Cute little piece of nostalgia!! Stopped by while headed home from the holidays. Shared a piece of banana cream pie which was really good. So good we ordered Strawberry Rhubarb next. It was also delicious. I highly recommend the detour. Oh... and it got us off I-80 and put us on US30.... I have to say it made it a much better ride across Iowa. read more

See all

My husband and I went to Nilands Cafe after golfing at Lincoln Valley golf course. We have eaten there before and every experience with the food, employees were fantastic! I love the atmosphere and retro style of this nostalgic restaurant! The chef is an amazing cook! We were both commenting on how delicious every bite we taking in!! (Yummy) The best Cafe in between small towns!!! We are so very thankful Nilands is still here and "continue " to support them! I want to thank the young ladies who were kind to us and served! If you're looking for down home cooking and great customer service......."Come to Nilands Cafe" in Colo, Iowa!!! God bless you for serving read more

This place is a classic roadside cafe from the past. Great food, homemade soup & friendly staff & no frills atmosphere. read more

Niland's Cafe - Tenderloin & onion tangles - American Near Me - Colo, Iowa

See all

Fantastic historic cafe in Colo worth the drive. Stopped in for a birthday dinner and evryone enjoyed. Seevice was fast, friendly, and the food was great. We had the Reuben, Patty melt and the special, all very good. Save some room for a slice of pie or a shake, will definitely be back! read more

If you have any issues with your food, don't waste your time telling them about it. The management gets very defensive and makes you as the customer feel that you are in the wrong. read more

I drove back to Ames from Cedar Rapids last Sunday and had stopped in Colo to look at the historic gas station (located at the junction of the Jefferson and Lincoln Highways). Niland's Cafe is next door and I noticed that they were open. So I hustled back to Dad's place and suggested that we drive back for Lunch. He agreed, but was surprised that they were open, based on his recollections. One downside is that on Sunday only breakfast is on the menu and they were only serving slightly flavored coffee. Yet there were lots of postitives: 1. The bar was open! 2. Our pancakes/sausage was perhaps the best we'd both enjoyed recently. 3. The coffee was still better than most small-town cafes we've been. 4. Service was friendly, efficient, and otherwise stellar! 5. Dad received a Veteran's discount. 6. The Dining Room was Midwest basic, yet warm and inviting. 7. Who doesn't like an out-of-the-way country café? read more

Niland's Cafe - Inside - American Near Me - Colo, Iowa

See all

We tried Niland's last night based on the great reviews. Not sure if it was an off night but we had a pretty dismal experience. Our server didn't tell us there was a special (we figured it out after our order was placed), we had to ask what the soup was. We ordered ...my soup was not warm so I only tasted it, mashed potatoes and gravy were not warm, husband ended up with two orders of the same side. The biggest disappointment was the pie. Sour cream raisin pie was so terrible I couldn't finish it after we both tried a bite...clearly old, filling was discolored and congealed, meringue was so old it was completely flat and had pulled off completely on both sides when the slice was cut and served. I did not think to take a photo. Husband's malt was runny with chunks of unblended ice cream. We did not send anything back as our server seemed tired or bored, just going through the motions. TV volume was disruptive but it was turned down when we asked. Was not worth the drive we made to try this highly rated place. read more

Came back after a few months. Still good and good service. 4 stars just because I need a wow factor

The folks behind Niland's are extremely proud of their Jefferson and Lincoln Highway heritage, which is a boon to a roadgeek like myself. There's an ample amount of vintage signage and decor in the restaurant. I visited last week and the server remembered me from my previous visit the year prior. Prices are more than fair...I had a steak, salad, baked potato, vegetable, cup of soup, and a slice of pie for $16. Ham and bean soup is highly recommended--the soup has a nice smokey flavor to it. The steak was prepared well for a small roadside cafe and the ranch dressing served with the salad was the thinner kind which I like as well. You're not going to find any kind of modern dishes here, just solid American favorites with that Midwestern touch. Its worth getting off Highway 30 and taking the mile drive north on U.S. 65 to check this place out. Plenty of memorabilia is available for purchase, most of it relating to the history of the restaurant and the highway system back when it was in its infamy. read more

