The Pedaler's Fork — Restaurant in Cedar Rapids

Foo-foo is nice once in a while, but this is a place with no such pretension and that's just fine. We need these. The food is a bonus.

We went for lunch. The waiter was a guy in a T-shirt and that made me feel good right away. It seemed like he was filling in but I'm okay with that because it's part of the charm of going to a place with good food and casual atmosphere. He didn't even use the condescending, "I'll be taking care of you" intro so common these days. I was grateful to realize I didn't accidentally step into a day-care center.

I ordered the french dip with rosemary fries and my wife did the same but with smoked brisket, onions and mushrooms. WOW.

I had forgotten how good a good french dip is and this one is spectacular. The hoagie was fresh, soft, and just crusty enough to soak up a real good au jus...and a perfect amount for finishing the sandwich. Not a drop left at the end. Oh, and I could tell it wasn't just beef broth.

The fries were something I've never had before. Dusted with rosemary. I considered the parmesan upsell, but decided against so I could fairly judge. They were a bit too crispy for me (I love the soggy ones) if that's possible, but were hot enough to notice they weren't sitting under a warming lamp at all so I let it go. Good choice. The rosemary added...something. Not sure what, but I didn't touch the ketchup provided at the table or ask for "ranch" or anything else to dip them. There's no need.

My wife ordered the Triple Chocolate Cheesecake provided locally by The Cheesecake Lady (separate local business). I'm a massive fan of her standard New York Cheesecake and it's perfect...I consider any other flavor of hers to be akin to pollution. I'm a traditionalist. Still, my wife could only handle 3 bites and there was some in our refrigerator as of last night.

There was.

I've worried about local restaurants for the past 4 years, but please don't let this one go away....

This location used to be the Broken Spoke which was well known for its vast selection of beers on tap. A fire closed the location, but fortunately for locals, they were able to rebrand and reopen as Pedaler’s Fork. The fire was a blessing in disguise, giving the location a much-needed face-lift. The space is brighter, more open, and has an industrial vibe. It allowed them to expand to add an additional “storefront” to their overall space. They also expanded the bar space, which allows for more seating.

If you’re looking to get your craft beer on, this is a great place to go.

As for food, a few simple refinements will kick it up a notch. The food is good - I ordered the pesto chicken salad. The chicken is well seasoned and flavorful. I’d recommend tossing the salad before plating - all the dressing sinks to the bottom. Because the salad portions are heaping, it makes it tough to stir without dumping leaves on the table. I’d also recommend hitting it with some salt before serving - it takes the flavors and elevates it beyond the “bland salad” vibes most people associate with a veggie-heavy dish. I will say I loved the proportion of cheese on this salad - I prefer a light sprinkling instead of a dumping of cheese on my salad. This was the perfect amount of feta.

The cheese curds could use some help. They’re lackluster in breading and flavor. The teriyaki tacos are delighipus - not too spicy. The cotija cheese is a perfect touch. The only recommendation here would be to shred the chicken instead of cubing for easier eating (chunks of taco won’t fall out & will allow for better flavor distribution throughout).

Will definitely be coming back to try more things on the menu, but overall, happy with the improvements and excited to watch this place...

Several things were problematic with our first visit here. The website said to call ahead for parties of 8 or more. We did and they don't accept same day reservations. So we show up and wait for a table for around 30 minutes before deciding to split our party up. They are filling their only long table with parties of 4 with space in between when they had open tables which seems unwise, especially on a Sunday when they offer brunch. Why wouldn't you expect larger parties coming from church?

All of the tables are insanely close together. You can hear 3 tables talk at the same time and the severs have to weave in and out of the tables to get people their food and drinks. Awful atmosphere that makes you feel like someone is pushing into your back every few minutes.

My wife and I ordered the brisket burger. The sautéed jalapeños were microwaved at best, but more than likely raw. The brisket was gamey but edible. My coleslaw was sickeningly sweet and loaded with fennel. Pretty disappointing for 18 dollars. My wife's fries were unlike anything I've ever had. They were chewey and cold. I have no idea how waffle fries can be chewy. It legitimately took 30 seconds a fry to eat.

They have a ton of high tops and only one highchair for children.

I understand it's a bar but take a play out of Granite City's book and push some tables together in preparation for a Sunday brunch buffet, especially when you are asking for...