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Full rack of BBQ grilled pork spare ribs on a marble board

Shortlist: Eight Restaurants In Creston (Iowa) That Locals Love!

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A small town with a big heart and palpable community spirit, the people of Creston, Iowa know how to make and serve some fantastic food.

From steakhouses and cafes, to bars, pubs and calming Chinese eateries, Creston has a fabulous and diverse mix of culinary delights.

So, whether you’re meeting friends for drinks or meeting the family over brunch, or even if you’re just looking for a nice romantic date night place, we’ve got you covered. Just scroll through our list of favorite restaurants in Creston and take your pick!

Chef cooking in kitchen
Photo for illustrative purposes only: Unsplash+

The Best Restaurants In Creston: Food Worth Waiting For!

1. A&G Restaurant and Lounge

Family-friendly restaurant that’s been a part of the community since 1973, serving traditional bar food and American favorites in a lively atmosphere!

This establishment has been a member of the Creston community since 1973, making it an iconic part of the town’s history. Even though the administration has changed over time, the place, its values, and flavors all remain the same, making it easily one of the best restaurants in Creston, Iowa.

So, if you’re passing through town or visiting and looking for a place to eat, A&G Restaurant and Lounge should be on the very top of your list, as it is ours!

The vibe of the place speaks for itself; not only does it have a bar and plenty of beer to make any night a celebration, but it also has multiple pool tables and enough tables to sit the entire town down.

Due to its popularity with locals and tourists alike, the place can get crowded, but it’s an awesome eatery to go to if you want to see the locals party it up. Head on over if you’re bored any day of the week and the place will surely brighten your spirits.

They have a wide array of traditional bar and pub food including mouthwatering pizzas and mindblowing burgers. However, what sets them apart is how they have snack options too, knowing that people might just stop by for a drink. So they have small sharable plate options to just nibble on while you enjoy a cold one. Plus, they even have a separate kids’ menu making ordering for your little ones, a breeze!

If you’re interested in checking the place out, keep in mind that they’re open Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm and from 4 pm to 9 pm. They’re closed on Sunday though, so plan accordingly!

Address: 211 W Adams St, Creston, IA.

Beer and burger display
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/NatashaPhoto

2. Jade Garden

Authentic Chinese cuisine served in a traditionally decorated lounge with amazing service.

In our opinion having a great Chinese restaurant in a town automatically makes it one of the most interesting places to visit. Not only because of the bold flavors but also due to their amazing service.

So, if you’re looking for your weekly Kung Pao Chicken fix Jade Garden has you sorted, just drop by for lunch or dinner and prepare to enjoy!

The interior has a lot of Chinese elements like paintings, lanterns, and vases that proudly show off the owners’ cultural heritage. The space is also a bright, clean, and comforting place to be in, and the staff showers you with attention and hospitality. It’s a restaurant that puts you in a relaxing and calm mood, just up until the food comes! After that, you’ll be too busy enjoying the rich flavors and tempting aromas to worry too much about anything else.

Their buffet is usually the crowd puller, full of exotic rice, chicken, pork, and beef delicacies – it’s something that the locals highly recommend so if you want to try it, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Apart from that, if you aren’t into an all-you-can-eat buffet, then you can order from their menu too. The best things to get from that are their Sweet & Sour Chicken, Chicken with Cashew Nuts, Szechuan Pork, and Beef with Broccoli. But they do have a very comprehensive menu so if you feel like experimenting then this is the perfect place to do it.

Jade Garden is closed on Mondays, so make sure you don’t plan anything for then. It is open from Tuesday to Thursday 11 am to 9 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, it’s open from 11 am to 10 pm and on Sundays, it opens from 11:30 am to 9 pm.

Address: 315 West Adams Street, Creston, IA.

3. Spencer’s Chophouse & Tavern

A steakhouse serving quality meat and arguably the best dessert in town, in a Western themed restaurant with superb staff.

If you’ve been dreaming of having the perfect steak then Spencer’s Chophouse & Tavern is going to be your best bet in Creston.

A locally owned and operated steakhouse that makes meat taste spectacular, this is one of the most popular restaurants in Creston, Iowa, and has the support of young and old in town since its opening.

