The Farm Progress Show is in full swing through Thursday, August 29, which means thousands of agriculture enthusiasts and farmers are looking for a place to eat.
Luckily, the city of Boone is just a few miles west of the Central Iowa Expo and offers a wide variety of cuisine. From Mexican food to barbecue, Boone County residents know good food when they see it.
Here is a list of some of the best restaurants in the area:
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Location: Highway 17, Luther
Just a few miles south on Highway 17, Whatcha Smokin, one of Central Iowa’s finest barbecue joints, is nestled in the small rural town of Luther. The award-winning eatery features two spacious rooms and a spacious outdoor patio.
Although the restaurant is known for its various smoked meats, be sure to try the cheesy potatoes or juicy cornbread as a side dish. Don’t forget to wash down the delicious BBQ with one of Whatcha Smokin”s many craft beer offerings.
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Location: South Story Street, Boone
The city of Boone offers a handful of restaurants on the south edge of town, making it easy to get in and out of town from Highway 30. La Carreta is one of two delicious Mexican restaurants in Boone. Located right on Story Street, it offers a secret homemade hot sauce and several authentic dishes.
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Location: S. Marshall Street, Boone
Located a few blocks from Story Street, but in a prime location with easy access to the freeway, Colorado Grill serves up all your favorite dishes, including pasta, burgers, salads, sandwiches, and steaks. Colorado Grill also offers several craft beers.
Location: Keeler Street, Boone
Boone’s newest Mexican offering may be their most authentic. With tasty homemade salsa and huge portions of fajitas, El Viejo is a can’t-miss spot in the heart of downtown.
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Location: Story Street, Boone
Jimmy’s has long been a Boone staple, offering some of the best smoked turkey and smoked ham in central Iowa. The BBQ restaurant has a hometown and rural Iowa feel thanks to its downtown location and cowboy ranch-style interior. With chips, pickles, and delicious lemonade on the side, Jimmy’s is hard to beat.
Location: W. Maime Eisenhower Ave., Boone
If you’re looking for the comfort of a dive bar, look no further than Adobe Lounge on the western edge of Boone on Mamie Eisenhower Avenue. Adobe specializes in two things: cold beer and hot, made-to-order pizza. Try the pepperoni, you won’t regret it.
Location: E. Maime Eisenhower Ave., Boone
Another iconic bar and grill, Toby K’s Hideaway is located on the east side of Boone, a few miles from the Farm Progress site on Mamie Eisenhower. Affectionately known to locals as “The Hide,” this long-standing establishment offers bar fare as well as delicious fried sides and plenty of cold, local beer. Toby K’s is busy on Saturdays, as they often stream the local Boone Speedway races.
Location: Story Street, Boone
Open for breakfast and lunch, the Whistle Stop in north Boone is one of the town’s hidden gems (to outsiders). Cross the railroad tracks (an endearing Boone feature) and you’ll be transported back to simpler days when the local eatery not only offered the best comfort food but also served as a place for local gossip. The Whistle Stop’s pancakes are iconic, and the cheeseburgers, fries and giant fried fillets are staples, too.
Fast food options
Boone also offers plenty of fast food options. You can get your fill at Dairy Queen, McDonald’s, Domino’s, Pizza Ranch, Taco Bell and Casey’s, all within a few miles of the Farm Progress Show.
