My Favorite Midwest Eats

We get the privilege of traveling to some pretty neat places! I’ve also gotten to eat a lot of great food, so I thought I’d put together my Favorite Midwest Eats. 

When we’re traveling, food can make or break the trip for anyone, but this is especially true for me! I LOVE food!  I LOVE to eat and I love to try new foods and meals!  In the last several years, we’ve come across many great eats while traveling! I decided to put them all into one easy post for you to review and then hopefully include in your next roadtrip!

Favorite Midwest Eats: Iowa

Mediterranean Pizza – Cedar River Pizza Co: Charles City, Iowa

Finding a great pizza isn’t hard, but finding one with unique flavors done in an excellent way is more unique. These two factors are what makes the Mediterranean Pizza from Cedar River Pizza Company in Charles City, Iowa, one of my favorite meals. Spinach, artichokes, sausage, and more all blend well together with their homemade sauce and dough to make the perfect slice! Read more about the food scene in Charles City plus options for shopping by clicking HERE!

Fish & Chips – The Barrel House: Dubuque, Iowa

There are MANY options for great eats in Dubuque, Iowa, but the Fish & Chips at the Barrel House was so fantastic that its one of my favorite eats while traveling in the Midwest! The fish is lightly breaded, fried golden brown, and isn’t greasy and not fishy. The fries are perfectly battered and seasoned! Add in a side of their homemade coleslaw and you have a class fish and chips meal! Read more about our experience at the Barrel House in Dubuque by clicking HERE!

Famous Coleslaw – Larsen’s Pub: Elk Horn, Iowa

Yes, Larsen’s Pub is being recognized thanks to coleslaw! A side dish in a town of 650 people won my heart over! Their coleslaw is so famous that it states on their menu that they won’t give their recipe out. In fact, even their own children don’t have it! It’s creamy, no bite and mixed fresh when you order it. This is what makes it so unique. Of course, you can’t just visit for the coleslaw. Grab one of their award winning tenderloins. Or, my recommendation is the chicken sandwich! Read more about it all HERE!

Al Pesto Genovese – El Adobe Restaurant: Audubon, Iowa

I would never have imagined that I’d visit a Mexican restaurant and decide to eat pasta and have it be my favorite pasta dish ever, but I did it in Audubon, Iowa. The owner, while he owns a Mexican restaurant, knows pasta better than anything! Homemade sauces and unique combinations make his dishes stand out! This homemade pesto cream sauce with chicken was pure perfection! It’s not just the pasta that is amazing! Read about their Mexican food too by clicking HERE!

Chicken Nachos – Tequila’s Mexican Bar & Grill: Northwood, Iowa

For some reason, its never dawned on me to eat nachos as my entree when visiting a Mexican restaurant. I don’t know what possessed me to do so on our first trip to Tequila’s in Northwood, but I’m so glad I did. These tortilla chips were loaded with well-seasoned and tender chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, queso blanco, and cilantro! They were fresh, delicious, and filling! Read more about our trip to Tequila’s by clicking HERE!

Favorite Midwest Eats: Missouri

Cedar Plank Crab Stuffed Rainbow Trout – Ivory Grille: Sedalia, Missouri

The first time we visited Hotel Bothwell in Sedalia, MO, we had dessert from the Ivory Grille and while it was good, it was not an appropriate illustration of what Chef Chris can create! Upon our second visit, I was treated to his Cedar Plank Crab Stuffed Rainbow Trout! The crab stuffing melted in your mouth, the trout was fresh tasting, and it was all seasoned perfectly! I’ve never tasted anything like it in my life! I’m ready to go back for more! It wasn’t just the Cedar Plank Crab Stuffed Rainbow Trout that was delicious! Read more about our entire meal experience by clicking HERE!

Pulled Pork – Danna’s BBQ & Burger Shop: Branson, Missouri

The first time we stumbled upon Danna’s BBQ & Burger Shop it was strictly because of its proximity to where we were staying. Ever since then, we visit for the pulled pork and Memphis rolls on each trip to Branson! The service is excellent and the food never disappoints. It’s definitely a favorite of ours and one that we compare all other barbecue to! Danna’s is a must stop for us each time we visit Branson! Read more HERE!

Lemon Cream Cake – Ivory Grille: Sedalia, Missouri

Yes, two of my favorite eats come from the Ivory Grille. When we visited the Ivory Grille, I really didn’t think I could eat another bite, until Chef Chris P offered me a slice of his Lemon Cream Cake! I’m a sucker for anything lemon and I’m so glad I didn’t turn it down! This cake was light, creamy, and bursting with flavor! (And that is kiwi drizzle on it which just sent it right over the edge!) It simply was the very best cake I’ve ever had! Everything we’ve eaten at Ivory Grille has been delicious!

Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza – Big Daddy’s: St. Louis, Missouri

I’ve had lots of really good pizzas, but the Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza from Big Daddy’s in the Soulard District of St. Louis is one of the very best. From the flatbread crust to the homemade sauce and including the special sauce drizzled on it, it was the best! I easily finished off that 9 inch pizza and could readily go back for another! Read more about great eats in St. Louis by clicking HERE!