Decorated in a traditional steakhouse fashion with bullhorns, saddles, and other elements of the Western theme, the interior is absolutely delightful. It puts you in the right mood for food, and of course, meat specifically. Plus, there are plenty of televisions around so if you want to catch a game over a beer while you wait for your food, there’s plenty of time to enjoy both while you’re at Spencer’s.

As for the food, their Sirloin steak, Prime Ribs, and New York Strip are some of the most hotly demanded items on the menu.

Apart from that, they have arguably one of the best desserts in all of Creston: Their Oatmeal Pie and Cinnamon Ice-cream. People travel from all over the state to come and have some of that and this place is known for it, so make sure you save enough space to try at least a helping of that.

Spencer’s Chophouse & Tavern is closed on Sundays and Mondays. It’s open Tuesday to Wednesday from 5 pm to 9 pm. On Friday and Saturday, it opens from 4 pm to 10 pm. Making it a great dinner place to end your day at.

Address: 119 N. Walnut Creston, IA.

Full rack of BBQ grilled pork spare ribs on a marble board
Photo for illustrative purposes only (iStock.com/Vladimir Mironov)

4. Beggin’ for an Eggin’

Newly opened breakfast place that serves breakfast goodies all day, made from the freshest locally sourced ingredients with drive-thru and takeout options available.

If you aren’t a morning person and wake up ‘hangry’ then we have the perfect cure for you: One of the best breakfast restaurants in Creston, Iowa! Beggin’ for an Eggin’ is bound to turn you into a morning person after you taste their delicious breakfast. Also, the best part is you can have breakfast all day here, so if it’s your favorite meal, you don’t even need to wake up early to enjoy it!

The interior of the place is simple and clean and has been recently renovated. The pop of color added by their high chairs that face the bar adds some color to an otherwise black and white themed décor. Their merch is popular with the locals and worth getting if they have some on display, not just to remember the place by, but also so you can wear it around town and feel proud to be local for a day!

The breakfast is full of all your usual favorites. From omelets to pancakes and everything in between. They use locally sourced igredients that are fresh and of superior quality. They don’t even use prechopped vegetables and prefer buying them and chopping them up themselves. So everything you try will have great ingredients and in turn, will taste absolutely divine. Who said breakfast has to be greasy and unhealthy? Beggin’ for an Eggin’ proves otherwise.

This eatery is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm and on Sundays from 11 am to 3 pm for its special brunch menu. They also have a drive-thru window and takeout option if you want the same good food but want to enjoy it at home.

Address: 509 W Taylor St STE C, Creston, IA.

Pancakes with banana, walnut and caramel.
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Lilechka75

5. Creston Family Restaurant

A family diner like no other! Serving a wide range of American favorites in an upbeat environment with exceptional service.

 A trip to Creston is incomplete if you haven’t been to Creston Family Restaurant, it’s that deeply embedded in the local culture and fabric. If you really want to get a chance to mingle with the locals and understand what the town is all about, then head on over to this eatery and feel like you’re a part of the gang!

The décor is lovely; a modern take on a traditional diner. Choose between booth style or table style seating in an open seating plan adjacent to large bay windows that let in the sun, perfect for days when the weather’s nice and you want to just bask in the warmth.

The serving staff and owners are a wonderful bunch of people too, and they add that extra special love and attention that’s only available in small-town, family-owned restaurants.

The food is delicious as well. Their age-old recipes make everything taste nostalgic, and each bite makes you crave more. Expect classics like meatloaf, burgers, sandwiches and great breakfast options.

They have daily specials from which you can choose what you want every day, so depending on what day you’re going the menu will vary but because they make everything from scratch, no matter which day or time you end up going, everything will taste like heaven, rest assured!

Creston Family Restaurant is open every day of the week! They are open from 6 am to 10 pm daily, apart from special holidays, in which case you’ll have to call and ask them about their timings.

Address: 802 W Taylor St, Creston, IA.

Burgers on board display
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/karandaev

6. Adams Street Espresso

The best café in town, serving the most delectable coffee, and exquisite food in a warm and welcoming environment.

For all the coffee lovers visiting or passing through town, this place will be godsend. With amazing coffees, a great ambiance, and that delicious aroma of coffee wafting through the air, Adams Street Espresso is truly one of the best restaurants in Creston and an unmissable attraction in any coffee connoisseur’s list of places to visit in town.

