1. You Better Leave The Grilling To The Pros
Flying Mango
4345 Hickman Rd
Des Moines, IA 50310
(515) 255-4111
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 141 Reviews.
With instant classics like the orange BBQ-glazed ribs and their sweet potato pancakes, the Flying Mango is a Des Moines staple that won’t be leaving this city any time soon.
Offering up some of the best smoked and grilled meats in the Hawkeye State, this restaurant has attracted the attention of celebrity chef favorites, including Guy Fieri. A trip here won’t soon be forgotten.
2. I’ll Teluwut’s For Dinner!
Teluwut Grille House & Pub
627 Main St.
Osage, IA 50461
(641) 832-3300
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 8 Reviews
Teluwut is a jack of all trades in the restaurant game, with a great variety of amazing dishes. The difficulty here isn’t finding something that looks good, it’s committing to just a single dish.
A few favorites include the loaded blackened prime rib and the Big Mouth Vinnie. One visit will definitely have you coming back for more.
3. Zombie Meat Never Tasted So Good
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
300 E Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 244-9292
Yelp: 4 Stars; 309 Reviews.
When it comes to creativity and bold new flavors, there might not be a better place in the entire country to sit down for a burger. Zombie Burger + Drink Lab in Des Moines is constantly crafting bold combinations of burger toppings.
Take the “Walking Ched” for example, a burger that’s on a breaded and deep fried macaroni and cheese bun (yes, you heard that right), topped with bacon cheddar, onion, more mac and cheese, and mayo.
4. The Proof Is In Every Bite
Proof
1301 Locust St
Ste C
Des Moines, IA 50309
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 91 Reviews.
Who needs Spain when Iowa has tapas this good? And you can forget about Italy or Greece.
Des Moines’ Proof is ahead of the curve when it comes to blending Mediterranean dishes with American favorites. If it’s your first time through the doors, you can’t go wrong with the lamb burgers, pork belly, or the scallops.
Feeling adventurous? Proof promises it can deliver you a perfect meal by only asking 5 questions and without ever handing you a menu.
5. Sweetiepies’ Got Soul
Sweetiepies Chicken And Fish Fry
624 12th Ave SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
(319) 826-1809
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 20 Reviews.
Warning: Sweetiepies’ fried chicken can be addictive.
The menu isn’t huge, but it’s loaded with all of the best soul foods and comfort foods around with plenty of delicious sides. The sauces are made in house. Word to the wise, their “fin and beak” sauce will have you begging for more things to dip.
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6. Make Her Soup Kitchen Your Own
Her Soup Kitchen
625 S Dubuque St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 75 Reviews.
Her Soup Kitchen in Dubuque has some of the best soup, salads, and sandwiches around. With local ingredients and options changing on a daily basis, there’s always something new and exciting to try.
From the cucumber water served up at every table to meals like the sweet chicken avocado sandwich, this place is a must-visit destination.
7. Italian Food For The Whole Family
Angelini’s Pizza and Pasta House
1006 Main St.
Keokuk, IA 52632
(319) 524-9009
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 13 Reviews.
The Angelini’s motto is simple, fresh is always better. It’s easy to tell that they stick to this standard, as the ingredients they use simply taste better due to the higher quality.
The pasta bar is delicious, the staff is always friendly, and their pizza is some of the best for miles. If you’re in the area, Angelini’s is the place to be come dinner time.
8. When It Comes To Tacos, Don’t Fear The Beard
Tacopocalypse
407 E 5th St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 556-0571
Yelp: 4 Stars; 60 Reviews.
The food at Tacopocalypse is devastatingly delicious, with a menu taking inspiration from Mexican, Korean, and Vietnamese cuisine.
The chorizo seems to be the fan favorite, but don’t limit yourself to trying just one type of taco. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself at Tacopocolypse during brunch time, it should be noted that their Korean chicken and waffle simply can’t be beat.
9. Home To The Best Cuban In 1,400 Miles
The Lost Cuban
209 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
(319) 362-2627
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 57 Reviews.
The Lost Cuban will have you thinking you’ve stepped off the street in Havana for a bite. With tons of Cuban classics ranging from the basic Cuban sandwich to their empanadas, anything you order will leave you satisfied.
10. Nodo Is A No-Duh Choice
Nodo
600 N Dodge St
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319) 512-5028
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 64 Reviews.
If you find yourself in Iowa City in search for a healthy meal, head straight for Nodo. Whether it’s for breakfast or lunch, Nodo has plenty of options that will have your taste buds thanking you.
Two favorites among the local patrons include the “Ham & Mango”, topped with smoked ham, mozzarella, and mango relish on a sourdough bun, and the “Nodo Steak”, with roast beef, red onions, white cheddar, and a Guinness BBQ mayo.
11. Eat, Drink, And Be Merry
The Irish Shanti
17455 Gunder Rd
Elgin, IA 52141
(563) 864-9289
Yelp: 4 Stars; 6 Reviews.
If you’re in the mood to eat a full pound of ground beef, head to the Irish Shanti, home of the Gunderburger. This massive sandwich can only be found in rural Iowa, but it’s worth the trip.
Other favorites include the corned beef and cabbage and the fried pork tenderloin, but, trust me, the entire menu is loaded with some of the tastiest things you’ll ever stick in your mouth.
12. This Restaurant Is Always Right
Starboard Market
310 Main Ave
Clear Lake, IA 50428
(641) 357-0660
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 15 Reviews.
If you’re used to the same old sandwich, consider yourself warned: Starboard Market does things a bit differently. This quaint stop has a long list of unique options including the very popular “Zephyr”, which is topped with smoked turkey, Havarti, and a cranberry chutney.
With fresh ingredients, creative minds, and an extensive menu, Starboard might have a new twist on sandwiches, but it will become your old favorite in no time.
13. Small Town Restaurant With A Big City Vibe
Cobble Hill
219 2nd St
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
(319) 366-3177
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 25 Reviews.
Cobble Hill is definitely on the pricier side of this list but you’ll know you got what you paid for the second the plates hit the table. Old tradition meets new technique (including molecular gastronomy) , all backed up with explosive flavor.
Want dinner and a show? In certain instances, it’s even possible to dine at the chef’s table, in which the entire cooking process can be observed, great for foodies and casual diners alike.
14. Jimmy Jack’s Will Keep you Coming Back
Jimmy Jack’s Rib Shack
1940 Lower Muscatine Rd
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 354-7427
Yelp: 4.5 Stars, 96 Reviews.
Voted the best barbecue in Iowa City on several occasions, the restaurant is much more than just a rib joint. With tons of awesome cuts and a long list of sides, Jimmy Jack’s will make you think you’ve died and gone to carnivore heaven.
Their process of cooking the meat allows them to seal in the flavor and juiciness of their proteins and their sauces will appeal to any lover of BBQ. Jimmy Jack’s can’t be skipped. Just bring a napkin.
15. If This Restaurant Was Single, It’d Be The “Total Package”
L.May Eatery
1072 Main St.
Dubuque, IA 52001
(563) 556-0505
Yelp: 4.5 Stars; 83 Reviews.
L.May Eatery is a restaurant that has a perfectly blended classic cuisine, an elegant ambiance, and a comfortable atmosphere.
One item that should be on everyone’s culinary bucket list is the pork osso buco, served with a Grand Marnier cherry sauce and parmesan mashed potatoes. Whether it’s a first date or a dinner on the whim, L.May Eatery is a great place to create a memorable experience.
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What’s your go-to for great grub in Iowa? Tell us in the comments below!
