All the outdoor adventures and railroad history learning you’ll do in Council Bluffs, you’re going to work up an appetite. Here are a few of my favorite restaurants and recommended eateries for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
712 Eat + Drink
Where: 1851 Madison Ave., suite 700
Why: Don’t let the strip-mall location fool you, 712 serves legit, scratch-made food. I’ve been to the restaurant for Sunday brunch, but you can for lunch or dinner as well. The menu ranges from contemporary American to some more unique flavors, such as crab Rangoon tots or Thai lettuce wraps.
This is a good spot for Happy Hour, which is Tuesday through Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. and all day Thursday.
Related post: Want more ideas for breakfast? Here are some recommended breakfast restaurants in Council Bluffs!
Pizza King
Where: 1101 N. Broadway
Why: Pizza King is an old-school Italian steakhouse with an emphasis on pizza. They’ve been serving families since 1965 and regularly win the Reader’s Choice awards for best steaks, pizza and service.
For something a little different, try Danny’s Special, a Canadian bacon-beef-pepperoni combo pizza accented with cream cheese and some veggies.
360 Steakhouse
Where: 12th floor of Harrah’s Council Bluffs, 1 Harrah’s Blvd.
Why: If you want a meal with a view, 360 Steakhouse is the place in Council Bluffs. Consider this a date night destination, with fine dining options far beyond steaks. Head here for a mean martini, too.
Cellar 19 Wine & Deli
Where: 928 Valley View Drive, suite 19
Why: Of all the restaurants I’ve visited in Council Bluffs, Cellar 19 was the one that surprised me the most…and in a good way. It’s an unassuming looking place in the Valley View Village Mall, but the food and wine menus are stellar.
And by the way, they do have a kids menu, so it doesn’t just have to be for a date night. Kid’s meals are half-price every Wednesday.
Christy Creme
Where: 2853 N. Broadway
Why: Christy Crème is the ice cream place to visit in the summer. It’s a seasonal mom & pop eatery that’s been around since 1954, serving hamburgers in addition to ice cream. They’re most known for their sherbet flavors that rotate.
I usually stop at Christy Creme with my kids after a trip to nearby Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek.
Pizza Counter
Where: 610 Veterans Memorial Highway and 225 W. Broadway
Why: Pizza Counter has its die-hard fans. It was a surprise contender in the Omaha metro pizza tournament, beating out a few of my own favorite restaurants. There aren’t many surprise pizza toppings here, so if you are a traditionalist with pizza, this is your place.
Main Street Cafe
Where: 102 S. Main St.
Why: This is a traditional cafe with down-home comfort food serving breakfast and lunch most days. Portions are large at Main Street Cafe, and the size of the pancakes may startle you.
Sugars Diner
Where: 2725 E. Kanesville Blvd.
Why: No matter the meal, Sugar’s Diner has what you’re looking for. Sugars has its fans for breakfast though, and I’ve heard the blueberry pancakes are where it’s at. Specials varies depending on the day, and lately I’ve seen wraps, sliders, enchiladas and more.
And side note, if you’re looking for a spot for karaoke, visit here on Friday and Saturday nights.
Duncan’s Cafe
Where: 501 S. Main St.
Why: For a filling breakfast at a cozy diner, head to Duncan’s on Main Street. The food is home-style American with no-frills. I dare you to tackle the serving of hash browns – I swear the plate is the size of a hub cab.
1892 German Bier House
Where: 142 W. Broadway
Why: This bar & grill is housed in a beautiful brick building along the Historic 100 Block of Council Bluffs. If anything, go for the atmosphere. Though the name has German Bier House in it, the food is decidedly not German, but it does fit the bill of satisfying bar grub. You’ll find sandwiches, hamburgers and chicken wings on the menu.
There are, of course, many other wonderful restaurants in Council Bluffs. I’ve only scratched the surface on this post. Please leave a comment with your recommendations!