Jamaica IowaRESTAURANTS & PLACES TO EAT
Listed below are some of the best restaurants and places to eat near Jamaica, Iowa.
1. Tojo's Bar and Grill
FAMOUS PORK LOIN SANDWICHES
Tojo's Bar and Grill is a casual restaurant tucked away in Jamaica that serves some of the largest pork loin sandwiches around. The establishment features a laid-back atmosphere perfect for locals and visitors alike. Tojo's operates throughout the week with evening hours extending until 9:00 PM on Thursdays and Fridays.
2. Wasted Grain
CASUAL FAMILY-FRIENDLY DINING
Wasted Grain is a family-friendly restaurant in Carroll with a casual atmosphere ideal for both nights out with friends and special occasions. Their menu features American classics like bacon cheeseburgers, West Coast chicken sandwiches, and sweet potato fries alongside a variety of cocktails including Old Fashioneds, Mojitos, and Bloody Marys. The restaurant offers extended hours with the kitchen open until 10 PM Monday through Saturday and until 8 PM on Sundays, while the bar remains open until 2 AM daily.
3. The Port
LAKESIDE DINING EXPERIENCE
The Port offers scenic lakeside dining on Lake Panorama with beautiful water views and outdoor seating during warm weather. Their menu features a variety of American classics, fresh seafood options, and specialty cocktails perfect for enjoying while watching the sunset. The restaurant creates a relaxed vacation atmosphere even for locals, making it a popular destination for both special occasions and casual meals.
4. PJ's Drive-In
CLASSIC AMERICAN FAST FOOD
PJ's Drive-In is a beloved local fast-food spot serving classic American fare like burgers, fries, and thick milkshakes. The nostalgic drive-in style restaurant has been serving generations of locals and visitors with quick, delicious meals at reasonable prices. PJ's is particularly known for its seasonal operation, bustling atmosphere during summer months, and friendly service that keeps customers coming back year after year.
5. Casa de Oro
AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE
Casa de Oro brings authentic Mexican flavors to Jefferson with a menu featuring traditional favorites like enchiladas, fajitas, and tableside-prepared guacamole. The restaurant's warm atmosphere is enhanced by colorful décor, festive music, and a full-service bar offering margaritas and Mexican beers. Generous portions and family recipes have made Casa de Oro a local favorite for both casual dinners and celebrations.
6. Rancho Nuevo
MEXICAN FAMILY DINING
Rancho Nuevo delivers an authentic Mexican dining experience with a menu that goes beyond the standard fare to include regional specialties and house favorites. The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere features traditional décor, friendly service, and outdoor seating options during warmer months. Their combination plates, fresh tableside salsa, and signature margaritas keep diners coming back for both lunch and dinner service.
7. Lid's Bar & Grill
HOMETOWN SPORTS BAR
Lid's Bar & Grill serves as Guthrie Center's favorite gathering spot for sports fans, featuring multiple screens showing the latest games in a relaxed, welcoming environment. The menu offers hearty pub fare including award-winning tenderloins, loaded nachos, and juicy burgers alongside a full bar with local brews on tap. Regular events like trivia nights and weekend live music complement the casual dining experience, making it popular with both locals and visitors passing through the area.
8. The Feed Mill
HISTORIC BUILDING EATERY
The Feed Mill restaurant operates in a beautifully restored historic feed mill building, preserving architectural elements that create a unique dining atmosphere. Their farm-to-table approach emphasizes locally sourced ingredients in classic Midwestern dishes with contemporary twists. Seasonal menu changes, weekend specials, and homemade desserts have established The Feed Mill as a destination dining experience in the region.
9. Backdraft Brewing
CRAFT BEER & GASTROPUB
Backdraft Brewing combines a craft brewery with a gastropub menu featuring elevated comfort food designed to pair with their house-made beers. The establishment's industrial-chic interior utilizes the space of a former firehouse, with brewing equipment visible behind glass partitions. Their rotating taps, seasonal food specials, and relaxed communal seating encourage visitors to sample different beer flights while enjoying shareables and entrees.
10. The Corner
HOMESTYLE COUNTRY COOKING
The Corner serves homestyle country cooking in generous portions, specializing in hearty breakfasts served all day and classic midwest lunch and dinner options. The small-town restaurant features a warm, unpretentious atmosphere where locals gather daily over coffee and pie. Their made-from-scratch cooking, reasonable prices, and friendly service embody the essence of rural Iowa dining traditions.