Niland's Cafe - Steak dinner - American Near Me - Colo, Iowa

See all

I met a group of friends at Niland's Cafe last Sunday for brunch. Niland's does a brunch buffet, filled primarily with breakfast items. The buffet had eggs, mini quiches, American fries, ham, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, french toast, Danish and assorted fruit. They charge you $12.50 for what I feel is mediocre food at the best. It's a shame because I've been to Niland's in the past and had good, hearty meals. The brunch wasn't good. I thought the coffee was basically brown water. I also was not happy that they didn't offer their regular menu in addition to the buffet. They had three or four items you could get off the regular menu on Sunday, which kind of limits you for your choices if you don't want to eat off the buffet. Niland's has some really good homemade pies, though. I can't find any fault in those. Their banana cream, coconut cream and lemon are some of the best around. My advice - go on a weekday/weeknight when they are serving their full menu. The Sunday brunch buffet is pretty basic and the food isn't that great. Other than that, I think you'll enjoy your food. Take in the cool Lincoln and Jefferson Highway memoribilia while you're there! read more

OMG this place is spectacular. I had homemade chicken and noodles over mash which me miss my Gram. Homemade Raisin sour cream pie that brought a tear. Definitely stop by if you are in the area!!! Friendly server, great homemade food in my beautiful home state of Iowa! read more

Niland's Cafe - Sour Cream raisin pie - American Near Me - Colo, Iowa

The food here is good. Only the actual building and staff were a let down. The windows were filthy, the floors looked like they had not been mopped in a while. The tables are wearing out. The staff was good but not near enough wait staff. 2 people waited tables while getting drinks making milk shakes running the cash register, seating people. A few orders must have gotten mixed up because we saw them go back in the kitchen. As with anything though sometimes hidden in the rough is a gem. The food was good and the place has/had great potential. Would I eat here again? Yes. I'll eat in some pretty rough places if the food is good. read more

So so cute and yummy. The prices are really good and the portions are wonderful, not huge but enough to more than fill your belly. The drinks even come with your meal, I haven't seen that in a restaurant since I was a kid. We fed three adults and two kids for $40 The restaurant has a wall with some great history about the expansion of the highway system. UPDATE. We just returned again and was better than I remember. We got dessert tonight, I'm pretty sure it's made in site with amazing crust. read more

We had one breakfast buffet and one lunch order (bacon cheeseburger and fries). The breakfast buffet was amazing! They had lots of different options, including but not limited to strawberry cheesecake french toast, egg scramble with veggies, adorable little brownie bites, fresh fruit, and various meat options (breakfast buffet person is a vegetarian, so we saw but did not taste the meat dishes). Speaking of meat, the bacon cheeseburger was awesome, too, and so were the fries that accompanied it. Cheeseburgers are my favorite casual food option, so I can be pretty persnickety about whether a cheeseburger is "good" or ... meh. This burger was good+, juicy and flavorful, everything a burger oughta be. Noms! The service was fantastic. I don't meant to sound like a jerk, but, based on experience.....usually when I see high-school-aged girls on the serving staff, it means we're going to get shoddy, slow, and often sullen service, complete with texting in corners. Whoa, not at this place! The servers were friendly, knew their job, and were incredibly attentive. At one point, a smiling server showed up at our table to say, "Would you like a refill on your--...oops, never mind!" as a second (yes, also smiling!) server showed up with a soda refill in hand and whisked away my empty glass. Wow! At the buffet, too, the servers came over immediately to hold serving-tray lids for any customers approaching the buffet table. I can't imagine how the service could be any better. They were fantastic! The owner(?)/cook came out when she heard my table-mate ask about potential meat-based content in the buffet dishes, and we had a nice conversation about vegetarianism. Apparently they always have at least one vegetarian main dish on the buffet -- and, in fact, the owner(?)/cook used to be vegetarian herself, so she knows what she's doing with a vegetarian dish. It's awesome to find a place where vegetarian doesn't just mean "oh, we took out the meat," because oftentimes that means the dish is off-balance and seems to be missing the main ingredient. Good vegetarian cooking is NOT the same as just "taking out the meat," and this place knows that. Their veggie items were as amazing as their non-veggie items! It's win/win, no matter what you're looking for. We were happily stuffed when we finished, but we got a piece of peach pie to go. Yummmmmm, it was great, and I'm now dying to try their peanut butter pie. Next time! Also, they have milk shakes and malts. I want alllll the desserts, oh my. Oh, and they have good coffee, too, which means they're also a nice coffee-and-dessert spot. Last but not least, the place was super spotlessly clean, and the prices were entirely reasonable. It's a good place for two or for a group. We didn't check out the museum this time, but we will next time. We checked out the old gas station outside, and that was definitely pretty cool. Good stuff! Highly recommended for food, atmosphere, everything. read more

