25 Essential Altoona Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Altoona.
Perkins American Food Co.
Iowa
Kid-friendly chain known for baked goods, breakfasts & other standards in dinerlike digs.
The Big Steer Restaurant and Lounge
Iowa
Bustling supper-club-style steakhouse & bar serving corn-fed prime rib & seafood.
Jethro's BBQ
Iowa
Steak-focused outpost of the regional mini-chain serving smoked meats in a publike atmosphere.
AJ's Steakhouse
Altoona, Iowa
Contemporary steakhouse in Prairie Meadows hotel & casino serving classic fare, martinis & wine.
Breadeaux Pizza
Altoona, Iowa
Low-key pizza chain serving up classic & creative varieties on chewy, French-bread-style crusts.
Pizza Ranch
Altoona, Iowa
Buffet chain offering pizza, fried chicken & classic American sides in an Old West-themed setting.
B-Bop's
Altoona, Iowa
Retro drive-thru featuring a classic American menu of burgers, fries & shakes, plus vintage tunes.
Taco John's
Altoona, Iowa
Fast-food chain featuring Mexican-inspired tacos, burritos, nachos & breakfast fare.
Charleys Cheesesteaks
Altoona, Iowa
Counter-service chain offering a range of Philly-style cheesesteaks, loaded fries & lemonades.
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
Altoona, Iowa
Soft-serve ice cream & signature shakes top the menu at this classic burger & fries fast-food chain.
Subway
Altoona, Iowa
Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.
Subway
Altoona, Iowa
Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.
Monterrey Mexican Restaurant
Altoona, Iowa
Mexican favorites & many flavors of margaritas in a casual space with traditional accents.
Arby's
Altoona, Iowa
Fast-food chain, known for its roast beef, serving up hot & cold sandwiches, fries & shakes.
McDonald's
Altoona, Iowa
Classic, long-running fast-food chain known for its burgers & fries.
Wendy's
Altoona, Iowa
Fast-food burger chain serving sides such as chili & baked potatoes.
Pizza Hut
Altoona, Iowa
Popular delivery, carry-out & dine-in chain known for pizza, wings & pasta, plus sides & desserts.
Fireside Grille
Altoona, Iowa
Unpretentious hangout offering a menu of standard bar fare, plus bingo & trivia nights.
Teriyaki Boys
Altoona, Iowa
Service options: Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
Altoona, Iowa
Louisiana-inspired fast-food chain known for its crispy fried chicken, chicken sandwiches & fries.
Burger King
Altoona, Iowa
Well-known fast-food chain serving grilled burgers, fries & shakes, plus breakfast.
Jimmy John's
Altoona, Iowa
Counter-serve chain specializing in sub & club sandwiches, plus signature potato chips.
Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl and Grill
Altoona, Iowa
Underwater-themed destination featuring a menu of American eats, a tropical-themed bar & bowling.
Panda Express
Altoona, Iowa
Fast-food chain for Chinese standards, including some health-conscious options.
Taco Bell / KFC
Altoona, Iowa
Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos.