Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
One of the oldest restaurants in the midwest is located right here in Iowa! Breitbach’s Country Dining, in Balltown, has been serving Iowans for over 165 years! Despite tragic fires, the restaurant has persevered, and its history is unlike that of any other restaurant and bar in the state.
Breitbach's Country Dining opened in 1852. Millard Fillmore himself issued the liquor license!
You'll always feel welcome when you sidle up to the bar, where you can make yourself at home. This bar is so famous that even Norm from Cheers has been here.
On a nice day, grab a brew and enjoy it with friends out in the Beer Garden - or as they call it, the Bieer Goarden. You're bound to come away with some great stories.
Sadly, there's some tragedy in Breitbach's story. On Christmas Eve, 2007, an explosion in the basement caused the original building, pictured above, to burn to the ground.
Breitbach's never closed - at the time, a small building across the street became The Gathering Place" for locals. Now, it's a place to sample their best wines!
As you wander through Breitbach's admiring the murals and decoration, you'll find an entire section of wall dedicated to headlines and newspaper clippings from the rebuilding of Iowa's oldest bar and restaurant.
Have you visited Breitbach’s Country Dining? It’s located on the Wisconsin border, just half an hour north of Dubuque and an hour and a half from Cedar Rapids. People do come from all over the Midwest to dine here, though, so it’s worth the drive from anywhere in the state!
