Council Bluffs is full of local establishments and mom and pop shops that have been serving classic fare to the people of Iowa for decades. It’s hard to navigate through all the options — especially when many of them are so inconspicuous from the curb!
We put together our favorite places in town, organized by category, so you can grab a coffee in the morning, a plate of pancakes for brunch and even get a late night snack at 2 a.m. Read through our list of favorites and try one out next time you get a craving for some local food!
Best Coffee Shop
(drips)
Photos courtesy of (drips)
(drips) is a coffee shop, a studio, a record store and a working space with one of the most relaxed and inviting atmospheres in the area. It started when owner Tres Johnson needed a studio and an art gallery and he thought, “Why not invite other people and give them coffee?” Their pour over coffee options vary based on what they have in store, and their hours often times vary based on what galleries and shows Tres has planned for his own evenings. Be sure to check their Facebook page for events and daily updates!
Best Breakfast
Duncan’s Cafe
Located in a historic area of Council Bluffs, Duncan’s has been a favorite mom and pop restaurant since 1974. Their classic breakfasts have been honed to perfection over the years and it’s known by locals as the best breakfast joint in town. Their hash browns alone are worth the trip, but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, including a variety of different omelets, skillets, pancakes and other classic breakfasts options! Grab a plate and enjoy breakfast in their atmosphere that feels just like home.
Best Bakery
Mad Ox Bakery
Photos courtesy of Mad Ox Bakery
Mad Ox is a bakery and cafe that serves fresh breads, cakes, candies, cupcakes and gourmet donuts in addition to their daily sandwich specials, salads and soups. If you happen to visit them on Wednesday, their Polynesian Pork sandwich topped with their Asian slaw is a must-try! That is, if you’re not already stuffed from tasting all the daily donut flavors.
Best Cafe
Bella’s Bakery & Cafe
Bella’s is a small cafe located inside the Council Bluffs Ameristar. The menu is packed with cafe classics, including Mac and Cheese with parmesan bread crumb toppings, a Bacon Cheeseburger and a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich. If you can’t make a decision, the Heartland Pot Roast is always delicious! This diner-style bar is a great casual hangout spot and an awesome place to watch college football — when you’re not at the casino to test your luck, of course!
Best Brunch
Dixie Quicks
Photos courtesy of Dixie Quick’s
We like Dixie Quicks for its delicious menu offerings, but love it for its atmosphere and spunk. Their brunch is the best in town featuring an ever changing Cajun and Tex-Mex inspired menu based on ingredients they shop for daily. The space is decorated with rotating local art and they frequently host art show receptions, live music shows and community events. Call ahead to make a reservation and experience the fun and food for yourself!
Best Fish
Mo Fish
Mo’s isn’t exactly a seafood restaurant, but you’re guaranteed the best fish in town — served breaded, deep fried and with a side of the best fries in Council Bluffs. Leave your credit card at home though as this casual, family owned spot is cash only. It’s closed Sunday and Monday, but stop by any other day of the week to try their seafood comfort food!
Best Family Dinner
Tish’s Restaurant
Photos courtesy of Tish’s Restaurant
Tish’s started as a walk-up ice cream and sandwich counter in 1980 and has since grown into a full service restaurant. They serve a variety of entrees to satisfy every age group — and signature margaritas and martinis for the adults! The kids can eat a burger or share a plate of the Super Nachos while you enjoy the Sweet Thai Chili Salmon. After dinner, try an Oreo Malt or the Turtle Sundae reminiscent of the 1980s walk-up counter experience.
Best Barbecue
Boxer Barbeque Co
Boxer is primarily a catering company, but they serve their classic southern barbeque in a low-key dining area and offer take-out for your next family dinner. Smoked on-site, it’s hard to choose a favorite meat at Boxer so your safest bet is to try a sampling of everything — and don’t miss the cornbread or the baked beans with brisket!
Best Bar Food
The Salty Dog
Photo courtesy of The Salty Dog
The Salty Dog began in 2009 from the owners’ desire to serve delicious made-from-scratch food in an inviting atmosphere. The Salty Dog serves their full menu until 2 a.m. which includes their Famous Charbuff Wings — the best wings in town! You can get classic buffalo flavor, spicy or — if you can stand the heat — ghost pepper. Stop by any time of night to try out all their food and drinks for yourself!
Best Pizza
Pizza Counter
Pizza Counter has been a local favorite for years whether you’re dining in, carrying out or ordering delivery. Their menu can be viewed online and has options for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. They even have a taco pizza if you just can’t decide between Italian and Mexican. Whatever you’re craving, every option will satisfy your pizza craving. And if you feel like venturing outside of classic pies, try their famous pocket pizzas!
Best Steakhouse
Pizza King
Photos courtesy of Pizza King
Don’t be fooled by their name! In addition to delicious pizzas and calzones, Pizza King has one of the most comprehensive menus we’ve ever seen and some of the best upscale food. Their menu has been growing since they opened in 1965 and and every option is a must-try! They have some of the best classic steaks in town — including a New York Strip Sirloin, Filet Mignon, Ribeye and more — alongside more creative choices like Veal Parmesan and a Fried Catfish Filet.
Best Nightlife Destination
Rodeo Saloon and BBQ
Rodeo not only serves delicious food and drinks, they also provide the perfect atmosphere if you’re looking to celebrate a birthday or have a girls/guys night out with friends! On weekends, you can ride their electric bull and enjoy one of the best cocktails in town, and on Tuesdays they offer karaoke to brave patrons who want to take the stage and show off their singing skills!
Best Dessert
Christy Creme
Photos courtesy of Christy Creme
Original owners, Art and Jeanne opened Christy Creme in their front yard in 1954. Throughout its history, the shop has changed hands, but stayed in the family — one of the owners even became mayor of Council Bluffs! While they do serve food, the stars of the show are their desserts. They have everything you could possibly want from an old school ice cream shop — including our favorite, the banana split.
What are your favorites in Council Bluffs?
There are so many great options, it was hard to pick just one per category. Share your go-to spots in the comments below!