Location: Burlington
Top Restaurants in Burlington
Countries
Burlington Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Burlington
Burlington is a city and the county seat of Des Moines County, Iowa, United States. The population was 25,663 in the 2010 census, a decline from the 26,839 population in the 2000 census. Burlington is the center of a micropolitan area including West Burlington, Iowa, and Middletown, Iowa, and Gulfport, Illinois. Burlington is the home of Snake Alley, once labelled the crookedest alley in the world.
Things to do in Burlington
1. La Tavola Italian Restaurant & Pizza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Reviewed By Linda L - Mooresville, Indiana
We were so excited to try this restaurant considering the reviews we had read. We started out ordering garlic knots - they were hard and pretty tasteless. However, the marinara that came with them was good, so I decided to try their spaghetti, thinking it would be an excellent sauce on that. Wrong! The best word I can come up with to describe their spaghetti is glop. The sauce was mixed in with overcooked noodles; the whole mess was gummy and had none of the flavor of the marinara we had experienced earlier. The dish my husband ordered was also mediocre at best. To top it all off, the service was extremely slow, and we couldn't understand why people who came after us were served their food before we were served.
Here we thought we had found a restaurant that we would be willing to go out of our way to visit again and again, but in reality we will never go back.
2. Diggers Rest Coffeehouse & Roaster
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By Troy G - Chicago, Illinois
Stopped in for coffee and breakfast. Loved the atmosphere and that we could avoid a chain restaurant/fast food while visiting Burlington. The breakfast sandwich was really great. Wasn't expecting much ordering an egg and ham sandwich, but it was excellent. It was on hearty peasant bread, and had a perfectly cooked egg with ham, cheese and a really fresh tomato. Hit the spot.
However, the coffee wasn't that good for this being a coffee roasting place. It probably caters to the regulars, because it was pretty weak coffee; tasted okay, but was weaker than I like.
Overall,was a really great find for a relaxing vacation coffee and breakfast.
3. Grandpa's Homemade Icecream
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By mandyjc814 - Ottumwa, Iowa
We stopped here after a hot day at FunCity, and it was the perfect treat to end our day! We loved the friendly staff and it had a great atmosphere. The ice cream was delicious. I got the smores sundae and got a huge portion. They had a nice selection of toppings and and flavors of ice cream. There is also a drive thru if you are on the go!
4. Napoli Pizza & Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By zippyincolumbus - Columbus, OH
My husband and I ate at Napoli two nights ago and LOVED it! We were visiting Burlington and tried it based on the reviews here. We both ordered a mini pizza (which is a deceptive name- it’s actually a really good-sized personal pizza), and we shared a side of fries. The pizza was really good! I really liked the crust- in between thin and thick, and soooo tasty. The fries were a crinkle-cut style and were perfectly crispy. All of our food was super hot when we got it, and I can’t say enough how tasty it was!
I read some other reviews that said their service was slow. Our pizzas took a little while to come out, but good pizza always does! Our waitress was attentive, but I would agree that if you want a quick meal maybe don’t order the pizza.
Finally, yes- the decor is older, but I think that’s part of the charm. Loved that it had a juke box- I wouldn’t change a thing! It’s vintage charm.
5. Dairy Queen
Overall Ratings
5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Lisa M - Burlington, Iowa, United States
Fast and furious service! If there is a line, it moves very quickly! They'll make just about anything to your liking. :)
6. Martini's Grille
Overall Ratings
4 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By Amy B
As a Burlington resident I have been to Martini's numerous times. Having home for the first time after returning from a long road trip, I marveled at how consistently good Martini's is. I've literally never had a bad meal there. And I'd put this restaurant in my hometown up against any restaurant anywhere I've travelled. Some of my favorites at Martini's are the Bacon and White Cheddar Pizza, Wedge Salad, Carbonara, and of course their world famous chicken lips with Budweiser Blue Cheese dressing. Fave Martini's are the Pink Lemonadini and the Pear. Gorgeous view adds to the upscale environment.
7. The Drake
Overall Ratings
4 based on 190 reviews
The Drake Restaurant is located in a 100+ year old building with scenic views of the Mississippi River. The Drake has cozy booths for a romantic dinner, larger tables for groups, and private dining rooms to accommodate 10-200 persons for private meetings, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, and wedding receptions. Our patio offers outdoor dining in a garden like setting.
Reviewed By Gregory M - Marion, IA, USA
My wife and I had a dinner here in Sept during a golf getaway weekend based on tripadvisor and facebook reviews. The weather was nice so we decided to sit out in on the patio. Overall it was a good dinner with reasonable prices. My wife had the Chicken Tetrazini and I had the Elk Burger to try something different. She liked the chicken very much but I thought the elk burger was a little bland. Understandably that since the elk was farm raised, it would be lean and wouldn't taste very gamey, but I thought it would have more flavor. The service was quick and efficient, although not very personable. The patio has a nice atmosphere, although it doesn't have an expansive view of the river. Would come back again, just not order the elk burger.
8. Gators Grill and Spirits
Overall Ratings
4 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By mmzeran - West Burlington, Iowa
This is a semi-casual place to eat. It has a great menu with a variety of choices. Easy to eat healthy or splurge with something decadent. Their Salmon is always good at a good price with a variety of dinner choices. Usually is very busy on Sunday after church so best to make reservations. Parking is adequate unless you need to be parked close to the door. Usually not a problem. highly recommended
9. Big Muddy's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 216 reviews
Once seated in the restaurant, your view changes as the seasons change. Winter brings eagles soaring as they search the icy Mississippi for the fresh catch of the day. In the Summer the river becomes alive with casual and commercial traffic. The historic background of this quaint river town is captured in the memorabilia and pictures that adorn the walls.The restaurant has been a landmark for two decades offering casual to formal dining attracting patrons both local and visiting tourist from other countries. We have a casual family friendly environment. Serving lunch and dinner as well as drinks at the bar. We are great for groups! Walk in or make a reservation and when the weather permits, choose to sit in side or out. Dine in, carry out or we will cater! Whatever the occasion - Big Muddy's is the place!!
Reviewed By ponyexpress11 - Iowa City, Iowa
We've been here before for the Sunday brunch buffet. It's very good. There are plenty of breakfast items to choose from, a salad bar, and at least 4 lunch/dinner meats (pork loin, fish, BBQ ribs, and prime rib) to choose from (also 2 breakfast meats which were sausage and bacon). Then there's the dessert tables. Quite a selection there! The restaurant is very close to the Mississippi River and the bridge over the Mississippi to Illinois. I enjoy watching all the water traffic. There is also a walking trail along the river for either before or after your meal, if you're interested.
10. Jerry’s Main Lunch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Jerry's Main Lunch, in Burlington, IA, is a leading restaurant serving Burlington and surrounding areas since 1946. We offer dine-in and carry out, breakfast and homemade food. T-Shirts on sale now! For your next meal, visit Jerry's Main Lunch in Burlington.
Reviewed By jmpaule - London, United Kingdom
No better breakfast anywhere and you can't beat the price. Try the pancakes for sure and the eggs and bacon are delicious. An old diner look and feel. No need to dress up either!
