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12 minute read
WHAT TO EAT
What to Eat clearlakeiowa.com/what-to-eat
173° Distillery
306 1st Avenue North • (641) 357-1733 173craftdistillery.com 173° Craft Distillery uses knowledge passed along through 3 generations of chemists to combine the science of distilling with the art of blending to bring you a unique take on spirits. So sit back, relax and take in the lake and city park views from the rooftop lounge while enjoying a beverage and bite to eat.
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The Boulevard
1311 Bayou Road theblvrd.com The Boulevard Bar and Grill serves American cuisine with variety of drinks. A bar and grill that you can watch your favorite sports team play and feel like you haven’t left home, or if you’re feeling like playing pool in an elegant environment this is the place for you!
Charlie’s Soda Fountain
2 North 4th Street • (952) 457-4572 facebook.com/CharliesSodaFountain Satisfy your sweet tooth with a stop to this oldfashioned soda fountain. This newly renovated building brings a bit of nostalgia to Clear Lake offering old favorites like a Phosphate or the Mudd. Stop in to enjoy a soda, soft-serve ice cream, malt, or a sundae. Their menu has something for everyone! Avion Azul
9184 265th Street • (641) 357-2626 avionazul.com A family-owned Mexican restaurant located inside the Mason City Airport, they provide a modern Mexican feel with fresh ingredients, craft margaritas, and table-side guacamole! It’s the perfect place for an intimate date night, or to gather with friends. Come for the delicious food – stay for the incredible view!
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Cabin Coffee Company
303 Main Avenue • (641) 357-6500 cabincoffeecompany.com Launched in 2002, this western-styled coffee shop’s motto is “Everything’s Better at the Cabin.” 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!
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Cookies, etc
217 Main Avenue • (641) 357-1060 cookies-etc.com • We ship nationwide 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. For a cool treat, try our ice cream sandwiches, shakes, malts, sundaes & generous ice cream cones. Cookies, etc, home of the cookie ATM is a must stop in Clear Lake. Bennigan’s Grill & Tavern
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2023 7th Avenue North • (641) 357-2366 bennigans.com 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.
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Cancûn by the Lake
14 North 3rd Street • (641) 357-6010 facebook.com/cancunbythelake Cancun by the Lake specializes in margaritas, fajitas, burritos, tacos, salads, seafood dishes and much more! Oh, and did we mention the bottomless chips and fresh-made salsa? Located across from City Park, they are open 7 days a week to enjoy lunch & dinner with a lake view. Take-out also available.
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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!
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The Daily Grind
115 North 20th Street • (641) 355-4614 thedailygrindcl.com We offer a wide variety of hot and iced drinks, and we also provide savory and sweet food options. So whether you’re stopping for your morning coffee, lunch, or an afternoon snack, we’ve got you covered! Located inside Clear Lake Athletics & Wellness Center; open to the public (no membership required).
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Half Moon Inn
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.
The Legacy Grill
619 Buddy Holly Place • (641) 357-0619 legacygrillclearlake.com Located adjacent to the Surf Ballroom, The Legacy Grill features a fun and vibrant music-inspired atmosphere along with a diverse selection of American classics on their menu. Regular live music will be a treat for visiting patrons.
Ge-Jo’s by the Lake
12 North 3rd Street • (641) 357-8288 gejosbythelake.com Handmade specialties prepared the old-world way with family recipes that have been handed down for generations! Ge-Jo’s is famous for their handstretched made-to-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.
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Lakeside Landing
1603 South Shore Drive • (641) 323-5695 stayclearlake.com Conveniently located on the shores of Clear Lake and behind Lakeside Inn. The Landing is a large outdoor lakefront bar and grille with perfect views of the water. We offer a private dock to tie up your boat to stop by for great food, unique drinks, and an unbeatable atmosphere!
