Westgate IowaRESTAURANTS & PLACES TO EAT
Listed below are some of the best restaurants and places to eat near Westgate, Iowa.
1. Bent's Smokehouse & Pub
SMALL TOWN SMOKING SENSATION
Bent's Smokehouse & Pub is a beloved local establishment that opened its doors in August 2016, serving a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and smoked meats in Westgate. The restaurant is particularly famous for its enormous breaded pork tenderloin sandwich, which was recognized as one of the five finalists in the Iowa Pork Producers Association's Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin contest in 2020. Visitors can enjoy a casual, welcoming atmosphere while savoring hearty portions of delicious comfort food with a focus on quality smoked meats and craft beers.
2. Maple Creek Cafe
HOMESTYLE BREAKFAST CHAMPION
Maple Creek Cafe offers hearty, homestyle breakfast and lunch options in a cozy, family-friendly environment just a short drive from Westgate. Their menu features generous portions of classic American comfort foods, including fluffy pancakes, farm-fresh egg dishes, and hearty sandwiches made with locally sourced ingredients when possible. The warm, rustic decor and friendly service create a welcoming dining experience that makes visitors feel like part of the local community.
3. Luigi's Restaurant & Lounge
ITALIAN FAMILY TRADITION
Luigi's Restaurant & Lounge serves authentic Italian cuisine created from treasured family recipes passed down through generations. Their menu highlights include hand-tossed pizzas with homemade sauce, traditional pasta dishes, and a selection of Italian wines in an environment that balances casual dining with an old-world charm. The restaurant's warm ambiance, complete with checkered tablecloths and soft lighting, provides an intimate setting for enjoying a taste of Italy in Northeast Iowa.
4. The Copper Penny
UPSCALE CASUAL DINING
The Copper Penny offers a refined yet approachable dining experience with a menu that combines American classics and innovative chef specials. Their kitchen takes pride in using quality ingredients to create memorable dishes ranging from hand-cut steaks to fresh seafood options and creative seasonal offerings. The sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere, featuring exposed brick walls and warm wood accents, makes it an ideal choice for both special occasions and casual gatherings.
5. Bill's Pizza & Smokehouse
PIZZA AND BBQ HAVEN
Bill's Pizza & Smokehouse combines two beloved American food traditions: wood-fired pizzas and slow-smoked barbecue. Diners can enjoy creative pizza combinations featuring homemade dough and sauce alongside tender, smoky ribs, brisket, and pulled pork prepared in traditional smokers. The casual, family-friendly establishment offers a lively atmosphere with rustic decor, making it a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors exploring the area around Westgate.
6. Heartland Acres Cafe
FARM-TO-TABLE COUNTRY DINING
Heartland Acres Cafe celebrates Iowa's agricultural heritage with a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and classic Midwestern recipes. The restaurant offers hearty breakfast options, farm-fresh salads, and home-style entrees that showcase the flavors of the region's seasonal bounty. Housed in a charming country setting with rustic decor and large windows overlooking picturesque farmland, diners can enjoy a genuine taste of Iowa's culinary traditions in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
7. The Pinicon Restaurant
HISTORIC RIVERSIDE DINING
The Pinicon Restaurant is an iconic dining establishment situated along the banks of the Wapsipinicon River, offering classic American fare with some regional specialties. Their menu features perfectly prepared steaks, fresh seafood, and hearty comfort foods served in generous portions that satisfy hungry travelers and locals alike. The restaurant's historic building, with original architectural details and riverside views, creates a nostalgic atmosphere that complements the timeless quality of their cuisine.
8. Klunder's Kafe
BELOVED LOCAL BREAKFAST SPOT
Klunder's Kafe is a cherished local establishment that serves generous portions of homestyle breakfast and lunch favorites in a no-frills, friendly setting. Their menu highlights include fluffy pancakes, farm-fresh egg combinations, and hearty lunch specials including their famous hot beef sandwich smothered in homemade gravy. The casual, welcoming atmosphere and consistently good food have made it a gathering place for locals and a delightful discovery for visitors exploring Fayette County near Westgate.
9. Dotty's Diner
NOSTALGIC 1950S EXPERIENCE
Dotty's Diner recreates the classic American diner experience with a 1950s-inspired decor featuring chrome accents, vinyl booths, and nostalgic memorabilia. The menu offers all-day breakfast, hand-pressed burgers, blue-plate specials, and hand-spun milkshakes made with local dairy products. Between the jukebox playing oldies, friendly servers, and comfort food classics prepared with care, dining at Dotty's feels like stepping back in time to a simpler era.
10. Mabes Pizza
LEGENDARY THIN CRUST PIZZA
Mabes Pizza has been serving their legendary thin-crust pizzas to generations of loyal customers with recipes and techniques that have remained largely unchanged since their founding. Their signature pizzas feature a distinctively crisp yet foldable crust, housemade sauce with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, and generous toppings that extend right to the edge. The cozy, unpretentious dining room with its vintage decor creates an authentic small-town pizza parlor experience that draws visitors from throughout Northeast Iowa.