When the weather is fair, there is no better time to sit outside and enjoy dinner with a view in Iowa. If you don’t feel like packing a picnic on your next road trip, Iowa is full of restaurants that offer outdoor dining and an amazing view of the nearest river or lake. Ranging from a picnic throwback to a resort with amazing BBQ, here are four of Iowa’s best restaurants for dockside dining.
Go Fish Marina Bar and Grill is located right on the banks of the Mississippi in Princeton, and it’s an ideal summer retreat.
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The casual atmosphere is great whether you’re sitting inside or out, and the views are amazing.
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The extensive, casual menu features all the Iowa bar-and-grill favorites, but don’t miss their Bloody Marys topped with over-the-top garnishes.
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Moravia is a popular summer getaway, located right by Rathburn Lake, and Louie’s Lakeside Bistro is the best spot in town for dining.
Louie’s Lakeside Bistro & BBQ/Facebook
The indoor/outdoor dining room will transport you right to the beach, and the food isn’t to be missed either.
Louie’s Lakeside Bistro & BBQ/Facebook
The specialty here is slow-smoked BBQ with house-made sides. See that red ring about the brisket? That’s how you know it’s the real deal.
Louie’s Lakeside Bistro & BBQ/Facebook
For something completely different, head to the century-old PM Park in laid-back Clear Lake
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This summer-only restaurant is known for being the only restaurant in Iowa that serves you on old-school picnic tables - it’s the best of both worlds!
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The casual menu features burgers and pork tenderloin, but when it comes to picking your sides, don’t miss the onion rings.
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The General Store Pub in Anamosa is an acclaimed restaurant in its own right with an old-school atmosphere.
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Their signature item is probably the Tackle Box, a huge collection of their favorite appetizers big enough for the whole table.
Bryan R/TripAdvisor
But if you choose to sit outside, you’ll be treated to a one-of-a-kind view of the Wapsipinicon.
The General Store Pub
Have you been to any of these legendary dockside dining spots in Iowa? What’s your favorite place for eating by the water in summer? Let us know in the comments section. Summer is ramping up and hours will change, so make sure to stop by the websites for Go Fish, Louie’s, PM Park, and the General Store Pub to plan your next visit.
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Louie’s Lakeside Bistro & BBQ/Facebook
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Bryan R/TripAdvisor
The General Store Pub
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Address: Go Fish Marina Bar & Grill, 411 River Dr, Princeton, IA 52768, USAAddress: Louie’s Lakeside Bistro & BBQ, 21646 Marina Pl, Moravia, IA 52571, USAAddress: PM Park, 15297 Raney Dr, Clear Lake, IA 50428, USAAddress: General Store Pub, 12612 Stone City Rd, Anamosa, IA 52205, USA
