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!

Friendly neighborhood cafe/bar by the river in Fairbank. Large varied menu at small town prices…read more Everyone in our group was delighted with what we ordered. Every item was large enough for two people!!! They serve what I call "Truck Tire Tenderloins ": HUGE

Best cheese curds in IA! Beer is COLD…read more Boyd is Awesome. Enough said Weekly specials sent to text if you subscribe. Popular motorcycle destination

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.

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.

We came for the Mother's Day brunch buffet and had a very disappointing experience. The brunch was…read moreadvertised as running until 1:00 PM, and reservations were still being accepted up until that time. However, when our party arrived for our 12:30 reservation, almost all of the food was gone and nothing was being refilled, despite there still being 30 minutes left in service. The little food that was available wasn't even very good, and everyone in our group left hungry. The service was also extremely poor. After ordering drinks, we waited about 15 minutes to receive them, and by then we had already finished the minimal food we were able to get. Throughout the rest of the meal, we were largely ignored and had no idea how to even check out. While the manager did comp 50% off the buffet cost, we still paid full price for drinks. For a group of six, we spent around $80 and left disappointed, hungry, and frustrated. This event was clearly not planned well, and both the food quality and service need major improvement.

Great service, kind staff, good beers and even better happy hour deals. Dog friendly patioread more

Great food Great service Great staff live music got to meet some new friends the bartender was…read moreKevin really good guy it is like cheers everyone knows you name the live music was good

Stopped while in town for RAGBRAI. Comfortable seating…read more Good selection of beverages. Really friendly staff. Had a delicious Carmel Apple sour!

A tap room in Oelwein - with a fantastic selection of brews and mixed drinks. They don't have a…read morekitchen - so you are welcome to bring in your own food. We usually stop in just to enjoy a beer - or two - and chat with the bartender and other customers. Lots of seating - multiple televisions. If I lived in the area - I would be there for Hawkeye games - both football and women's basketball. Most recently we grabbed a pizza from Leo's and dragged my 98 yr old mother along to have a beer with our supper. She and I both enjoyed the pistachio and another draft which sadly - I can't remember the name. Regardless - come in to Ampersand. I'm sure you'll enjoy it!!

Fun Joint! And get an education while you get entertained. Doug would give you the shirt off his…read moreback.

COLD beer , great free locally grown popcorn, awesome pizza…read more also has outdoor area to enjoy your beer. If you can get by the guy near the door asking forty nunya questions , it will be worth your time to visit. and great bartenders !

It's often said we are way out in the boondocks and implies somewhere less than where the action is…read morebut not at Boondocks Emporium. Whether you're a local (especially a veteran for whom they encourage folks to buy them a drink), a fan of bison art or just passing through from Des Moines to Dubuque via the Amana Colonies as we were this is one Boondocks worth finding yourself. We had the soup of the day (corned beef and cabbage) can see why it's a favorite and an unbelievably delicious bison burger with sweet potato fries. Patrick was a great server keeping up with the bar and all of us in the restaurant with a great attitude and a big welcoming smile. The place feels just like where you want to be to get to know a bit more about the town. Lots to look at and enjoy.

katie was THE BEST server ever! she was so kind, had get recommendations (tater tot nachos so…read moreyummy) and accommodating. the food was very delicious, always hot and a lot of the drinks and food recipes were homages to loved ones which really makes this place feel local and a real passion place. super awesome place! eclectic atmosphere like a place a buncha friends own and put up what makes them happy. wonderful experience and thanks katie!

Worst food ever!!! What they charge for what you get is…read moreabsolutely ridiculous!! Ordered 2 tenderloins and a side of fried cauliflower. The cauliflower was just ok and the portion was very tiny. Have you ever noticed a frozen meat patty at say....a Dollar Tree (I've never tried one) but that would've been better than what we got served. It came on a sweet hamburger bun (without being told) Did we bring it to the server's attention??? Would have if she ever came back to the table! 33 dollars and some change for 2 "tenderloin" sandwiches and the cauliflower. No drinks but water. Don't waste your time or money at this place.

The food here is awesome! Tried most things on the menu and it is all great. The tenderloins are to…read moredie for and the broasted chicken is as good or better as any place around. The service here is also top-notch. They take good care of you. It does get a little busy on Pool league night.