Dinky Diner

4.1 (50 reviews)

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Closed • 7:00 am - 2:00 pm

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Dinky Diner - Meat Lovers omelet - Diners Near Me - Decatur, Iowa

Dinky Diner - a counter with red stools - Diners Near Me - Decatur, Iowa

Dinky Diner - Diners Near Me - Decatur, Iowa

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This is the Pyrotechnic Artist of Texas crew.

Ken P.

If you are in the area you need to stop for the entertainment. The staff was hilarious and chatted openly about their small town issues. Food is what you expect in a dinner. As a Texas boy I can say the ice tea was good. We smiled so hard while we were there. Get that waiter into a theater program!

Just off I-35/ Decatur City exit in southern Iowa is the Dinky Diner. Small town cooking that reminds you of a time gone by.

Dave M.

If you are traveling the roads of Iowa like I am, and you stop to visit small town diners like this one, you should not be expecting gourmet or 5-star quality meals. With that understood, Dinky Diner in Decatur City IA offers a quaint, local feel that not only feeds your tummy with some staple meals like burgers, grilled cheese, meatloaf and fried chicken, but also feeds your inner youth with nostalgic views of what once was. The staff is friendly and the service fairly quick. If you are not a local, you will likely get a few curious eyeballs your way, but not in an uncomfortable sort of way... just a "where you from?" sort of way. Within five minutes, everyone is back to their own meal or conversation. Decatur City has been incorporated since the late 1800s and the town has clearly seen better days. However, the Dinky Diner is a wonderful way to enter the town with decent food and nicknacks throughout the establishment like John Wayne and Elvis pictures, glasses with the Fonz on them from "Happy Days" and other items that you will recall from your childhood if you are older than 40. Is the food "great"? No -- but its decent, standard American faire (hence my 3-star rating), but don't let a 3-star throw you off. There are not a ton of choices around this area anyway! But at the DD, you will walk out feeling well feed and your soul is just a little bit happier for being able to support local businesses and revisit someplace special that is disappearing from the American landscape.

Mark W.

Excellent breakfast in a great dive diner. It was full of locals so you know it's good. The wait staff was friendly to

Bill D.

I stop for gas and was directed to this place a 1/4 mile down the road from the I-35 exit. It's a Valentine Diner built in Witchita KS in the mid 60's and move here from Ellsworth Kansas in 2005. The food was great and so was the staff. I'll be back with friends the next time I go north.

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Kristyn M.

Elite 26

162

1051

4381

3 years ago

Dinky is adorable. Really just needs some food while on a road trip. Not to far off the interstate. One waitress, one cook. 50s style silver interior One page menu front and back. Breakfast to close. The omelet was bigger than expected. Toast came with it. Just a cute stop. Watch the hours. They are correct, closing at 2. Very friendly and we enjoyed it. read more

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Laura K.

0

2

0

7 months ago

My husband and I stopped here on our drive through Iowa. Very quaint diner. Both food & service were very good.

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RJ D.

1

24

8

2 years ago

Cool little joint. Driving from Texas to Minnesota and stopped in here for a burger. Service was great and the burger and fries were good. Make sure you got cash. read more

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Ken P.

2

59

11

4 years ago

If you are in the area you need to stop for the entertainment. The staff was hilarious and chatted openly about their small town issues. Food is what you expect in a dinner. As a Texas boy I can say the ice tea was good. We smiled so hard while we were there. Get that waiter into a theater program! read more

Dinky Diner - This is the Pyrotechnic Artist of Texas crew. - Diners Near Me - Decatur, Iowa

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Ken M.

1

43

0

3 years ago

Perfect name for this hole in the wall. That said, you have to get your butt on one of the 8 stools at the counter. The food was incredible. Just like Mom makes and lots of it. It's the true dive spot, but you have to take a chance on this one. We had breakfast as a family. Couldn't have been better. Like I said, just like Mom makes. If fancy is what you want go down the road. You want good food... then this is your spot. Bring cash... that's all they take. I like that part even more. Good luck and Good eats! read more

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Marie N.

0

36

5

3 years ago

Great homemade omelets, excellent biscuits and gravy. Would recommend supporting this quant small town restaurant just off the interstate. Friendly staff and clean restaurant! I think they close at 2:00 pm. read more

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Tiki D.

