Albia, Smitty's Sandwich Shop Pig out on the 2-inch-thick hand-breaded tenderloins. Locals have loved them since 1921. 641-932-7756.

Albia, The Skean Block Located in a small farming town 65 miles southeast of Des Moines, this casual restaurant along the square pleasantly surprises diners with its big-city menu. 641-932-2159.

Balltown, Breitbach's Country Dining "Iowa's Oldest Bar and Restaurant" opened in 1853 as a stagecoach stop. Favorites at this homespun eatery include steak, chicken and fresh Mississippi River catfish. 563-552-2220.

Bellevue, Spruce Harbor Casual riverfront eatery known for its Friday night fish dinners and Saturday night prime rib. 563-872-5637.

Cedar Falls, The Olde Broom Factory The massive 1862 limestone structure once was a real broom factory. But for the last two decades, Dorothy Stitt has served an eclectic menu. Dishes range from vegetarian broccoli-and-walnut casserole to panfried walleye and Mediterranean pizza. 319-268-0877.

Cedar Rapids, Zindrick's Czech Restaurant Serving old-country dishes such as goulash, along with Pilsner Urquell beer. 319-365-5257.

Coralville, Mondo's Tomato Pie This sprawling restaurant on the west edge of Iowa City seats several hundred diners at tables and dark-wood booths. Try the Portobello Mushroom Sandwich or the Chicken Marsala, as well as side dishes such as parmesan peppercorn mashed potatoes. 319-337-3000.

Denison, Cronk's Cafe When you visit the hometown of the late actress Donna Reed, be sure to stop at this downhome eatery. 712-263-4191.

Des Moines, Forty Three Restaurant & Bar Check out the swanky bar in the Hotel Fort Des Moines downtown for drinks and appetizers. 515-362-5224.

Des Moines, Java Joe's Java Joe's is a coffee house with personality. This cafe has a fun-loving atmosphere and is the perfect place to grab a latte when you're downtown. 515-288-5282.

Des Moines, Splash Seafood Bar & Grill This upscale joint has plenty to offer, including a menu full of the best seafood in town. 515-244-5686.

Dubuque, Blackwater Grill Located in a vintage brick building in the Bricktown Brewery downetown, enjoy a spirited, family-friendly lunch. Taste test a microbrew with your huge burger or steak and ask about a kids' menu.

Dubuque, Cafe Manna Java Linger over espresso, pastries, and artisan breads on Main Street in the heart of downtown. The original artwork on the walls is for sale. 563-588-3105.

Dubuque, Pepper Sprout Exposed brick, flickering candles, and wild flowers on the table give Pepper Sprout a casual elegence. Order the specialties including smoked bison steak.

Dubuque, Shot Tower Inn Hang out at this casual eatery downtown for pizza and sandwiches. 563-556-1061.

Gunder, Shanti Slathered with onions and mushrooms, the mammoth Gunder Burger is a mouthful. Closed Sundays. 563-864-9289.

Hartly, Pete's Start with crispy, hot onion rings and end with tapioca pudding. But be sure to enjoy one of Kenny Petersen's pork specials inbetween. 712-728-2077.

Iowa City, Linn Street Cafe The owners of this cafe have incorporated a local flavor by using ingredients bought from local growers and displaying artwork from artists in the neighborhood. Their menu offers signature dishes such as smoked trout pate and seared Atlantic salmon. 319-337-7370.

Marshalltown, Stone's People from around the world sign the guest book and savor the home style cooking, including crunchy buttermilk pecan pie and tall, airy lemon chiffon pie. 641-753-3626.

Marshalltown, Taylor's Maid-Rite When you order this unique Midwest sandwich, you not only get steamy ground beef and onions in a hamburger bun, but you also get a spoon to scoop up every last morsel. Taylor's also mail-orders the frozen sandwiches all over the nation. 641-753-9684.

McGregor, Maggie's The Schultz family started this business along US-18 selling sandwiches to truckers waiting to be dispatched to the grain elevator. Now it's a cozy diner with daily specials. 563-873-2935.

McGregor, White Springs Supper Club Dine on barbecue and steaks just west of town. 563-873-9642.

Solon, Joensy's Restaurant The sign out front proclaims: "Biggest & Best Pork Tenderloin in Iowa." The giant slices of breaded pork overpower the 5-inch buns. Open daily. 319-624-2914.

St. Ansgar, Blue Belle Inn Enjoy a romantic dinner for two and, in February, top it off with a horse-drawn sleigh ride across the northern Iowa countryside. Or test your sleuth skills during one of the Inn's murder mystery dinners. Call for reservations. 641-713-3113.

Walcott, Iowa 80 Kitchen The Iowa 80 does delicious things with Iowa pork, but it's best loved for its apple dumplings. All the servings are hearty-size. 563-284-6512.

West Des Moines, Cafe Su Dim sum and elegant Chinese entrees star in rooms decorated with local artists' works. 515-274-5102.

West Des Moines, The General Store Eatery This establishment serves deli-style sandwiches, plus homemade soups and desserts. 515-279-6828.

Wilton, Wilton Candy Kitchen Satisfy your sweet tooth with treats such as a banana split or a cherry phosphate. Regulars swear by owner George Nopoulos' secret chocolate sauce. 563-732-2278.

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