Iowa invented the walking taco, taco pizza, and Eskimo pie, and is home to the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, so obviously, we Iowans know our food. No matter where you go in this great state, incredible food is just around the corner. While this list could go on forever, here are seven of the most amazing, delicious, and unique restaurants in Iowa that you'll want to try.
1. Fong's Pizza
Starting off our list of unique restaurants in Iowa is Fong's Pizza. The story of Fong's is a funny one; the legend goes that the restaurant used to serve Chinese food, but when the new owners bought it they didn't want to change the decor, and so Fong's Pizza was born. Fong's has become wildly popular for its fun, Asian-inspired theme, delicious pizza, sandwiches, salads, and desserts. Fong's has two locations, one in Ankeny and one in Des Moines. Visit Fong's Pizza's website for more information.
2. Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
Zombie Burger + Drink Lab first exploded onto the scene in Des Moines' East Village and gained huge amounts of popularity for their unique food and restaurant environment. The restaurant itself is filled with zombie-themed decor and their food is to die for - no pun intended. Their Walking Ched (shown above) is amazing and is made with a breaded, deep-fried macaroni and cheese bun, bacon, cheddar cheese, caramelized and raw onions, more macaroni and cheese, and mayo. This item isn't an oddity either, their whole menu is loaded with insane, amazing, taste-bud-exploding choices like this one. Over time they even expanded to West Des Moines, where they opened up a restaurant in the Jordan Creek Mall. It's one of the most unique dining experiences in Iowa you can have.
3. Oasis Falafel Restaurant
Oasis Falafel, located in Iowa City, got its start in 2004 when two falafel lovers noticed that falafel just couldn't be found in the area, and vowed to fix that problem. Their solution, Oasis Falafel, has more than taken off and has become extremely popular. Falafel, for those who don't know, is deep-fried chickpeas or fava beans, commonly served in a pita. Aside from that delicious dish, Oasis also serves kebabs, gyros, some of the world's best hummus, and other delicious cultural dishes. It's one of the best restaurants in Iowa. Visit the Oasis Falafel Restaurant website for more information.
4. Cafe d'Marie
Cafe d'Marie is a quaint little cafe in Davenport that is housed in a beautiful 1860s brick home. The cafe serves breakfast and lunch Monday through Saturday, and they specialize in quiche, panini-style sandwiches, sweets, and various coffees, teas, smoothies, and more. At Cafe d'Marie, everything is fresh, homemade, and absolutely delicious. Visit the Cafe d'Marie website for more information.
5. L.May Eatery
L.May Eatery, located on Dubuque's historic Main Street, is a restaurant that uses fresh, seasonal ingredients to make delicious, gourmet comfort food. Their menu features delectable dishes like ginger berry salmon, stuffed poblano pepper, filet mignon, and their "You're in Dubuque" pizza. It's one of the most delicious and unique restaurants in Iowa.
6. Ox Yoke Inn
The Ox Yoke Inn is an old favorite of those who visit the German villages of the Amana Colonies. The Ox Yoke serves traditional German family-style meals, with delicious dishes such as schnitzel, sauerbraten, bratwurst, and even flammkuchen, a German-style pizza. It's one of the most unique
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Iowa restaurants you can dine at.
7. Mo Fish
Mo Fish, in Council Bluffs, specializes in deep-fried Catfish, Carp, and Alaskan Walleye, which are hand-breaded and served fresh every day. The restaurant offers a fun (fish-filled) environment and is a great place to take the family. And if you're into it, they offer frog legs! It's one of the best Iowa restaurants you can find in a small town.
Yummmm. Who's hungry? What are some of your favorite, unique restaurants in Iowa? Let us know in the comment section!
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