Niland's Cafe - Mmm Sunday breakfast buffet...and this is a plate set up by a vegetarian (so there are also meat options, not visible here) - American Near Me - Colo, Iowa

we bought chicken strips and fries, and a side of onion rings. We also purchased a bacon cheeseburger meal. Bacon cheeseburger was dry. The chicken strips were phenomenal. The onion rings were good. For 850 not a very good portion. Overall, the staff was friendly and professional. We will return for another try on other items. It's nice to have edible food in the area. read more

A fun stop for Lincoln Highway history fans. This small restored roadside cafe serves hometown diner food, ice cream, and pie. Location is interesting, at the crossroads of old Hwy 30 and the Jefferson Hwy / Hwy 65. There's an old gas station with vintage signs, picnic area and little motel. The pie wasn't all that great but the pour-your-own rootbeer float was just what we needed. read more

Niland's Cafe - Niland's Cafe, Colo, Iowa - American Near Me - Colo, Iowa

If you haven't been to Niland's recently you should stop by. The new managers are doing a great job, food is good and if you like pie..try the peanut butter pie.. it's so soooo good! read more

We stopped in and just missed breakfast, but we decided to have dessert. The homemade pecan pie was pretty delicious. The lunch menu didn't interest me, so I might stop in for breakfast next time we get a chance and see what's going on there. read more

I really wanted to like this place. We tried it twice for Sunday brunch and the atmosphere is good, but the food was cold on the buffet and not well replenished. They were using aluminum pans which kept the buffet burners from keeping the food properly warmed. I have no idea if this is a health issue or not but it certainly didn't do much for the biscuits and gravy. For the buffet price, the selection was poor. There were about 5 items to choose from, less than a hotel continental breakfast. The second time we were in there, the wait staff was working hard (as in visibly sweating in the effort to keep up) but we still spent a lot of time waiting around without drinks. It was a buffet. Drinks were the only thing anyone needed. Like I said, I tried hard to like it because it's heavy on charm, but in the end the food wasn't great and certainly not worth the bill. We won't be back and I do not recommend the experience. read more

Love this place, been going here for many many years. Under new management in 2021. On a rare Sunday my siblings (7 of us) had all gathered at my parents house in Zearing (10 miles north). The plan had been to have lunch as Nilands as a remembrance of old times. Showed up a little after noon, but found out they don't start serving lunch until after 1pm. We were disappointed. We already had a large breakfast at home. So we turned around and left. I love this place. Leaving this here as an encouragement to work things out so you can keep serving breakfast late on a Sundays, but start offering lunch items earlier. read more

Stopped in for pie with some coworkers. Absolutely jaw-dropping. Would rate higher if I could.

Stopped here at the historic intersection of Lincoln & Jefferson Highways in Colo, Iowa traveling from Ames to Chicago. HH had the German Dip. I had the pork barbecue sandwich. A great find. Also: do yourself a favor & get the pie. read more

See all

They don't seem to have recipes to follow. Biscuits were really good when the current owners opened up. Recently there was so much raw flour that it was thick and tasted like paste. The last time it had so much pepper that you could NOT taste anything but pepper. Ordered a bacon cheeseburger with bacon that was barely cooked. Not gonna go back. read more

Went there for lunch with some customers. I had the pork tenderloin and potato salad, tenderloin was a little over done but good. Potato salad was excellent. They had the meatloaf which one said was fantastic, and the hot beef and gravy sandwich which looked delicious. The atmosphere makes the experience even that much more enjoyable. Would definitely stop in again when in the area! read more

Niland's Café is my favorite breakfast spot in Story County. They do a fabulous Sunday brunch buffet that includes two egg dishes (one plain and one rotating--they've done quesadillas, green chili egg bakes, and more), sausage, bacon, biscuits and gravy, potatoes (varying preparations), a bread dish (fruit cream cheese french toast bakes are a favorite), fruit, and homemade dessert items. The brunch is delicious and more than reasonably priced --3 of us eat for under $40. Niland's regular breakfast and lunch is awesome, too. I'd recommend it to anyone in Story County and beyond! read more

We stopped here because yelp had reviewed it very well and we had heard it was always a really great sandwich shop When we got there the special was tenderloins and onion rings. At first the tenderloin looked wonderful but the first bite was pure gristle. When I told the waitress she just shrugged and walked off. The onion rings had no flavor whatsoever. Will never come back here read more

