Where to Eat in Decorah: The Best Restaurants and Bars

April 15, 2018 Giuseppe Pratt

Decorah is a city in and the county seat of Winneshiek County, Iowa, United States. The population was 8,127 at the 2010 census. Decorah is located at the intersection of State Highway 9 and U.S. Route 52, and is the largest community in Winneshiek County.
Things to do in Decorah

1. Rubaiyat Restaurant

117 W Water St, Decorah, IA 52101-1805 Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Full Bar American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Brunch, Lunch SGD 13 - SGD 26 +1 563-382-9463
Excellent
76%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 224 reviews

Rubaiyat Restaurant

At Rubaiyat, we feature a seasonal American menu, emphasizing straight - forward, approachable cuisine that both looks and tastes clean and composed. This means simply but skillfully prepared ingredient - driven dishes that reveal our commitment to using the highest quality products, in season, and local when available. The inspiration behind Rubaiyat's menu reflect Chef Andy's classic and diverse culinary influences. Yet he's consistently led back to creating food that is distinctly contemporary, and as our name would have it, dishes that are "food for thought". As a result, Rubaiyat's refined seasonal American dishes combine four of the qualities that we value most: integrity, style, restraint, and playfulness. That is found in our personal mission to shape the dining experience around culinary delights from beginning to end. We insist on honoring the smallest details underlying the very rhythm of the restaurant, including our service. Come find out for yourself just why our staff is second to none. Cheers!! Andy & Kim Bonnet, Proprietors

Reviewed By Jason R - New Hampton, Iowa

I’ve been here for brunch and dinner. Both are outstanding! The food leans toward a Napa Valley influence. I’ve had steak here, as well as chicken. Both were awesome. For Sunday brunch I usually get the Swedish waffle. It’s pretty darn tasty

2. Whippy Dip

121 College Dr, Decorah, IA 52101-1659 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Wheelchair Accessible American, Fast Food
Excellent
51%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 82 reviews

Whippy Dip

Decades old institution.

Reviewed By Michelle245248 - Sioux Falls, South Dakota

I had the slush whip and my husband had the chocolate shake. Both were good and as expected. Service was friendly. What more could you ask for on a hot summer day? This is the perfect stop for a treat.

3. Magpie Coffeehouse

202 W Water St, Decorah, IA 52101-1728 Seating, Takeout, Wheelchair Accessible American, Cafe Breakfast, Lunch SGD 10 - SGD 26 +1 563-387-0593
Excellent
57%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 69 reviews

Magpie Coffeehouse

At Magpie Coffeehouse our goal is to provide a warm comfortable atmosphere and combine it with great staff, great food, and the best coffee. We strive everyday to get to know our customers so Magpie doesn't just feel like a place to buy coffee but feels like a home away from home. We have a great selection of coffees, ranging from a drip coffee to a rare Bianco espresso. Our Baristas are skilled in the art of brewing espresso, so we are able to customize your drinks to suit your own personal preference. Our Kitchen uses fresh ingredients to prepare house made soups, fresh baked sweets, salads and sandwiches. At Magpie Coffeehouse we believe in "buy fresh, buy local," because we believe in the community that supports us.

Reviewed By gpotvin - Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

The menu has an eclectic mix of tasty foods. We enjoyed a blue cheese covered hamburger and a wonderful vegetable soup. For dessert we had a wonderful coconut macaroon. The staff were friendly and helpful, although service is limited to taking orders at the counter and delivering food - you are expected to bus your dishes and pick up and return your condiments to a central table. The 25 cent charge for using a credit card is also something I find troubling.

4. Don Jose Mexican Restaurant

201 E Water St, Decorah, IA 52101-1803 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Reservations, Full Bar Mexican, Latin, Spanish, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner SGD 20 +1 563-382-6052
Excellent
63%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 131 reviews

Don Jose Mexican Restaurant

We would be glad to welcome you to sample our extensive menu of Authentic Mexican food! We serve great authentic Mexican food, fast and friendly service, reasonable prices and clean place!!

Reviewed By tmyankee15 - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Excellent Mexican food with a nice Southwestern Mexican charm in the decor. Service was quick and friendly. The place stayed busy the entire time we dined and was still busy when we pasted it over 2 hour later. A def stop food quality Mexican if your in the area.

