The 6 Best Places for Appetizers in Iowa!

If you are looking to share some plates or get a great start on the perfect meal, you can find exactly what you are looking for in Iowa. Spread across the entire state, Iowa contains not only a dense collection of great restaurants, but also provides a huge selection of delicious appetizers. From Iowa beef medallions to spinach artichoke rangoons, you’ll find many great beginnings to a culinary experience in Iowa, and chances are the fun won’t stop there. 

RoCA, Des Moines, IA

Short for Restaurant on Court Ave., RoCA is one of Des Moines best places to eat, and between their small plate and unique cocktail selections, RoCA is a great place to start, spend, and end your night in Des Moines. With over a dozen small plate options, including Iowa beef medallions and shrimp skewers, there is always more than one thing to share at RoCA.

Cobble Hill, Cedar Rapids, IA

Named after a local neighborhood in Brooklyn, thanks to the Cobble Hill, you don’t have to leave Iowa to find upscale, big-city food and appetizers. Serving the Cedar Rapids neighborhood, patrons visit from across the state to sample Cobble Hill’s decadent fares and cocktails. To start your experience right at Cobble Hill, it’s recommended to start on the bar snacks or appetizer menus with something like fresh-shucked oysters or potato pavé. 

Olde Boston’s Restaurant and Pub, Ft. Dodge, IA

For a great start to your dinner selection, Olde Boston’s of Ft. Dodge serves up the appetizers right. Alongside their lengthy menu of pub offerings, patrons at Olde Boston’s can begin their meal with the likes of Boston bites, tavern tots, or coconut shrimp. Once the appetizer has been served, the real fun at Olde Boston’s begins.

The Club Car, Iowa City, IA

Located on the south side of Iowa City, the Club Car is a local favorite thanks to their generous drink selection and great selection of entrees and appetizers. Split between two appetizer menus, you can find all your bar favorites to start your meal at the Club Car, including chicken strips, cheddar cheese nuggets and baskets of wings. 

Montage, Cedar Falls, IA

Featuring an extensive wine list, a comforting ambiance, and a great food selection to choose from, Montage can be found in the heart of Cedar Falls and at the center of culinary action in the city. Serving the area for nearly 20 years, Montage has perfected their appetizer menu to include all the fan favorites like bacon-wrapped scallops, Southwestern chicken cheese dip and smoky chipotle hummus and naan bread. 

Dublin Bay Irish Pub and Grill, Ames, IA

For an Irish appeal to your afternoon or evening, Dublin Bay in Ames has a long reputation of serving up the fun, flavor, and an all around good time. Featuring an extensive menu of appetizers or entrees to go along with the extra stocked bar and cocktail offerings, a great way to start your experience at Dublin Bay is with starters like Irish soda bread & butter, black and tan onion rings, or the boneless-chicken Dublin Bay planks.

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