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The Lone Oak Bar & Grill
104 Weimer Street, Ventura • (641) 829-5000 facebook.com/loneoakbg Lone Oak Bar & Grill is a family run business that provides a homey atmosphere and delicious food. Our establishment is prided in quick and most importantly friendly service. We have a passion for making our customers happy and hope each person leaves with a satisfied experience! Denotes Clear Lake Chamber Member
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Gyro Place
300 Main Avenue • (641) 357-2525 gyroplacecl.com A local family-owned eatery big on authenticity. If you’re craving a gyro, burger or tacos, you can count on us to get your fix - prepared and served right. Bring the whole crew by soon and savor the simple things, like our made-to-order bites for everyone.
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Lake Time Brewery
801 Main Avenue • (641) 357-2040 laketimebrewery.com Creating beer snobs one pint at a time since its first pour in 2013, this brew pub has 10 specialty and seasonal local craft beers on tap at all times. The atmosphere is just what you’d expect in a lake town, relaxed and inviting, with an outdoor patio with bright Adirondack chairs when the weather allows. Sample a flight of brews, or try a pint of the local favorite, Sandy Bottoms.
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McDonald’s Restaurant
2 Plaza Drive • (641) 357-6502 mcdonalds.com The largest in Iowa since its 2013 renovation, this contemporary location offers free Wi-Fi, plasma TVs, a two-lane drive-through and a comfortable dining room to enjoy your favorites or relax with a McCafe menu item. Head to the golden arches for their signature french fries, Big Macs, sandwiches and desserts!
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Muskie Lounge
702 East Lake Street, Ventura • (641) 829-3850 Rich’s Muskie Lounge is a family owned and operated restaurant located on Clear Lake. Stop in for our fish fry, burgers, sandwiches and more. Or just stop by for a drink on the lake at our outdoor bar, open every weekend of the summer. Come as you are.
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PM Park & Tiki Bar
15297 Raney Drive • (641) 357-1991 pmpark.net Located on a sandy beach under mature oak trees, this hotspot is busy from sunrise to sunset. Serving breakfast every day, they are known for their “Everything Hash Browns” and whimsical menu, like the Shorebird sandwich. Dine inside the historic and charming restaurant, or settle in at one of the colorful picnic tables on the lakefront lawn.
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Seven’s Steakhouse
309 Main Avenue • (641) 357-0106 sevensrestaurantandsteakhouse.com This steakhouse doesn’t end at beef: almondcrusted walleye and pecan chicken are also local dinner favorites. Sit at one of our tall booths and enjoy a lunch with friends, or stop in for one of our hearty breakfasts. It also has daily features and nightly specials. NIP Fitness & Smoothie Bar
216 Highway 18 • (641) 357-1647 nipfitness.com Our smoothie bar is open to the public! Fruit smoothies are an excellent way to fuel your body with fresh fruit, vitamins and minerals your body needs. For pre-workout, post-workout, or when you are just driving by, we have a smoothie blend perfect for you and your tastebuds. We also offer delicious chicken rice bowls!
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Rookies Rockin’ Sports Bar
307 Main Avenue • (641) 357-4629 rookiesrockinsportsbar.com Pull up a stool at the huge two-sided bar or gather with your group at the front of the bar and socialize while you look out on Main Avenue. Another section has even more seating and three pool tables. Daily happy hour with food and drink specials and a jukebox plays your favorite hits every day and night.
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South Shore Donut Company
1205 South Shore Drive • (641) 357-8005 southshoredonutco.com Named Top Donut Shop in Iowa by the Sweetest Bakery in America Contest, you won’t want to miss this beachy shop that offers award-winning donuts! Their gourmet donuts are the perfect treat, follow them on Facebook and Instagram for new flavors and promotions! The Other Place
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200 Highway 18 West • (641) 357-8118 theotherplace.com Known for signature crisp pizzas with loads of fresh gooey cheese, this family friendly sports bar also offers oven-baked subs, Mexican specialties and Italian favorites. Their huge outdoor party deck with an exclusive menu is a summertime favorite. Check out their lunch specials, happy hour Monday-Friday and daily deals.
