Frontier Cafe — Restaurant in Grinnell

Once again, I failed to take a picture! A newbie error, no doubt. The restaurant in question is the Frontier Cafe in Grinnell, where I lunched after the Prairie Burn 100 Saturday. I had the chicken philly w fries, and I would love to wax lyrical about it, but here's the rub... I was starving after the race and wolfed it down like a hungry child. This makes me think of how my dining experience is affected by so many other factors than the food itself. I was of the mind to relax in the restaurant, write down a few thoughts whilst enjoying some well prepared American diner cuisine, but it wasn't to be. The yummy meal arrived and was gone before I could really think about it. My experience of dining was altered by my ravenous appetite, which didn't do justice to the well prepared and tasty food. So, the sammie. I do like the chicken philly. All of the ingredients are to my taste, and I always find the sandwich satisfying. This one was quite good, the chicken was lighty seasoned, the cheese was plentiful, and the bun was not only well chosen (nice crust w/ a softer interior), but had that grilled crispyness to the cut side, which seems to make all the difference to me. The veg was diced fairly small, unusual for me, but in no way detracting from the sammie. The fries were fries, well executed but not particular in any way. One thing I will note about the fries is the portion. It was reasonable (for me), so often lately, I have ordered fries and received a massive portion, often three times larger than I could possibly consume. The smaller portion was (again, to me) most welcome. It is a nice place, clean and well run, with a menu that is expansive, definitely having something for everyone. If you are in the area or traveling thru, stop in at the Frontier Cafe , and please, take time enjoying your...

Now THIS is what I call a hidden gem!

We pulled into town for my nephew’s graduation, stomachs growling and expectations low, but Frontier Cafe blew the doors off anything we could’ve imagined. This place is more than a restaurant. It’s a sanctuary of flavor, a culinary hotspot in the middle of small-town America.

Despite the place being packed wall-to-wall with locals (always a good sign), we were seated in under 10 minutes. That alone deserves applause. But then came the service. Warm, genuine, and faster than a caffeinated jackrabbit. The staff treated us like family, not just another table.

Now let’s talk FOOD. I ordered the meat lover’s skillet and I swear to you, it was a practically religious experience. Eggs perfectly done, hashbrowns crisped just right, and the meats— oh, the glorious meats —stacked like they were preparing me for battle. One bite and I nearly wept. It touched my soul, y’all. I could hear a faint country ballad in the background and feel my ancestors nodding in approval.

Clean, cozy, and utterly unforgettable. If you ever find yourself within a 50-mile radius of Frontier Cafe, drop everything and go. Tell ‘em the skillet sent you.

Five...

This is my go-to for a inexpensive, sit down, might take home leftovers meal. They offer tons of breakfast items like skillet meals, 3 types of pancakes, hash, eggs any way you want them and the best dang biscuits n gravy! But explore!! They have a TON of different burgers that will get your taste buds arguing about which to have. And guess what? You'll only need the one! Lol! Dont forget to check out their other meals such as salads, some different steaks, and even alittle seafood. But I do love the appetizers!! Do you like fried pickle slices? Corn nuggets? Cheese balls? I think I have prolly said too much. U can usually get a seat when you get there and I dont want to have to start...