food drink &
While small businesses throughout the country have struggled since the onset of the global pandemic, it is the restaurant industry who seems to have taken the brunt of the hit. With the continual variation of rules and regulations, they have had to roll with the punches to keep their doors open. Many have added delivery options, as well as online ordering and the opportunity for contactless pickup. Through it all, the many restaurants of Clear Lake have powered through, adjusting to the guidelines set in place by the State of Iowa to ensure the safety of both their patrons and staff. They have done everything in their power to make your dining experience a pleasant one and look forward to serving their many seasonal visitors and guests to the Lake! This guide shows a comprehensive listing of the many options for dining in Clear Lake during your visit. And remember, you can always order take-out to enjoy your meal at home!
BENNIGAN’S GRILL & TAVERN
This high-energy restaurant and tavern has a sleek new look to go along with their innovative menu, which incorporates chef-driven food with Emerald Isle favorites, such as the Turkey O’Toole, savory “Oh Baby” back ribs and world famous Monte Cristo.
COOKIES, ETC CASEY’S PIZZA & DELI
CAVU PATRIOT WINGS
202 Highway 18 W • (641) 357-1693 • caseys.com Casey’s isn’t just a gas station and convenience store, it’s the fifth largest pizza chain in the U.S.! Try a taco pizza, or their satisfying breakfast pizza. The stores also offer made-to-order sub sandwiches, freshly baked donuts, pastas, soft-serve ice cream and more.
DISTRICT ROCK ‘N ROLL GRILL
9184 265th Street • (641) 357-9464 pwcavu.com Arrive by land or by air, CAVU is the ultimate morning, noon and nighttime dining destination for locals and travelers alike!
GE-JO’S BY THE LAKE
619 Buddy Holly Place • (641) 357-1222 surfdistrictgrill.com
12 North 3rd Street • (641) 357-8288 gejosbythelake.com
The District Rock ‘n Roll Grill was created to offer a UNIQUE Clear Lake dining experience that ROCKS!
Handmade specialties prepared the old-world way with family recipes that have been handed down for generations! GeJo’s is famous for their hand-stretched, made or order pizza, authentic pasta dishes and 18-ounce Italian margaritas. Dine on the patio overlooking city park and the lake, and enjoy a variety of homemade sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes or mouthwatering pizza.
8
2023 7th Avenue North • (641) 357-2366 bennigans.com
Launched in 2002, this western-styled coffee shop’s motto is “Just Be Happy and Have Fun!” Stock up on fresh roasted coffee to brew at home or grab a latte for the road. The menu is as fresh as the coffee, with bakery items and healthy lunch favorites. If daily features and rotating menu items don’t draw you in off the sidewalk, the aroma will!
217 Main Avenue • (641) 357-1060 cookies-etc.com These warm-from-the-oven cookies made from family recipes are legendary. The giant cookies are baked fresh all day and will wow you with seven different flavors. Try the ice cream sandwich, a generous scoop of ice cream nestled between two huge homemade cookies, and enjoy malts, sundaes and generous ice cream cones. Order cookies to be shipped nationwide for friends, family and clients. Cookies, etc., home of the cookie ATM, is a must stop in Clear Lake!
HALF MOON INN
CABIN COFFEE COMPANY
303 Main Avenue • (641) 357-6500 cabincoffeecompany.com
701 Buddy Holly Place • (641) 357-9339 A family operation since it opened in 1972, the relaxed atmosphere of this steakhouse is where the locals go for a great meal. Steaks, fish, chops, ribs and more are prepared to order in this Quonset hut. The food is fresh and portions are generous, like the pile of food on the combination platter and their homemade ranch dressing. Be sure to try the crispy hash browns. Cocktail hour specials from 4:30-6:00 pm
CULVER’S OF CLEAR LAKE
1204 North 25th Street • (641) 357-0757 culvers.com Using fresh, never frozen 100 percent Midwest beef, the signature ButterBurgers are seared to perfection and served on a lightly buttered toasted bun. Frozen custard is made fresh in the store throughout the day, using real Wisconsin dairy, cold-pressed vanilla and Dutch-blend chocolate. Try the Flavor of the Day!
K&B EMPORIUM & ANNA’S BALLROOM
8 North 4th Street • (641) 357-4047 kandbemporiumandannas.com Anna’s Ballroom features fine dining using ROK Service, where you cook your meal on a hot stone. They have handcrafted weekly drink specials and a seasonal patio. Café options are available on their lower level; including sandwiches, ice cream, baked goods and more. The retail wine cellar is open with the same hours as the café.
clearlakeiowa.com
