Iowa City: University Town Food Scene ★ 4.2

CuisineVarious

Price$$

HoursVarious; plan full day

Last verified2026-06-26

Location

Address: Iowa City, IA 52240, Des Moines

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More food day trips in Des Moines

Ames: Hickory Park BBQ and Iowa State Campus ★ 4.4

BBQ$$Mon-Sat 10:00-22:00; Sun 11:00-22:00

A 35-minute drive north, Ames is home to Hickory Park, one of Iowa's most beloved BBQ restaurants with over 50 years of continuous operation.

1404 S Duff Ave, Ames, IA 50010 →

Pella: Dutch Heritage and Jaarsma Bakery ★ 4.3

Dutch bakery$Mon-Sat 05:00-17:00; closed Sun

Pella, founded by Dutch immigrants in 1847, is home to Jaarsma Bakery producing Dutch letter pastries and stroopwafels from the same downtown since 1898.

727 Franklin St, Pella, IA 50219 →

Winterset: Northside Cafe and Madison County ★ 4.1

American diner$Mon-Sat 07:00-14:00; closed Sun

Winterset, birthplace of John Wayne, sits 35 minutes southwest. The Northside Cafe has served all-day American breakfast to locals and visitors for decades.

61 W Jefferson St, Winterset, IA 50273 →

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