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    Pat's Tavern

    5.0 (1 review)

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    14 years ago

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    The Sanity Room - I love the funny signs!

    The Sanity Room

    5.0(5 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $

    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!

    Photos
    The Sanity Room - View of bar with a delicious IPA

    View of bar with a delicious IPA

    The Sanity Room - Old post office boxes does great as a wine holder!

    Old post office boxes does great as a wine holder!

    The Sanity Room - Full liquor selection

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    Full liquor selection

    Wolfey's Wapsie Outback

    Wolfey's Wapsie Outback

    3.6(14 reviews)
    8.8 mi

    I live between the tiny towns of Quasqueton & Rowley, Iowa. Wolfey's Wapsie Outback is literally…read morethe only restaurant within 8 miles of me, so regardless of whether I considered this a five-star masterpiece or a single-star dump, it truly wouldn't have any bearing as to how frequently I visited, because its nice to go to a restaurant without having to drive 10+ miles. Wolfey's is located in a bar that had been out of business for a few years. It is obvious that the owners did a wonderful job renovating it and made it much more inviting to both fans of late-night boozing and lunch or dinner dining. The walls have a log cabin style, and behind the bar is filled from wall to wall with wildlife art that the owner actually painted himself. For the most part, the menu is what you'd expect in a small town bar & grill. Lots of deep-fried appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, etc. What sets Wolfey's apart from every other small town bar & grill is that they offer pizza. Their pizza is hands-down the best in rural Buchanan County. You'd have to drive nearly 9 miles to Bill's Pizza and smokehouse to even give them a run for their money. I prefer their thin crust, as the thick crust is too doughy to me. As for toppings, I prefer the Wolfey's Supreme or their Pineapple & Canadian bacon. My only gripe with their thin crust pizza is the consistency of how it is baked. You never really know whether you can expect to get a well cooked pizza that has crispy crust and golden brown cheese, or an undercooked pizza that is too doughy to support the barely melted cheese and toppings. Aside from their pizza, I also enjoy their reuben sandwich. But Wolfey's is not just a restaurant, it also happens to be a very fun place to hang out and drink on a Friday or Saturday night. It has a very friendly crowd, and I've always been treated very well by the bartenders. Drink prices are reasonable, and no more or less than any other bar in the area. It seems that on a busy night, every age group is well represented. Whether you're in your 20's or your 70's, you will not feel out of place. There is a nice deck that overlooks the Quasqueton Dams that is fun to congregate at on a warm spring or summer night. Overall, I really enjoy Wolfey's. It was a much needed addition to the rural Buchanan County area. Once they get some more experience in the kitchen, I expect I will like it even more.

    The food is awesome. The service and ambiance is great. We always stop there when we are in town…read more Best place to stop for a late night meal.

    Photos
    Wolfey's Wapsie Outback - Wapsi's = awesome. I live in San Diego and whenever I come home for Christmas or Thanksgiving, I love coming here for a drink

    Wapsi's = awesome. I live in San Diego and whenever I come home for Christmas or Thanksgiving, I love coming here for a drink

    Wolfey's Wapsie Outback - Thin sausage and mushroom pizza

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    Thin sausage and mushroom pizza

    Pat's Tavern - bars - Updated May 2026

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