Hartwick IowaRESTAURANTS & PLACES TO EAT
Listed below are some of the best restaurants and places to eat near Hartwick, Iowa.
1. Denny's
CLASSIC AMERICAN DINER
Denny's is a familiar dining establishment offering classic American comfort food in Hartwick. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus featuring everything from hearty pancakes to burgers and milkshakes. Visitors can expect a casual, family-friendly atmosphere with booth seating and affordable dining options.
2. The Classic Deli and Ice Cream Shoppe
SANDWICHES AND SWEET TREATS
The Classic Deli and Ice Cream Shoppe serves up fresh-made sandwiches alongside delicious ice cream treats in Hartwick. This charming establishment offers a variety of cold cuts, salads, and homemade specialties in a cozy, small-town setting. The shop combines lunch options with dessert favorites, making it perfect for a midday meal or afternoon treat.
3. Country Pride
HOMESTYLE COMFORT FOOD
Country Pride restaurant delivers hearty, home-style cooking to locals and travelers in Hartwick. The menu features American classics like meatloaf, fried chicken, and generous breakfast platters served throughout the day. With its welcoming atmosphere and filling portions, this establishment embodies the spirit of Midwestern hospitality.
4. Ice House Drive-In
NOSTALGIC FAST FOOD
Ice House Drive-In offers a taste of Americana with its classic drive-in concept in Hartwick. The menu highlights burgers, fries, and creamy milkshakes served in a nostalgic setting reminiscent of the 1950s. Customers can enjoy the convenience of car service or outdoor seating during warmer months for a casual dining experience.
5. Lincoln Cafe
COZY LOCAL EATERY
Lincoln Cafe serves as a community gathering spot offering satisfying meals in a relaxed environment in Hartwick. The menu features a selection of diner favorites, from hearty breakfasts to lunch specials and homemade pies. With its friendly service and comfortable setting, this cafe embodies the small-town charm that defines rural Iowa dining.
6. Depot Restaurant & Lounge
HISTORIC BREWERY & DINING
The Depot Restaurant & Lounge is a family-owned restaurant and microbrewery celebrating 40 years of operation in the heart of downtown Shenandoah. This historic establishment offers daily specials, weekly buffets, and live entertainment in a setting that celebrates local history. The restaurant also features a banquet room for special events and provides to-go ordering options for those wanting to enjoy their cuisine at home.
7. Johnson's Restaurant
FULL MENU DINING EXPERIENCE
Johnson's Restaurant has been a favorite dining destination in Elkader since 1979, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a welcoming atmosphere. Their menu showcases home-style cooking with specialties including Broasted Chicken, Roast Beef, and homemade pies that have established their reputation as the area's premier food provider. The restaurant features three private dining rooms and a reception hall for special events, complemented by buffets and a salad bar for a complete dining experience.
8. Smokin' Hereford BBQ
FARM-TO-TABLE BBQ EXPERIENCE
Smokin' Hereford BBQ in Storm Lake is renowned for its signature Hereford Burger and authentic barbecue selections including ribs, burnt ends, and brisket. The restaurant emphasizes a farm-to-table approach, tracing their ingredients from the farm raising the cattle to the final delivery at customers' tables. Beyond their regular menu, they offer daily lunch specials and comprehensive catering services for events of all sizes.
9. The Hartwick Eatery
SMALL TOWN DINING GEM
The Hartwick Eatery provides a central dining hub for locals and visitors seeking traditional Midwestern cuisine in a friendly environment. The restaurant specializes in hand-breaded tenderloins, freshly made soups, and seasonal pies using locally-sourced ingredients when possible. Its rustic decor and communal tables foster conversation and community connections, embodying the essence of small-town Iowa dining.
10. Farmer's Table
SEASONAL FARM-FRESH CUISINE
Farmer's Table showcases the agricultural bounty of Iowa through its seasonally-changing menu of hearty, farm-inspired dishes in nearby Marengo. The restaurant works directly with local farmers to source fresh ingredients for their signature dishes, including slow-roasted meats, freshly baked breads, and inventive vegetable preparations. With its warm wood interiors, open kitchen concept, and family-style serving options, diners experience an authentic taste of rural Iowa's culinary traditions in a modern setting.