1

41

0

2 years ago

I am sure this is a great local spot for breakfast -- but I would not recommend it for lunch. The food was well cooked and hot, but the mashed potatoes were instant (although the French fries and gravy were excellent). The hamburgers were fine but really the food was just okay. The staff was lovely and kind and the service was good... but probably not so memorable that we'd go back again. Stop here for the fun factor of a unique diner, not necessarily for food that will wow you. read more

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Jays J.

0

5

1

3 years ago

Amazing food. It's that hole in the wall kinda restaurant. Looks are deceiving lol. Small dinner greaT service lots to eat. Love it.

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Roger W.

0

61

4

3 years ago

Great breakfast in Southern Iowa, the name says it all, worth the stop at the highway 2 exit!

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Sheila P.

51

64

44

4 years ago

This place is so cool. It's an old school small diner. The food is is comfort food that is delicious. The prices are fantastic! Our waitress was fast, so nice, and lovely. read more

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Dave M.

82

265

70

9 years ago

If you are traveling the roads of Iowa like I am, and you stop to visit small town diners like this one, you should not be expecting gourmet or 5-star quality meals. With that understood, Dinky Diner in Decatur City IA offers a quaint, local feel that not only feeds your tummy with some staple meals like burgers, grilled cheese, meatloaf and fried chicken, but also feeds your inner youth with nostalgic views of what once was. The staff is friendly and the service fairly quick. If you are not a local, you will likely get a few curious eyeballs your way, but not in an uncomfortable sort of way... just a "where you from?" sort of way. Within five minutes, everyone is back to their own meal or conversation. Decatur City has been incorporated since the late 1800s and the town has clearly seen better days. However, the Dinky Diner is a wonderful way to enter the town with decent food and nicknacks throughout the establishment like John Wayne and Elvis pictures, glasses with the Fonz on them from "Happy Days" and other items that you will recall from your childhood if you are older than 40. Is the food "great"? No -- but its decent, standard American faire (hence my 3-star rating), but don't let a 3-star throw you off. There are not a ton of choices around this area anyway! But at the DD, you will walk out feeling well feed and your soul is just a little bit happier for being able to support local businesses and revisit someplace special that is disappearing from the American landscape. read more

Dinky Diner - Just off I-35/ Decatur City exit in southern Iowa is the Dinky Diner. Small town cooking that reminds you of a time gone by. - Diners Near Me - Decatur, Iowa

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Jk S.

0

22

1

3 years ago

Very nice woman who owns the diner. The coffee was great! It is such a cute place I just had to stop. It did not disappoint!!

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Sydney W.

0

17

9

5 years ago

Really good, very small. The food is delicious and is good cheap prices. Not much staff and has a mask policy

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Mark W.

77

47

11

8 years ago

Excellent breakfast in a great dive diner. It was full of locals so you know it's good. The wait staff was friendly to read more

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Tina L.

0

37

10

6 years ago

Totally tiny, which is fine, totally dirty & totally slow, which is not. Locals only, cheap eats & friendly staff.

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Val R.

0

55

11

5 years ago

Went there when we dropped son off at college in August during the height of covid. Had breakfast it was awesome and the coffee was even better. Service was wonderful. It was so good we came back the next day. it was just as good. Will be back when we drop him off in the fall again. read more

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Steve G.

Elite 21

20

199

48

7 years ago

Traditional small town cafe. Full of locals talking about what the neighbors have been up to and other daily events. Food and the service were good. The restaurant was a bit run down and the menus needed replaced due to their condition. We arrived a little late for breakfast, so we settled for lunch. Good burgers, chicken strips and the ham on the club sandwich was thick cut. I would like to stop ba k by and try breakfast. read more

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Bill D.

0

38

30

12 years ago

I stop for gas and was directed to this place a 1/4 mile down the road from the I-35 exit. It's a Valentine Diner built in Witchita KS in the mid 60's and move here from Ellsworth Kansas in 2005. The food was great and so was the staff. I'll be back with friends the next time I go north. read more

Dinky Diner - A real winner! - Diners Near Me - Decatur, Iowa

Dinky Diner - Nice place to take a rest. - Diners Near Me - Decatur, Iowa

Dinky Diner - Great buger and fries - Diners Near Me - Decatur, Iowa

Dinky Diner - Friendly staff - Diners Near Me - Decatur, Iowa

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Hawk D.

0

5

3

7 years ago

Awesome experience friendly staff and delicious. Will be visiting regularly. Amazing little building, kids had a great time. read more

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Jack J.

