Prairie Canary Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Grinnell

I have been here a few time now and every time it has progressively gotten worse and today was my final straw. The only positive was our waitress whom I’m fairly certain wasn’t assigned to our table but noticed we hadn’t even gotten water 20 mins after being sat.

My first visit was wonderful our waitress was attentive and super friendly the food was amazing and I really enjoyed my visit.

2nd visit the food was still amazing but the service was starting to slip a bit, brushed it off as maybe a bad day for our waitress.

Third visit the waitress didn’t listen to our orders and put in the same order for both of us, after a few seconds we flagged her down and asked what orders she had enter yep one was wrong, food was mediocre at best. The check arrives and it now has all three entrees including the one she entered wrong and it’s a todo about getting it removed. Didn’t order it didn’t get it I’m not paying for it, their newly open speakeasy downstairs was the only saving grace.

Fourth trip brunch, food was okay but service was severely lacking my drink was gone before our food arrived the waitress never even stopped to see if I wanted another.

Fifth trip my food wasn’t as expected who thinks a brunch main dish would come out as a soup, maybe I was just critical but after later checking it was just off.

Today’s visit I had to be convinced to go as the girlfriend had let the minor stuff go me I was not enthused. We arrived for our reservation half the upstairs is empty we are sat it takes 20 mins to even get water and our drink Oder taken went from mimosa flights to coffee. We place our app and food orders at the same time as we are both thinking maybe this was a mistake. App shows up different versions of toast the bread was never toasted not even close to a heat source ever. Now for our main dishes they come out 30 mins later I can see our waitresses disgust for the fact we haven’t received our food everytime she passes the table. My waffles, poached eggs and now congealed hollandaise sauce are cold as ice and my potatoes are soggy the girlfriend’s food was like warm at best.

I will never spend a dime here or the other restaurants they...

EDIT: I ran several of this restaurant's reviews through an AI Checker, and received an outstanding 100% on all of them! Thank you Prairie Canary for your AI generated response. It certainly is on par with your commitment to sloppy and half-baked service.

Prairie Canary, a name that once evoked a sense of rustic charm and culinary delight, has sadly fallen from its perch. Passing through Grinnell once again, I longed for the memorable flavors of my previous visit—a meal that had once sung in perfect harmony with my palate. Alas, this time, the melody was off-key.

Let’s start with the service. Our server, an older woman balancing bartending duties as well, seemed more interested in catering to the familiar faces of locals than to weary travelers seeking respite. Attentiveness was sparse, a mere afterthought, as if we were interlopers rather than welcomed guests. Water refills? A dream. A warm, engaging presence? Nonexistent.

And then, the food—a cruel betrayal of my expectations. My wife’s vodka pasta, which had once arrived cloaked in a rich, velvety sauce, was now a pale imitation of its former self. Barely dressed, it lay on the plate like an unfinished thought, an aftertaste of what could have been. A tragedy in carbohydrate form!

Yet, I will offer this small concession: the portions remain generous, ensuring that if disappointment is to be served, it is at least served in abundance.

Prairie Canary, I once thought you to be a rare bird in the vast landscape of roadside eateries. But now, it seems your song has faded, leaving only an echo of past brilliance. Perhaps one day you will sing again—but today, you are merely a whisper of...

Prairie Canary is an absolute gem—an experience we’ll never forget. Nestled in a beautiful town, this place radiates charm, warmth, and authenticity from the moment you step inside.

The atmosphere was calm and welcoming—perfect for conversation and relaxing during our road trip. What truly set Prairie Canary apart was the service. Our server was incredibly personable and kind—genuinely one of the most thoughtful and hospitable people we’ve ever met. A storm rolled through while we were there, and she encouraged us to stay as long as we needed to wait it out. That simple gesture said everything about the kind of care this place puts into its guests.

The food? Absolutely amazing. Every bite was full of flavor and clearly made with love. I forgot to ask for cheese on my burger, and she happily took it back and added it—no hesitation, just pure kindness. The crème brûlée was outstanding—perfectly creamy with a crisp, caramelized top. Honestly, the quality, presentation, and flavor were so impressive it felt like the kind of place that deserves a Michelin star.

Even the small things stood out: our drinks were never less than half full, the branding and decor were beautiful and inspiring, and the whole place had this comforting, “home away from home” vibe.

Prairie Canary isn’t just a stop—it’s a highlight. One of those rare places that make a road trip truly unforgettable. Can’t...