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Food|Restaurants

You’ll Want To Dine At The Rustic Iowa Chophouse That Serves Steaks As Big As Your Head

Iowa Beef Steakhouse in Des Moines serves some of the biggest and best steaks in Iowa in a cozy, rustic setting.

Published Jul 2, 2019

Written by 

Kim Magaraci

Iowans know their steaks — after all, Iowa beef is world famous! One of the best things about living in the Hawkeye State is visiting hole-in-the-wall chophouses that serve up the most mouthwatering meals. If you're ever looking for the biggest steaks in Iowa, head to Des Moines and try out one of the most underrated restaurants in the Midwest.

Sometimes, it's the simplest places that make the biggest impression. Iowa Beef Steakhouse is a no-frills rustic restaurant in Des Moines that you won't soon forget.

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Tripadvisor / orthobass

The cozy, country interior will make you feel right at home as you check out the cowboy and cattle drive decor.

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Google Local / Bang Ridu

Start your meal off with a visit to their salad bar. Pile your plate high with toppings as you craft your favorite version of a steakhouse salad.

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Google Local / She_just_iss

Once you've warmed up your taste buds, head to the grill. Iowa Beef Steakhouse cooks their cuts on an open flame, and the sides are made in seasoned cast-iron pans.

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Facebook / Iowa Beef Steakhouse

Choose from a bacon-wrapped filet, NY Strip Steak, sirloin, teriyaki sirloin, and more. No matter which cut you choose, you can rest assured that it will be absolutely gigantic.

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Google Local / Avery Krouse

This no-frills saloon serves the biggest steaks in Iowa. Even the smallest cut — the 14-ounce bacon-wrapped filet — is more than enough to fill you up!

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Google Local / Jacrispy Stroup

If you're in the mood for something a little different, try one of their larger-than-life steakhouse burgers. The fresh beef, melted cheese, and crispy bacon make for a perfect meal.

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Facebook / Iowa Beef Steakhouse

With some of the best food in Des Moines, no wonder Iowa Beef Steakhouse always draws a crowd! Call ahead, or be prepared for a wait. It's so worth it!

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Google Local / Jeff Gearhart

Iowa Beef Steakhouse may be the best-kept secret in the DSM area — and Iowans really know their steaks!

Address: 1201 East Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50316

Call Ahead: 515-262-1138

For more of the best steakhouses in the Hawkeye State, read 7 Small Town Steakhouses In Iowa That Are Totally Worth The Trip.

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Food|Restaurants

The Off-The-Beaten-Path Restaurant In Iowa That Is Worth The Day Trip

Published Aug 8, 2024

Written by 

Raymond Goldfield

Iowa has a lot of rural counties, and those on a road trip may find themselves looking around for a place to eat that isn't a gas station! This is especially the case in the more remote areas of the state - and northwestern Iowa certainly qualifies. Sure, there's Sioux City and a few other hubs, but there is a lot of farmland in between. That's why it's all the more exciting to find a great rural diner in Iowa - and that's exactly what we found in the town of Pomeroy. The Co-Op Bar and Grill is a charming local joint that serves up humble but delicious food at affordable prices - perfect for a road trip - but that's not the only reason to stop in here. This place lives up to its name: It has 69 owners to make this a true town project. You're getting more than a meal when you visit this eatery - you're getting a welcome from the whole town!

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Like an oasis in the middle of the prairie, the Co-Op Bar and Grill might be the only diner cooperative in Iowa.

A sign for "The Co-Op" in Sioux, with a rustic gazebo and parked cars in the foreground under a clear blue sky.
Kevin Minnis/Google Local

The 69 (!!!) owners from the town have put together a likable, laid-back family restaurant with a constantly changing menu of specials.

Interior of a rustic bar with a wooden counter, stools, and shelves filled with drinks. Casual and inviting atmosphere.
Nick Behrens/Google Local

The focus here is low prices and big portions - starting with the hearty plates served for lunch every day.

A plate with grilled pork chop, cheesy hash browns, a roll, and a butter packet on a wooden table.
Stacy Thorpe/Google Local

The hot wings are always delicious and a great way to kick off your meal.

