Underwood IowaRESTAURANTS & PLACES TO EAT
Listed below are some of the best restaurants and places to eat near Underwood, Iowa.
1. I-80 Sports Lounge
ROADSIDE BURGERS AND BREWS
I-80 Sports Lounge serves as Interstate 80's premier roadside oasis in Underwood, offering a casual and energetic atmosphere for travelers and locals alike. The menu highlights their renowned burgers paired with cold beer, creating the perfect combination for a satisfying meal. Visitors can enjoy classic fun times in this welcoming establishment that captures the essence of American roadside dining.
2. Twisted Tail Steakhouse & Saloon
PREMIUM STEAKS AND SPIRITS
Twisted Tail Steakhouse & Saloon offers a rustic yet refined dining experience featuring premium hand-cut steaks and an extensive selection of spirits. The restaurant's warm, wood-accented interior creates a welcoming atmosphere that blends upscale dining with country charm. Guests can enjoy hearty portion sizes and traditional steakhouse fare while soaking in the authentic midwestern hospitality.
3. Garcia's Family Mexican Restaurant
AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FLAVORS
Garcia's Family Mexican Restaurant brings authentic south-of-the-border flavors to the area with traditional recipes passed down through generations. The vibrant, colorful space is adorned with Mexican décor, creating an immersive dining atmosphere to complement the robust flavors of their dishes. From sizzling fajitas to handcrafted margaritas, the restaurant delivers a genuine Mexican dining experience with warm, family-style service.
4. Henry's Diner
CLASSIC AMERICAN COMFORT FOOD
Henry's Diner captures the nostalgic essence of a traditional American diner with its chrome fixtures, vinyl booths, and home-style cooking. The menu features hearty breakfast plates served all day, juicy burgers, and blue-plate specials that highlight the best of American comfort food. With friendly service and generous portions, this unpretentious establishment has become a beloved local institution for residents seeking a reliable, satisfying meal.
5. The Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom
EDUCATIONAL FINE DINING EXPERIENCE
The Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom offers a unique dining experience as both a restaurant and classroom within Iowa State University's respected hospitality management program. Dating back to 1926, this elegant 90-seat learning laboratory serves lunch Tuesday through Friday during fall and spring semesters, providing students with real-world food service experience. Visitors can enjoy refined dining in a historic setting while supporting the education of future hospitality professionals.
6. Snack Shack
QUICK BITES AND TREATS
Snack Shack provides a casual, no-frills spot for grabbing quick bites, ice cream treats, and refreshments on the go. The menu focuses on American fast-food classics like burgers, hot dogs, and hand-dipped ice cream in a variety of flavors. Its convenient location and speedy service make it a popular stop for families, travelers, and locals looking for a quick, satisfying meal without the wait.
7. Subway
FRESH MADE-TO-ORDER SANDWICHES
Subway in Underwood offers a familiar and reliable option for customized sandwiches, wraps, and salads made fresh to order. The bright, clean environment provides a quick-service setting where customers can watch as their meals are prepared with their choice of breads, proteins, vegetables, and condiments. Health-conscious diners appreciate the transparency of ingredients and ability to create lighter meal options in this convenient location.
8. Panda Express
FAST-CASUAL CHINESE CUISINE
Panda Express delivers American-Chinese favorites in a fast-casual setting with its signature orange chicken, Beijing beef, and vegetable dishes served cafeteria-style. The streamlined interior features a modern Asian aesthetic with efficient seating designed for quick meals and takeout convenience. Diners can create customized plate combinations featuring their choice of entrees and sides, making it a practical option for those seeking familiar Chinese-inspired flavors on the go.
9. Buffalo Wild Wings
SPORTS BAR AND WING HAVEN
Buffalo Wild Wings creates an energetic sports-viewing atmosphere with numerous large-screen TVs broadcasting games while serving their famous wings with a choice of signature sauces ranging from mild to blazing hot. The lively bar area and spacious dining room accommodate both sports enthusiasts and families looking for casual American fare beyond their wing selection. The restaurant's energetic ambiance peaks during major sporting events, making it a social hub for gathering to enjoy games, drinks, and shareable appetizers.
10. Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
RETRO BURGERS AND CUSTARD
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers combines a nostalgic 1950s diner aesthetic with contemporary quick-service efficiency, specializing in pressed-thin steakburgers, crispy shoestring fries, and freshly churned frozen custard. The bright, clean interior features red and white decor with photos highlighting the restaurant's family heritage and commitment to quality ingredients. Guests enjoy the signature Freddy's sauce on their cooked-to-order burgers before finishing their meal with a rich, creamy custard concrete mixer blended with their choice of toppings and mix-ins.