Schoolteacher Strawberry Salad- Heroes Taste & Taps: Branson

I have a spot soft for any establishment that gives an ode to Veterans or First Responders. My step-dad was in the Navy and I’ve worked with many Police officers over the years. So, when we found Heroes in Branson, we knew we had to stop! Their menu boasts a large variety from appetizers to burgers, steak, chicken, sandwiches, and America’s favorites like fried chicken and meatloaf. But, I also enjoyed one of the best salads here. For me, the star was the Schoolteacher Strawberry Salad. The menu description says “Crisp romaine lettuce mix with red onion, a sprinkle of dried cranberries, sliced fresh strawberries, candied pecans, bleu cheese crumbles and tender grilled chicken breast. Served with Heroes’ very own Traffic Jam Vinaigrette.” I switched up the chicken and added grilled shrimp instead. The salad was so fresh and full of flavor!

Favorite Midwest Eats: Minnesota

Brochette Sticks – Morgan Creek Vineyard: New Ulm, Minnesota

I never would have thought that one of my favorite meals would come from a winery in rural Minnesota, but it does! We had the privilege of visiting Morgan Creek Vineyard outside New Ulm one beautiful summer night. We picked the Brochette Sticks as an appetizer. The sticks themselves were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They were served with tomato and sweet onion salsa and pesto with pine nuts. The pesto was the best I’ve ever had and it was the perfect flavor with the Brochette sticks! The Panuzzo’s we had for supper were equally delicious. Read more about New Ulm and plan a weekend visit by clicking HERE!

Feta Cheese Pasta with Chicken – Mediterranean Cruise Cafe: Burnsville, Minnesota

I was unsure of the Mediterranean Cruise Cafe when we entered the Burnsville, Minnesota restaurant, but they blew me away with their Feta Cheese Pasta with Chicken! This angel hair pasta tossed with an olive oil sauce, feta, fresh herbs, and tomatoes burst with flavor in my mouth! And the portion was so big that I had enough for two meals after! Read more about Mediterranean Cruise Cafe and Burnsville by clicking HERE!

Cavatappi Alfredo – The Wow! Zone: Mankato, Minnesota

Sometimes our favorite eats aren’t fancy or unique. For me, a good alfredo can be just the thing I need! When visiting the Wow! Zone in Mankato, Minnesota you can choose food from their cafe (think mall food court) or their sit-down sports bar! On our visit, I selected their Cavatappi Alfredo. This dish with the fun pasta is a classic, but they put their own spin on it by adding blistered cherry tomatoes! A classic, but delicious dish! Read more about the Wow! Zone by clicking HERE!

Street Tacos – Foremost Brewing: Owatonna

I’ll be the first person to pick any kind of taco almost every single time. So, when I saw Street Tacos on the menu at Foremost Brewing Company in Owatonna, MN I knew I’d have to give them a try! While the menu description states “three flour tortillas filled with pulled chicken, pork carnitas, or Paloma chorizo beef and pico de gallo. Cilantro lime crema served on the side”. I was also excited to read that they offer their tacos with lettuce wraps (perfect for those of us that can’t eat gluten)! I opted for the pork carnitas and they did not disappoint! The pork was full of flavor and the pico and crema was so refreshing! Wash them down with a glass of one of their brews and it’s a great combination.

Favorite Midwest Eats: Wisconsin

BB King Salad – Muddy Waters Bar & Grill: Prescott

A restaurant with outdoor dining always gets instant bonus points from me. One that has a view of a body of water is a extra good. One that serves up delicious food…off the charts! So, when we stumbled into Muddy Waters Bar & Grill in Prescott, Wisconsin, we were incredibly surprised and excited. The BB King Salad described as “Sautéed shrimp, bacon, almonds, bell peppers, shaved red onions, and placed on a bed of greens, Served with our honey Dijon dressing” was fresh, filling, and the perfect salad for summer day! Did I mention their entire menu is marked with gluten-free items! There is no doubt this stop is worth it!

Taco Truck Burger – The Garage: Kenosha, Wisconsin

I love a good burger! A good stuffed burger is even better!! The Garage not only has a cool, casual vibe, but it serves up stuffed burgers that melt in your mouth. The Taco Truck is a burger stuffed with pepper-jack cheese and then topped with lettuce, onion, nacho cheese sauce, sour cream, and crushed doritos. Think a walking taco in a burger, but way better! This was the perfect balance of flavors and taco goodness! The Garage not only has great burgers, but amazing Pepper Jack Cheese Curds! Read more by clicking HERE! This is one Kenosha restaurant that is on point!

Caprese Pinsa – Slip 56: Kenosha, Wisconsin

I had never heard of a pinsa prior to our visit to Slip 56 in Kenosha, Wisconsin, but I am a fan now! A Pinsa is a roman-style pizza dough made with a mix of wheat, soy, rice, and sourdough flour, which reduces the gluten in the crust. Add fresh toppings like tomatoes, arcadian greens, fresh basil, shaved Parmesan, mozzarella, and an olive oil and balsamic glaze and you have an amazing and fresh dish! Never once did I miss having meat on my pinsa with the Caprese Pinsa. Kenosha has an amazing food scene! Read more about it HERE!

Favorite Midwest Eats

I’ve visited some amazing places, but the food is what always stands out for me! Whether it’s classics like alfredo or something unique like a Crab Stuffed Rainbow Trout, the Midwest is full of great places and meals to eat! What’s been your favorite eats while traveling?

Updated 7/2/2024