25 Essential Waterloo Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Waterloo.
The King Mexican Bar & Grill
Iowa
an everyday essential restaurant address in Waterloo, pairing editorial magnetism with a Beam Score of 82.6.
LJ's Neighborhood Bar & Grill
Iowa
Down-to-earth hangout with typical pub grub, creative cocktails & draft beer, plus outdoor seats.
Basal Pizza
Iowa
Chill outpost for pizza, salads, sandwiches & starters with a dozen craft beers & cocktails.
Perkins American Food Co.
Waterloo, Iowa
Kid-friendly chain known for baked goods, breakfasts & other standards in dinerlike digs.
Rudy's Tacos
Waterloo, Iowa
Long-running, low-key Mexican chain serving tacos, nachos, burritos & other casual eats.
Izumi Sushi & Hibachi Waterloo
Waterloo, Iowa
Service options: Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great tea selection. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Village Inn
Waterloo, Iowa
Family-friendly chain serving homestyle American classics such as chicken-fried steak & pot pie.
1st Base BBQ
Waterloo, Iowa
Service options: Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Drive-through, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Tokyo Bay Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
Waterloo, Iowa
Service options: Outdoor seating, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails, Great tea selection. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
SingleSpeed Brewing Co.
Waterloo, Iowa
Service options: Outdoor seating, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Live music.
Morg's
Waterloo, Iowa
Down-home venue with a retro vibe fixing up breakfast classics, sandwiches & meat plates.
Chilito's Mexican Bar And Grill
Waterloo, Iowa
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, Wheelchair accessible seating.
The Brown Bottle
Waterloo, Iowa
Family-owned Italian eatery showcasing Italian eats & myriad wines in a rustic, casual atmosphere.
Red Apple Chinese Restaurant
Waterloo, Iowa
No-frills neighborhood restaurant with a menu of Chinese specialties & delivery service.
Cedar Valley Fish Market
Waterloo, Iowa
Service options: Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Serves local specialty. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
The Other Place
Waterloo, Iowa
Sports-themed pizzeria chain with TVs, plus a menu of pies, wings, salads & beer.
Taco John's
Waterloo, Iowa
Fast-food chain featuring Mexican-inspired tacos, burritos, nachos & breakfast fare.
Golden China
Waterloo, Iowa
Casual chain eatery serving a lengthy menu of Chinese classics, from lo mein to General Tso's.
Maid-Rite
Waterloo, Iowa
Stalwart dinerlike chain serving signature ground-beef sandwiches, plus salads, sides & shakes.
Troy's Sandwiches
Waterloo, Iowa
Service options: Outdoor seating, Curbside pickup, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
El Patron Family Mexican
Waterloo, Iowa
Relaxed Mexican restaurant offering familiar dishes in an informal setting with outside tables.
Gyro Hut
Waterloo, Iowa
Service options: No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Damon's Sports Bar & Grill
Waterloo, Iowa
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, Wheelchair accessible seating.
Arby's
Waterloo, Iowa
Fast-food chain, known for its roast beef, serving up hot & cold sandwiches, fries & shakes.
Subway
Waterloo, Iowa
Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.