0

2

1

6 years ago

Great food, friendly staff, great prices, and they are open during COVID, which I'm happy to see. I come here to support this local business every time I visit Milo, Iowa, which is further north of this diner. I'll eat here for as long as they remain open. read more

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Aspen E.

3

1

0

7 years ago

I would think it's really cool because there food is really good there and my mom works there now read more

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Susan D.

Elite 25

429

87

114

6 years ago

Sad to say, because I love little one of a kind diners, but I would skip this one folks! The name is very appropriate as it is tiny as they get. The service is prompt and friendly but that's about it for the pluses. The whole place is in a stare of disrepair. Rusty fixtures and broken booths, condensation on the windows from lack of ventilation or insulation. Ordered coffee which was only .75 but they only have powdered creamer. Butter spread, not butter in the heartland, really? My sisters French toast was soggy and bacon limp. My hash browns were certainly not brown or even edible. Surprised that this place has good reviews. We stopped because of cute name and good reviews but hurried out as quickly as possible. If you are in the mood for mediocre food and an adventure that's what you will get here. read more

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Philip L.

0

17

4

5 years ago

We went for dinner which must have been a bad idea. Their was a couple in the diner when we got there and one waitress. My wife ordered the chicken salad (some iceberg, two cut up chicken fingers, a few diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese) I order a sandwich and wanted a side salad but my wife's salad took the remaining lettuce. Boys ordered burgers. They were out of fries and onion rings and only had one order of curly fries left. By the time we finished ordering I don't think they had anything left and a party of 8 came in after us! Don't think I would chance it for a road trip meal unless it was breakfast. read more

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Shawn S.

2

8

4

10 years ago

A great greasy spoon diner just off of hwy 35. Kindest sweetest most welcoming staff!! Had the grilled chicken with curly fries. Best I've had in a while and certainly better than any chain. And pie. They have lots of pie. I didn't partake myself but everyone here is raving about it. read more

Dinky Diner - Feeding RAGBRAI. Built in 1967. - Diners Near Me - Decatur, Iowa

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Jake V.

4

14

19

10 years ago

If you are driving I-35 you need to stop here. It's worth every penny. Super affordable comfort dining. Biscuits and gravy are the best I've ever had! Fresh homemade and delicious. Friendly and helpful staff too. read more

Dinky Diner - a clock on the wall above the counter - Diners Near Me - Decatur, Iowa

Dinky Diner - the menu of the restaurant - Diners Near Me - Decatur, Iowa

Dinky Diner - people sitting at tables in a diner - Diners Near Me - Decatur, Iowa

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Carol L.

39

8

6

11 years ago

A great little diner with very friendly customer service. We ordered The Big One burger and onion rings. While we waited for our order the fine ladies running the restaurant gave us the history of the building and the owner. It was a great dinner break on a road trip. read more

Dinky Diner - The Big One Burger - Diners Near Me - Decatur, Iowa

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Juli T.

0

1

7 years ago

One star is probably too generous. The diner was so humid that the windows all had condensation on the inside. The smell of food due to no ventilation may never leave us and the food was subpar, and it took a really long time to get our food. The sausage was burnt and my omelette had runny white uncooked egg. I am baffled that this place has a 4 star rating. read more

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Eva P.

3

80

4

8 years ago

This diner looks quite dinky on the outside, but the inside is filled with delicious and comforting foods. I got the chicken fried chicken which was on special. It was amazing! Fantastic choices here. Great pie. Clean bathrooms, too, made for a good all around stop driving through here. read more

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Jason D.

0

90

48

10 years ago

The old style 50's diner that is untouched. This does mean it is a little worn . The food was great. Home made rhubarb pie like my grandma made. Meatloaf dinner was tasty. Prices were low. read more

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Sarah H.

44

6

9

8 years ago

A great spot right off the hwy! Stopped here on our way back to Louisiana, great service, great coffee and great food. We definitely will be back when we come back this way! read more

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Kim J.

0

1

9 years ago

Easy to find, Good home cooked breakfast with lots of options. Cozy atmosphere & friendly staff. Planning to go back for a weekend supper. read more

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Renae J.

142

6

8

7 years ago

Great stop for travelers...right off Interstate 35! Try the pan fried chicken with homemade bread...and save room for a slice of pie! Friendly people.....including waitress and the locals! Check out their daily specials! read more

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David P.

2

21

15

9 years ago

Exactly as advertised by other reviewers. TINY diner in this tiny town with a huge diner menu and a very friendly staff. Great little find off the beaten path. Make the effort to get there. read more

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Nicole L.

0

7

11

7 years ago

A real treat for me when I come visit my boyfriend while he is hunting down here. Their breakfast is my favorite! Like eating at Grandmas house. Limited seating but worth the wait. read more

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Laurie T.

0

3

4

9 years ago

Exactly as advertised. Small, clean, friendly and basic goodness to appease the appetite. If we lived locally we would be regulars.

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Lennie L.

0

2

0

12 years ago

I had an awesome experience dining here this first day of summer 2014. The place looks small but it offers so much charm, I was very impressed with the warm and gracious greeting as well as the plentiful portion of food, I ordered the Hash brown supreme entre for breakfast and it was great, I'll certainly try to visit this place when I'm passing through, Great fun! read more

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Stacy J.

5

12

1

13 years ago

Wonderful, local diner!!! Friendly, fast service, with great home cooked food. Tenderloin sandwich is a must try, but bring your appetite. The daily specials are equally good. The cucumbers and onions go quick, so get there early. We loved the charm and charisma of the wait staff. read more

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Brittany L.

12

5

0

13 years ago

When I was in college this was one of my favorite places in the entire world. You feel like home as soon as you walk in the door. The waitstaff are warm and friendly and helpful. The food is a very fair price and you get humongous pancakes/hashbrowns/omelettes. All of which are incredibly tasty. They have a diverse assortment of coffee mugs, and the mug you get that morning, be it a sad santa mug, or snoopy kissing lucy, always foretells something about your day to come. This place is a true treasure and a rare find that defines all the goodness of Iowans everywhere. read more

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Kari B.

0

6

2

10 years ago

A small road side cafe, big on taste with home cooking. $6 lunch special includes a meat and choice of 3 sides. Very fulling. They also have homemade pies and who does like pie :) read more

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Mike B.

Elite 21

45

538

302

11 years ago

Well the food is not bad, but the staff was obviously having a bad day, dropped off menu walked up to take our order...all without speaking a word, yep you can't make that up... read more

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More info about Dinky Diner

104 NE 4th St
Decatur, IA 50067
Directions
(641) 446-6581
Call Now

Full menu

Hours

What time does Dinky Diner open?

Dinky Diner opens at 7:00 AM on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Dinky Diner close?

Dinky Diner is closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.Dinky Diner closes at 2:00 PM on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Wed ClosedThu-Sun 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Dinky Diner take credit cards?

No, Dinky Diner does not take credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Dinky Diner serve alcohol?

No, Dinky Diner does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Dinky Diner have TVs?

Yes, Dinky Diner has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Dinky Diner have bike parking?

Yes, Dinky Diner has bike parking.

Does Dinky Diner have outdoor seating?

Yes, Dinky Diner has outdoor seating options.

Does Dinky Diner have parking?

Yes, Dinky Diner has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking, Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Does Dinky Diner have free WiFi?

No, Dinky Diner does not have free WiFi.

More Info

Health Score

Review Highlights - Dinky Diner

“Great food, friendly staff, great prices, and they are open during COVID, which I'm happy to see.”

Mentioned in 2 reviews

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The Barnyard Restaurant

4.2(23 reviews)

0.1 mi

Great hot dogs and cow patty's Meat prices are very…read morereasonable Staff friendly Clean country flair seating

So, let me start by saying at first my waitress seemed attentive but after taking my order she was…read moretoo busy to do anything but bring my food. I had no silverware, I was never asked if I wanted more coffee, or even how my meal was. In fact, she never came by my table again. Other staff were friendly and attentive but not the young blonde gal waiting on me. Pricing was acceptable and the food was average but I don't think I'll be coming back. If you're a local they seem to care but other than that you're on your own.

Toot-Toot Family Restaurant

4.0(257 reviews)

34.3 mi

•$$

Great food! Homemade everything! It's been an age since buffets were a thing so we were surprised…read morewhen we walked in Ham, prime rib, fried fish all fantastic! Desserts that bring back memories of my childhood...there are so many choices it's kinda impossible to have it all lol but my goodness, it's so delicious you can't help but try! (You can also order from their menu, I saw an impressive looking cheeseburger on a nearby table ) The staff is efficient and super friendly! Evenings can get busy but they keep the food refreshed and there's no significant wait. We were traveling through the area a couple of years ago and kinda stumbled upon this little spot since we were staying nearby. We never miss it now when we come back!

