FOOD AND DRINK

We rounded up nine fantastic breakfast spots across Iowa, from a hip-hop-themed brunch spot to a cafe inside an old bank. Find a new spot to try near you.

by Clark Kauffman, Iowa Capital Dispatch October 17, 2025 State, city and county inspectors have cited Iowa restaurants and stores for hundreds of food-safety violations during the past several weeks, including offenses related to dirty kitchens, unlicensed eateries and moldy and expired food. The findings are reported by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and…

Darvin Graham makes the best scotcheroos in Iowa. Those may be fighting words in certain church basements and at some school bake sales, but by decree of the Iowa State Fair — the highest of culinary judges around these parts — Graham holds this ooey gooey, chocolatey, peanut buttery title.

Iowa’s Best Pork Tenderloin Contest has been held annually since 2003, and you can check out these 14 winning restaurants that are still open today.

Restaurant inspection update: Rodents, flies, larvae and gnats by Clark Kauffman, Iowa Capital Dispatch September 22, 2025 State, city and county inspectors have cited Iowa restaurants, schools and stores for hundreds of food-safety violations during the past several weeks, including offenses related to rodents, cockroaches, long-expired food, moldy hummus and operating without a license. The…

Local chefs offer their finest flavors at affordable prices during Des Moines Restaurant Week. Here are eight spots to try.

Curious what food will be at the 2025 Iowa State Fair? We dug into its itinerary to give you the ultimate taste of what’s to come from Aug. 7 to Aug. 17.

Ready to go hog wild for Iowa’s favorite sandwich? Read up on the present, past, and future of pork tenderloin sandwiches in the Hawkeye State.

State, city and county inspectors have cited Iowa restaurants and stores for hundreds of food-safety violations during the past month, including offenses related to mold, dirty kitchens, long expired food and insect infestations.

Nothing says comfort food quite like a diner, and Iowa has some of the best of these interstate oases. Here’s a list of diners in Iowa worth a visit.