I love the retro soda sign that stands outside the Roadside Cafe in Fonda, Iowa. One side features an eighties Mountain Dew logo, while the other contains the Pepsi logo from the same era. The cool sign drew us in, but the quality food and service has drawn us back each time we’ve driven through town.
Sporting lime green booths and and a hodge-podge of country decor, the small cafe serves a variety of short-order entrees, ranging from the standard burgers and chicken strips to the less common smothered enchiladas and mini tacos. Everything we’ve tried, from the curly fries to the cheeseballs to the chicken salad sandwich, has been top-notch, especially in comparison to the average local eatery.
Service is noteworthy too; the waitstaff are friendly and food is prepared quickly and served promptly, making for an enjoyable all-around dining experience.
Published July 31st, 2008 |
Brian McMillin |
Food, Places, Western Iowa |
If you’re in search of an enjoyable night at the movies, look no further than the Lund Theatre in Viborg, South Dakota. Ever since Amanda and I drove by (and photographed) the historic theatre last winter, we have wanted to see a movie there. Last weekend, when Get Smart was in town, we finally had a chance to make a visit.
From the neon marquee to the pleasant lobby to the old-fashioned seats, the single-screen theatre had a nostalgic feel that is truly welcome in today’s world of multiplex cinemas. Beyond the atmosphere, the concessions were top-notch while the picture and sound quality were great, considering the theatre’s age.
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Published July 21st, 2008 |
Brian McMillin |
Entertainment, Places, South Dakota |
If you’re in the Sioux City area and looking for a pleasant day trip, a drive through the villages of Northeast Nebraska may fit the bill.
Start your trip with a stop at the Sweet Tooth Drive Inn, a locally-owned restaurant that has been in operation for over 25 years on Highway 20 in Jackson, Nebraska. Grab a couple of their tasty malts for the road with their walk-up window, or have a chili dog and fries at one of the booths in the small dining area.
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Published July 17th, 2008 |
Brian McMillin |
Food, Highways, Nebraska, Places |
R-Pizza is easy to overlook with its plain sign and simple exterior. In fact, Amanda and I had driven or walked past it numerous times, when going to the bank, post office, or one of the other downtown dining destinations in Vermillion, South Dakota. When we finally made a point to stop and eat there, we were treated to one of the best meals we’ve had so far this year.
There are a lot of things done right at R-Pizza. The sauce and dough are made from scratch, while their fresh ingredients are purchased locally whenever possible. The thin-crust pizza we ordered was cooked perfectly, featuring correct proportions of sauce, cheeses, and toppings. Prices are reasonable, the dining room was well-appointed, and delivery is available if you don’t want to cook or leave the house.
If you’re giving R-Pizza a try, look first to their listing of specialty topping combinations. The barbque chicken and bacon cheeseburger pizzas were top notch, and we’d suspect the more ordinary specials (ala meat supreme and veggie supreme) are great to. We’ll definitely be going working our way through the R-Pizza menu this summer.
Published July 5th, 2008 |
Brian McMillin |
Food, Places, South Dakota |
