Hardy IowaRESTAURANTS & PLACES TO EAT
Listed below are some of the best restaurants and places to eat near Hardy, Iowa.
1. Try-It Cafe
COZY LOCAL COMFORT FOOD
Try-It Cafe is a cozy eatery nestled in the heart of Hardy offering a diverse menu of comfort food favorites and daily specials. The cafe serves as a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike, providing hearty breakfast options, homestyle lunches, and freshly baked desserts. Its warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal place to experience authentic small-town Iowa dining.
2. Grounded in Hartley
CHARMING COFFEE & CUISINE
Grounded in Hartley offers a delightful blend of specialty coffee drinks and casual dining options in a relaxed setting. The menu features freshly prepared breakfast items, gourmet sandwiches, and homemade pastries that pair perfectly with their carefully crafted beverages. Its modern yet cozy ambiance makes it a popular spot for both quick coffee stops and leisurely meals.
3. Daily Grind
FRESH BREWS & BITES
Daily Grind serves as Hartley's go-to destination for premium coffee and light fare in a welcoming environment. The café specializes in handcrafted espresso drinks, smoothies, and a selection of breakfast and lunch items made with quality ingredients. Its inviting interior provides a comfortable space for customers to enjoy their food and drinks while catching up with friends or getting some work done.
4. Crazy Bob's MAXimum BBQ
BOLD SMOKY FLAVORS
Crazy Bob's MAXimum BBQ delivers authentic smokehouse flavors with its selection of slow-cooked meats and homestyle sides in Hartley. The restaurant is known for its generous portions of ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and chicken, all prepared with signature rubs and sauces that showcase traditional barbecue techniques. Its casual, lively atmosphere enhances the down-home dining experience centered around serious barbecue craftsmanship.
5. Stoplight Lounge
CLASSIC BAR & GRILL
Stoplight Lounge combines the charm of a neighborhood bar with satisfying pub fare in a relaxed setting in Hartley. The menu features classic American favorites including juicy burgers, crispy appetizers, and hearty sandwiches alongside a diverse selection of beers and mixed drinks. Its friendly, laid-back environment makes it a popular gathering spot for locals looking to unwind and enjoy straightforward, delicious food.
6. Hartley Community Center
GATHERING PLACE & MEALS
Hartley Community Center serves as both a social hub and dining venue offering homestyle meals for community events and gatherings. The center provides a rotating menu of comfort food classics prepared with care, often featuring local ingredients and traditional recipes. Its spacious, welcoming environment creates an ideal setting for everything from weekly community dinners to special celebrations that bring residents together around the table.
7. Lauri's Cakes
SWEET TREATS & EATS
Lauri's Cakes delights visitors with an impressive array of handcrafted desserts, custom cakes, and light café offerings in Hartley. The bakery showcases beautifully decorated cakes for special occasions alongside daily selections of cookies, pastries, and other sweet treats made from scratch using traditional recipes. Its charming, cheerful atmosphere makes stopping in a special experience, whether for a celebration cake or just an afternoon coffee and dessert.
8. Club #288
LOCAL FAVORITE WATERING HOLE
Club #288 offers a classic small-town bar experience with casual dining options in a comfortable, no-frills setting in Hartley. The establishment serves up traditional bar fare including tasty burgers, crispy fried appetizers, and hearty sandwiches alongside cold beers and mixed drinks. Its friendly atmosphere and community-oriented approach make it a longstanding gathering spot where locals and visitors connect over good food and conversation.
9. Breitbach's Country Dining
HISTORIC IOWA LANDMARK
Breitbach's Country Dining holds the distinction of being Iowa's oldest restaurant and bar, operated by the sixth generation of the Breitbach family in small Balltown. The restaurant specializes in traditional Midwestern comfort food served family-style, featuring homemade specialties that have satisfied diners for generations. Its historic charm, combined with spectacular views of the Mississippi River valley from nearby overlooks, creates a dining destination that celebrates Iowa's culinary heritage and natural beauty.
10. Liquor Store & Eatery
DRINKS AND CASUAL DINING
The Liquor Store & Eatery in Hartley combines retail spirits with casual dining options in a convenient dual-purpose establishment. The food menu features approachable favorites including freshly made sandwiches, salads, and hot entrees that pair well with their extensive beverage selection. Its practical, welcoming setup allows visitors to enjoy a meal while also shopping for their favorite wines, beers, and spirits to take home.