This Family Restaurant In Iowa Is Worth A Trip To The Country
Raymond Goldfield
Author
The western border of Iowa can be a lonely place to drive. To the south, you’ve got Council Bluffs bordering Omaha, and up north you’ve got Sioux City – but in between, you’ve got about a hundred miles of nothing along the Nebraska border. It’s enough to make a driver hungry – not just for food, but for a friendly face. Fortunately, when you come across the small town of Onawa, you’ll know you’re home. That’s where you’ll find Frannie’s Cafe, a long-time Onawa institution that has changed names a few times. What hasn’t changed at this rural restaurant in Iowa is the great food, the reasonable prices, and the friendly atmosphere. So come on into Frannie’s Cafe, take a load off, and enjoy all that this small roadside cafe has waiting for the whole family on a leisurely drive.
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Have you visited Frannie’s Cafe in Onawa? Let us know what you think of this family restaurant in Iowa in the comments section. If you’re planning to drive this way soon, you’ll want to check out Frannie’s Cafe Facebook page to find out the specials of the day!
For another country restaurant in Iowa that the whole family will enjoy, check out this popular New Hampton breakfast joint.
It could be a long drive to Onawa, so make sure you’re stocked for the road with Only In Your State’s road trip essentials packing list.
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More to Explore
Best Small-Town Restaurants In Iowa
Where Can I Find The Best Small-Town Restaurants In Iowa?
Much like Frannie's Cafe, these four destinations may take a bit of a drive - but they're all worth the journey for some delicious food.
- The Crane & Pelican Cafe is located in the charming riverfront town of Le Claire, and this popular lunch spot is located in a historic home that has been converted into a one-of-a-kind restaurant. The menu ranges from classic Iowa comfort food to fancy-plated entrees, but there will be something for just about every taste and appetite. The setting is so unique that this has become a popular event venue, and the views certainly don't hurt!
- 1015 Steak Company is a rustic steakhouse found in the tiny country town of Sibley. Iowa takes beef seriously, so it's no surprise that some of the best steaks and chops can be found deep into farm country! The atmosphere is a little more humble than the average steakhouse, but the restaurant specializes in classic cuts grilled to perfection, and the prices are highly reasonable compared to Des Moines chophouses. Don't miss out on the delicious, crispy hash browns as a side!
- Ice House in Clarinda is that kind of neighborhood sports bar that everyone wishes they had in their small town - the kind of perfect place that seems to never change through the years but always has perfect food. The specialties here include massive burgers, a crispy-fried pork tenderloin, and maybe the best quesadilla in all of Iowa. The one area where this restaurant does change? The TVs on the wall playing the game are always state-of-the-art.
- PrimeTime, found in the small town of Guthrie Center, is the definition of an old-school place - it doesn't even have a website! It's a local joint where the regulars show up to check the always-changing menu and this laid-back family restaurant excels at country cooking. Some of the favorites include barbecue and steak de burgo, but some of the entrees have an international bent - don't miss the massive pork osso bucco if it's on the menu.