Great Places to Eat? (Cedar Rapids, Iowa City: school, college, closing)

[capitalcityguy]

Ironically, I just ate at Buzzard Billy's tonight. I have had spotty service in the past (usually on the patio), but the food always delivers. Tonight (a fairly busy Friday) service was very, very good.

Agree that when you're in DSM, you need to eat Italian. Drives me insane when I hear someone went to Olive Garden when there are so many locale, authentic Italian resturants in the metro. Favs: Gino's. The Latin King, Trattoria (downtown near Court Ave).

The most unique resturant in Iowa might be the brand new Dos Rios (downtown Des Moines on Court Ave). It is upscale Mexican. Something like 26 different tequila shots to chose from (don't slam 'em here at $9 a shot). Friend of mine from Minneapolis wouldn't stop raving about this place after we ate there stating "we don't even have anything like this in Minneapolis".

For a unique steak, I love how steaks are prepared and seasoned at the Northwestern Steakhouse in Mason City and its sister location in Ames, Northwestern Cafe.

[Not Iowa]

I thought of another spot. The Red Avocado in Iowa City. This one isn't your typical beef and potato's type of place. Actually, it's totally vegetarian and vegan, but very good. I was surprised.

[Iowagirl566]

There's a great Italian Restaurant in Waterloo called The Brown Bottle, I think there is still on in Cedar Falls too. Love the Manicotti and the thin, crunchy garlic toast.

[khughes2345]

zoeys is good pizza, but the best pizza i've ever had has to be tomaso's in cedar rapids, gotta try it, if you havn't already.

veno's in cedar rapids is a very good italian restaurant too

[Stevie]

Another restaurant I really like is 5 & Diner in (or near) Pleasant Hill. It's a nice 50s theme restaurant on E University.

[Not Iowa]

Originally Posted by khughes2345

zoeys is good pizza, but the best pizza i've ever had has to be tomaso's in cedar rapids, gotta try it, if you havn't already.

veno's in cedar rapids is a very good italian restaurant too

Tomaso's is pretty awesome. We just ordered about 50 pizza's there from work last week - the place smelled great! I wish Zoey's would deliver though. The only downside to that place is one of the perks of pizza - it's brought right to your door.

Maybe somebody here can help me with the name of this spot in Iowa City - I'm not sure it is even still around, but they used to deliver everything from ribs to chocolate covered cheescake on a stick. This is going back to the 80's...

[disneyrecords]

I left the area almost ten years ago, but there were two really nice restaurants in Fort Madison. If they are still there:
1. The Palms Supper Club-- Steak ala Arabia. awesome.
2. Alpha's-- a small inn downtown Fort Madison. Nice restaurant with a romantic atmosphere-- not a bar and grill feel thank goodness.

Thanks for the memories,
disneyrecords

[El Rhino]

Originally Posted by Stevie

Another restaurant I really like is 5 & Diner in (or near) Pleasant Hill. It's a nice 50s theme restaurant on E University.

I've been there once, it was pretty good. I'd still take Drake Diner over it though... Oh man, that place is good.


I've never been a big fan of Indian food, but there's an Indian Buffet on Army Post Rd in Des Moines that's really, really good. Kind of a strange location for Indian food, but it's close to home. I will be there again and again... but I doubt it will be open long.

It's called "Flavors of India" or something like that. It's where China Garden used to be. I was sad to see that place go... it was one of the first Chinese restaurants on the South Side. As a kid we would go there when we got sick of going to Mama Lacona's or Baratta's (it used to be less expensive and more of a family place). I always thought the flaming dishes were cool and when they would bring the fried bananas to your table and drop them in water. There weren't any places like that around here.

[Jerry.Knode]

I grew up in Des Moines and left to go to college and never moved back. I have two brothers and lots of family still there. Everytime I visit the family I must go to Chuck's in Highland Park Area. Their Italian Sausage pizza is like no other. And their homemade Onion Rings will knock your socks off. I know this may have been my high school hangout, but honestly, even with those pleasant memories, the food is worth going for all by itself.

I must concurr with those who recommended The Latin King. I always take my mother there when I come to town. They have daily specials and I have never been dissappointed. Try it soon!!

[Stevie]

Originally Posted by El Rhino

I've been there once, it was pretty good. I'd still take Drake Diner over it though... Oh man, that place is good.

Same here.

I guess 5 & Diner is great not only for its food but its 50s vibe.