Our summer Road Trips take us all over the Heartland…and some days I have no idea where we’ll end up. (That’s the beauty of being retired!) But recently I had no idea that a day trip to Des Moines would land us at the Home Town Cafe in Millersburg Iowa when dinnertime rolled around!
You see, summer for us revolves around our grandkids. Sometimes it’s a quick tip to Indy to see our grandgirls…
And sometimes it’s weekends and day trips to watch our Iowa brood on the baseball or softball diamonds. And THIS day was all about our “Middle Bro” grandson and his baseball State Tournament in Des Moines.
Now please allow this old grandma to brag just a bit. This little guy’s team won that three day tournament and is now ranked #1 in the whole state. And HE drove in the winning run to give them the state championship win…in extra innings! Wahhoooo!!!
So after a fun day at the ballpark we began our two hour Road Trip home. But after enduring a rush hour traffic jam in the metro area of Des Moines Peepaw asked me if I wanted to “take a road less traveled” and eat dinner in some small town in rural Iowa. And of course I said YES. So we ditched the freeway and headed home on some scenic Iowa country roads.
Summer in Iowa is a beautiful thing.
So come along for the ride and I’ll give you a glimpse of the Heartland!
I have no idea why I love old, weathered barns…but something about them speaks to me…
As those peaceful miles slipped away our thoughts turned to where we should stop for dinner. And Peepaw suggested a place we’ve eaten before. The Home Town Cafe in Millersburg.
Let me just say that Millersburg Iowa (Population 159) is simply “A wide place in the road” as my dad used to say.
And it’s towns like that where you can still find some “good eatin”…if you just know where to look.
It was a Friday night in that tiny town, and our server Randy told us to check out the All You Care To Eat buffet.
We started with a big plate of salad. And Randy was quick to tell us all the salads served at the Home Town Cafe are homemade. (The Pasta Salad was especially tasty.)
And even though it was a warm evening, I couldn’t resist the homemade Vegetable Beef Soup…especially when I found out the meat in that soup was actually sirloin steak! (Randy hand cuts all the steaks served at the restaurant, and he uses the trimmings in that delicious soup.) In fact I think that soup was my favorite part of my meal that night. DELICIOUS!
Then on to the Friday night entrees. From whole Catfish…
and Shrimp…
to fabulous fried Chicken…
And to round out my meal I sampled the Party Potato Casserole and a scoop of corn too.
The Home Town Cafe had it ALL.
We tried to “pace” ourselves to leave room for a bit of dessert too.
I chose those strawberries and whipped cream drizzled over cubes of pound cake.
And boy…was it good!
I just had to ask restaurant owner Steve to step out of the kitchen so we could think him in person for the delicious meal.
It’s people like owner/chef Steve and his brother Randy who keep these small town restaurants in business. And the Home Town Cafe is more than a restaurant and a bar.
It’s a meeting place for “locals” to gather and to stay connected in that tiny Iowa town.
Soon it was time to “hit the road” once again…
And I bet now you understand why “the road less traveled” is our first choice on a gorgeous Iowa evening.
Yes…that ribbon of concrete leads us to friendly folks and tasty places to eat at the wide places we find in that road.
John Mellencamp sang “Ain’t That America!”
And I say yes…it most certainly is.
Thanks for posting this!!! New place to road trip 🙂 Ma and Pa dining at it’s best!!!
Thanks Sue! It’s a beautiful drive on those back roads of Iowa…and you won’t be disappointed with the family style food and friendly folks at the Home Town Cafe. (And tell ’em Meemaw sent you!) 🙂
XOXO
Meemaw
I have eaten there several times and have had great food every time. The tenderloins are super. Service is friendly and efficient. I recommend a visit with a hefty apetite.
LOL Bob…I totally agree! An empty stomach is a necessity when heading to the Home Town Cafe! I’ll admit I am having a hard time trying to decide on Thursday night Steak Night or a Tenderloin on our next visit. But no matter which I chose you can bet I’ll share the details with all of you! Thanks again for your comment. (And a good old Iowa Tenderloin DOES sound good, doesn’t it?) 🙂
XOXO
Meemaw
Millersburg is my home town, I currently live in Norfolk VA. I love your amazing road less travelled story especially since the owner, Steve is my very own step father who helped raise me and my 2 sisters and younger brother, I miss the country side and very glad to see the pictures of my old stomping ground, I’m glad to hear hometown is the choice of many.
Awww…Thank you Nathan for sharing such kind words about your step dad! He has built a wonderful business in Millersburg and I love sharing stories about the small towns that dot the rural landscape of America. It’s people like your step dad who continue to turn their very own American dreams into reality…and I am proud to share those stories with all of my readers. And yes…a Road Trip to Millersburg is worth the drive…from almost anywhere!
XOXO
Meemaw
I grew up on a farm just a few miles South of Millersburg in the 60’s and 70’s. The Hometown Cafe was our Saturday evening family destination, the one meal out of the whole week my mom didn’t have to cook for us five kids. I remember having to stand on my tippy toes to play my dad in a game of pool.. The teenagers would tear up the streets and have drag races right down the middle of the main Street. Oh, the flashbacks to yesteryear! The Hometown has served up many fine meals over the years and provided a great socializing spot for the community!
What GREAT memories you have of the Home Town Cafe Bill! And how kind of you to share those memories with me…and with ALL of my Dear Readers! Thanks again. 🙂
XOXO
Meemaw
Thank you for for the great review. Also for stopping by to eat and visit.
You’re so very welcome Steve! I hope you’ve read the other reviews from your satisfied customers…and from your step son too. (What a wonderful tribute to YOU! His comment warmed my heart.) Thank YOU for working so hard to provide great food and a welcoming spot to gather for both locals and visitors! It’s places like yours that prove we live in the state known for being “Iowa Nice.” 🙂
(And next time? Either Thursday night Steak Night…or one of your famous Tenderloins!)
XOXO
Meemaw
Although I live in Oklahoma now, Millersburg was my hometown, and The Hometown Cafe was the place to be 20+ years ago!
Hello Kristie…and thanks so much for your comment! It sounds like not much has changed in Millersburg in the past 20 years…since the Home Town Cafe is STILL the place to be! Just rest assured when you return you’ll again be greeted by friendly folks and a great meal. Now THAT’S something worth coming HOME to! 🙂
XOXO
Meemaw
This article brings back many fon memories of Millersburg cafe
Aww…Thanks for your comment! It always warms my heart to hear from people who appreciate my writing! Thanks again! (And now I’m hungry for another trip to Millersburg myself!) 🙂
XOXO
Meemaw
Too bad the small town Mom & Pop diners are dying out. I’ve been through a lot of small towns just for that and have a hard time finding them.
I agree Linn. It’s a sad fact. But if you follow my blog I’ll introduce you to small town diners all across America! We ALWAYS choose “The Road Less Traveled” on our road trips. And I love to write about the great (and delicious!) little places we still find. Happy Travels…and thanks so much for taking the time to comment!
XOXO
Meemaw
HomeTown is the best! Don’t forget to have a fresh squeezed lemonade with or without a shot of vodka. Nothing like it around! Congratulations on such a thoughtful and deserving review! Millersburg, Steve/Randy and others are the best!
Thanks for your suggestion! Looks like we’ll have to make another trip to Millersburg to try that lemonade!
XOXO
Meemaw