Iowa Is Home To The Best Loose Meat Sandwiches And Here Are The 8 Places To Find Them
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Kim Magaraci
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Whether you call them Taverns, Loose Meat Sandwiches, or Maid-Rites, there’s no question that the best places to find these sandwiches are right here in Iowa. Nobody’s really sure exactly when Iowans started eating these sandwiches – tales of their origin trace back to Sioux City and Muscatine. Wherever they came from – once they were here, they were here to stay! Make it a point to try every one on this list and decide for yourself who the king of the beef truly is!
Maid-Rite has been serving loose meat sandwiches since 1926, but when Cliff Taylor bought the Franchise in 1929, he made sure it would be around to stay. While there are many locations making Maid-Rites with fresh ground beef and a special mix of seasoning, the location in Marshalltown is one of the originals, and they always get it right.
Address: 106 S 3rd Ave., Marshalltown, IA
Address: 106 S 3rd Ave., Marshalltown, IA
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Canteen Lunch in the Alley is a local landmark, and they might just serve up the best loose meat sandwiches in the state. Here, they're called "Canteens", and this hole-in-the-wall is so popular that they'll ship them anywhere from their online store!
Address: 112 2nd St. E, Ottumwa, IA
Address: 112 2nd St. E, Ottumwa, IA
Bob's Drive-Inn is a local legend in a town that's one of Iowa's best foodie destinations. This seasonal stop serves up famous "Bob Dogs", topped with their seasoned loose meat. You can order a traditional Tavern here, too.
Address: 5th Ave. SW, Le Mars, IA
Address: 5th Ave. SW, Le Mars, IA
The original Tastee Inn & Out opened in July 1955, and it quickly became a town favorite. Since then, the family-owned establishment had succeeded in serving up some memorable loose meat sandwiches in a town where the whole tradition most likely started.
Address: 2610 Gordon Dr., Sioux City, IA 51106
Address: 2610 Gordon Dr., Sioux City, IA 51106
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10th Street Station is a no-frills hole in the wall diner that's been a part of the Fort Madison landscape for years. They serve up delicious loose meat sandwiches, and have even combined taverns with tenderloins for an All-Iowan meal.
Address: 616 10th St., Fort Madison, IA
Address: 616 10th St., Fort Madison, IA
Lewright Meats & Deli brings delicious loose meat sandwiches to Eagle Grove, along with other top quality meats. This family owned establishment has a reputation for serving up flavorful and fresh sandwiches that everyone truly loves.
Address: 317 W. Broadway St., Eagle Grove, IA
Address: 317 W. Broadway St., Eagle Grove, IA
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Montgomery's Sandwich Shop serves tasty and juicy taverns, and the whole area knows to seek out this tiny shop when they're looking for the best sandwiches out there. The shop recently changed owners, but you can still expect the same quality and flavor.
Address: 712 6th Ave., Grinnell, IA
Address: 712 6th Ave., Grinnell, IA
When Charles Miles opened up shop in the 1920s, he had no idea his small convenience store would turn into a legendary bar. Miles Inn shifted business from store to tavern in the 1950s, and their signature Charlie Boy Tavern Sandwiches have made them a legend! In a town filled with the best taverns in the state, you can't go wrong ordering from Miles Inn.
Address: 5717, 2622 Leech Ave., Sioux City, IA
Address: 5717, 2622 Leech Ave., Sioux City, IA
For more iconic Iowa foods, check out our list of The 10 Best Tenderloins In The Midwest, Right Here In Iowa.
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