11 Unassuming Restaurants To Add To Your Iowa Dining Bucket List
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dpaulson
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When it comes to restaurants, you can’t always judge a book by its cover. Sometimes, the most unassuming, no-frills places are the ones that serve the most mind-blowing food. Iowa is full of such places – low on pretension or gimmicks, and big on what matters most – making great food with excellent service. The following are 11 of our favorite unassuming restaurants to add to your Iowa dining bucket list.
George the Chili King is a classic drive-in restaurant that’s been in business since 1952. They serve classic drive-in food like chili dogs, burgers, fries and shakes. They’re now the only drive-in with carhop service left in the area. Address: 5722 Hickman Rd., Des Moines, IA.
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This place was named the winner of Iowa’s Best Burger contest for 2016 by the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen's Association. I rest my case. Address: 113 South 5th Street, Adair, IA.
Some have touted this small Mexican restaurant as serving the best burrito in the state. Whether or not you love burritos or tacos or enchiladas, you’ll definitely leave satisfied. Address: 613 Lake Ave. North, Storm Lake.
You’d never guess that this charming restaurant in the small town of Mount Vernon serves some of the most inventive, best dishes around. Whether you want a killer burger or tenderloin or something more unique (try one of their seasonal, monthly specials), you’ll be impressed. Address: 117 1st St. W, Mt Vernon, IA.
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This unassuming place is literally in an alley, and it’s been in business for over 80 years. Once you get inside, you can sit at the counter for one of their famous loose-meat sandwiches with cheese and an amazing piece of pie. 112 2nd St. E, Ottumwa, IA.
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Hale Tap is a no-frills supper club with deer heads decorating the walls and plenty of beer on tap. They also serve some of the best steaks in the state. Address: 5522 Co Rd. E45, Wyoming, IA.
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Sneaky’s has been serving delicious broasted chicken since 1979, so they must be doing something right. Address: 3711 Gordon Dr., Sioux City, IA.
Pagliai’s is an old-school pizza joint that knows its stuff. They serve amazing thin crust pizza from family recipes, and they’re very popular, so make sure you get there early if you don’t want to wait. Address: 302 E Bloomington St., Iowa City, IA.
You’d never guess that you can get delicious, authentic Thai food right here in Iowa, but that’s definitely what you get at Diamond Thai. They serve curries, pad Thai and other traditional dishes to die for. Address: 515 W 7th St., Sioux City, IA.
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Country House is a homey little place with amazing breaded tenderloin sandwiches, burgers, and baked goods. Try their giant cinnamon roll for an unforgettable breakfast experience. Address: 68168 US-30, Colo, IA.
Rube’s opened in 1973, and ever since then, they’ve provided the finest cuts of steaks that customers can grill themselves. It’s now a local favorite and a regular stop for out-of-towners, as well. Address: 118 E Elm St., Montour, IA.
Have you eaten at any of these spots? What were your favorites? Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments. Want to add more awesome places to your culinary bucket list? This Ultimate Burger Bucket List In Iowa Will Make Your Mouth Water.
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