Melrose IowaRESTAURANTS & PLACES TO EAT
Listed below are some of the best restaurants and places to eat near Melrose, Iowa.
1. The Red Barn Saloon and Grille
FAMILY-FRIENDLY DINING SPOT
The Red Barn Saloon and Grille is a welcoming family establishment serving American comfort food in Melrose. Their menu highlights include great burgers and pizza that appeal to both adults and children alike. The venue offers a fun atmosphere with entertainment options like Karaoke, making it an excellent choice for family dining experiences.
2. Whistlestop Bar & Eat
LOCAL FAVORITE EATERY
Whistlestop Bar & Eat is a popular local establishment located on Shamrock Street in Melrose. This bar and restaurant offers a cozy, small-town atmosphere where locals and visitors can enjoy casual dining options. The venue serves up traditional American fare in a relaxed setting that reflects the charm of small-town Iowa.
3. Feehan's Pub
COZY LOCAL GATHERING PLACE
Feehan's Pub is a beloved local establishment nestled on Shamrock Street in Melrose. Known for its cozy atmosphere and friendly service, this pub offers visitors a genuine small-town Iowa experience. The pub serves as a community gathering place where patrons can enjoy drinks and casual fare while socializing with locals.
4. Melrose Dining Room
UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTER EATERY
Melrose Dining Room is located within the University of Iowa Health Care's Pomerantz Family Pavilion, offering diverse dining options in a convenient setting. The venue specializes in toasted sandwiches, hearth oven pizzas, and a pasta bar alongside traditional grill and hot entrée stations. Open weekdays from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, it serves as a reliable dining option for hospital staff, patients, and visitors.
5. Augusta Restaurant
HISTORIC FINE DINING
Augusta Restaurant is a renowned dining establishment located near Melrose in Oxford, Iowa, offering a sophisticated dining experience in a historic setting. The restaurant specializes in upscale American cuisine prepared with locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. With its elegant ambiance and attentive service, Augusta provides a perfect setting for special occasions and refined dining experiences.
6. The Filling Station
RUSTIC COMFORT FOOD
The Filling Station is a charming restaurant in nearby Albia that embraces its gas station conversion theme with rustic decor and memorabilia. Their menu features hearty Midwestern comfort foods including homemade pies, burgers, and daily specials that attract both locals and travelers. The casual, nostalgic atmosphere makes diners feel at home while enjoying generous portions of classic American fare.
7. Diamond Dave's Taco Company
TEX-MEX FAMILY RESTAURANT
Diamond Dave's Taco Company is a vibrant Tex-Mex restaurant in Ottumwa offering a festive dining experience not far from Melrose. Their extensive menu features sizzling fajitas, loaded nachos, and specialty tacos along with a variety of margaritas and other Mexican-inspired beverages. The colorful decor and lively atmosphere make this a popular destination for families and friends looking for flavorful Southwestern cuisine.
8. Canteen Lunch in the Alley
HISTORIC LOOSE MEAT ICON
Canteen Lunch in the Alley is an iconic eatery in Ottumwa with a history dating back to 1927, serving their famous loose meat sandwiches. This historic establishment features a unique horseshoe-shaped counter where diners can watch their meals being prepared right before them. The simple menu, authentic vintage atmosphere, and the restaurant's appearance in the Roseanne TV show have made it a must-visit culinary landmark in the region surrounding Melrose.
9. Monarch's Restaurant & Lounge
ELEGANT CONTEMPORARY DINING
Monarch's Restaurant & Lounge offers an upscale dining experience in the Dutch-inspired town of Pella, within driving distance of Melrose. The restaurant presents a sophisticated menu of contemporary American cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients and artful presentation in an elegant setting. With its refined atmosphere, extensive wine list, and attentive service, Monarch's is perfect for special occasions and discerning diners looking for an exceptional culinary experience.
10. Appanoose Rapids Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER & GASTROPUB
Appanoose Rapids Brewing Company is a popular brewpub in Centerville combining craft beer production with quality gastropub fare in a historic building. Their menu features elevated pub classics that pair perfectly with their house-brewed beers, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts. The rustic-industrial atmosphere with exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and brewing equipment on display creates a warm, convivial environment for beer enthusiasts and food lovers alike.