The interior is truly wonderful too! Inviting, comforting, and cozy, their red chairs and stools pop against the wooden tables and furnishings. Choose between sitting at the bar or at the tables, the service does not discriminate. There’s also merch and other locally made gifts to buy or appreciate. Everything about the place is just unique and the owners make it even better with their smiles and genuine warmth.

Their shakes and breakfast bagels are amongst the most popular menu items so make sure to grab some whenever you go. Plus, their coffee is amazing, especially their Americano and lattes so those should also be on your must-have list.

Asking the server for the day’s specials is also a great idea because they usually have a variety of freshly baked goods that you can get if you’re in time for them. They usually sell out of those because of their high demand, but hey, being one of the most frequented places in town makes these things bound to happen.

Adams Street Espresso is open Tuesday to Friday 6:30 am to 2:30 pm. It’s also open on Saturday from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm. They change their days and time seasonally, so it’s always a good idea to call ahead and ask them if they’re open.

Address: 213 W Adams Street Creston, IA

cafe coffee and food selection
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Alisa Korolevskaya

7. The Lobby

Popular local bar with huge servings, amazing food, unique drinks and live music. Outdoor seating is available!

Since 2011, this bar and beer garden has captured the attention of all the young folk in Creston. It has transformed into a fun hangout for young people in the community, with live music, amazing food, and plenty of beverage options.

So, if you’re looking for a fun evening out with friends or for date night, The Lobby should definitely be the place you end up at.

The vibe of the place, as well as the aesthetic, goes with the theme of fun and celebration. With exposed brick walls lots of seating and great lighting, it’s truly a great interior they have going on.

The stage and outdoor seating add more unique spots to it and make it perfect for night or day, cold or hot. Weather and time doesn’t play a big role because of the massive space that they have. Whatever it is, they can cater to people’s needs just fine.

Their menu is pretty standard for what you’d expect at a bar of this kind, however, they put their little quirky twist on everything making for some exciting menu items.

This is especially true for their drinks menu which has a wide variety of beers, ale, wine, whiskey, cocktails and mocktails. They also have local vodka made in Iowa! So, if you want to sip the town’s innovation, then this is the right place to come to.

The Lobby is open every day of the week but at different times. On Sunday it’s open from 11 am to 2 pm and on Monday through Saturday it’s open from 2 pm to 2 am. Making it the perfect late-night getaway to experience the town’s nightlife at what has to be one of the most fun restaurants in Creston, Iowa!

Address: 301 W Adams St, Creston, IA.

two cocktails on a bar
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Alessandro Biascioli

8. Willy’s Bar & Grill

Family-friendly neighborhood grill serving all American favorites in a modern and new interior with professional service. Outdoor seating is available.

We saved one of the best for last! Willy’s Bar & Grill is a recent addition to Creston’s culinary scene, but that hasn’t stopped it from becoming super popular really quickly.

With the most delicious options to choose from and a great new atmosphere to hang out in, Willy’s adds just what was needed to the community: A new place to call home.

With lots of fascinating pictures of food on the walls, wooden floors, and new tables and chairs, everything about the place is modern and clean. Making it the ideal atmosphere to enjoy a family lunch or dinner.

With an added outdoor option to have your meal alfresco, what’s there not to love? The staff are also really helpful and hospitable making you feel like a regular, even if you’re not. So, whatever the occasion or day may be, heading over to Willy’s Bar & Grill is just a great idea.

Their Braided Pretzels, Blackened Chicken Salad, and burgers are amongst the most sought-after food items, so make sure you order those to taste their best.

Apart from this they have daily specials handwritten on a blackboard also, so go through those to find out what’s cooking fresh for that day. You never know, you might accidentally find your new favorite meal!

Willy’s Bar & Grill is open every day of the week. Monday to Friday it’s open from 11 am to 11 pm. On Saturdays, it’s open from 9 am to 11 pm and on Sundays, it’s open from 9 am to 9 pm. Making it a perfect lunch or dinner venue for the entire family.

Address: 809 S Pine St, Creston, IA

The Best Restaurants In Creston: Final Thoughts

That’s it from our side, guys! All our favorite restaurants in Creston compiled in one handy list.

So, whether you plan on staying for multiple meals or just one, you’ll know where to go and how to get there!

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