For my latest visit we stopped on the way to eastern Iowa for breakfast, but I have been visiting Niland's for quite some time. The food here is very agreeable and offered an an honest price. Previous visits for lunch have also featured daily specials. You'll see all of the cafe classics that'd you'd come to expect from a small town diner (biscuits and gravy, hamburgers) served within a historic venue that in this reviewer's opinion is the pride of the community of Colo. It has been recently restored appropriately to its functional state when Colo was at the heart of American road travel. You see before large Interstate highways and a ubiquitous motoring public, Colo Iowa was at America's transportation crossroads at the junction of the Lincoln Highway (which became US 30) and the Jefferson Highway (which became US 65). This intersection had a filling station and motel for the motorists who were on their way easy, west, north and south from this junction. The is food is honest but not extraordinary. The context in which it is served in conjunction of the venue and the genuine service here make this a regional must see for residents or people who again may be passing through to points elsewhere. read more

Might not look like much from the outside but the interior is clean and nice. Historic decor is neat and interesting. The staff was friendly and attentive. We both ate the hot meatloaf special and it was fantastic. Food came out kind of slow for it not being busy but when it did get to us it was hot and tasted great. Great stop and we will be back! read more

Niland's Cafe is a friendly, clean diner with good, standard diner food. The diner is located at the intersection of the country's first east-west highway (Lincoln Highway) and north-south highway (Jefferson Highway) and has extensive, well curated displays of the history. Worth stopping for the history and the food. We will be back! read more

We stayed in the motel over night. It was very small but it was convenient. The room was clean and cool since the weather was hot! The lady who did my reservation was pleasant and helpful. There is one full size bed, a table, a tv and a fridge. The room was bug free! The bedding clean and towels fresh. The area is quiet which is nice when your super tired. I would highly recommend staying here! Unfortunately the cafe is closed at 2 on Sunday and closed Monday. But it was a short drive for food. The beds are firm if you like that? The room was way cute! We also love their food when we come on other days. read more

Prices are more than reasonable. Menu is small but do not let that scare you. That is also why the prices are low. I had the veggie omelet an it was good. Just wish they had sourdough toast. read more

Take a trip down memory lane. Come here and instantly feel like you're back in 1950's Iowa eating at a road side cafe. Great food, Great service. Fair prices. A must see place, reminiscent of a sadly by gone era. read more

Stopped in hoping to get breakfast, but unfortunately they were only serving lunch. No worries, we decided to grab some sandwiches instead! I had the BLT & my date had the Veggie Sandwich. My BLT had extra crispy bacon on it which added the perfect crunch to my sandwich! The Veggie was extremely refreshing. I'm not a fan of cold sandwiches myself, but the balance of the cucumbers and dill spread with the crunch of the spinach was a great combination! We also ordered onion rings to share which were served fresh out of the fryer. You could tell they weren't homemade, but they were still delicious and appetizing. They were served with Niland's homemade ranch dressing which is delightful & I want a bottle all to myself! To finish our lunch, we shared a slice of their homemade apple pie which was made that morning. Our server warmed it up & served it with homemade ice cream as well. We licked the plate clean! The food is nothing I can't make at home, however the atmosphere makes Niland's worth the trip. It has an authentic 50s vibe to it. They are very proud of their history, and in one room have a timeline of the shop that they encourage customers to check out. Would definitely recommend this to a friend & would love to come back again-- this time for breakfast! read more

Niland's Cafe - Homemade apple pie with ice cream - American Near Me - Colo, Iowa

We tried Niland's for the first time and were pleasantly surprised! The staff was great, the setting was clean and neat, and the food was above average. We had a great time. read more

Just enjoyed the Sunday breakfast buffet. Good selection. Great atmosphere. Good food at a good price. I'll be going back

It's like a step back in time! This little cafe-diner has been here for YEARS, since the 1950s or earlier, but has new owners who are also running the cool, retro motel on the property ( The Colo Motel). The restaurant serves from about 7 AM to 8 PM, from Tuesday- Saturday, with shorter hours on Sunday. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or snacks and sweets are served. Everything we had was good. Some needs to be served hotter, but they are still newish, so I think they'll get the little details figured out. Service was great. They have tables, booths, or the classic counter like in the good old days! Prices are great! But the best part is the genuine original old-time truck stop atmosphere. If you've seen the movie "Bus Stop" you'll feel like you are in it! It's so cool! Older folks will feel nostalgic, younger people enjoy the relaxed ease and good, mostly home-cooked foods- and ids need to know that there is more than fast food, chain restaurants, and fancy expensive places. Please join me in keeping this place bustling. Also enjoy the mini-museum in the bigger dining room read more