You’re driving your way through Iowa, but that wallet is feeling awfully light. The good news is, Iowa has some of the country’s most diverse and delicious dining – and you won’t have to break the bank to fill that rumbling in your stomach. These are three of the must-visit restaurants you shouldn’t miss the next time you’re visiting the state’s biggest cities.
Located in the heart of Iowa’s biggest city, the Des Moines-based A Dong Restaurant is a staple for hungry diners. Their authentic Vietnamese fare has been packing them in since 1989
A Dong Restaurant/Facebook
Their specialty is the rich beef pho. Made from a slow-cooked broth, rice noodles, and your choice of toppings including beef, chicken, and seafood, it’s the perfect warming meal - with most options just over ten dollars.
A Dong Restaurant/Facebook
If you’re not in the mood for pho, they have an extensive traditional and vegetarian menu. Specialties like this roasted quail over rice are delicious and surprisingly affordable.
GiangRyan/TripAdvisor
When the road takes you to Cedar Rapids and you’re looking for something to fill you up, you won’t do better than Scott’s Family Restaurant. This diner-style place has been family owned and dishing up big portions for almost ten years.
Joe F/Trip Advisor
Scott’s Family Restaurant specializes in traditional American dishes, such as this rich breakfast skillet with a side of fruit. Most options for breakfast and lunch are around ten dollars or less.
Joe F./Trip Advisor
Scott’s does a brisk business in take-out among its customers. If you’re in a hurry to get back on the road, they’d be happy to pack up your breakfast platter to go.
Scott’s Family Restaurant/Facebook
Zeke’s Island Cafe had humble beginnings as a food cart. Today, the Caribbean fusion cafe still operates that original location…
Zeke’s Island Cafe/Facebook
But their flagship location in Davenport, Iowa lets you enjoy your meal in a laid-back cafe atmosphere with a relaxing island vibe.
Peter A Morrell/TripAdvisor
Zeke’s specializes in massive portions of flavorful meats, like this barbecued beef over rice. Every dish comes with unique sides like the Hawaiian-style macaroni salad and an egg roll.
TriRob/TripAdvisor
If you’re in the mood for lighter fare, Zeke’s offers a salad menu including favorites like this fried shrimp platter with a flavorful blend of greens. All of Zeke’s oversized plates are around the fifteen-dollar mark.
ClintTraveler/TripAdvisor
Have you had the opportunity to try any of these three Iowa restaurants? Let us know your favorite dishes or any other Iowa budget eats you want us to cover in the comments section below. Be sure to check out the menus at A Dong Restaurant, Scott’s Family Restaurant, and Zeke’s Island Cafe before your next visit.
A Dong Restaurant/Facebook
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Joe F/Trip Advisor
Joe F./Trip Advisor
Scott’s Family Restaurant/Facebook
Zeke’s Island Cafe/Facebook
Peter A Morrell/TripAdvisor
TriRob/TripAdvisor
ClintTraveler/TripAdvisor
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Address: A Dong Restaurant, 1511 High St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USAAddress: Scott’s Family Restaurant, 1906 Blairs Ferry Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402, USAAddress: Zeke’s Island Cafe, 131 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52801, USA
