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    The Pine Tree Inn

    5.0 (1 review)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 2 months ago

    The Pine Tree Inn Photos

    Recommended Reviews - The Pine Tree Inn

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    7 months ago

    Was lost from California mid October early evening a special young lady was extremely helpful with lot's of mid west hospitality thank you

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    The Sanity Room - I love the funny signs!

    The Sanity Room

    5.0(5 reviews)
    56.5 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

    Backwater Bar & Grill - Cheese curds

    Backwater Bar & Grill

    3.1(7 reviews)
    5.3 mi

    We read about the specials online and were pretty excited to go here. Our excitement was short…read morelived. The restaurant itself is decorated like a saloon from the past, which is pretty neat. It's a "seat yourself" business so we went to do just that only to find out the smallest table holds six people and there were only two of us. I'm not talking about the only tables open, I'm talking about any of the tables. We felt bad taking up that big of a table for just two people but there were no other options. We both ordered the special - all you can eat walleye with a side (we chose hash browns) and salad bar. The salad bar was decent but nothing extraordinary. Your normal mix of lettuce salad and toppings, salads, cottage cheese, that sort of thing. Now for the main course. Our fish was way overcooked. It was dark brown and crispy. You got a lot but it was almost burnt. It had good flavors and would have been good were it not overcooked. The hash browns were ok but had a slightly off taste. As for the service. The waitress was abrupt and borderline rude. She never smiled, looked our heads when talking to us, she acted like we were bothering her. The bartender, who someone said was the owner, was snapping at her staff and snapped at two people checking into the hotel. Just not pleasant staff overall. I don't expect to be bowed down to, but a little common courtesy goes a long way. And as a heads up, they only take cash or local check. There is an ATM on site with a $2.50 charge. All in all not a horrible place to eat but far from the best.

    Patio is a great area. If you're going for a casual/fun night out to hang out with people then this…read moreis a great place. Food was left to be desired though. Chicken was super dry and over cooked. Fries were plain. Cheese curds were decent though. Service was very friendly. Staff was attentive too.

    Photos
    Backwater Bar & Grill
    Backwater Bar & Grill - Chips as a side

    Chips as a side

    Backwater Bar & Grill - Smothered chicken breast with coleslaw and mac $16.99

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    Smothered chicken breast with coleslaw and mac $16.99

    The Pine Tree Inn - sportsbars - Updated May 2026

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