The western border of Iowa can be a lonely place to drive. To the south, you've got Council Bluffs bordering Omaha, and up north you've got Sioux City - but in between, you've got about a hundred miles of nothing along the Nebraska border. It's enough to make a driver hungry - not just for food, but for a friendly face. Fortunately, when you come across the small town of Onawa, you'll know you're home. That's where you'll find Frannie's Cafe, a long-time Onawa institution that has changed names a few times. What hasn't changed at this rural restaurant in Iowa is the great food, the reasonable prices, and the friendly atmosphere. So come on into Frannie's Cafe, take a load off, and enjoy all that this small roadside cafe has waiting for the whole family on a leisurely drive.
On a cold winter's day, Frannie's Cafe is an even more welcome sight than it is any other day!
The small family restaurant specializes in breakfast and lunch and has daily specials waiting for hungry visitors.
There will always be a fresh soup of the day, and it's usually thick enough with chicken or beef to qualify as a meal on its own.
But then you wouldn't have room for the restaurant's famous Hot Beef Sandwich - shredded pot roast piled high on toast and topped with mashed potatoes and gravy.
Every day you'll find new specials on the menu, like this salisbury steak topped with a vegetable gravy that almost qualifies as a stew on its own!
Of course, you can't leave Frannie's without a large slice of one of the restaurant's signature homemade pies.
If you're there early, you might just get one of the restaurant's coveted cinnamon rolls - with or without frosting.
In true country restaurant fashion, the cafe even has a gift shop where you can buy jams, honey, and souvenirs - usually made by local artisans.
Have you visited Frannie's Cafe in Onawa? Let us know what you think of this family restaurant in Iowa in the comments section. If you're planning to drive this way soon, you'll want to check out Frannie's Cafe Facebook page to find out the specials of the day!
For another country restaurant in Iowa that the whole family will enjoy, check out this popular New Hampton breakfast joint.
It could be a long drive to Onawa, so make sure you're stocked for the road with Only In Your State's road trip essentials packing list.
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