Jennie's Original State Fair Grinder Des Moines Iowa

Jennies original state Fair Grinders hwy 6 East between Des Moines and Altoona IA.

Small taco stand that has been resurrected into a state fair stand in the neighborhood. The grandson of the woman who invented and pattend the "Grinder" a loose meat sausage sandwich with cheese, is running this small but great place. The Grinder is what they serve at the Iowa state fair but here you can get more.Giant pork tenderloins hand cut and breaded fresh daily. The bun is as big as your head and the tenderlion hangs out on all sides. If you can't make it to the fair stop here, they opened in May of 2010. Been a must have at the Fair from the 40's when Grandma Jennie pattend the grinder. Great Food from people who love to make Great food!

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.

Jim's Barb-IE-Q shack Wisconsin Rapids WI

Not just a shack any more. Barb and Jim Schmidt have been serving great Hickory smoked ribs for years out of a great southern yankee smoker with a shack that Jim built around it on a traveling trailer. This is truly a family run BBQ place. They have now moved into a great place on 8th street in Wisconsin Rapids. They still do wedding and events with the catering biz but are focused in on making this the "go to" place for BBQ in the Wisconsin Rapids area. I had the Rib tip dinner with 2 sides. The tips here are more like Rib nuggets they put allot of work into taking the little bones out no left over parts here. I had the beans and cheese potatoes. they use a sauce from Des moines Ia Ray and Franks the Sassy was very good. Stop in and see Barb and Jim When in WR call 715-424-0880 Don't forget to get some ice cream from the ice cream shop at the same counter

Jim's Barb-IE-Q Wisconsin Rapids WI

Not just a shack any more. For years Jim and Barb Schmidt have been smokin Ribs in a traveling shack on wheels in thw Wisconsin Rapids area. jim researched the sokers and found a great looking Southern Yankee smoker he put on a flat bed and built a shack around it. Now they have moved into a nice building on 8th st in Wisconsin Rapids. along with rib they have a great ice cream selection. Skoked with hickory wood I had the Rib tip dinner more like rib nuggets, They have worked hard to get rid of the little bones usualy in Tips. you can taste the hickory smoke and with the ray and franks sauce from Des moines Ia they were a treat. Worth the trip to have Barb and Jim's dream of the best BBQ in the area. A Great family run BBQ shack They do catering also. 715-424-0880

Chinese Palace Green Bay WI

Neighborhood Chinese food with 100's of items to choose from on the menu. Way too much food and great pork fried rice. they have a menu for eating in and one for take out. If your by yourself ask for half orders or smaller portions other wise split the order with some one. I had hunan Beef was to be hot bust it was only midwest hot. They also have a large lunch buffet.