5. Impact Coffee

118 Washington St, Decorah, IA 52101-1830 Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Takeout, Accepts Credit Cards Cafe +1 563-419-3141
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 23 reviews

Impact Coffee

Reviewed By off2CtheWorldNow - Decorah, Iowa

the coffee brewed at Impact is always fantastic. The only downsize has been how small their seating area is, but that will soon be remedied as they are currently expanding that area of the shop. If you want the best coffee in Decorah, this is the place to go.

6. Mabe's Pizza

110 E Water St, Decorah, IA 52101-1802 Reservations, Free Wifi, Delivery, Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Cards, Parking Available, Television Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night SGD 8 - SGD 26 +1 563-382-4297
Excellent
46%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 252 reviews

Mabe's Pizza

Reviewed By JHAllen - ELLINGTON

Among all the pizza/Italian restaurants in Decorah, this is the longest established, since 1953. It probably introduced that foreign dish to the local predominantly Norwegian population. We arrived Justus before the dinner hour, luckily, as it filled very quickly. A real treat for my wife was gluten free pizza, hard to find elsewhere in the country. She had their house special with pepperoni, sausage and lots of veggies. I had the lasagna, a very tasty layering of noodles, sauce and meat. I like their sauce, which was slightly sweeter than many other tomato sauces. Other items on the menu looked equally as good. Well recommended by me and others based on its overall ranking in town.

7. Java John's

400 W Water St, Decorah, IA 52101-1732 Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible Cafe, American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner +1 563-382-5690
Excellent
60%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 49 reviews

Java John's

Reviewed By Illinois1 - Illinois City, Illinois

Every trip to Decorah includes several visits to Java Johns. The best coffee in town; great, friendly service. The baked oatmeal is perfect. My favorite is the maple pecan. This visit, I tried the breakfast sandwich on savory biscuit. It comes with ham and egg and cheese, but I had without ham. Served with grapes and apple slices. Very reasonable. Paired with a strong cup of coffee - this beats any other place for a light breakfast. It is like sitting in someone's living room. Love the local music in the evenings. Love everything about this place. Wonderful owner Doug and manager Christopher, as well!

8. Sugar Bowl

410 W Water St, Decorah, IA 52101-1732 Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible American +1 563-379-9754
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 40 reviews

Sugar Bowl

Welcome to our unique locally-owned ice cream shop! We serve hand-dipped ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes and Pepsi products. Choose from over 24+ premium ice cream flavors including options for those with dairy, peanut, gluten and no sugar added allergies and sensitivities. We offer dishes, cake cones, waffle cones & bowls. Want to fancy up your dish of choice? Choose from 15 toppings (can someone say hot fudge, sprinkles or cherries...well AND cherries?!) and countless combinations to create your own shake or sundae. Not much of a creative? Choose from our hand-crafted specialty options created, tested and tried by the very crew behind the counter.<br><br>Currently closed for the season. Reopening early Spring 2018. Date TBD based on snow storms, ice, sunshine and rainbows. We can&apos;t wait to see you soon!

Reviewed By Hurry72 - Decorah, Iowa

The Sugar Bowl is such a special treat for Decorah! Not only is the ice cream delicious, Craig is fun and friendly! The decor is also a ton of fun! Be sure to check out the upstairs patio!

9. T-Bock's Sports Bar and Grill

206 W Water St, Decorah, IA 52101-1728 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Bar, Pub Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Late Night +1 563-382-5970
Excellent
37%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 142 reviews

T-Bock's Sports Bar and Grill

Reviewed By Chuck G - Minneapolis, Minnesota

T-Bock's is a sports bar, plain and simple. While the beer selection might be good, the food is meh. Also be advised, T-Bock's does not serve spirits. Beer and boxed wine only. I believe the peanuts are free - a small consolation.

10. McCaffrey's Dolce Vita

2149 Twin Springs Rd, Decorah, IA 52101-7811 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Reservations, Full Bar Italian, Pizza, International, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +1 563-382-4723
Excellent
54%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
5%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 120 reviews

McCaffrey's Dolce Vita

Reviewed By RuthMitchell1949 - Inverness, Florida

This restaurant is a little off the beaten path but we had heard good things so decided to try it out. We were a bit disappointed. It has been billed as a really great Italian Restaurant...but we weren't impressed. My husbands spaghetti and meat sauce was very soupy....and he said he had a strange "twang" to it... My Chicken Parmesan was disappointing too...the marinara sauce was basically tomato sauce...no spices or anything...the chicken was slices of breast meat that must have been cooked after they were sliced because they were "crusty". Neither of us ate more than half of our meal...because it really wasn't enjoyable. I would not recommend this restaurant.

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