When the weather is fair, there is no better time to sit outside and enjoy dinner with a view in Iowa. If you don’t feel like packing a picnic on your next road trip, Iowa is full of restaurants that offer outdoor dining and an amazing view of the nearest river or lake. Ranging from a picnic throwback to a resort with amazing BBQ, here are four of Iowa’s best restaurants where you can enjoy waterfront dining in Iowa.

Go Fish Marina Bar and Grill
Go Fish Marina Bar & Grill, 411 River Dr, Princeton, IA 52768, USA
Management/TripAdvisor
The Go Fish Marina Bar and Grill is located right on the banks of the Mississippi in Princeton, and it's an ideal summer retreat.
The casual atmosphere is great whether you're sitting inside or out.
Management/TripAdvisor
And you'll enjoy some of the most amazing views!
The extensive, casual menu features all the Iowa bar-and-grill favorites.
Go Fish Marina Bar & Grill, 411 River Dr, Princeton, IA 52768, USA
Management/TripAdvisor
But don't miss their Bloody Marys topped with over-the-top garnishes. Their other cocktails are great too!
Louie's Lakeside Bistro & BBQ
Louie's Lakeside Bistro & BBQ/Facebook
Moravia is a popular summer getaway, located right by Rathburn Lake. So naturally, next up on our list for some of the best dockside dining in Iowa is Louie's Lakeside Bistro & BBQ. Some say it's the best spot in town!
Here you will find an indoor/outdoor dining room.
Louie's Lakeside Bistro & BBQ/Facebook
The atmosphere will transport you right to the beach, and the food isn't to be missed either.
The specialty here is slow-smoked BBQ with house-made sides
Louie's Lakeside Bistro & BBQ, 21646 Marina Pl, Moravia, IA 52571, USA
Louie's Lakeside Bistro & BBQ Facebook Page
You'll get a real taste for it with the Philly Sandwich, pictured above, as well as many of their other delicious barbecue sandwiches.

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PM Park
Management/TripAdvisor
For something completely different, head to the century-old PM Park in laid-back Clear Lake.
PM Park is a summer-only restaurant.
Management/TripAdvisor
But part of the fun here is that is known for being the only restaurant in Iowa that serves you on old-school picnic tables - it's the best of both worlds!
The casual menu features burgers and pork tenderloin.
PM Park, 15297 Raney Dr, Clear Lake, IA 50428, USA
Management/TripAdvisor
But when it comes to picking your side dishes. don't miss the onion rings or the French fries.
General Store Pub
AudreyB1426/TripAdvisor
The General Store Pub in Anamosa is an acclaimed restaurant in its own right with an old-school atmosphere.
Their signature item is probably the Tackle Box.
Bryan R/TripAdvisor
It's a huge collection of their favorite appetizers and big enough for the whole table.
But if you choose to sit outside...
General Store Pub, 12612 Stone City Rd, Anamosa, IA 52205, USA
The General Store Pub
...you'll be treated to a one-of-a-kind view of the Wapsipinicon River.

Have you been to any of these legendary dockside dining spots in Iowa? If so, which were your favorites? What’s your favorite place for eating by the water in summer? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

Even if there’s inclement weather and you can’t sit outside at any given time, these places are still worth a visit! You can learn more about each on at their respective websites as follows: Go Fish, Louie’s, PM Park, and the General Store Pub. Its important to note that some of these places are open seasonally, so be sure to check their websites for open days and hours. Grab some friends or members of your family and plan your next visits!

Looking for more great restaurants in Iowa? Be sure to read our other article: 12 Bucket List Worthy Restaurants To Try In Iowa, One For Each Month Of The Year.

If you’re still in the mood for more Iowa adventures, take a look at this video:

 

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More to Explore

Exploring Iowa

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | April 25, 2023

Where can we find other waterfront restaurants in Iowa?

  • Bracco World Cafe & Island Bar in Arnolds Park is known for their delicious shrimp dishes, tacos, Cajun entrees, and more.
  • The Off Shore Bar and Grill in Bellevue draws folks from near and far who love their fish and seafood entrees, great burgers, pizzas, and signature cocktails.
  • The Iowa River Power Restaurant in Coralville serves high-quality steaks, and seafood, and also has a wonderful Sunday brunch buffet.

Read on to learn about some of the many other outstanding waterfront restaurants in Iowa.

Where can I find hiking trails in Iowa?

  • At Backbone State Park located in Dundee, you’ll find more than 20 miles of winding trails as well as rock climbing on the massive limestone cliffs.
  • The Effigy Mounds located in Harpers Ferry features a 14-mile trail system, in addition to more than 200 ancient Native American mounds.
  • Ledges State Park located near Boone has a 5.4-mile trail, cliff areas, and other outdoor recreational opportunities.

Read on to learn about some of the many other stunning hiking trails in Iowa.

Where are some of the best places to go biking in Iowa?

  • The Hoover Nature Trail which runs between Burlington and Cedar Rapids is a 24-mile-long eastern Iowa trail popular with bikers, hikers, and others.
  • The T-Bone Trail which runs between Audubon and Pymosa Township is a 20-mile-long paved, non-motorized trail and part of the American Discovery Trail.
  • The Mississippi River Trail runs along the Mississippi River through Iowa and 9 other states, for a total length of about 3,000 miles.

Read on to learn about some of the many other great places to go biking in Iowa.

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