Eat & Drink
Grab a bite
One thing’s for sure, Indianola can please every palate! Even the pickiest. So come hungry and come often. The perfect pastry and a rich dark roast. A hot, cheesy slice or pile of pasta covered in savory sauce. A thick, handcut steak or juicy pork chop. There’s always delicious bar and grill favorites for the big game. And dessert is a definite with scrumptious scoops of ice cream or a piece of cherry pie known across the country.
i scream, you scream
Hot summer days. Cold, delicious ice cream. We can all scream for that! Experience Indianola’s top spots for likable, lickable ice cream treats:
The Outside Scoop serves artisan homemade ice cream, made from local ingredients and full of flavor. Sure, “The Scoop” has your classics – chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, cookie dough, salty caramel, cake batter. But they tend to think outside the cone, with wacky, wonderful flavors you might not ever dream of diving into, like dill pickle, goat cheese & roasted cherries, Elvis’s peanut butter banana bacon, sweet corn, or lavender lemon crunch. There are many vegan options too. Feast on these flavors in a homemade waffle cone, sundae, float, shake or Storm. The Outside Scoop rotates a long list of fab flavors spring through fall, closed during the winter. Go right at sunset and sit on the patio under the café lights — a real summer experience.
If it’s true nostalgia you seek, secure an old-time spinning stool at the Corner Sundry counter. For over 70 years, this historic soda shop has been serving up an experience that’s fun for all ages. Phosphate sodas may be a thing of the past, but not here! You can’t go wrong with a sweet, foamy strawberry or chocolate ice cream soda. Maybe a Black Cow (Coke float) or Snow White (Sprite float) would hit the spot. There are cones, shakes and malts as well. And if you’re going to take on the Super Sundry Sundae, bring a friend!
There’s something special about A&W root beer, especially when it’s poured over delicious vanilla soft serve in a root beer float! Indianola’s A&W Restaurant serves this cool concoction in a classic root beer mug! Get the same great taste in a root beer freeze. Or plunge into the Polar Swirl with a candy or cookie dough mix-in. There are shakes and malts too. Remember the A&W drive-up diner experience from your childhood? It’s still here! The fam will love pulling up to the outdoor speaker and having floats delivered right to the car!
DQ Grill & Chill is home to all your Dairy Queen faves. Cones are dipped, twisted or covered in crunch. Super sundaes with syrups, whip cream and the works. The famous Banana Split. Misty® slushes and freezes. Or pick the perfect cookie, candy or confection to blend into a DQ® Blizzard® Treat. Don’t forget to watch for the famous DQ curl on top of your cone and make sure your thick Blizzard passes the upside-down test!
Places to perk up
Need a jolt of java? Maybe a just a delicious hot or iced concoction, hold the caffeine. Either way, Indianola has a long list of coffee shops for morning kick-starts or afternoon chats. Find your new fave cup at:
A cup of Joe on the go: No need to leave your car, you can grab Joe on the go at Mudslingers Coffee, Cabin Coffee or Scooter’s Coffee!
baked goodies galore
Savor the Rise Bakery and Café Lavendar lemon scone, anyone? Maybe a fresh fruit tarte will perk you up. Add a raspberry chocolate pistachio croissant to your list. And pair it with a rosemary Brown sugar latte. Savor the Rise is a different kind of delish!
Crouse Café is known for its cherry pie. But when we say it’s good, don’t take our word for it, take theirs — People Magazine ranked it in the top 50 pies in the nation, and TripAdvisor said it’s the best cherry pie in Iowa. Sorry, grandma. Don’t worry, the Crouse family has a recipe box full of pies, most served daily: banana, coconut crème, rhubarb, apple, peach, custard, chocolate and more.
Mish Mash Eats & Sweets is a quaint little cafe just off the town square with cases full of positively perfect pastries and baked treats. You have to try the gooey monkey bread! There are fresh-baked scones and donuts too. Take your pick of cookies and bars, like a classic chocolate chip or snickerdoodle cookie, or a cranberry vanilla bar or scotcharoo! It’s a mish mash of magical delights.