Such a nice surprise! Never been there since we don't live near there! Saw a big sign off 35 so we…read moredecided to give it a try! What a cute place! BUFFET makes me wanna drive 78 miles from our town! I just admired it.. we ordered off the menu... TENDERLOIN sandwich and onion rings! So so good! I thought it was so cute! Then I walked back to the bathroom and it was MUCH BIGGER than I thought! I went back and grabbed my mama and walked her back there to see it and we talked to some nice customers, one used to work there when she was younger! Servers were so kind! Great memory with my mama!

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Buffet

Desserts

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Buffet

Nana Greer's Family Table Restaurant

3.7(85 reviews)

20.0 mi

•$

Stopped in around 10am on a Saturday morning expecting it to be empty. There was a wait to get a…read moretable but well worth the wait. The servers were all genuinely pleasant. They treated everyone like a regular and made me feel welcome. The food was diner delicious as you would expect. Looking at the plates around me, I was kinda sad I didn't try the cinnamon roll pancakes. Good thing they are just right down the street for another visit. The tables were buzzing with happy chatter and the feel is of a much smaller place. Homey and inviting. It's worth a quick jump off 35 to give them a try. You will leave full and happy.

We came to this area for a birthday and grandpa suggested this place. They were able to accommodate…read more7 of us with room to spare. We were placed in what looked like a separate party room with a few other smaller tables. Service was prompt and polite. Since it was just before noon I chose a lunch option and the rest of the party selected breakfast. I ordered the Italian Grinder and seasoned curly fries. The grinder was a little like spaghetti sauce but had a good flavor. I was given a large portion of fries I was able to share with others. The rest of the party said the breakfast was delicious with no complaints and a few people were not able to eat all the food. This is a nice mom and pop restaurant worth the visit. If we are in the area again for grandpa's birthday we would come back.

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Half order biscuits and gravy. Huge serving!

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Crouse Cafe

4.2(82 reviews)

45.1 mi

•$

2.6 After many years ago eating here regularly when we lived…read morein NE Warren county, we returned for lunch today. The place looks great and the server was fantastic. The food, the food was not fantastic, not good, not okay even. If you have ever wondered what prison food is like? Do you ask why your grandfather has stopping eating his nursing home meals? Really this was a very disappointing reunion with food that is subpar in every way. Too bad, Warren county deserves better.

Impeccable service, this is the type of place that welcomes you with open arms and a menu to…read moresalivate over. Food was portioned out to feed an army... try the omelettes! The venue was cozy with a hometown feel... the kind of Midwest place that feels like home.

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Blt Sandwich

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Breakfast buffet

Downtown Diner

4.6(14 reviews)

55.3 mi

•$$

Love this place. Double Ds! Everything was good and service was great. Got the bacon cheeseburger…read moreand daughter got the pancakes. Has the small town diner feel. We will be back regularly

Food was delicious and quick. Service was great. And I love the ambience. Oh, and the price was…read moregood.

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Cowboy Burger!!

Fancy Burger with Curly Fries!

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French toast

Deb's Dinky Diner

4.7(3 reviews)

43.1 mi

Great little restaurant, awesome tenderloins, fried chicken & desserts are delicious as well!!read more

This is always a must when my dad is in town. Today we were here for breakfast, which was very…read moregood. They offer all the usual breakfast fare at a great price point. My dad had eggs, hash browns and a biscuit with gravy. He enjoyed everything on the plate. The pancakes are plate size and quite filling if you're up for a challenge. Today I had oatmeal and toast and it was perfect. You know it's good when the place is full of regulars from town. Definitely worth a visit if you want to enjoy some home style cooking.

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The Depot Restaurant and Catering

4.8(4 reviews)

30.9 mi

•$$

Just a small town diner with home cooking on the menu. Fun train themed restaurant. Historical info…read morethroughout. Good service. Support small.

Local homemade food. Steaks cut in the restrurant, fries actually cut from the potatoes there too,…read moreribs, burgers, and chicken all delicious too. Plus free Wi-Fi and decent prices! If you miss local small town quality food THIS IS THE PLACE TO GO IN THE METRO AREA!

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Interior shots, train themed.

