Location: Oskaloosa
Top Restaurants in Oskaloosa
Countries
Oskaloosa Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Oskaloosa
Oskaloosa is a city in and the county seat of Mahaska County, Iowa, United States. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, it was a national center of bituminous coal mining. The population was 11,463 in the 2010 census, an increase from 10,938 in the 2000 census.
Things to do in Oskaloosa
1. Tasos Steakhouse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By Billy C - Hedrick, Iowa
Although we prefer 'home' cooked meals, the occasional burger at Tasos has never been a miss. Plenty of side to go with a very generous patty/bun, the average person will leave feeling satisfactorily stuffed. Neat 'local' decor adorns the walls, and adds to the hometown feel of this place.
2. Smokey Row Coffee
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
The Oskaloosa branch of the Des Moines coffee shop. Popular spot for sandwiches, coffee and ice cream specialties. Right on the square in downtown Osky. Big inviting space with wi-fi. Popular day and night.
Reviewed By IA_Hawks - Iowa
I'm not sure what this building was before becoming a coffee house, but the interior is HUGE and nicely decorated with plenty of tables, booths, and stand up tables to enjoy a drink, sandwich, or even some ice cream.
Service was quick and the food fresh and delicious.
3. Jaarsma Bakery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By Horror Fan Chri... B - Des Moines, Iowa
Let me say the bakery goods are wonderful, but what ruins it is the lack of washing hands or wearing gloves. Employees take dirty money from people who are standing in line wiping their nose, coughing, spreading germs, and who know what else they have on their hands- the the staff take cash, credit cards etc and NEVER WASH HANDS between taking money and picking up donuts/cookies with BARE hands. It is so gross, watch next time, there is one employee that has been told about it and still doesn't follow basic hand washing. If you get the flu or a cold after buying from here that is why. It makes me wonder if they wash their hands after they use restroom.
4. Hunter's Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By MountainMom7 - Walden, Colorado
This is my favorite lunch spot in Oskaloosa. It's kind of hidden away in the back of a beautiful gift shop, and well worth searching out. Their quiches are delicious, and they have many unique menu items, along with cappuccinos, lattes and hot or iced teas. An Oskaloosa gem!
5. The Creamery and Co
Overall Ratings
4 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Laura R - Oskaloosa, Iowa
This is a great place to grab a little breakfast/caffeine before work in the morning. I LOVE the raspberry chai tea here. Lots of smoothies/ice cream/coffee/tea, etc. I believe they offer a few breakfast sandwiches or bagels (I'm gluten free so I don't pay too much attention to that part of the menu).
6. Chuong Garden Chinese Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
We are a fine dining restaurant in a clean comfortable setting with great service. We have a full menu rangeing from appetizers, soup served over a flaming pot, rice, noodles, beef, pork, chicken, seafood entrees, sizzling platters, a kids menu and even vegetarian dishes. Food comes hot and fresh and can be cater to your taste since we make it just for you. For those of you who'd like a drink with your meal we also have beer, wine and saki. So come on in to have the best chinese food in town.
Reviewed By Terry J - Kansas City, Missouri
After looking at TripAdvisor for choices in Osksloosa, we decided on this restaurant on our trip there. The interior was very nice, no Chinese food smell like some and very clean bathrooms. We were greeted and seated promptly. We ordered the meal for 2 which was Moo Goo Gai Pan and beef and broccoli, hot and sour soup, crab rangoon, egg roll and pot sticker. Everything was excellent, especially the soup, egg rolls and Moo Goo Gai Pan. The portions are large so plan on taking some home. The food was freshly prepared but came out pretty quickly. We will definitely go there again if we are in Osksloosa again!
7. The Peppertree
Overall Ratings
4 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By Stanbro81 - Oskaloosa, Iowa
My husband and I had a "date night" and went to The Peppertree. My husband was hungry for a ribeye steak, and The Peppertree does have the best steaks around! He ordered the 12-ounce ribeye (medium rare) with the baked potato soup (which is AMAZING by the way) and a side of 4 fried shrimp. I had the lemon-cilantro mahi mahi, steamed broccoli and a side of the potato soup. While yes, the food was very good, my husband's steak was more of a medium-well than a medium rare and they forgot one of his fried shrimp. The waitress promptly had 2 more shrimp prepared and brought to our table. My mahi was just a little bland and could have used a bit more seasoning, but a little salt doctored it right up. We used our frequent diner card to get points for a $20 coupon on a future visit. Overall, the food was good (although a few hiccups prevented it from getting an "Excellent" rating) and the service (Amy) was outstanding. Very sweet, polite and helpful. If you're willing to pay just a bit more for a really good meal, this is the place in Oskaloosa to go.
8. Riverside II Family Restaurant
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By Glenda1947 - West Branch, Iowa, United States
This is a typical small town place to eat, pretty good food, very good service, and super prices. We were there on a Sunday noon and it was packed, people waiting at the door to get in. I had a hot roast beef sandwich, mashed potatoes and gravy. It was ok, nothing fancy. My husband had the three piece chicken dinner, hashed browns and corn. It was also ok. The two of us ate for under $15. Very good service considering how
busy they were.
9. Julie's Homestyle Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Stanbro81 - Oskaloosa, Iowa
I have lived in Oskaloosa nearly my whole life, but had never been to Julie's Cafe until last week. A friend invited me out for lunch and chose this spot. We went towards the end of the lunch hour, and it's a very small place with limited seating. We sat at the counter until a booth opened up. It's one of those places where it's regulars that come in at the same time, on the same day and sit in the same seat each time they come to visit. While my friend and I were visiting, one of the "regulars" came in and sat to my right and began to engage us in conversation, which is OK, but he wouldn't stop talking. Fortunately, a booth opened up and the server moved us.
The menu isn't huge, but they have daily specials, good food and very reasonable prices. I ordered salmon patties (one of the daily specials). This is an item I really like, but have never seen it featured as a lunch special anywhere. I ordered just the two patties without sides and an iced tea.
Our server was very nice, but I ended up with mashed potatoes and gravy with my salmon patties, which I don't like, so it was wasted food. After the gentlemen who interrupted us at the counter was done eating, he came to our booth to apologize for being intrusive which was very sweet. Everyone in the cafe knew him, except us apparently.
My friend ordered the cheeseburger and said it's the best in town. Will definitely be going back because I'd like to try their breakfast. They are only open for breakfast and lunch. They open during the week at 5 a.m., and on Saturdays at 6 a.m. Our server said that most mornings there are folks waiting outside for the door to open.
10. Maid-rite
Overall Ratings
4 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Capt_America_IA - Iowa
Im in osky once a week for business. I eat at Maid-Rite often. The service has always been great and fast. The food is exactly what you would expect and very good. I really like the home made fries. This is one of the better options for lunch in Osky.
