Luther IowaRESTAURANTS & PLACES TO EAT
Listed below are some of the best restaurants and places to eat near Luther, Iowa.
1. Whatcha Smokin BBQ + Brew
TEXAS-STYLE CRAFT BBQ
Whatcha Smokin BBQ + Brew is a Texas-style craft BBQ restaurant located in a renovated gas station along Highway 17 in Luther, Iowa, surrounded by cornfields. Their pitmaster prepares Central Texas-style craft BBQ daily with everything made from scratch in-house, serving fresh from pit-to-plate. The casual ambiance makes it perfect for enjoying slow-smoked meats and robust flavors with friends or family, complemented by an extensive selection of Iowa craft beers.
2. The Cornfield Cafe
HOMESTYLE IOWA COOKING
The Cornfield Cafe offers traditional Midwestern cuisine with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients from nearby farms. Diners can enjoy hearty breakfast platters, farm-fresh lunches, and homestyle dinner specials in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. The rustic decor celebrates Iowa's agricultural heritage while providing a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike.
3. Whistlin' Donkey Sports Bar & Grill
SPORTS BAR & COMFORT FOOD
Whistlin' Donkey Sports Bar & Grill serves up classic American comfort food alongside an impressive selection of beers and cocktails in Boone. The restaurant features multiple TVs for watching sports, a lively atmosphere, and regular events including live music and trivia nights. Their menu highlights include juicy burgers, wings with house-made sauces, and hearty sandwiches perfect for game day.
4. Dutch Oven Bakery
ARTISAN BREADS & PASTRIES
Dutch Oven Bakery delights customers with freshly baked artisan breads, pastries, and desserts made using traditional European techniques. The bakery's warm, inviting atmosphere fills with the aroma of fresh-baked goods throughout the day, creating an irresistible experience for visitors. Beyond sweet treats, they also offer sandwiches on house-made bread, perfect for a quick lunch or afternoon snack.
5. Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad Dinner Train
DINING ON THE RAILS
The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad Dinner Train offers a unique dining experience aboard vintage rail cars traveling through the picturesque Des Moines River Valley. Guests enjoy a multi-course meal prepared by local chefs while taking in spectacular views of the Iowa countryside through large windows. The elegant dining atmosphere combines nostalgia for the golden age of rail travel with contemporary cuisine for a memorable evening out.
6. The Lucky Pig Pub & Grill
HEARTY MIDWEST FARE
The Lucky Pig Pub & Grill serves generous portions of classic Midwest comfort food with a focus on locally sourced meats and produce. Their menu features hand-breaded pork tenderloins, prime rib specials, and a variety of burgers in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. The restaurant's warm wood interior, friendly service, and community atmosphere make it a favorite gathering place for locals and travelers alike.
7. Brick Street Coffee House & Cafe
COZY CAFE & BAKERY
Brick Street Coffee House & Cafe occupies a historic building in downtown Madrid, offering specialty coffee drinks, homemade baked goods, and light cafe fare. The charming interior features exposed brick walls, comfortable seating, and local artwork creating a welcoming space for both quick visits and longer stays. Morning commuters, remote workers, and friends meeting for lunch all appreciate the cafe's quality offerings and community-centered approach.
8. Foxhole Brewhouse
CRAFT BEER & PUB GRUB
Foxhole Brewhouse combines a small-batch craft brewery with a menu of elevated pub favorites just a short drive from Luther. Visitors can sample their rotating selection of house-brewed beers while enjoying shareable appetizers, gourmet burgers, and wood-fired pizzas in a rustic-industrial setting. The brewery's outdoor patio and regular live music events create a lively atmosphere that draws beer enthusiasts from throughout the region.
9. Zip's Truck Stop Diner
CLASSIC AMERICAN ROADSIDE EATS
Zip's Truck Stop Diner has been serving hungry travelers and locals alike since the 1960s with its 24-hour comfort food menu. The no-frills establishment specializes in hearty breakfasts served all day, blue-plate specials, and homemade pies that have become legendary among regular patrons. The authentic roadside diner atmosphere complete with counter seating, booth service, and friendly staff makes for a nostalgic dining experience.
10. Midway Tavern
SMALL TOWN BAR & GRILL
Midway Tavern is a beloved local establishment serving straightforward bar food and cold drinks in a casual, unpretentious setting. Their kitchen turns out satisfying burgers, crispy fried appetizers, and weekly specials that draw in diners from surrounding communities. The tavern's welcoming atmosphere, affordable prices, and genuine small-town hospitality make it worth the drive for visitors exploring central Iowa.