Storm Lake, Buena Vista County | Map It

Truly authentic Mexican isn't easy to come by in Iowa, but La Juanita’s (simply La Jua’s to locals) hits it out of the park with their affordable fare. The burritos and tacos are the specialty at this order-at-the-counter restaurant.

Pomeroy, Calhoun County | Map It

When Pomeroy residents became tired of not having a local place to meet and eat, they took matters into their own hands and established The CO-OP, a cooperatively funded bar and grill with 65 local owners. Stop in for hot pizza, cold beer and a glimpse at Iowa’s small-town spirit.

Spencer, Clay County | Map It

Burgers, steak and pizza are all on the menu at this classic downtown Spencer bar and grill. Try the Weaser Pleaser, a unique combination of pepper jack cheese, bacon and peanut butter on a ground beef patty.

Cherokee, Cherokee County | Map It

You won’t leave hungry after a meal at Gasthaus. The hand-cut steaks are the main event, but with gourmet burgers and stuffed baked potatoes also on the menu, you’ll have a tough time choosing. End your meal with a slice of homemade mile-high cheesecake.

Okoboji, Dickinson County | Map It

This Okoboji hot spot is a Mexican restaurant that boasts some of the best hot sauce around. The nacho plates and burritos are what dreams are made of and will make a visit worth your while. Open March through September.

Estherville, Emmet County | Map It

Visitors rave about the breakfast menu and customer service at this local eatery. Since the 1970s, Bud’s Café has been a landmark known for hearty omelets and homemade pies.

Thor, Humboldt County | Map It

Unkie’s has been a local favorite since it opened in Thor in 1997. Touted as some of the best steaks in northern Iowa – this small, family-owned establishment is worth a stop on your next road trip.

Holstein, Ida County | Map It

Once called "the best kept secret of Holstein," Backdraft Bar and Grill boasts some of the best pizza. Fans of the BBQ Brisket Pizza come from miles around for this unique fare.

Algona, Kossuth County | Map It

The back room of this local mainstay features a charming front porch built inside the restaurant. Diners rave about the tomato basil soup.

Doon, Lyon County | Map It

Diners rave about the prime rib and sirloin cubes at this small town (population 587) restaurant. The 27-foot-long bar was constructed from ash trees grown at the local cemetery.

Sheldon, O'Brien County | Map It

With a menu that includes sandwiches, burgers, steaks, seafood and pasta, it’s nearly impossible to leave hungry. The Flat Tire Sundae includes a giant brownie topped with two scoops of ice cream, whipped cream and chocolate syrup.

Sibley, Osceola County | Map It

Opened in 2012, the restaurant is famous for its smoked prime rib and flatbread pizzas. The extensive menu also includes burgers, pork chops, chicken and pasta.

West Bend, Palo Alto County | Map It

Daily comfort food specials like meatloaf and hot beef round out a classic café menu. Stop by on Thursday night for the broasted chicken and pizza buffet.

Le Mars, Plymouth County | Map It

For more than 60 years, Archie’s has been dry-aging and hand-cutting mouthwatering steaks. Rachael Ray named them one of the best steakhouses in America (finishing in the top four of 200 selected). Their wine selection was a semi-finalist for a James Beard award in 2014 and they were awarded the James Beard American Classic award in 2015.

Pocahontas, Pocahontas County | Map It

A combo bar and restaurant, Home Plate Bar & Grill serves quintessential American favorites such as a pork chop dinner.

Sac City, Sac County | Map It

Restaurant owner Doug Kruchten is a former cattle farmer who understands that steaks cut fresh from the loin make for an unforgettable dining experience.

Orange City, Sioux County | Map It

Enjoy three distinct eateries in one at the Blue Mountain Culinary Emporium where unique cooking techniques such as wood-fire, hardwood charcoal and smoke turn out world-class, made-from-scratch meals.

Sioux City, Woodbury County | Map It

This gastropub brings locally sourced foods and and a variety of regional craft beers to Sioux City's Historic Fourth Street. Try the 14-ounce bone-in Heritage Farm pork chop, served with patatas bravas (fried potatoes in a spicy red sauce).