Mason City's 10 Best Local Restaurants Iowa Dining

Mason City, Iowa is a small town in the Midwest that inspired The Music Man and is home to a famous collection of Prairie School architecture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. For those living in Mason City or just passing by, there are many interesting restaurants available. Check out our list of 10 of the best local restaurants in Mason City, Iowa.

1910 Grille

Located in Mason City’s Historic Park Inn Hotel, 1910 Grille combines classic and modern design to create a delightful, fine-dining experience. Both informal and formal seating areas are available, as well as a full bar, making it the perfect location for any occasion. The food is influenced by a variety of international cuisines, always with twist to make it a 1910 classic.

Lorado’s

Lorado’s offers some of the best burgers and sandwiches in Mason City. The blackened chicken sandwich is a local favorite and pairs well with one of their excellent margaritas. In the evening, the atmosphere transforms into that of a bar, making it a great spot for those looking to enjoy a cold beer with their meal. The casual vibe is friendly and inviting, with small town charm. Outdoor seating is available when the weather is nice and food is available for take away.

Lorando’s, 18 S Federal Ave, Mason City, IA, USA, +1 641-424-8060

Suzie-Q Café

This historically preserved, small Suzie-Q Cafe serves up delicious food and a warm, friendly dining experience. The intimate environment and excellent service compliment the tasty dishes. Suzie-Q Café serves an incredible breakfast, as well as other options such as tacos, gyros, burgers and tenderloin. This diner oozes small town charm and guests may even have the opportunity to leave their mark by signing the wall. What this place lacks in space, it makes up for in friendliness and great food.

Suzie-Q Cafe, 14 2nd St NW, Mason City, IA, USA, +1 641-423-5021

The Quarry

The Quarry is one of the finest restaurants in Mason City and has some of the best steak and seafood options available. The menu offers a large range and many unique options such as avocado fries, strawberry and goat’s cheese salad, jambalaya and king crab legs. There is sure to be something to suit even the most discerning diner. Their service is fast and friendly and a great selection of beers helps to complete the dining experience. When the weather is warm, visitors have the option of outdoor seating, providing a more casual atmosphere.

The Quarry, 10 S Federal Ave, Mason City, IA, USA, +1 641-421-0075

Whiskey Creek

Whiskey Creek is an excellent, family friendly venue for a delicious, casual lunch or dinner. The cozy atmosphere makes this a great spot for a relaxing meal after a hard day’s work. Whiskey Creek’s Friday Night Fish Special, or their twice daily happy hour, will help visitors unwind and enjoy their evening to the full. The extensive menu offers a large range of dishes at very reasonable prices to ensure maximum relaxation. One of the unique dessert items is the campfire s’mores, which enables visitors to toast marshmallows over a hibachi grill right at their table.

Whiskey Creek, 1519 4th St SW, Mason City, IA, USA, +1 641-423-4000

Chop

Located in Mason City’s historic downtown, Chop is a locally owned and operated restaurant that has something for everyone. The unique menu includes a variety of steaks, seafood, Greek cuisine and pasta. The food is prepared fresh daily, using locally sourced beef and produce . In addition to the dining room, dinner is also served in the bar area where guests can enjoy speciality martinis and a full drinks menu. Chop offers a sophisticated, yet casual atmosphere that is suitable for almost every occasion.

Chop, 11 S Delaware Ave, Mason City, IA, USA, +1 641-201-1010

Northwestern Steakhouse

Northwestern Steakhouse has won the Best of the Best Local Business award for the best steak in Mason City for the past six years. This locally owned and operated restaurant serves top choice USDA beef that has been cooked in butter, extra virgin olive oil and a special blend of Greek seasoning before being cooked to perfection. There are many other tasty options available such as broiled shrimp, Greek salad, lamb chops and roasted chicken. Northwestern Steakhouse has been serving the Midwest for over 80 years and remains a favorite spot for casual, family dining.

Northwestern Steakhouse, 304 16th St NW, Mason City, IA, USA, +1 641-423-5075

Pasta Bella

Pasta Bella is a family owned restaurant serving the best authentic Italian cuisine in Mason City. When visitors hear Italian being spoken in the kitchen, they may forget that they are in Iowa and not in the mother country. The bread and pasta are homemade and the desserts are crafted from scratch. The service is excellent, the portions are sizeable, the prices are reasonable and the food is consistently delicious. This is a great spot to enjoy a romantic evening out or dinner with a group of friends.

Pasta Bella, 1303 S Federal Ave, Mason City, IA, USA, +1 641-201-1891

Prime N Wine

Prime N Wine offers a variety of American and Greek cuisines and strives to make every meal memorable. This is a popular spot for lunch and dinner, as well as special events and wedding receptions. Prime N Wine hosts several weekly special events such as date night Thursdays, Sunday brunch buffet and wine night Mondays. This restaurant is very popular with the locals thanks to its mouthwatering steaks and authentic Mediterranean dishes. The dark, romantic atmosphere makes this a perfect spot for date night.

Prime N Wine, 3000 4th St SW, Mason City, IA, USA, +1 641-424-8153

The Hungry Mind

Since 1976, The Hungry Mind has been serving delicious salads, soups, hamburgers and sandwiches to the people of Mason City. Philly cheese steak, chicken wings, grilled chicken breast and rib eye steak are just a few of the delicious options on the menu. The atmosphere is cool and rustic, providing a great escape from a busy work day and a casual, relaxed lunch. The hours are a bit limited though, so make sure to check when it is open beforehand to avoid disappointment.

The Hungry Mind, 16 S Commercial Alley, Mason City, IA, USA, +1 641-423-0121

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