Location: Altoona
Top Restaurants in Altoona
Top 10 restaurants in Altoona, United States
Altoona is a city in Polk County, Iowa, United States and is a part of the Des Moines–West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 14,541 at the 2010 census.
Things to do in Altoona
1. Sugar Shack
Overall Ratings
4 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By 813wendy - Toronto, Canada
Dropped in to the Sugar Shack during our Rte 6 River to River Retro Road trip. Was late for breakfast and early for lunch but we're starving, so hubby and I split a chicken salad sandwich and onion rings and a malt and strawberry shake. So glad we did! OMG was the BEST chicken salad sandwich I has ever had (husband felt the same) fresh made and onion rings while no your typical were plentiful, hot and also good. Staff were efficient considering 50 cars decended on them. Manager/ owner? was right in there and even directed traffic for us to leave. Great place to stop and relive your past, would definitely stop again if in Iowa again.
2. Starbucks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By MNsunlovers - Tower, MN
The iced caramel latte I had each morning (3X) was excellent, The first morning a very friendly gal waited on me - excellent servcie from her. But the last two mornings a fellow (that I think would preferred to be anywhere but there) waited on me and he was very unfriendly, no good mornings or thank you's from him!
3. Johnny's Italian Steakhouse - Altoona
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
The ambiance at Johnny’s is reminiscent of the classic supper clubs of the ‘40s and ‘50s, creatively blending the sophistication of the past with a modern edge. This innovative design features thematic décor sets and vintage finishes such as thick tiled floors, large upholstered booths and crystal chandeliers. Luxurious draperies create private dining areas within the restaurant, where guests can enjoy music by Frank Sinatra, Diana Krall or Michael Buble. Johnny's Blue Bar™ provides guests with a lively lounge atmosphere where cell phones take a backseat to conversation. This is not your average steakhouse; the eclectic atmosphere has been fashioned to draw a diverse crowd. At Johnny’s, our steaks take center stage, and are complemented by a gourmet assortment of Italian cuisine and seafood, alongside an expertly curated wine list. Whether you choose our famous Steak DeBurgo or the classic Chanel No. 5, you’re sure to satisfy your cravings. With new-fashioned luxuries and old-fashioned service and hospitality, Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse brings the Rat Pack era to the 21st Century.
Reviewed By tuppersuzy - Des Moines, Iowa
Server Michelle was awesome--anticipated our needs, remembered me from previous visits....
I love the unlimited salad with meals, love the bread. I got a pasta dish on this visit and it was very good. I've been with people who have gotten chicken parmesan, the minestrone soup, steak, salmon, lasagna and other pastas--all have been very good.
I love the curtained-off rooms here. Excellent patio seating when it's warmer. Bar seating is great too.
4. Jethro n' Jake's Smokehouse Steaks
Overall Ratings
4 based on 295 reviews
Reviewed By Diana P
This BBQ joint is busy every time we have driven by. That's a good sign.
We ordered the meal for two and chose sausage, pulled pork and ribs. The ribs were so good! Wonderfully tender, fall-off-the-bones meat. The sausage was way over cooked, dried out, not edible. I won't order that anymore. The sides were really good. Loved the mashed potatoes and gravy, baked beans and potato salad. I'm not sure why people like the mac and cheese, it wasn't good.
It was very busy but we had excellent service and the food came to us without much of a wait. We will definitely return next time we are in town.
5. Big Steer Restaurant & Lounge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 158 reviews
Reviewed By mbug772017
Love this spot. It has that hometown steakhouse spot except the food is the quality of a fine dining restaurant right out of the big city. They have great specials, try to work seasonal items into their lineup, and the food is always fresh. If you have the opportunity you should give it a go.
6. AJ's Steakhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
AJ’s Steakhouse is where Iowa’s world-renowned steaks and chops are celebrated. Along with serving only the choicest cuts of beef, AJ’s boldly flavored American cuisine will have you coming back for more.
Reviewed By jlafrentz - Urbandale
Hostess was very nice; food was very good - loved the french onion soup. However, Kayla K., the server, had an attitude problem and it quite frankly ruined a good dinner. Something set her off from about 5 min. after we sat down. From there on out she avoided our table as much as she possibly could - it was obvious, (she literally had to walk right by our table to get to the kitchen and bar so safe to say she walked by A LOT and only acknowledged us twice throughout our entire meal and then it was at our prompting requesting drinks which took 14 min to get), provided extremely slow service and was quite unpleasant/rude. When you go to a restaurant and spend almost $100 on dinner, service should be top-notch. Needless to say, her tip reflected this service. The hostess on the way out was notified of our unpleasant trip to AJs, was very apologetic and offered to get the manager but I was so mad by this time I just wanted to leave and enjoy the rest of the night w/my husband. Kayla needs to learn when you are working, especially for tips, pleasantness/cheerfulness/promptness goes a long way, the customer is always right and perhaps she isn't cut out to be a server.
7. Cafe at the Meadows
Overall Ratings
4 based on 58 reviews
Cafe at the Meadows is a convenient stop for a hearty breakfast, delicious lunch, or spectacular evening dinner. Whatever you choose, we know you're going to like what we've got prepared for you. Located next to our hotel lobby. Enjoy breakfast served all day.
Reviewed By Iowatravelman - Iowa
Was at a convention held in the Prairie Meadows Complex. Ate here for 7 A M breakfast. Was seated after a 5 minute wait, with many empty tables. Then waited another 15 minutes for a waitress. They had 2 and one thought she was the receptionist. Wouldn't take an order. Once order went in took another 20 minutes. This was for breakfast not dinner . Anyway food came and was prepared as ordered. Thank goodness. Never seen the waitress again until the bill arrived. Servers and waitresses are not very accommodating or friendly. They seem to emit a feeling of " i to have a job". I suggest you drive across the parking lot and eat at the truck stop.
8. Monterrey Mexican Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By DON E - Pleasant Hill, Iowa
This is by far our favorite place to eat. The Chicken Fajita Quesadilla is the best, but you won't go wrong with anything on the menu. Keep the chips and salsa coming and we're a happy family.
9. Bigfoot Bacon & Brew
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Shannon P
Found this on trip advisor driving thru to Denver. Decided to stop for dinner and were pleasantly surprised. It was late Wed night and had the place to ourselves. The waitress was awsome and knowledgeable about the beers on tap. Huge portions. Had the Mac and cheese..soo good
10. Perkins Restaurant and Bakery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 50 reviews
We're famous for breakfast but we also take the same approach to lunch & dinner. Signature menu items include famous pancakes, unique Awesome Omelettes, Mammoth Muffins(R), salads, mile-high Melt Sandwiches and traditional dinner entrées. Breakfast items are available any time of day.
Reviewed By Maryshine - Chicago, Illinois
My husband and I recently stopped for dinner at Perkins in Altoona, IA, on our drive home from Denver. We were tired and hungry. We were pleasantly surprised at how clean the restaurant was, and how friendly the staff were. The food was delicious, and on our way out I got a cranberry oatmeal cookie, which sweetened the idea of getting back into the car for the remainder of our trip to Illinois. We will put this on our list as a great place to stop on our next road trip.
