Location: Winterset
Top Restaurants in Winterset
Countries
Top 10 restaurants in Winterset, United States
Winterset is a city in Madison County, Iowa, United States. The population was 5,190 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Madison County. Winterset is part of the Des Moines − West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area. Winterset is the birthplace of actor John Wayne.
Things to do in Winterset
1. Northside Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
The Northside Café is located in a historic building built in 1876 by Eli Cox on the north side of the Winterset town square, across the street from the Madison County Courthouse. The Bridges of Madison County was written from our window seat booth (John Wayne booth), and was featured in the 1995 film “The Bridges of Madison County”, based on the Robert James Waller novel of the same name. In the Film the café is where Robert Kincaid (Clint Eastwood) meets Lucy Redfield (Michele Benes). Our café has been part of the presidential candidate circuit going back decades, and our upstairs has served as City Hall and Opera house in the 1800’s
Reviewed By theresa r - Rapid City, South Dakota
We went to see where the diner scene of The Bridges of Madison County was filmed and stayed for lunch (recommended to us by the local Chamber of Commerce). We sat on the bar stools and had the most amazing pork sandwich- I forgot exactly what it was called, but it reminded my of Pork Schnitzel- in fact this was better than the Schnitzel we’ve had in Holland! We had a chance to chat with the owner, really nice guy and a great menu, upscale diner food and good small town service. We would definitely go back!
2. Frostee's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By WintersetGM - Winterset, Iowa
Couldnt rave enough!! The ice cream is wonderful and delightful, wonderful location and just a short walk from the gas station, Quilt museum, Johnwayne Birthplace and musem and the historic downtown sqaure!!
3. Cellar Coffee
Overall Ratings
5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Glcoleman - Waukee, Iowa
This little spot is a cute little coffee shop but what really stands out are the freshly made soups and sandwiches. Great service and friendly workers too. I'd visit again so I could try the cinnamon rolls.
4. Mi Pueblito Mexican Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 61 reviews
Although there seemed to be a lot of people in the restaurant, Maybe it was just us but I've much better Mexican food and $3.50 for a side of guacamole is quite high.
Reviewed By MrsPickle - Huntington Beach, California
The staff was very friendly and welcoming. Chips and salsa were good and the margaritas. We only ordered tacos so can't comment too much on the food, however, the taco shells were the hard type you can purchase in the store. They were not freshly fried.
5. Anything Sweet & More Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 31 reviews
Anything Sweet & More Cafe is located on the south side of historic Downtown Square in Winterset, Iowa. Originally, we opened in February 2012 as a pastry, bread, pie, & sweet shop. In March 2012 we began serving hot, homemade entrees & soups & fresh, made-to-order sandwiches and paninis, along with our delicious desserts. We are a popular lunch cafe for both area residents & tourists, as well as a meeting & dining place for several local clubs & groups. Our menu changes seasonally, with selections celebrating Italian, German, & American heritage with an emphasis on comfort foods. We are happy to accommodate special requests -- vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or other customer requests are our pleasure. Our atmosphere is casual, clean, & friendly & we're always glad to see you! Open M,T,Th,F,Sat from 11 AM to 3 PM.
Reviewed By Molly55 - Greenfield, Wisconsin
The Cafe is charming with mismatched chairs and table cloths, framed ribbons from state fair competition is on the walls won from the owner/chef. The food was very good, homemade soup delicious. The problem was with the length of time we had to wait for our food. There were two waitresses that were new, and seemed like only the chef in the kitchen, so was hard for her to keep up with the orders in a timely manner. Enjoyed our lunch when it finally appeared.
6. Rodell's Smokehouse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 31 reviews
Rodell's Smokehouse is a family owned and operated barbque restaurants. The first ever in Winterset Iowa!! Our meat is smoked daily: ribs, brisket, graziano sausage, and pulled pork and served with out homemade family secret sauce.
Reviewed By MrsPickle - Huntington Beach, California
First the ribs were quite tender and flavorful and the 1/4 rack of baby backs was just right if you also had sides. Personally, I thought the baked beans were too spicy. The server said the "baked potato salad" was delicious and said they put it all together then baked it. Hmmmm, well it was cold out of the refrigerator, the cheese was not melted and some if the potatoes were hard so I'm not sure what the "baked" meant. Lastly, our server was friendly and checked on us. The cook/chef came out and sat down and talked to a guy that says he was a foodie and went all over to eat, in particular BBQ. They must have chatted for 20 minutes. There was no one else in the restaurant and he never even came over to see if we liked our meal. I felt that was rather rude.
7. China Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By tenniskill - Winterset, Iowa
I am originally from near Chicago. If you have only ever lived in a small town this restaurant should impress you. Having been exposed to larger cities with more to offer I have come to appreciate this restaurant alot. Located right on the square of Winterset to the north is China Cafe. Inside you will find a wide variety of menu options to select from. I generally let my daughter order for the whole family when we get take out. I am not a huge Chinese fan but China Cafe will soon make you one. Im a bit partial to their pot stickers and the ginger soy sauce that accompanies them. Egg rolls are nothing basic and full of great flavor. They keep you wanting more! We typically have always ordered Sesame Chicken and the Mongolian Beef. With takeout, we always have enough for the entire family and at a great price! It's hard to ever want to go out to eat anywhere else when you have such a fine restaurant nearby. Everyone who works here is beyond nice and accommodating. You truly could not ask for more. And I've seen MORE. There literally is not ONE thing I would recommend improving to this fine establishment. You make me think Chicago exists right here in Winterset. Thanks China Cafe!
8. Sports Page
Overall Ratings
4 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By GGDesMoines - Des Moines, IA
The food is good and well sized. The smoked Turkey had a nice smoked flavor, but I didn't detect the parmesan cheese crust that was suppose to be on the bread. There are two dinning rooms, one with the bar etc and one family friendly without a bar. Noise level was low and conversation easy. I eat there about once a year and know locals that eat there regularly and have not had service problems. However, our service started as slow, then progressed to an I Love Lucy sketch, and then over the top of that. It was funny at first but did grew tiresome. You shouldn't need to worry, I don't think she will still be working there.
9. Rudy's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By Lovetrips2much - Illinois
Stopped in for lunch before our touring of the covered bridges I had their beef brisket sandwich that was topped with homemade qeso and fried onions the brisket was tender and tasty I however didn't care for the toppings but that's my personal opinion someone else may find it good
10. Pizza Hut
Overall Ratings
4 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By tenniskill - Winterset, Iowa
Pizza Hut. A chain restaurant or is it? Every Pizza Hut I have been to has been pretty consistent with one of its chain restaurants compared to the next of it's chain restaurants. But in Winterset, things were different. My greatest reflection on this restaurant is that when we ordered our pizza it looked exactly like the advertisements of Pizza Hut pizzas (if not greater) and the taste was out of this world. I know what I love in Pizza Hut pizza but the consistency this particuliar restaurant offers is simply breath taking. This review is really to put a spot light on the one guy in the rear of the restaurant crafting up these impeccable pizzas. I do not know his name, I just know he has some cool tatts going on and always seems humble about the pizza he produces. Everything we have ever ordered is a piece of artwork and the management is always very helpful and kind. I hope in time you pay the chef, the cook, the artist back making pizzas more because if he leaves then your restaurant just may lose the reason behind why I always return.
