1. The Belmond Drive-In, Belmond
The winner of the 2015 Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest, held by the Iowa Pork Producers Association, the Belmond Drive-In will not disappoint. This family owned and operated restaurant serves all kinds of Iowa favorites, including the tenderloin of course, as well as amazing cheese curds, ice-cream, burgers and more. Address: 215 River Ave. S, Belmond.
2. Rube’s Steakhouse, Montour
Rube's is a local fixture in Montour, and has been a grill-your-own-steak restaurant since 1973. Their focus is on serving premium, corn-fed steak sourced from local family farms within 150 miles of the steakhouse. They offer all kinds of cuts, from ribeye to filet to t-bone, and they are mouth-watering good. Address: 118 E Elm St., Montour.
3. Morg’s Diner, Waterloo
This tiny, old-school 50s-style diner offers all of the classics of a greasy spoon, like burgers, sandwiches, crinkle cut fries and amazing breakfasts. You can enjoy your food in a nostalgic atmosphere with a jukebox right at your table. Their pancakes are especially good. Address: 520 Mulberry St., Waterloo.
4. Pagliai’s Pizza, Iowa City
This homey, family-owned neighborhood favorite has pizza that is crazy good, and it’s been around a long time. It is owned and operated by an Italian family, so you know it’s authentic. When you walk in, you’ll see people dressed in white coats and hats tossing dough, old school style. Address: 302 E Bloomington St., Iowa City.
5. The Canteen Lunch in the Alley, Ottumwa
The Canteen has been a local neighborhood favorite in Ottumwa since 1936. They serve classic loose-meat sandwiches, burgers, shakes and more at an old-school lunch counter. Address: 112 2nd St. E, Ottumwa.
6. Bogie’s Steakhouse, Albia
Bogie’s is a family owned and operated restaurant that has been around for 26 years, serving delicious hand-cut, charcoal grilled steak, among other American classic entrees. Address: 1425 N Clinton St., Albia.
7. Lansky’s, Council Bluffs
Lansky’s has been operating for over 20 years. They offer a large menu of Philly cheesesteaks, pizza, calzones, pasta and sandwiches. Address: 1131 N Broadway, Council Bluffs, IA.
8. The Lighthouse Inn Supper Club, Cedar Rapids
The Lighthouse Inn has been a fixture in Cedar Rapids since 1912. Locals have been eating their "fall off the bone" ribs and other classic American fare with friends and family for a long time. Address: 6905 Mt Vernon Rd. SE, Cedar Rapids.
9. Darrell’s Place, Hamlin
Darrell’s Place opened in 1980 and is owned by couple Darrell and Marilyn Munch. They serve huge breaded tenderloins and other standard Iowa dishes at affordable prices. Address: 4010 1st St., Hamlin.
10. Sneaky’s Chicken, Sioux City
Sneaky's Chicken has been a Sioux City favorite since 1979. They serve tasty, tender roasted chicken, sandwiches and much more. Address: 3711 Gordon Dr., Sioux City.
11. George the Chili King, Des Moines
George The Chili King Drive-In has been around since 1952. This classic drive-in is so classic, they still has carhop service! They serve delicious diner food like hot dogs, chili, burgers, tenderloins and a variety of other sandwiches and breaded goodness. Address: 5722 Hickman Rd., Des Moines.
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