Mason City Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Mason City

April 14, 2018 Myesha Cogley

Mason City is a city in and the county seat of Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, United States. The population was 28,079 in the 2010 census, a decline from 29,172 in the 2000 census. The Mason City Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Cerro Gordo and Worth counties. It is commonly referred to as the "River City", as the city grew up centered on the Winnebago River.
Things to do in Mason City

1. 1910 Grille

15 W State St, Mason City, IA 50401-3228 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards American, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Breakfast, Dinner, Brunch +1 641-422-0015
Excellent
88%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 408 reviews

1910 Grille

This fine dining experience combines the vintage appeal of early Prairie School design with a modern flair for cuisine. Try our formal or informal dining room, or perhaps an evening on the balcony suits your interests? We also have a Wine Room, and, by special arrangement, you and your guests can experience the Chef's Table.

Reviewed By Dana B

Had dinner and breakfast here while staying at the hotel. The mushroom risotto is outstanding and the spinach and goat cheese breakfast skillet was very satisfying. Order the breakfast skillet with the potatoes instead of the hash browns. Potatoes were cooked to perfection. Morning Bloody Mary was the best I’ve ever had

2. Birdsall's Ice Cream

518 N Federal Ave, Mason City, IA 50401-3216 Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards SGD 3 - SGD 9 +1 641-423-5365
Excellent
60%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
6%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 48 reviews

Birdsall's Ice Cream

North Iowa's favorite homemade ice cream since 1931. Serving hand-dipped cones, sundaes, malts, shakes, & sodas. Hand-packed pints, quarts and half gallons also available. All made on-site. Slush, Tropical Sno, Soft Chocolate Frosty Malts, and flavor-burst frozen yogurt.

Reviewed By traveltheworld012 - Rochester, Minnesota

A friend said they have great ice cream as we were walking by. We looked in the window and it looked completely empty. As we were walking away the proprietor came out after us to tell us about his new peach flavor. We had just had breakfast, so not in the mood for ice cream. But it did seem they were desperate for business. It is in a rather seedy part of town.

3. Starbucks

2400 4th St SW, Mason City, IA 50401-4664
Excellent
64%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
9%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11 reviews

Starbucks

Reviewed By Cheryl D - Lee's Summit, Missouri

Above average service, very good coffee drinks. The interior was very clean and the employees were friendly. Pretty much what you'd expect from any other Starbucks :)

4. The Quarry

10 S Federal Ave, Mason City, IA 50401-3728 Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Television American, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Lunch +1 641-421-0075
Excellent
63%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 191 reviews

The Quarry

Reviewed By JessicaEdgington - Mason City, Iowa

The Quarry hosted my husbands 30th class reunion on August 12th. They did a Tapas buffet that included Duck and filet on baguette, Spinach artichoke dip, Sweet and Spicy duck wings, Buffalo chicken wings, Lemon bars, Hoho bars and a couple other items. Everything was delicious, the atmosphere was amazing. The servers there were so helpful and John and Rachel the owners went above beyond.

5. Birdsall Ice Cream Co.

100 S Federal Ave, Ste 413, Mason City, IA 50401-3750 Takeout +1 641-424-5445
Excellent
60%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
0%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 19 reviews

Reviewed By Jrc4545 - Portland, Oregon

birdsall ice cream is a step back in time- the original building with the old soda fountain style seating in addition to take away ice cream. Made on site- lots of innovative and traditional flavors. We just missed peach season which is their stand-out flavor but we loved it just the same.

