The 11 Meals You Need To Eat In Iowa This Year

Let 2018 be the year of dining exploration for you! We’ve already talked about the The 12 Iowa Restaurants You Must Try In 2018, where you’ll find delicious dishes to suit every taste. For the more discerning foodie, here’s a list of the 11 meals you must try in Iowa, specifically. Each of these treats will have you licking your lips and ready for more.

Tripadvisor / Scott S.

Grid Iron Grill's enormous, juicy, and flavorful pork tenderloin is consistently at the top of "Best of Iowa" lists. You've got to try it.

Address: 1121 E 2nd St, Webster City, IA 50595

Tripadvisor / cigar614

Join them on a Friday night for AYCE catfish and one of the best dining experiences in the state!

Address: 9343 95th Ave, Maquoketa, IA 52060

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Facebook / Gunderburger

This famous burger put the tiny town of Gunder on the map! People drive for miles to try their famous, enormous burgers.

Address: 17455 Gunder Rd (rural Elgin) Gunder, Iowa

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Wikimedia Commons

Americana is my favorite, but any good restaurant in Des Moines will serve their own interpretation of this classic Iowa dish.

Facebook / Fong's Pizza

This bizarre combination is absolutely delicious - so much so that Food Network named it the best slice in Iowa. Try it at their Des Moines or Ankeny locations.

1450 SW Vintage Pkwy, Ste. 120, Ankeny, IA 50023
223 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309

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Flickr / Virginia DeBolt

A summer isn't complete until you've had a few of these!

Facebook / Breitbach's Country Dining

Breitbach's is the oldest restaurant in the state, and they've been around for so long because they serve up amazing food. Enjoy a hearty, farm-style breakfast at this classic Iowa diner.

Address: 563 Balltown Rd Balltown, Iowa

Tripadvisor / Kaylene L.

Bob's Drive Inn serves up some of the best taverns (loose meat sandwiches). When you combine that with their famous hot dogs, you're really in for a treat.

Address:5th Ave SW, Le Mars, IA 51031

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Facebook / Splash Seafood

The first raw baw in the state features fresh seafood, flown in daily from Boston, Hawaii, and the Florida Keys. You won't find fresher oysters anywhere.

Address: 303 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309

Facebook / Cactus Bob's BBQ

There are so many tasty BBQ joints in Iowa, but Cactus Bob's certainly stands out. Their pulled pork and brisket are some of the best meat you'll ever try.

Address: 5955 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, Iowa

Archie's Waeside

Did you know there's an internationally recognized steakhouse in small town Iowa? Archie's, in Le Mars, was given a James Beard Award for their incredible, mouthwatering steaks. You've got to try one.

Address: 224 4th Ave NE, Le Mars, IA 51031

What’s your favorite dish in Iowa? Of course, you should spend plenty of time this year reacquainting yourself with 10 Weird Foods Every Iowan Grew Up With if you really want an Iowan foodie experience.