It's hard to beat the family-style meals at restaurants in Iowa's Amana Colonies (15 miles west of Iowa City, exit 225). Besides the German schnitzels and wursts, entrees include ham, pork chops and fried chicken, and sometimes steaks and barbecued ribs. Meals come with all-you-can-eat side dishes, including potatoes (usually mashed or home fries), gravy, sauerkraut, several salads, vegetables and bread. We guarantee: You won't go away hungry! Most of the restaurants are in the main village of Amana, a few miles north of the Interstate. Three of our favorites are: Ox Yoke Inn, Colony Inn and Ronneburg. For more information, contact: Amana Colonies Convention & Visitors Bureau (800/579-2294).

Closer to the Illinois state line, turn northeast to Steventon's near the small town of LeClaire (10 miles northeast of Davenport, exit 306). In the trim clapboard restaurant, you can view the Mississippi River from any seat. The signature baked red onion soup or the Greek cheese appetizer make good starters. Steaks come to your table fork-tender. Regulars rave about the seafood dishes. Open for lunch and dinner Mondays-Saturdays, for brunch on Sundays. 1399 Eagle Ridge Road (563/289-3600).

In the mood for home cooking at a small town cafe? Try the Coffee Cup in tiny Sully (50 miles east of Des Moines, exit 173). Owners Keith and Keli Jensen make everything from scratch: chicken and noodles, lasagne, and Friday-night-only pizzas--even buns for sandwiches. Open Mondays - Saturdays. On the square at 616 Fourth Street (641/594-3765).

You'll find lots on the menu at The Redwood Steakhouse in the small town of Anita (65 miles west of Des Moines, exit 70). At this Midwest supper club, the menu possibilities outnumber selections at many restaurants in metropolitan areas (14 seafood entrees alone). Lee Poeppe, who's owned the Redwood for 32 years, cuts his own king-size steaks and chops. Ask for your salad with Redwood dressing (French-based) that the restaurant has been making from the same recipe for 40 years. Open daily at 5 p.m. for dinner. Along White Pole Road on the west edge of town (712/762-3530).

Look for the Danish Inn in the shadows of a Danish windmill just north of the Interstate in the little western Iowa town of Elk Horn (80 miles west of Des Moines, exit 54). The Sunday buffet is the best time to sample Danish specialties, but you'll find some old-country dishes on the menu anytime, as well as broasted chicken and cheeseburgers. Open Tuesdays - Saturdays for lunch and dinner, Sunday buffets 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 4116 Main Street (712/764-4251).

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