6. Northwestern Steakhouse

304 16th St NW, Mason City, IA 50401-1017 Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol American, Steakhouse Dinner +1 641-423-5075
Excellent
70%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 187 reviews

Northwestern Steakhouse

Reviewed By KansasExplorer5115 - Lawrence, Kansas

All the locals recommended this little steakhouse to come early. Boy, were they right! The line was forming before 5 p.m. when they opened, and it was busy all night. I was so glad we made a reservation, which is more like a window of time for you to arrive and then seating as tables open up. It's a small, quaint restaurant with friendly folks. They have a little waiting area upstairs with booths and tables. We didn't wait long, and everyone was really friendly offering us snack mix and drinks while we sat and chatted. We ordered the steak (of course) and it was completely delicious. One person at our table thought it was the best steak she had ever had. Slow cooked in butter, olive oil and their greek seasoning. We had the spaghetti side dish, because it seemed like we should try something because, well, "When in Rome..." and it had butter, parmesan, the juices from the steak mix and more greek seasoning. It was a really nice pairing, even though we thought at first it was a little odd as a choice. This is for a special evening out due to the prices, but we really enjoyed ourselves and were glad we tried it.

7. Pasta Bella

1303 S Federal Ave, Mason City, IA 50401-5725 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +1 641-201-1891
Excellent
70%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 106 reviews

Pasta Bella

Reviewed By Jennifer G

We stopped on a Saturday night while in town. The food was excellent. Very large portions, enough for lunch the next day. Service was very good. It was a little noisy but it was very busy and a homecoming night. We would definitely return if we're ever in the area again!

8. Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant

3229 4th St SW, Mason City, IA 50401-1583 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover Mexican Lunch, Dinner SGD 7 - SGD 20 +1 641-424-3166
Excellent
47%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 92 reviews

Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant

We are an Authentic Mexican Restaurant located at 3229 4th Street SW in Mason City, Iowa. Our services are second-to-none and we offer our customers: • A clean, comfortable dining atmosphere • Courteous, attentive staff that ensure you enjoy your visit • A wide selection of appetizers, dinners, vegetarian meals, a children's menu, desserts & more • A variety of beverages, including beers, wines, and mixed drinks • Carryout orders and gift certificates We also offer a variety of mouth watering appetizers, drinks and Mexican food dishes. Our restaurant is kid-friendly as well, offering a children's menu and specials. If you do not have time to dine in our comfortable restaurant environment, then call us for take- out at 641-424-3166. Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant offers gift certificates as well - ask your server! Looking for a good time? Las Palmas offers daily happy hour specials and a large party room that seats up to 40 people. Stop into Las Palmas for a 'south of the border' meal that is sure to please!

Reviewed By Leonard S - United States

This place is bigger than it looks. Fun spot to eat and drink. Huge menu! Choices of beef, chicken and shrimp dishes. Plenty of drinks to order. You receive chips and salsa right away. Waitstaff very friendly and efficient. Close walk from the Holiday Inn Express & Suites.

9. Prime N Wine

3000 4th St SW, Mason City, IA 50401-1566 Takeout, Television, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Highchairs Available American, Steakhouse, Greek, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Brunch SGD 18 - SGD 52 +1 641-424-8153
Excellent
54%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 87 reviews

Prime N Wine

The Prime N Wine is a locally owned Steak House with Seafood and Greek Cuisine. The Prime N Wine opened in 1988 and is on its 2nd generation of owners who also grew up in Mason City Iowa.

Reviewed By RLandDL - West of Mpls., MN

We decided to take advantage of the early bird menu and we both ordered the salmon with dill sauce. The meal came with a generous tossed salad or a cup of soup, rolls, another side, baked potatoes for us, and the salmon. It was grilled and was very good. The light dill sauce was perfect - not overwhelming the taste of the fish. The service was fine. This is an older restaurant, but it was comfortable and homey. We enjoyed our meal very much.

10. Taco Tico

2361 4th St SW, Mason City, IA 50401-4608 Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible Mexican, Fast Food Lunch, Dinner +1 641-423-6014
Excellent
66%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 34 reviews

Taco Tico

Reviewed By Cris B

Taco Tico, an independent, long standing fast food Mexican restaurant in town, you never have to wait to long to order or to receive your food, love the little condiment bar to dress up any of the menu items. We have been customers for years and have never been disappointed.

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