A long day of driving can be tiring – and that’s even without the kids yelling “Are we there yet?” every few seconds! Nothing makes the drive worth it and gives you the fuel to get back on the road like a good meal. Fortunately, there are far better choices for filling up than the chains and fast food joints that dot the highway. These four spots will make you happy you pulled over.
Driving down the open Iowa road can be an incredibly peaceful experience - until your stomach starts grumbling. Here are four places you should stop.
Highway 63 Diner/Facebook
La Regia Taqueria - Iowa City
La Regia Taqueria/Facebook This humble Highway 1 West storefront is known for some of the most authentic Mexican food in the Hawkeye State.
Heaping platters of tacos, rice and beans, and traditional garnishes are packed with flavor. Don’t miss the acclaimed al pastor tacos!
La Regia Taqueria/Facebook
Highway 63 Diner - Waterloo
Traveltheworld012/TripAdvisor Late dinners can be hard to find, but this traditional diner and steakhouse off Highway 63 is open till 10 most nights and is a welcome sight.
A full diner menu is available, but all the locals will tell you to go for their signature broasted chicken.
Gary C/TripAdvisor
The Highway Restaurant - Albia
Highway Restaurant/Facebook Located in the tiny town of Albia off Highway 34, this small diner is a lifesaver on long drives - and their fare is packed with flavor.
If you’re here early, make sure to dig into their loaded breakfast plates. Don’t miss the crispy corned beef hash.
Highway Restaurant/Facebook
Edith Lucielle’s Bait Shack and Wing Depot - Cedar Rapids
Edith Lucielle’s Bait Shack and Wing Depot/Facebook This quirky bar and grill is located only minutes from Highway 151, and is the perfect finish to a long day of driving.
The raucous pub atmosphere is combined with excellent food - including house-smoked pulled pork in a sweet-and-spicy sauce.
Edith Lucielle’s Bait Shack and Wing Depot/Facebook
Grab a seat at the full bar, listen to some live music, and take in the one-of-a-kind scene.
Edith Lucielle’s Bait Shack and Wing Depot/Facebook
Have you visited any of these roadside restaurants? Do you have a must-stop restaurant along the Iowa roads that you never miss? Let us know in the comments section. All these restaurants are open at regular hours, but Edith Lucielle’s frequently has special events and concerts going on. Make sure to visit their website to see what they’ve got planned for your next visit.
Highway 63 Diner/Facebook
La Regia Taqueria/Facebook
This humble Highway 1 West storefront is known for some of the most authentic Mexican food in the Hawkeye State.
Traveltheworld012/TripAdvisor
Late dinners can be hard to find, but this traditional diner and steakhouse off Highway 63 is open till 10 most nights and is a welcome sight.
Gary C/TripAdvisor
Highway Restaurant/Facebook
Located in the tiny town of Albia off Highway 34, this small diner is a lifesaver on long drives - and their fare is packed with flavor.
Edith Lucielle’s Bait Shack and Wing Depot/Facebook
This quirky bar and grill is located only minutes from Highway 151, and is the perfect finish to a long day of driving.
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Address: La Regia Taqueria, 436 Hwy 1 W, Iowa City, IA 52246, USAAddress: Highway 63 Diner, 3030 Marnie Ave, Waterloo, IA 50701, USAAddress: The Highway Restaurant, S Florence St, Albia, IA 52531, USAAddress: Edith Lucielle’s Bait Shack & Wing Depot, 6913 Mt Vernon Rd SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403, USA
