Small town food recommendations

tiberius

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Sep 20, 2006
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Zeno's pizza in Marshalltown, tenderloin at Beaman Tap, loaded hashbrowns at Otho Pub.
 

Colossus

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Jan 16, 2010
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Darrell's Place in tiny Hamlin is supposed to have the best tenderloin in the state and it is very good.

My vote for best tenderloin would be the Menlo cafe in Menlo.

Best hamburger... the Rusty Duck in Redfield.

Close. The Rusty Duck is in Dexter. Haven't tried yet but it's on my list.

If you like to Mabe's in Decorah or Cresco, try Philly's Finest in Waukee. It's like the parallel universe Mabe's. Same menu, same ambiance, same everything.
 

c.y.c.l.o.n.e.s

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Feb 21, 2007
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Close. The Rusty Duck is in Dexter. Haven't tried yet but it's on my list.

If you like to Mabe's in Decorah or Cresco, try Philly's Finest in Waukee. It's like the parallel universe Mabe's. Same menu, same ambiance, same everything.

Oops. Thanks for fixing that.
 

isukendall

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Nov 30, 2006
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Fort Collins, CO
-Gabbys in Prole
-Pierson Chicken
-Archies in Le Mars
-Mexican in Merrill, don't even know the name but my favorite place to eat in the world.
-Miles in the Siouxer, charlie boys and a scooner

Second this. While not really a "small town", the Charlie Boy and Schooner is one of the best 1-2 punch combos in the state.
 

BigLame

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Feb 6, 2008
5,150
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Western IA
Second this. While not really a "small town", the Charlie Boy and Schooner is one of the best 1-2 punch combos in the state.

Big fan of the Charlie Boy. Miles has opened a location in Okoboji for those interested. On Hwy 71 on the East side next to the closed Reagal Beagle (right before you hit the divide of East & West Lake.

Archies Wayside in Le Mars - how could I forget. Any steak topped with some 'shrooms. Cannot be beat.
 

Big12Cy

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Jan 13, 2008
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Bloomfield - Southfork Restaurant, Lounge, & Hotel - Located at the intersection of Highways 63 and 2.

Prime Rib & Tenderloin
 

TruClone

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Mar 25, 2009
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Quad Cities
I am going to deviate here. If you are ever in NW Arkansas on a golf trip or for whatever reason you have to hit a place in Rogers. It is the BEST fried chicken I have ever had and the rest of the meal is tops also. They only have chicken and everything is served family style.

Monte Ne Inn Chicken
 
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Lyon309Cy

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Sep 5, 2010
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Mabe's pizza is good if you're into the really thin crust and lots of cheese. I prefer Dave's Gus and Tony's in Waukon, the only place where I will order a baked potato every time even if we're getting pizza. There was a time I was there more often than some of their waiters.
El Jimador in Denison if you're into real mexican food and great margaritas.
 

CycloneJL

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Jun 14, 2010
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Cedar Falls
Myers Grill in Williamsburg. I eat there at least once a week. Cuts all of his own steaks and grinds beef for burgers from the scraps. Recently bought a smoker and has awesome chicken and brisket too.
 

Al_4_State

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Tenderloins at Joensy's in Center Point. Can't remember if the one in Solon is as good.

Teluwat in Osage

I'm originally from the Osage area, and my old man is a big fan of this place. I'd have to agree. Not an incredibly unique menu, but damn good. Good bloody marys too.

I'd add:
R&B Pizza, Osage
Bubba's, Schley
Irish Shanti, Gunder
Taco House, Arnold's Park
Backpocket Brewery, McGregor
Boathouse, Clear Lake

Rest in peace:
The Corner Roost, New Haven
 

Al_4_State

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I'd also say that Mabe's Pizza is incredibly overrated. It's good, but it's not THAT good. My girlfriend is from New Hampton and always blathers on about how good Mabe's Pizza is.

Pizza Palace in Fredericksburg is pretty damn good though.
 

illinoiscyclone

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Jan 30, 2008
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I'm originally from the Osage area, and my old man is a big fan of this place. I'd have to agree. Not an incredibly unique menu, but damn good. Good bloody marys too.
I've wanted to go there for a long while now, but I never get up that way. My buddy vinny's parents own the place and he claims that the 'vinny burger' is second to none. He said the same about the bloody marys.
 

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