Marias tacos mashalltown IA

Maria's tacos Marshalltown Iowa great little taco spot I hope it's here next time I'm here to stay.all kinds of authentic tacos even cow head tacos. Brush up on your Mexican very little English said here. Surprised to find great Mexican in middle of Iowa 

George & Nicks Pizza and Steaks Centerville Iowa

George & Nicks Centerville Iowa

This is main street USA! a huge square with the perfect court house in the center. I drove into the square and thought I would be in the middle of an event or parade. Lawn chairs lining the streets all around the square. tents being set up and children practicing a pageant of some kind. stopped a couple that was putting out there chairs "Its Pancake day Saturday!" Free pancakes and one of Iowas largest parades. The fest is on the last Saturday in Sept every year. I was there Wednesday night all ready saving there spots. I have only seen this when you want twins playoff tickets. The couple also told me to eat at George and Nicks Pizza and Steaks pointing in that direction, a place located on one side of the square. They have the pizza ovens going and a large grill for the steaks right at the door when you walk in. everyone is very friendly like everyone in the town. The Wed special was Rib eye dinner. so that's what I had. my server asked if I wanted steak sauce and then said she didn't think I would need it, and I didn't it was cooked perfect Med Rare. very fast service and great people make this a must do in Centerville Iowa. I was told the pizzas are all made from scratch even the sausage. They have been family owned for 40+ years.

Dows Mercentile Dows Iowa

Dows Mercantile on the main street of Dows Iowa just 2 miles west of 35W. In side there is a special place Creme de la Creme Ice cream and snacks. Great Bowl of homemade Chile and a ham salad sammy. $4.50 Hard and soft ice cream I had to have a malt before I left. just like you would make at home. Traveling down 35w go to the Dows exit and follow the signs to the visitors center. Make sure you stop there a great little museum and black smith shop next door. After you have a treat look around the antique shop they have a bit of everything there. Great town with a great spot to stretch the legs. easy on easy off.



http://www.dowsiowa.com/Mercantile.html

Bandanas BBQ Ankeny IA

Bandana's BBQ Ankeny Iowa

A chain BBQ restaurant based in St Louis MO 31 stores in 3 states and growing. I had a "pick 2 combo" with the ribs and sausage, tater salad, fried corn on the cob and garlic toast. all very good for a chain. your choice of 6 sauces they serve the ribs dry with a great rub and great smoke ring. The fried corn was really good corn on the cob deep fried!. you can smell the smoke they really do smoke and prepair all the food fresh ever day. the bread is made fresh and delivered daily. This was the best rib sausage platter I ever had in a big time restaurant. if your in the Des Monies area their are 3 Bandana's BBQ's and one coming to Iowa City. you won't go wrong for you BBQ fix. www.bandanasbbq.com and they cater besides.

Rouix Orleans Down town Waterloo IA

Rouix Orleans Downtown Waterloo IA  Too Bad it Closed in 2011  try Newtons Cafe across the street get the pork tenderloin!

This great Downtown Waterloo restaurant is classy and casual fun just like Bourbon street in NOLA

A great variety of Orleans food along with some American dishes. I was served the white bass with crawfish sauce. it was a great twist. The gumbo was excellent and the side of Jumbolia was OK. service is great with a nice atmosphere. if your in Iowa and need to get a bit closer to NOLA get you fix here.

Zippy's BBQ Cedar Falls IA

Zippys small building but mighty good ribs and brisket. Cooked in a stone pit smoker just out side the door.

Stacks of smoking wood stand along side the small fast food looking building. They have a drive up window and setting for maybe 4. the ribs and the service is the best I have ever had. If your in the Waterloo Cedar Falls IA area you need to get to Zippy's you will enjoy every thing on the menu. Located just South of down town Cedar Falls on 2010 Main street just stick you head out the window and follow your nose. I ordered to go and had them in my hotel!

There web site is http://www.zippysbbq.com

Battles Bar-B-Q Ames IA

The original owner George Battle passed away about 3 years ago. The new owners are trying to keep with his tradition I hear they are but I have nothing to compare to. Tried the 2 meats Dinner, Pork Ribs and Rib tips with 2 sides Beans and Potato salad. The ribs were smoked to perfection. The tips had a GREAT crust. The beans had some brisket in them and tasted like they had some of there signature sauce in them the potato salad (for my taste) could of used some mustered. All in all a great place in Ames IA. Also another location in Nevada IA. Open Mon-Sun 11am-9pm Other Items they have are Beef Pork Ham Turkey Chopped beef also sold by the pound. Didn't try the Homemade lemonade but others in the restaurant highly recommended