Onion rings, pizza, and the town’s only stoplight are highlights of the character-filled Checkerboard Restaurant in the charming town of Pleasantville, Iowa.
The atmosphere is memorable, as antique signs and tools fill the wall. A funtioning stoplight hangs from the ceiling where you wait to be seated. The newspaper-styled menus are fun to read before you place an order, and the waitstaff is usually at the top of its game.
Add top-notch food into the mix and you have all the traits of an absolutely fabulous restaurant. The hand-battered onion rings are worth the drive alone. If you’re in central Iowa, definitely make Checkerboard a destination: you won’t regret it.
If you’re looking for a quality steak, one of the best Southeastern Iowa destinations is Bogie’s Steak House.
My wife and I almost always order the extraordinarily tasty steak sandwiches, along with a baked potato and can of Coke. For an extra couple bucks, you can take a plate through their reasonably-well-stocked salad bar.
Even though I have always enjoyed dining at Bogie’s, I’m obliged to note it isn’t for everyone – vegetarians would have minimal choices and the atmosphere leaves something to be desired if you’re on a romantic date. Nonetheless, for hearty home-cooked meals, a trip to this Albia, Iowa, eatery is highly recommended.
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