We're currently working our way through the Iowa Tenderloin Trail, stopping at tour stops all across our fine state. Today we visited Belmond to conquer the famous tenderloin from the Blemond Drive-In. This place was easy to find, right along US 69 on the south end of Belmond just north of Casey's. The setting is nice - a small dining room but the place is decked out with town spirit. On the walls you'll find Navy & Green Blemond-Klemme Broncos jerseys, photos, posters and even a bronco head and pennant at one end. Small-town Iowa is typically very proud of their local teams and the Belmond Drive-In displays the town's pride well. Nothing fancy here - a counter with a few stools and tables/booths elsewhere. It looks like they have a room in the back for larger groups. The restrooms were nice and clean and the restaurant itself was very nice, though weird because there isn't a sink in there - it's outside of it. Our waitress was really friendly and attentive. Since we were there for the tenderloin, we were expecting it to be one mean sandwich. After all, this sandwich was one of the Iowa Pork Producers' yearly award winners for Best Tenderloin. It arrived at the table and though it tasted good, I think the tenderloin itself was a tad on the small side. Great flavor, nice and juicy, but a tad small. Don't let that stop you from trying it. It's actually a good thing because then you can indulge on one of their great shakes or malts. I had a peach shake and wasn't disappointed. It had pieces of peach right in it. The menu is your typical small-town cafe menu - mostly sandwiches, salads and the like. They have a good hamburger according to some I have talked with. Overall, I enjoyed eating at the Belmond Drive-In. They make a good tenderloin and some great ice cream. read more

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Okay... So did this place change hands since winning the Iowa Tenderloin Trail in 2015? We stopped here after having to attend a funeral in Hampton while on our way back to the Des Moines metro. The place is quaint. It reminds me of a lot of small town stops. We were greeted upon entering and told to grab a seat anywhere. The kitchen help looked a little more mature, but the servers appeared to mostly be high school age. That in and of itself is fine...as long as they do the job. At first glance the menu looked promising. The prices seemed really good. Our server did an okay job to start, but lagged on refills (and it was about 230 PM in the afternoon...they weren't busy), and she kept disappearing. I'm not sure where she was going... The place isn't that big. We soon found out why the prices were so low... The portions are about 1/3 to 1/2 of what you would get anywhere else. We started with cheese curds and onion rings. We also ordered a tenderloin and a cheese burger. I'm a tenderloin junkie and have eaten them all over the Midwest. Knowing they'd picked up the 2015 title there was no doubt in my mind what I was going to order. The tenderloin was cooked well, but it was about the size you'd get at a fast food joint advertising "tenderloins". You could tell it was real meat v. out of a Sysco truck, but it was pretty unimpressive for having been voted such a prestigious title. Looking across the table I almost wished I'd ordered a cheese burger. And when we'd pretty much finished everything we added a couple orders of fries, etc. because we weren't full. The size of the fry orders were just as disappointing. Dropped over $30 before tip and we walked out hungry... The small portion sizes and sub-par service will probably keep me from retracing my path to this stop on the trail. Serve an adult portion, raise your prices to match the portion, and up your game. I really wanted to like this place as I grew up in this area of the state (in Dows). An epic fail. read more

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I'm not an expert, but this was the best pork tenderloin sandwich I've ever had. The tenderloin was freshly trimmed. Breaded, not dipped. When I took a bite, the meat wasn't too thin...or too thick. Best of all, it was tasty as heck! The owner came over and said hi. Nice guy! We enjoyed the trip to Belmont and it was totally worth it! We'll be back! read more

Belmond Drive-In - Best pork tenderloin sandwich - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Belmond, Iowa

Didn't know about Belmond Drive-In till I saw on the list of best tenderloins. Did not disappoint. Tenderloin was thick and juicy, not pounded flat and dry. I would for sure go back again. Only drive through open on my visit due to the COVID, but staff was super helpful and friendly. read more

Belmond Drive-In - Tenderloin and fries. Delicious! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Belmond, Iowa

Don't know if it was the owner or manager but received the worst service ever. Sister wanted to try something new and ordered the cookie dough blitz.... Took one bite it was disgusting so i went back and asked if it was possible to switch it out or get a refund. The nice red head cashier said she had to ask, when she did the manager loudly goes "did she order it? And she didn't like it? That's not my problem". Excuse you ma'am as a manager it is your problem to correct a situation. After a while she did refund the money but made a snarky remark "next time order something you like" before closing the window in my face. They say to support your local businesses but it's difficult to do so when you're met with a horrible attitude. Mind you everything there is nothing to rave over and extremely overprice. read more

I am not sure it was the best tenderloin, but it was pretty good. Cheese curds were good. Server recommended Mac and cheese bites, so I ordered them. I didn't care for them. Overall cute place and very up to date with technology. The server took our order with an iPad. read more

Belmond Drive-In - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Belmond, Iowa

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The Drive-in is a family owned and operated business that offers a great variety of diner foods and ice cream. Recently and deservingly awarded the 2015 title of Iowa's Best Breaded Pork Tenderloins by the Iowa Pork Association, customers will not be disappointed. The quality of service is amazing and although there is usually a 20 minute wait for food during peak hours, you will not leave disappointed. read more

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if there was an option for 0 stars, i would have gave it. the food was nothing special, and you get extra charges for the smallest things. would not recommend. if you're looking for a good place in belmond, i would go to The Corner read more

I came here with my mother last week after hearing about their distinguished award from the Iowa Pork Producers for the best pork tenderloin sandwich in the State of Iowa. They are definitely very deserving of the award! I also had a blueberry shake which was great as well! My gripe is there were way too many flies circling me and the table, and they need to go to bigger efforts to get rid of them in an area for eating. read more

Stopped here on our way through to try the "best pork tenderloin in Iowa". I'm not sure if it's really the best, but it was good and I would eat there again. It is just a small, local place, but the survive is friendly and the food was tasty and hot. It was a good place to stop. read more

Who voted there tenderloin the best? Theirs and Goldie's in Parire city and Smittys in DesMoines are terrible. Pounded out two thin and burnt looking also dry. If you want a GOOD breaded tenderloin go the Ankeny Dinner on Delaware & First Street. read more

I love taking my kids out for ice cream here and I always get the fried pork tenderloin with either onion rings or fries. Great place to go when it's hot or cold outside, as I enjoy ice cream all year round. Sit up at the bar and chat with the owners as one or both are always there cooking and serving! read more