Dine outdoors
They call it al fresco — eating in the open air. And it’s a great way to enjoy some of Indianola’s finest dishes and drinks. You can find inviting patios to share a bite with friends or family at the following restaurants:
You don’t need to be a member to enjoy the relaxing outdoor dining experience at Traditions Restaurant, located on the Indianola Golf and Country Club.
Any way you slice it
There’s just something about a piping hot slice of pie. The cheese. The crust. All tricked out with toppings. Grab a slice at these Indy favorites. People travel miles for legendary Pete’s Pizza and a big frosty mug of beer. Try the DJ, Dirty Rogalla or Wilson. (Pete’s specialty pizzas bear the names of the locals who created them!) And Winns Pizza and Steakhouse’s buttery, twisted crust is a must! See for yourself with a Hawaiian, House Special or Vegetarian.
One last stop —Brickhouse Tavern. Hot pizza, cold beer, in a true tavern setting. Our advice? Order a fresh, feisty Buffalo or Sriracha Chicken pizza. How does a slice of Crab Rangoon pie sound? Or take on a classic, like Bacon Cheeseburger or Taco.
Grab a drink
Z’s Eatery and Draught Haus is located on the north side of town. In addition to great hand-cut steaks, Z’s has 11 craft beers on tap, which vary by season. You can find their tap list on the Untappd app anytime. Z’s also has an extensive cocktail menu. Each drink is created with quality ingredients and syrups made in-house. And be sure to check out their wall of bourbons — everything from high-end labels to great starters for those new to the whiskey game.
Brickhouse Tavern offers true tavern charm, with a monstrous mahogany bar, exposed brick walls and an eclectic selection of brews from near and far. Stop by for game day specials and watch the game of the week on the large projection screen. Hot pizza and cold beer always wins! Or sip your suds on the street-side patio.
Sports Page has been voted a local favorite for years! Find the best domestic beers and a rotating selection of craft beers too. Are you a match for Sports Page’s 25-oz. ice-cold Blaster? Sports Page is a great game day destination with 20+ big-screen TVs, and great food and drink specials. Enjoy the outside dining area featuring art by local artist Megan Shipley.
Come experience Traditions, a hidden gem nestled within the Indianola Golf and Country Club. Membership isn’t required to savor the delectable cuisine and refreshing beverages. Step out onto the patio and bask in the beauty of breathtaking sunsets, enjoy stunning vistas of lush fairways and vibrant foliage. Whether it’s a casual lunch or a special celebration, Traditions offers a relaxing ambiance and a truly unforgettable experience.
The Groggy Dog is a cozy, welcoming pub in Indianola, featuring 12 rotating craft beer and cider selections that cater to every palate. Their menu offers a delicious mix of English and American-style pub classics, from hearty fish and chips to savory burgers. With its inviting atmosphere and friendly service, The Groggy Dog is the perfect spot to enjoy a pint and a warm meal. Be sure to stop by and explore the seasonal brews and comfort food that make this pub a local favorite.
Raise a glass
The big day. A girls’ day. Or a retreat with the whole team. Indianola wineries offer the sips and settings to create an unforgettable experience. So raise a glass!
Enjoy a tasting and tour at Iowa’s oldest winery, Summerset Winery. Award-winning wines from local grapes. Go beyond the vineyard at Summerset with a lengthy list of events — book signings and barre class to comedians and cupcakes. All while discovering your favorite Summerset wine. May-October, bring your blanket and grab a glass, there’s live music every Sunday!
Local Vine is a local favorite. A delightful gathering spot right on the northwest corner of the town square. Grab a table inside or out and enjoy fine wines by the glass or bottle. Make an evening of it with some apps, sandwiches and a sweet treat, maybe two. Be sure to catch trivia night!
Food with a side of fun!
Get your game on at one of Indianola’s many kid-friendly eateries, where you’ll find custom menus for the kiddos and all kinds of games, even a simulator where you can golf, play hockey or even zombie dodgeball!
- Sports Page
- Pete’s Pizza
