Hungry and the McDonald’s 99-cent menu just won’t cut it? From a hole-in-the wall joint with a airplane on the roof to fine-dining in Amish country, these places might do the trick.
Chi-town style
The Flying Wienie serves up all-beef Vienna Beef hotdogs in true Chicago style with mustard, pickle spears, relish, onion, tomato wedges, sport peppers and a special celery salt.
The fries have one ingredient, just potatoes, cut three-eighths of an inch thick.
Fill-up fee: $3 to $8.
Details: 103 8th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids; eat in or carry out; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; call (319) 861-3036; online at www.theflyingwienie.com
Bar food basics
With six televisions always tuned to the big game and plenty of beer on tap, Eggy’s on 965 is definitely a sports bar serving “basic American bar food,” like fried appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads.
Fill-up fee: $7 to $20.
Details: 1295 Jordan St., North Liberty; Eat-in or take-out; Kitchen is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Saturday (opens early when the Hawkeyes have an early football game); call (319) 665-4800.
Food fusion
With CIBO Fusion Restaurant & Lounge’s 20-foot-long water wall, espresso bar, lounge with a small stage and an outdoor dining area, a visit is about the experience as much as the food.
CIBO’s signature menu item is gourmet pizza. More traditional menu items include steak, beef tenderloin and rack of lamb.
Fill-up fee: Pizzas range from $8 to $13. Other entrees run $9 to 34.
Details: 685 Marion Blvd, Marion; Eat-in; 11a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 11a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Thursday to Saturday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday; call (319) 447-1414; online at www.cibofusion.com
Dining by moonlight
The 125-year-old building that houses Tuscan Moon gives the restaurant an Old-World charm. Tuscan Moon serves soup, salad, steak, seafood, chicken and pasta. On Wednesday and Thursday nights, Tuscan Moon offers a “Bistro Menu” with burgers and sandwiches.
Fill-up fee: $7 to $10 for lunch and bistro options; $10 to $30 for dinner.
Details: 205 Fifth St. Kalona; lunch: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; dinner: 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 5 to 10 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Reservations are strongly recommended; call (319) 656-3315; online at www.tuscan-moon.com
Love these places? Tell us why? Have other faves. Do tell.
