Many eastern Iowans are familiar with Wilson's Orchard, located between Iowa City and Solon. They offer pumpkins and apples as well as a nice selection of gourds and squash during the late summer and fall months.
There are 120 varieties of apples, here. Wilson's Orchard is famous for their amazing apple cider, dried apple chips, and apple cider doughnuts.
Earlier this year, the cidery made a huge leap into the restaurant business.
After constructing this amazing barn, made from remnants of two other barns, they set to work opening Rapid Creek Cidery.
Matt Steigerwald, former owner of the Lincoln Cafe and the Lincoln Wine Bar, is a three-time James Beard nominated chef.
He runs the kitchen, here and his taste for local food and passion for vibrant flavors shines through in every dish.
Ingredients are locally-sourced and in season.
The menu changes often, as dictated by availability of ingredients.
The cocktail menu is fun. It changes with the seasons, as well.
Although they didn't take reservations during their first few months in business, they do now. If you can plan ahead, it's best to make reservations. Even though the place is huge, with a large bar in the middle of the room and many tables, it fills up fast.
The restaurant overlooks the orchard.
Many items on the menu, including the cocktails, include the apples grown right here.
There's a patio outside that offers extra seating.
On a beautiful fall day, this is the place to be.
Rapid Creek Cidery does a wonderful job of supporting local farmers by purchasing ingredients from them and giving credit for the hard work and dedication that goes into growing food.
The menu changes often enough that each visit offers a new experience.
If you haven't visited Iowa's newest on-site farm-to-table restaurant, you'll want to make it a priority this fall.
It's a beautiful setting where you can get the best food Iowa has to offer.
Rapid Creek Cidery does an excellent job of representing Iowa. Have you eaten there? Tell us about it in the comments.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
