"The Rusty Duck", Dexter, IA. About 40 minutes west of Des Moines just north of I80.
- Outstanding burgers and mouth watering steak de burgo (rib eye)
- Great sides
- Be patient. Place is small and gets busy fast at dinner time. The owner, Brad, is great to have a drink with, and doesn't stand for rude or needy clientelle.
"The Dairy Sweet", Dunlap, IA. About 25 minutes east of the Loess Hills in Western, IA.
- Tasty burgers, fries, cheese curds, and creative ice cream (Twin Bing and homemade cookie dough blizzards!)
The original "Quincy's" in Leadville, CO.
- Whenever I'm within a hundred miles or so, I make a point to head up to Leadville to eat at Quincy's.
- Outstanding filet and prime rib
- Homemade desserts
- Great prices!
- Unique location and cool history
One to avoid that used to be very high on my list. "The Winchester" in Buffalo, WY. 20 years ago it was our go-to place when in the area. We stopped at the end of 8 day hunt in the Big Horns in the fall of '22, and it was mediocre at best. The place has changed owners several times in the last 10 years or so and has lost it's charm and outstanding food. I may try it again for nostalgia next time we're over there, but I will keep my expectations low.
A couple spots we like in Ft. Collins, CO.
- "La Creperie & French Bakery" has a great breakfast menu and their baked goods are out of this world
- "The Still Whiskey Steaks" has very good steak dinners, and our favorite appetizer is the "Meat Pile". They also have an excellent selection of mid-high end bourbon and will sell you entire bottles.