Whistle Stop Cafe — Restaurant in Boone

On August 20th my buddy and I were visiting Boone and this was a local recommendation. Unknowingly we walked in this quaint, roughly 30 seat diner 5 minutes before they closed. When we realized, we said we’d leave and not trouble them, however the owner and our server Sherri insisted we stay, as everyone else finished and left before 2:00pm. We both had cheeseburgers with everything and fries. The burger had a perfect, juicy cook, dressed with all the fixins’. The fries are a midway between a standard fry and a shoestring-crisp, salted perfectly. To top off the visit, Sherri sang Freddy Fender’s Wasted Days and Wasted Nights, and we felt like we were in a family member’s kitchen, not a joint we walked into 5 minutes before closing.

The next day on the 21st I brought my wife and sister-in-law back from Grimes and they had cheeseburgers and I had to try the tenderloin. Hands down the best seasoned and perfectly breaded one I’ve ever had. They hand pound and bread the loin to really, perfection.

While I was marveling and mouth watering over the menu, Sherri brought me a sample of their homemade gravy with roast beef, then returned with a sample of their scratch mashed potatoes.

If you have a sweet tooth, they have a variety of pies made by a sweet elderly lady who uses real lard in her pie crusts. We split a peach pie that was divine, for real. I am in my 50’s and it took me straight back to my grandmother’s kitchen as a boy.

This place is full of sincere good ol’ small town hospitality and the very best in eats. Good luck deciding when you...

Just wrapped up lunch and had to write this. Came in off the street, I’m an outside sales rep on a Friday at 12:30pm for some lunch. I came in seated myself and was asked what to drink immediately, which is great. I ordered a coke, then asked what was the lunch special for today and was told baked cod with red potatoes. I ordered it and that was that. Immediately an employee started to go on about how customers have been rude all day. The same employee brought out a plate of what appeared to be left over food and put in front of a customer sitting next to me. She then clearly stated, is this your plate, to the customer next me. The customer stated no, the employee stated, good this is not very good. Then proceeded to give it to me and say here’s your plate. I looked at her and she just walked off complaining about rude customers. I went to take a picture of this plate but every one of the employees were staring at me so I chose not too. They all looked angry, I got up paid for the food and left. I drove around the corner and wrote this review. I couldn’t believe I was just treated this way. I didn’t want any problems, I was on a lunch break and had to get...

Perfect.

Arrived at 10:30 on a Saturdays morning. Wonderful throw back diner. I was smiling the second I walked through the door.

Big wrap around bar seating and a few booths. Pastry display in the middle. Mismatched funny coffee mugs. Open sight line to the kitchen. Menu boards and specials located on the walls throughout. Glass Heinz ketchup bottles! When is the last time you enjoyed that?

I had a #4 which was eggs, hashbrowns, toast, and choice of meat. Also ordered a Coke. The food was PERFECT for me. Exactly how I ordered it.

All the servers friendly and efficient. It was packed when I arrived and I didn't see anyone miss a beat. Coffee being refilled, tables turned quickly, pleasant banter, everyone working together like clock work. Beautiful.

This place is a GEM! Locally owned by the same owner since 1998. A quick shot north of Des Moines, just a few miles from Ames.

Oh yeah- my bill was under $13. No typo! Under $13!!!! I gave the gal $20 and left happy as can be. Every dish I saw leaving the kitchen looked delicious. Can't wait to share this place with family...