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Pulled pork sandwich with Onion Rings

Iron Horse Neighborhood Grill

4.0(104 reviews)

20.6 mi

•$$

Wow what a find! Went for lunch on a Tuesday to find this gem! Hot honey brussel sprouts as a…read morestarter which tantalize you with a sweet heat and feta cheese bits to cool the palate. Followed by one of the most amazing hot Reuben sandwiches with spicy pickles and homemade aeoli and a side of real fries Hubby had hand battered fish and chips which was cooked to perfection. Add to all of these wonderful gems was a great waitress with a pot of fresh coffee on an always refreshed cup... Folks this was a wonderful gem not far from I-35 and worth the extra mile or two... Osceola's Gem!!

Another drive outta DSM, this time to Osceola's The Iron Horse Neighborhood Grill and I had thee…read moreBEST onion rings! I'm so glad we thought to order them AFTER our meals came, or I would've eaten the humongous pile as my meal. Delicious! Chicken Wings: they have "the good ranch" and the wings were really good. Dirty Bird: turkey and bacon sandwich, side of coleslaw. All was good. Personally, this sandwich would be awesome with stuffing on it, like a thanksgiving leftovers sammy! It felt slightly...lacking something, but my aunt liked it so that's all that matters. Rueben (forgot pic until half was gone): very good! Perfectly toasted marble rye, french fries piping hot and delicious. Once the fries and Rueben were delivered, that's when we realized we forgot to order the onion rings and ordered those as well. Sirloin & Baked Potato (forgot pic until halfway through my baked potato ): delicious! However, I'm a total sucker for baked potatoes, lots of butter and sour cream. Also, I was so enthralled with the onion rings, I really didn't touch the steak beyond tasting one bite. I did bring it home for my lunch today! So again...let's talk about these amazing onion rings! I love large, hand-battered onion rings, not a huge fan of shoestrings. These hit every mark in my book, and were 100% worth the 45min drive! ‍‍Service was excellent, highly recommend! Sometimes it's just nice to go for a little drive, which we appear to be doing more of lately! All for $75, plus $25 tip was an awesome meal for $100. Very affordable and top quality.

Photos

Burgers, Chicken, Dessert

Pork tender sandwich with cottage cheese

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Sandwiches, Salad, Appetizers

Chuckwagon Restaurant

4.5(124 reviews)

67.1 mi

•$

Love this place. Stopped by between Des Moines and Sioux City and had a deliciously disgusting…read moremeal. Everything was yummy and so unhealthy. Garlic cheese ball and tater tot poutine? Amazing. The tenderloin was massive. And the broccoli cheese soup was a star. Tried the peach pie as well which I thoroughly enjoyed. The wait staff was super friendly and the ambiance was exactly what I was hoping for, a quality local establishment. Throughly enjoyed it.

The gf wanted to check out I-80 MetalArt and we found the Chuckwagon Restaurant right across the…read morestreet. We arrived pretty much at straight up noon on a Saturday. I fully expected the place to be packed as it appears to be pretty much the only show in town as far as a sit down restaurant. There was a please wait to be seated sign there as we walked in. We were greeted right away and seated in minutes. It's old school wood tables and chairs and I think there was a counter available. Ordering is done at the tables as well as settline your bill up with your server. Surprisingly the speed of service continued throughout the visit. After drinks we ordered the rodeo burger and fries, a tenderloin with chili cheese fries, and the garlic cheeseballs. The cheeseballs came with marinara and ranch. Fresh, hot, and fantastic! I've eaten a lot of tenderloins. Many that have been highlighted as Iowa Tenderloin Trail winners or participants... This is one of the better tenderloins I've had in the state! Obviously hand made, breaded, and fried. Not too thick and not too thin. Drained properly. Served with the essential condiments including the holy trinity (onions, dill pickles, and mustard). The gf liked her burger. It could have used more of the featured ranch and bbq sauce. The fries... Neither of us cared for them. Obviously hand made, but almost too thin and too greasy. We'd both opt for a different side next time. To each our own though. Almost every small town along this stretch of I-80 has a pub & grill. The menus vary a little, but are very similar in a lot of aspects. The quality of service and the cooks make the biggest differences. The Chuckwagon hit five stars in some aspects of both. Work on those fries and the flavor of the chili (horribly bland) and this review would have been five stars. I'm going to emphasize this again. Truly one of the best tenderloins I've had in the state! Keep doing what you are doing!

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Tenderloin and chili fries.

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Dinky Diner - diners - Updated May 2026

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