Two baskets of chicken wings with a glossy sauce, served on checkered paper. One basket has more wings than the other.
The Co-Op Bar and Grill/Facebook

Lunch specials lean toward sandwiches - including originals like this Mac Wrap.

A plate with two burritos and a serving of golden tater tots on the side.
The Co-Op Bar and Grill/Facebook

At dinner, hearty country-style plates are on offer, with the specials of the day changing all the time.

A plate of grilled steak with rice, green onions, rolls, and a side of onion rings and fish fillet.
The Co-Op Bar and Grill/Facebook

The style here is homestyle, which means you might just find something completely new - like these meatball casserole bites on garlic toast.

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Three cheesy mini pizzas topped with sauce and meat on a white plate, set on a stainless steel surface.
The Co-Op Bar and Grill/Facebook

Have you visited the Co-Op Bar and Grill in Pomeroy? What did you think of this unique rural diner in Iowa? Tell us all about your meal in the comments section! As you'd expect from a humble place like this, it keeps a low profile online, but you can follow the Co-Op Bar and Grill Facebook page for details on daily specials. It might be a long ride to get here if you're coming from Des Moines, but this makes a great stop on the way to a place like Storm Lake - where you'll find the beautiful Awaysis Beach and can book a room at the King's Pointe Waterpark Resort, one of our favorite family getaways in Iowa.

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Food|Restaurants

Iowa’s Most Iconic Sandwich Shop Has Been Serving Hungry Hawkeyes For Over 90 Years

Taylor's Maid-Rite in Marshalltown, Iowa, is famous for its legendary loose meat sandwiches and has been a local tradition for nearly a century.

Updated Jul 19, 2024

Written by 

Kim Magaraci

Taylor's Maid-Rite in Marshalltown has an interesting history. You may ask, "Where was the Maid-Rite invented?"  Way back in 1926, a butcher named Fred Angell started selling a loose meat sandwich out of his shop, and soon he opened a restaurant in Muscatine, Iowa. He named the sandwich a "Maid-Rite", and people flocked to feast on this tasty, unique burger spin-off. In 1927, Angell franchised the idea, and in 1928, Cliff Taylor opened the restaurant in Marshalltown. For nearly a century, Taylor's Maid-Rite has earned a reputation for being Iowa's most legendary sandwich shop. What's in a Maid Rite? Let's find out!

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For more than 90 years, the Taylor family has been operating a Maid-Rite shop in Marshalltown, Iowa.

A small diner named Taylor's Maid-Rite with a carry-out window, located on a city street.
Ron Cook/Google

When you walk in, you'll be transported straight to your childhood. The retro red stools and counter service haven't changed much over the years.

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Google Local / Kristine Beenken

Grab a seat and place your order - there's not much to choose from on their one-sandwich menu!

A diner scene at Taylor's Maid-Rite with a staff member serving drinks to a group of smiling customers at the counter.
Ron Force/Google

We love the open kitchen idea where we can watch the staff cook our meals.

Maid-Rite sandwiches are signature Iowa loose meat delicacies. You'll enjoy ground hamburger seasoned with a secret blend of spices topped with pickles, onions, and mustard.

A partially eaten sandwich with a fluffy bun filled with loose, crumbled ground meat spilling out.
Erik Ellis/Google

This simple yet amazing sandwich is legendary. Pair it with chips and a soda for an old-fashioned lunch that's sure to satisfy your cravings.

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Google Local / Ann McAlister

Of course, no counter-serve meal is complete without a malt! Try vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry — or see what shakes are on special.

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Google Local / Michael Haviland

Dining at Taylor's Maid-Rite is an Iowa tradition that's been part of Hawkeye culture for nearly a century. Stop by and see what the hype is all about!

A diner interior with staff serving customers at the counter, surrounded by colorful snack bags and a welcoming atmosphere.
Taylor's Maid-Rite/Facebook

The hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday

Taylor's Maid-Rite in Marshalltown offers more information on its website. Have you visited this eatery in Iowa? Please share your experience in the comments below.

While you're there, take a lovely hike at Three Bridges County Park. And if you're just visiting, stay all weekend.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/iowa/multiple-bridges-park-ia/

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