Costa's in Fairbank has become a staple for us when we are in Oelwein for a visit. Usually lunch,…read morealthough the Saturday night Prime Rib is pretty good as well. We've enjoyed the freshly breaded pork tenderloin (I ask for mine to be not pounded too thin) - the Philly Steak sandwich, multiple burgers, patty melt - all good. And the Prime Rib? Based on our neighbor's recommendation - we ventured over early (for us) on a Saturday and were able to get a table at 5:00. They also offer the Prime Rib dinners to go - which is what I think we'll do on our next visit so my 100 year old mother doesn't have to wait to be seated (no reservations on Prime Rib night).

Stopped for lunch during Ragbrai ride this year. They were fast, efficient, friendly and…read moreaffordable- plus it was air conditioned which was a plus too. 4 of us, had a couple vodka lemonades each, along with a burger, chicken strips, a wrap and I had the ribeye sandwich. It was delicious, melt in your mouth and the kaiser was grilled with garlic butter. Great place!

The owner is the best guy. He makes sure you're always taken care of and has the best personality…read more If you miss this spot, the mistake is your. Thank you Sean for your hospitality.

From the owner: Large whiskey selection, cold beer! Frosty mugs. Bar games (pool, darts ect.)read more

Great place! Great bar tender& wait staff awesome food & awesome drinks. Pork tenderloin is huge…read moreRack of Ribs huge &yhe brisket was superb and the prices were fair!

Absolutely the worst dining experience of my life! Last…read morenight we tried Bent's, Walk in, stood in doorway for a few minutes, not knowing their procedure, no sign saying please seat yourself, or wait to be seated. Never greeted by anyone. We go sit near bar area. Saw 1 bartender and a server. 10+ minutes later a server greeted us took our order, dropped off our drinks, needed more time to look at menu. So server went to another table for nearly 20 minutes. My girlfriend and I had a lengthy conversation about walking out. But we didn't have cash on hand to leave for payment of our drinks. Finally order, food came out in 5 min. Minus 1 side. Sampler platter. Pulled pork, molten hot, huge amount, and good! Brisket, at best warm, and the fattest slab of meat I've ever seen. Most prime rib has less fat. 50-50 ratio of meat and fat. Oh I had to use my pocket knife to cut because my gf had the only knife we were provided. Then the ribs..... Warm ish, tried using my fork, then pocket knife. Considered asking for a Sawsall to cut them. We ate about 15% of our food. The take home is going to the dog!

This is the coolest bar I've ever been to in Iowa, if not one of the coolest bars I've ever been…read moreto- PERIOD! The Sanity Room takes "theme" bar to a whole new level. There is a state mental facility outside of Independence, Iowa, and hence the theme of the Sanity Room. But don't think it's cold and creepy. No. The owners have gone to great lengths to make this an inviting place complete with the unique chairs, private small booths, and kitschy motto signs surrounding the place (one of my faves: "I can only please one person per day. Today I choose me."). They serve shots in pill bottles and syringes, and the staff will even make you don a patient gown, sit in the old hospital bed (vintage and they claim it came from the state hospital), and then administer the shots while wearing a doctor's coat. Genius! After you are vaccinated, you get a sticker. As if the booze wasn't awesome enough! And let's talk about the booze. This is a full bar that also features some great craft and local beers, as well as a local wine. Iowa wine, you ask? It was by far the best I sampled and I bought a bottle. Yeah, you can buy their stock too, if they have enough. As for specialty cocktails? Look no further than the bloody mary made with Chardonnay. That's right, I said the bloody mary is made with wine. And it's delicious. Since wine doesn't have as much alcohol as vodka, you might have to drink a lot to get the same effect, but with a taste like this you won't mind. The Sanity Room does seem to be a work in progress as they only have one unisex bathroom but they are working on more accommodations. Still, it's small so you can't imagine there would ever be a long line. It also sits in the back of an antique store, so blink and you might miss it. I know we did the first time we walked by, but the second time we took a chance and walked in and I am so glad we did! There's even a back patio area that overlooks the Wapsipinican River. The only bad thing would be that there are no TVs in the Sanity Room. I question if this would change the integrity of the bar, as it might compromise the theme and inviting nature. But I am a sports nut and there would be nothing better than belly up at the bar, drinking a glass of La T Da & watching the game! Seriously, if you're ever in Independence and you don't stop in here, you're missing out. I can't wait to get back and get my dose of Sanity!

Such a great name for the town that includes the mental hospital. Eclectic, fun decor and the…read moreowner/managers obviously love their work! A deck in the back gives a nice view of the Wapsie River, and an antique shop with all sorts of fun things, from tools to quilts. Thanks for the hospitality!

