As you drive into the small town of Kalona, almost twenty miles from Iowa City, you’ll see some local businesses that have stood the test of time. However, no one building serves as the center of the town like the old-school Kalona General Store. Tucked inside this all-in-one emporium is a surprise – a humble cafe that serves a breakfast and lunch menu that has people coming from all around Iowa to dig in.
The Kalona General Store has been serving the community since 1883, and after a fire was rebuilt into its current form.
Kalona General Store & Eatery/Facebook
Photographed below is a view of what the store looks like today.
Locals and travelers alike roam the aisles, picking up all the supplies and specialty food products they could want.
David G/Foursquare
No trip to the Kalona General Store is complete without picking up some low-cost candy at the counter as you check out.
Kalona General Store & Eatery/Facebook
The general store also has a wide selection of small-batch Amish products, including cheese and locally-made sausage.
Kalona General Store & Eatery/Facebook
One of the most popular products at the general store is handmade Amish noodles, crafted on-site.
Kalona General Store & Eatery/Facebook
When you’re done shopping, sit down for a hearty meal at their attached cafe.
Kalona General Store & Eatery/Facebook
If you’re there for breakfast, fuel up for the day with a hearty plate of biscuits and sausage gravy.
David F/TripAdvisor
For lunch, they have fresh-made paninis, hamburgers, and a selection of soups and salads.
David F/TripAdvisor
Every day you’ll find different lunch specials - often including Amish comfort food specialties like beef and noodles.
David F/TripAdvisor
And of course, you can’t leave without trying their famous pie - baked on-site and available by the slice and by the pie.
David F/TripAdvisor
Have you made your way to Kalona to check out their famous General Store? Let us know all about your purchases and lunch in the comments section. The selection is always changing and many of the products are local and depend on supply, so make sure to keep an eye on their website and Facebook page so you know the perfect time to plan a trip!
Kalona General Store & Eatery/Facebook
David G/Foursquare
David F/TripAdvisor
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Address: Kalona General Store, 121 5th St, Kalona, IA 52247, USA
