Whether it’s a light fare or hearty meal, if you are looking for some good lunch options in the state of Iowa, you don’t have to look very far. The lunch hour is prime time for many restaurants across Iowa, and whether you’re craving a scratch-made soup or unique sandwich option, even some fried chicken, you’ll be able to find a great place to fulfill your lunchtime appetite. Here are the 7 best lunch spots in the state.
Located on North Dodge street in Iowa City, NODO specializes in some of the tastiest sandwiches you’ll find in the state of Iowa. Featuring unique and tantalizing flavors like ham and bacon or corned beef and pastrami, NODO delivers on taste no matter the time of day. Catch this quick spot for lunch however, and be prepared to conquer the second half of your day. If you happen to be in the downtown Iowa City area, you can catch NODO at their second location near the Pedestrian Mall.
With three different locations to choose from, including Osage, Cresco and Lake Mills, there is three different chances to catch a delicious lunch at Teluwut Grille & Pub. Featuring a full menu of pastas, entrees, burgers, sandwiches, plus appetizers and salads, there’s not enough lunches in the year to get a taste of everything that Teluwut has cooking up. Whatever you order though, whether it’s a light lunch or nap-inducing meal for two, with the casual and comfortable atmosphere found inside, you’ll be sure to have a good time at Teluwut Grille House & Pub.
Located in the colorful town of Amana, the Ronneburg Restaurant is a German-inspired eatery that caters towards tourist and locals alike, as well as big and little appetites. Featuring a full menu that spans from breakfast to dinner, and is full of German entrees and suggestions, while lunch isn’t the only time to visit this community staple, it does serve as a great break in your day when visiting the Amana Colonies. While many items on the Ronneburg menu are worth exploring, the Wiener Schnitzel is reason enough to come back for more.
A true Iowa City institution, Oasis Falafel has been delivering a vital taste to the streets of the North Downtown District for over a decade. In that time, Oasis Falafel has found the recipe for the world’s best hummus, falafel and fries, and whether you grab it for lunch, dinner or take-out, no amount is ever enough to satisfy your falafel fancies. However you decide to enjoy Oasis Falafel, ordering the falafel pita with hummus, babba ganoush and Mediterranean salad is a must.
Located within the Clayton Ridge Farm Meat Market & Gift Shop, the Picket Fence Cafe is open during the weekdays and provides the perfect place in Guttenberg and beyond for to grab some lunch. Modeled after old-fashioned institutions, the Picket Fence Cafe makes all their salads and soups with fresh vegetables each morning, and thanks to the meat market, the Picket Fence Cafe also serves up some of the best barbecued meats you’ll find on either side of the Mississippi. Check it out for yourself Monday through Friday, and see why lunch will never be the same after eating at the Picket Fence Cafe.
While Sneaky’s Chicken in Sioux City is good anytime of the day, if you hit this staple fried chicken spot in the afternoon, you can take part in one of the best buffets in the state of Iowa. Whether you like your meat dark or white, and maybe you’re a thigh fan opposed to wings, whatever kind of chicken you crave, you can get your lunch fill at Sneaky’s Chicken. With just one visit you’ll see for yourself why everyone is talking about this fried chicken in Iowa.
The South Union Bread Cafe of Des Moines has just the right recipe for one of the most delicious lunches you’ll find in the state. Featuring customizable and signature sandwiches, all loaded upon fresh-baked daily artisan bread, plus over 50 options to choose from in the salad bar, it’s not hard to find something to like at the South Union Bread Cafe. Open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the only time to get a taste is during the lunch hour, so plan your visit now.