We love Fat Boys. We stop in at least once on every trip to Oelwein. Family dinners, date nights,…read moreescape from the family for an afternoon - all good at Fat Boys. Daily specials, standards on the menu, (sandwiches, fries, slaw, cottage cheese, side salads), beer, great drinks, fun atmosphere. Been here with a foursome and a group of eight. Always enjoyed our meals. Most recently we were there as a duo. Sat at the bar and enjoyed a tenderloin (yum) and a burger. Stop in and enjoy.

My boyfriend and I went to Fatboy's Saloon for a comedy show. While the show itself was ok, I was…read moreblown away by the cleanliness of the bar itself and the kindness of their staff members. We didn't get anything while we were at the bar, but both the bar tenders were very friendly and asked us if we needed anything. I did get a water later on, which tasted a bit off, but it was nothing significant. The parking situation wasn't great as there was street parking exclusively from what I could see but there was still plenty of areas to park up. Everyone knew everyone in the town and were kind towards us! Definitely would recommend to anyone stopping into Hazleton!

Had a nice lunch at Denali's. 1/2 price burgers on Monday- was a nice surprise. Burgers were good!…read moreFries & tater tots crispy. Was a pleasant environment & friendly staff.

I have given these guys three times to improve and they just can't do it. Today I ordered a Rachel…read morewith baked potato. Who makes a Rachel without Thousand Island dressing? These guys. The turkey lacked flavor, so was way overpowered by the kraut. The baked potato clearly had been baked days before, then a weak attempt to reheat was made. It didn't even start to melt the butter. Mealy and gross.

The place to watch Iowa games, especially if Jake or Endo is behind the bar…read more Great selection of beer. They will have something you like. Their mix drinks are great. Not burned but you can taste the liquor. They have frozen pizzas if you want a snack.

Had a couple drinks here while in town for my brother's graduation. I have to say I was impressed…read moreby the beer selection. Being in a college town I automatically expected there to be just basic beers on the menu, but the bar offered a variety of different craft beers. I have to say I was very impressed. The owner and locals were extremely friendly and welcoming. Enjoyed The Wooden Foot very much. If you are ever in Waverly, Iowa you must go there.

Not wrong with it, really. I went because the reviews seemed like the kind of place I'd like to…read morehangout at. And it was a great place, just not a lot of room. I'll be surprised if the fire commissioner allows crowds of over 75 in that place. And I say that as a former firefighter, it's not a very big place. It is a cash only bar, which can get annoying because if you don't tip after every order, you'd be ignored the next time you want to order. No elbow room at the bar. The stools are very close together. I could see myself going back there, maybe in the daytime when it's slow, but I definitely wouldn't go on a Friday or Saturday night when everyone is out bar hopping

Everyone friendly joking around good lp on able to sit outside at a table while waiting for a…read morefriend check it out. Normal prices for beer

Food is great, service was awesome! Has that small town pub, yet sports bar feel. Texas burger was…read moreamazing! Get the corn nuggets, they are off the charts!

Dundee Bar and Grill is a not very well hidden gem of a traditional country tavern tucked away amid…read morethe corn fields and verdant hills of Northeast Iowa. These folks are totally on their game and worthy of a pilgrimage on the Tavern Trail. Dundee is a small gateway community on the scenic route to Backbone State Park, and the Bar and Grill a well known destination where bikers, car clubs, tractor rides, and everyone in the neighborhood rub shoulders, raise a glass or several, and indulge in great food from their postage stamp kitchen. It's pure tavern food at its most amazing best. Tenderloins, burgers, chicken strips, wings, great pizza, Friday Fish Fry, and absolutely awesome home made French fries are the heart of this comforting menu and guaranteed to satisfy. The Thursday wing special fills the place, and Friday Fish Fry packs even more folks in. I don't know how the servers keep up, but they never miss a beat. Hanging out here is a rural joy only known among the fields, hills, and hollows of this part of the country. My recent favorite here is the mushroom Swiss burger with home fries. The hand pressed burger is bigger than the bun, and dressed with plenty of cheese and mushrooms. Don't ruin this one with condiments. It's a thing of beauty without anything to distract from that simple perfection. The classic Iowa tenderloin is just that. Classic! Exactly the way they are supposed to be. You will never go wrong with one of these servings of hog heaven. Dundee pizza is a competitor too, but that's a separate review for another time. Just do it. Dundee Bar and Grill, another recipient of my personal 'Real Deal' award!

Stopped by today after a long bike ride. Good food, cold beer and great service at a very…read morereasonable price.

For a small town bar, it was always a great place for a cold drink & hot food! It's the only bar…read moreI've been to that has a jail cell inside!