Waterloo IowaRESTAURANTS & PLACES TO EAT
Listed below are some of the best restaurants and places to eat near Waterloo, Iowa.
1. Morgs Diner
CLASSIC AMERICAN COMFORT FOOD
Morgs Diner offers authentic American diner cuisine in a nostalgic setting in downtown Waterloo. The menu features hearty breakfast options served all day, classic burgers, and homestyle comfort foods that satisfy cravings for traditional American fare. With its welcoming atmosphere and friendly service, this local favorite provides a genuine diner experience that keeps patrons coming back.
2. The Brown Bottle
TRADITIONAL ITALIAN FAMILY DINING
The Brown Bottle has been a dining tradition in The Russell Lamson building since 1972, offering family recipes prepared fresh daily. This family-owned and operated restaurant serves entrées of pasta, beef, poultry, seafood, and classic pizza in a rustic casual atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a full-service bar, an extensive wine list, and exceptional Iowa hospitality whether dining in a quiet booth or gathering for group events of up to 150 people.
3. Chapala
AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE
Chapala brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico to Waterloo with its authentic cuisine and festive atmosphere. The menu showcases traditional Mexican dishes prepared with fresh ingredients, from sizzling fajitas to handcrafted enchiladas and specialty margaritas. Diners enjoy the colorful decor and warm hospitality that creates an immersive cultural dining experience.
4. Newton's Paradise Cafe
COZY BREAKFAST & LUNCH
Newton's Paradise Cafe serves as a beloved local gathering spot for breakfast and lunch favorites in Waterloo. The cafe specializes in homestyle cooking with generous portions, featuring everything from fluffy omelets and pancakes to hearty sandwiches and daily specials. Its welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere makes it a comfortable place for both regulars and visitors to enjoy a satisfying meal.
5. Basal Pizza
ARTISANAL ITALIAN PIZZA
Basal Pizza brings artisanal Italian-style pizza to downtown Waterloo with a focus on quality ingredients and traditional techniques. Each pizza features a perfectly crafted crust topped with premium ingredients, fresh herbs, and unique flavor combinations that elevate the dining experience. The restaurant offers a modern yet comfortable atmosphere where guests can enjoy authentic pizza craftsmanship.
6. SingleSpeed Brewing
CRAFT BEER & GASTROPUB
SingleSpeed Brewing combines craft beer passion with innovative gastropub fare in its Waterloo location. The brewpub offers a rotating selection of house-brewed beers alongside a menu of elevated pub classics made with locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. Its industrial-chic atmosphere, often housed in a repurposed historic building, creates a communal space where beer enthusiasts and food lovers alike can gather.
7. Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill
PATRIOTIC SPORTS BAR
Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill combines patriotic themes with sports bar energy to create a lively dining destination in Waterloo. The menu features American classics from juicy burgers to hearty steaks and wings, perfect for enjoying while watching games on multiple screens throughout the venue. With its spirited atmosphere and generous portions, this establishment provides the quintessential American bar and grill experience.
8. Highway 63 Diner
RETRO ROADSIDE EATERY
Highway 63 Diner captures the nostalgic essence of classic American roadside dining with its retro-themed decor and traditional menu. Visitors can enjoy diner staples like hand-pattied burgers, thick milkshakes, and all-day breakfast served in a setting that harkens back to the golden age of highway travel. The friendly, efficient service and homestyle cooking make this establishment a charming stop for both locals and travelers passing through Waterloo.
9. El Barco Mexican Seafood Bar & Grill
COASTAL MEXICAN CUISINE
El Barco Mexican Seafood Bar & Grill specializes in coastal Mexican cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood preparations in Waterloo. The menu showcases regional Mexican seafood dishes including ceviche, whole fish preparations, and seafood cocktails alongside traditional favorites. Its bright, nautical-themed decor and attentive service transport diners to Mexico's coastal regions for an authentic dining experience.
10. Rodney's Kitchen
SOULFUL SOUTHERN COOKING
Rodney's Kitchen brings soulful Southern and comfort food to downtown Waterloo with dishes that warm both heart and stomach. The menu features home-style cooking with specialties like fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens, and other Southern classics prepared with family recipes. The welcoming, no-frills atmosphere focuses attention on the generous, flavorful food and hospitable service that makes guests feel like family.