa! Enjoy their dedication to organic and fresh food - and be sure to put on a pair of their ladybug ears for a picture! May is the perfect time to enjoy this charming spot.Read more about it right here.
June: Kick off summer at Iowa’s most beautiful restaurant.
Facebook / Harrah’s Council Bluffs
Facebook / Harrah’s Council Bluffs 360 Degree Steakhouse is a world-class steakhouse that also provides you the best views in the state. You can see Omaha’s skyline and most of Council Bluffs from way up in the air.Read more about it right here.
July: Escape to the most secluded beachfront restaurant for a mini vacation.
Facebook / Maxwell’s Beach Cafe
Facebook / Maxwell’s Beach Cafe When the weather cooperates, there’s no better place to relax and enjoy a waterfront meal than Maxwell’s Beach Cafe. They’re known for making an incredible (and gigantic) prime rib, so be sure you bring a big apetetite!Read more about it right here.
August: Celebrate Taco Tuesday with the best tacos you’ll ever have
TripAdvisor / RobHarley
TripAdvisor / Hoogoo It can be hard to find amazing tacos in Iowa, but La Regia Taqueria is all you’ll ever need, anyway! Visit this authentic taco shop for fresh and tasty Mexican food.Read more about it right here.
September: Treat yourself to award-winning steaks in this one small Iowa town.
Facebook / Archie’s Waeside
Archies Waeside Archie’s Waeside is an Iowa classic! This steakhouse is in a humble building ina tiny town, but don’t let looks fool you. Their dry aged steaks have won them a James Beard award.Read more about it right here.
October: Enjoy the taste of fall at this cidery-turned-restaurant
Facebook / Rapid Creek Cidery
Facebook / Rapid Creek Cidery Rapid Creek got its start making delicious ciders, but it quickly realized the demand for quality, local and seasonal food was there. They have exceeded expectations with their amazing brunches and delicious lunches.Read more about it right here.
November: Go on a trip to Germany… without leaving the state.
Facebook / Hessen Haus
Facebook / Hessen Haus Hesse Haus is one of the most unique restaurants you’ll ever visit! They take their german theme seriously - feel free to dress the part when you dine here.Read more about it right here.
December: Get cozy at this cabin restaurant while you watch winter settle in
Facebook / Butch’s River Rock Cafe
Facebook / Butch’s River Rock Cafe Butch’s might make the best tenderloin sandwich in Iowa, and that’s saying something! Enjoy the warm and cozy atmosphere right as winter rolls in.Read more about it right here.
What restaurants are on your bucket list for 2018? Are there any spots you tried in 2017 that blew you away? I’m always looking for new places to try out and feature here, so please, let me know in the comments below!
Facebook / Bluff Lake Catfish Farm
You can’t go wrong at Bluff Lake Catfish farm, but do prepare yourself for a wait. Word has gotten out about their amazing fried food - including the best fried chicken you can find in the state! Read more about it right here.
Facebook / Morg’s Diner
Morg’s Diner is a throwback to the 1960s diners everyone grew up with. Enjoy pancakes the size of your head and other classic comfort foods. It’s one way to get through a cold, blustery February!Read more about it right here.
Facebook / Big’s BBQ Brew Pub
No matter what the March weather has in store for us, one thing that will cheer you up is some world-class BBQ. Big’s BBQ and Brew Pub is one place that you really need to put on your Iowa Restaurant Bucket List, because their time-tested recipes are true winners.Read more about it right here.
Tripadvisor / Stevehreallife
Facebook / Rube’s Steakhouse
There are fewer than 300 residents in Montour, but Rube’s Steakhouse brings people to the town from all over the state! Their award-winning restaurant has been a favorite of Iowans since it opened in 1973 . When the weather starts to clear up, plan a road trip to this destination restaurant.Read more about it right here.
Facebook / Ladybug Greenhouse Cafe
Facebook / Ladybug Cafe
Ladybug Cafe is the cutest little lunch spot in Iowa! Enjoy their dedication to organic and fresh food - and be sure to put on a pair of their ladybug ears for a picture! May is the perfect time to enjoy this charming spot.Read more about it right here.
Facebook / Harrah’s Council Bluffs
360 Degree Steakhouse is a world-class steakhouse that also provides you the best views in the state. You can see Omaha’s skyline and most of Council Bluffs from way up in the air.Read more about it right here.
Facebook / Maxwell’s Beach Cafe
When the weather cooperates, there’s no better place to relax and enjoy a waterfront meal than Maxwell’s Beach Cafe. They’re known for making an incredible (and gigantic) prime rib, so be sure you bring a big apetetite!Read more about it right here.
TripAdvisor / RobHarley
TripAdvisor / Hoogoo
It can be hard to find amazing tacos in Iowa, but La Regia Taqueria is all you’ll ever need, anyway! Visit this authentic taco shop for fresh and tasty Mexican food.Read more about it right here.
Facebook / Archie’s Waeside
Archies Waeside
Archie’s Waeside is an Iowa classic! This steakhouse is in a humble building ina tiny town, but don’t let looks fool you. Their dry aged steaks have won them a James Beard award.Read more about it right here.
Facebook / Rapid Creek Cidery
Rapid Creek got its start making delicious ciders, but it quickly realized the demand for quality, local and seasonal food was there. They have exceeded expectations with their amazing brunches and delicious lunches.Read more about it right here.
Facebook / Hessen Haus
Hesse Haus is one of the most unique restaurants you’ll ever visit! They take their german theme seriously - feel free to dress the part when you dine here.Read more about it right here.
Facebook / Butch’s River Rock Cafe
Butch’s might make the best tenderloin sandwich in Iowa, and that’s saying something! Enjoy the warm and cozy atmosphere right as winter rolls in.Read more about it right here.
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