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Seven Stars Family Restaurant
2309 3rd Avenue South • (641) 231-8026 This down home eatery features satisfying comfort foods in a cozy café. Serving breakfast all day, they are famous for their “Country Hash Browns” grilled with bacon, diced ham, onions and peppers and topped with American cheese. Hearty entrees that stick to your ribs are joined by a variety of sandwiches, salads and seafood to round out the menu. Check the board for their daily specials and pies of the day.
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Starboard Market
310 Main Avenue • (641) 357-0660 facebook.com/starboardmarket With 25 signature sandwich recipes plus buildyour-own options, this deli is a destination in itself. The regionally famous hand-crafted soups have everyone trying to crack the recipes. The glass case is full of colorful salads and mile-high desserts made in-store daily. The scratch-made cookies and bars beckon you with their soft sweet chewiness. Daily features, boxed lunches and catering available.
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Subway
210 Highway 18 East • (641) 357-2442 subway.com Serving fresh, made-to-order sandwiches on freshly baked breads for a fast healthy meal. Daily specials and monthly featured menu items. Order online for fast and convenient pick up!
The Surfside
444 North Shore Drive • (641) 357-0444 surfsideclearlake.com Expect flavorful, well-plated dishes and a unique upscale coastal atmosphere. An outdoor seating area featuring a relaxing upper deck and lounge space is the perfect place to gather in the summer. Indoor, you’ll experience a relaxed tropical vibe with refreshing colors sprinkled with vintage décor. Couple the atmosphere with attentive service, honest hospitality and mouth watering dishes, and you’re sure to have an unforgettable dining experience!
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TAP’d
313 Main Avenue • (641) 357-8273 tapdclearlake.com 24 of Iowa’s Best Craft Beers on Tap! Enjoy the rotating selection of craft beer, along with signature cocktails and a full bar. The newest cocktail lounge at the lake, Tap’d is the perfect place for your next night out! Sunset Sharky’s Pub & Grub
12 South Shore Drive • (641) 357-4275 sunsetsharkys.com A fun pub in Clear Lake with a relaxed atmosphere to meet friends & family and enjoy the view of the lake from their outdoor tiki bar with an ice cold drink and a BITE to eat! Sharky’s brings the tropics to Iowa with a Margaritaville feel and state of mind of being on vacation. Make this place your watering hole home away from home. Meet Sully the Shark and enjoy live music on the weekends, plus special events!
Taco John’s
2905 4th Avenue South • (641) 357-0900 tacojohns.com Serving craveable food with real ingredients fused with bold Mexican flavors dubbed “West-Mex,” they’re famous for Potato Ole’s, tacos and burritos. Always adding new flavors, like the TJ Baja Boneless Wings, they’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.
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Veterans of Foreign Wars
219 Main Avenue • (641) 357-7964 Not your grandpa’s VFW, the bar nicknamed “The Bunker” offers happy hour daily 4-7 p.m. Every Sunday enjoy your choice of their House Made Bloody Mary, Screwed up Screwdriver, Mimosas or Margarita on the rocks for $4 served in a pint glass! Weekly Taco night every Thursday from 5-7 makes this a downtown hotspot welcoming young and old. Arby’s 1212 North 24th Street • (641) 357-3462 El Loro 1205 N 25th St • (641) 357-3045 Holy Apples Orchard 10 North 6th Street • (641) 357-4004 Papa Everett’s Pizza 910 US Hwy 18 East • (641) 357-4040 Perkins Restaurant & Bakery 1207 North 25th Street • (641) 357-7558 Rumorz 1210 South Shore Drive • (641) 357-1035 Scooters Coffee 1903 US Hwy 18 East • (641) 210-6404 Shao Ting Guo 200 7th Avenue North • (641) 357-1683 South Shore Sweet Spot 5269 South Shore Drive •(641) 357-9338 Viking Drive In 3 South Main Street, Ventura • (641) 829-3514 Wendy’s 1302 North 24th Street • (641) 357-0811 Wildfire 2 West Lake Street, Ventura
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